"So what's this city called again?" I asked as we continued our walk. The sun had long since vanished, replaced by the silver glow of a full moon. Stars scattered across the sky like glitter on velvet, and with every step, I found myself appreciating the serene beauty of this world just a bit more.
"Orario. It's the city where the tower resides—where gods and mortals coexist," Artemis replied curtly.
"So I'm assuming you live there?"
"Yes. And if you hadn't shown up, we probably wouldn't have made it by now."
"Aw~ thanks for recognizing my greatness!"
"God, you're annoying."
"Whatever."
I grinned. Getting under Artemis's skin had turned into a low-effort hobby. Too easy. Plus, no one else was talking so I got bored. Sure, I get it—losing your so-called "family" is tragic or whatever. But come on. A little conversation wouldn't kill them.
'Then again, I should probably thank them. All this negative energy? It's delicious.'
The air was practically dripping with it—grief, anger, despair. My whole being soaked it in like a cursed hot spring, warm and buzzing with life. Euphoria pulsed through me, sharp and addictive.
Honestly? I hadn't felt anything like this before.
Well—excluding sex, but I was a virgin in my last life, so that doesn't count.
"It shouldn't be much longer," Artemis said, her tone clipped but confident.
"Come on, Artemis. We're on foot—it's gotta be at le—"
"See."
I paused.
"I stand corrected."
There wasn't much else I could say. I bit my tongue and accepted the L.
'I should've known better. She's been in this world longer than me.'
From the outside, the city didn't look like much—but towering above it all was a spire that reached into the heavens. It wasn't just tall. It was monumental. Something about it stirred my blood.
Excitement.
Challenge.
I could even feel the urge to tear it down.
'Okay… I need to calm down. Learning about this world comes first. Wreaking havoc can wait.'
Even though the city was already in sight, it still took us over an hour to reach the gates. Which, to my surprise—or maybe disappointment—were lit by the most forsaken form of "technology" known to man: torches.
Peering through the gates, I noticed the streets inside glowed with a more refined light—somewhere between torchlight and an old-world bulb. So why the hell weren't they using that out here?
"ID!" a guard barked, stepping forward with one hand on his sword.
"Watch your tone, annoying bastard."
The guard's eyes narrowed as he raised his weapon. "ID or the sword!"
I dropped into my basic stance, ready to slap the stupid out of him—but then a gentle hand landed on my shoulder.
"He's with me," Artemis said calmly, but firmly.
"Artemis, you didn't need to step in. Could've taught this idiot a valuable lesson."
"Absolutely not! Cooperate or I'll make you, idiot."
My lips twitched. I didn't want any problems with her as she was my guide, so…I backed down.
"A-Artemis-sama!" The guard bowed his head like a good dog. Though it would have felt better if I put his fucking skull in the pavement.
'Actually, with Dismantle I could do better!'
"Enkidu, don't do it."
"What the hell, Rethusa? You used my name?!"
Sighing, she stared at me tiredly. "I don't see how you can still have energy."
Spinning a part of my hair around my finger, I nonchalantly replied, "Must be my good looks."
"Bhahaha~, you insufferable bastard!"
"At least you don't have that frown on your face now." I smiled.
Even though I loved the negative energy coming off all of them, there was a limit. Life must be lived in moderation, and I could feel my limit coming. Any more and I'd get way too addicted.
"You good?" Rethusa's face was a little red, but I think it might have been a mistake. The lack of lighting or just her being exhausted, probably.
Artemis handled everything and finally we were able to get into the city.
"Enkidu, be good and follow!"
"Artemis, I'm not a dog!"
"I don't care, follow or so help me!"
"F-Fine. Jeez…"
I didn't know how to respond. Artemis seemed a bit more scary than on our way here.
'Wonder what got up her ass.'
I followed behind the blue-haired goddess, and I won't deny that I may or may not have been staring at her ass. I couldn't pass up a rare opportunity.
She's super attractive. I mean, look at her. Just appreciating the art—I'm not dead inside.
Her legs were wonderfully slender but strong. The way she walked with elegance and grace made it all the more sensual. The way her hair was styled, the tone of her skin—add to that a personality that wasn't half bad, and you get what I'm currently feeling.
Appreciation.
"Men…"
"I can hear you, Artemis~!"
"Good, and maybe show some respect!"
"I am, I'm appreciating art!"
"Guah! Y-y-hah~ whatever."
'Another win for me!'
But seriously.
Her body was something else, and I certainly didn't feel all that conflicted following behind her anymore. Though, I feel she's gotten my look mistaken for lust.
'Artemis aside, I need to eat. That's way more important than her!'
I moved my eyes from her and just looked around. Medieval-esque style buildings, somewhat decent lighting, and roads equivalent to old Rome. The only thing that made this city seem fantasy-like were the different races of people.
There weren't many because of the time, but beast people and perhaps others that I couldn't recognize due to my inexperience in this world.
"Finally!"
'Hm? An inn?' I was confused why we were at an inn. I'm sure these people have good enough housing, especially now that they were missing a lot of people.
"Here you go! Don't do anything stupid in town and go to the Adventurers Guild in the morning!"
Artemis shoved a leather bag with gold coins in it toward me.
'I see. Well, this is for the better anyway!' I nodded my head and smiled genuinely. While our meeting was a weird one, I enjoyed our little journey!