Alix turns his head toward the stall, his eyes narrowing faintly as he studies the shifting images in the air. Skirmishes between armored men, burning villages, banners bearing a golden sun. He exhales through his nose, then looks back at Bue.

"So this is how you all keep track of the world."

Bue folds her arms lightly over the desk. "Of course. For us monsters living in this continent, information can mean the difference between profit and death."

Alix nods once and walks to the stall. The troll vendor grins wide, all tusks and drool, his voice booming. "Looking to keep up with the world, stranger? One news crystal will cost you three high-grade mana stones. Worth every shard."

Alix flips open his pouch and places the stones down without hesitation. "I'll take it."

The troll blinks, surprised at the lack of haggling, but grins wider and pushes the crystal across. "Pleasure doing business."

Alix picks up the crystal, the cool surface thrumming faintly in his hand. He channels a thread of mana into it, and the air above the sphere shimmers—images spilling into existence like liquid light.

First, a vast map of the continent stretches out. A name burns faintly across it: Pharanthia.

Alix's gaze sharpens. "So… this is where I am."

The images shift—banners bearing the crest of a silver crown, columns of human soldiers marching through wide stone cities. The voice within the projection is low, clear, and steady, carrying the news.

"The human kingdoms of Pharanthia continue their consolidation. Trade routes remain secure, though border skirmishes with rogue monster tribes persist…"

Alix narrows his eyes slightly. "Humans rule this land, then."

A moment later, the image flickers again, showing burning forests, wandering ogres clashing with armored knights.

He mutters under his breath, calm and analytical. "Even if they own most of the land, some places are still wild… monster lands."

The projection changes again, zooming outward this time. The map expands, showing three colossal landmasses—each continent nearly double the size of Earth. The glowing markers pulse, identifying them one by one.

"Beyond Pharanthia lies Nevern Continent… and Vorra Continent."

Alix's brows lift faintly. "Nevern… and Vorra?"

The crystal shifts its display again. Vorra shows kingdom, and empires in sprawling jungles, mountains dark with colossal beasts, and cities carved from obsidian stone.

"Vorra is the domain of monster races. Unified in their own way, their empires and tribes stretch across the land."

Alix studies the image carefully. "Vorra… the heart of the monsters. Fitting."

The projection shifts again, this time to lands scarred and wild, scattered with tribes of varied, unfamiliar beings—neither wholly human nor wholly monster.

"And Nevern—the continent of the rejected. Those without a place in Pharanthia or Vorra gather here. Races too scattered, too strange, too defiant to belong elsewhere."

Alix leans forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with a spark of interest. "The land of the rejected, hm? That sounds… worth seeing."

The projection dims, returning to its resting state.

Alix sets the crystal down for a moment, his thoughts steady, sharp. "So three continents. Pharanthia for humans. Vorra for monsters. Nevern… the castaways."

Alix doesn't linger in thought for long. He sets the crystal on the table beside him, folding his arms as he waits. The guild hall's noise rolls on around him—laughter, shouts, the clatter of mugs.

After a short while, footsteps approach. He looks up to see Bue returning, this time balancing a tray of food. Steam rises from roasted beast meat glazed with herbs, a bowl of dark broth, and a loaf of stone-baked bread. She sets it neatly before him, her polished smile softening just a touch.

"Here you are," Bue says smoothly, adjusting the tray. Then, after a pause, she tilts her head slightly, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "If you don't mind me asking… are you perhaps from another continent?"

Alix studies her calmly, then nods. "Yes. I am."

Bue's brows lift ever so slightly. "I see. That explains your manner… and your curiosity. It's unusual for someone from another continent to come to Pharanthia."

Alix tears a piece of bread, his tone casual but steady. "Is it that strange? Pharanthia is one of the three main continents, isn't it?"

Bue leans against the edge of the table, arms lightly crossed. "Strange? Not for humans. They come and go as they please. But for monsters… yes. It's rare. Most monsters who have the means to cross simply go straight to Vorra, where they won't be hunted. Where they can live without looking over their shoulders."

Alix glances up at her, his expression unreadable. "Oh? Then why don't you? Why not leave Pharanthia behind and live freely in Vorra?"

Bue's smile fades into something quieter, more thoughtful. She lowers her voice. "Because the way isn't open to us. The teleportation portals that link Pharanthia to Vorra… they're heavily guarded. The strongest human forces watch over them day and night. Unless you're backed by a kingdom or carry official clearance, trying to pass through is suicide."

Alix sets down the bread, his gaze sharp on her. "So they control the gates."

She nods slowly. "Exactly. The portals are the only way between continents. Without them, the seas and skies will tear you apart before you ever glimpse another shore. That's why… for most monsters here, Vorra is a dream they'll never touch."

For a moment, the two of them hold each other's gaze. Alix is silent, but something faint flickers behind his eyes—calculation.

Bue straightens, brushing a hand along her horn absently. "Well," she says with her usual polished tone returning, "I've kept you long enough. Enjoy your meal. I'll return once I've received word from the Iron group."

She dips her head politely, then turns and walks back toward the counter, her heels clicking softly against the stone floor.

Alix sits in silence for a moment, then finally pulls the tray closer. The roasted meat glistens with a faint sheen of oil, herbs baked into its surface. He slices a piece off with the side of his fork and takes a bite.

His brows lift faintly. …Not bad. The texture is firmer than he expects, the flavor bursts sharp with spice, smoky from the fire. He sips the broth next—dark, earthy, almost bitter, but warming as it slides down. Even the bread, dense and coarse, has a satisfying crunch when he tears it.

He eats slowly, steady, though every bite is assessed like part of training. When the last of the broth is gone, he exhales through his nose, faintly amused.

"For something unfamiliar… it's surprisingly good."

The Iron group still hasn't arrived. The guild continues to buzz, adventurers shuffling in and out, but Alix feels no urgency. After a moment of stillness, he stands, sliding the crystal into his inventory.

"…No point sitting here. Let's see this city."

He steps out into the streets. The mountain air is crisp, touched by pine and smoke from countless forges. Stone buildings rise on either side of the wide avenue, their walls carved with sigils that faintly glow, strengthening the structures. Monsters move through the streets in steady streams—horned warriors in mail, scaled traders hauling carts, even winged beastfolk perched on rooftops shouting wares.

Alix walks at an unhurried pace, his eyes scanning. With a thought, he summons his system overlay. Translucent numbers and symbols flicker over those he passes.

[Tier 5 – Lv. 533]

[Tier 5 – Lv. 528]

[Tier 5 – Lv. 551]

Most hover in that range. A strong city, but not overwhelming. Then, farther ahead, a cloaked figure crosses the street, and the overlay sharpens.

[Tier 6 – Lv. 612]

Alix narrows his eyes faintly. The figure vanishes into an alley, unnoticed by most. A moment later, another armored beastkin strides past with a weapon on his back.

[Tier 6 – Lv. 608]

He exhales lightly. "Mostly Tier 5s… but there are some hidden blades here."

A vendor notices him pausing and calls out, voice gruff but not unfriendly. "Hey, stranger! First time in Shade? Don't just stand around staring, come buy something. Freshly smoked basilisk jerky!"

Alix tilts his head slightly, expression neutral. "I've eaten already."

The vendor snorts, shaking his head. "Suit yourself. But you'll regret it when you're marching hungry."

Alix moves on, scanning the crowded streets. His steps are calm, but every motion around him is measured, noted—the strength of this city, the flow of its people, the tension hidden under its surface.

"Though it's a human-controlled continent, monsters build cities in its shadow—and even here, power isn't scarce." His eyes narrow, a dangerous gleam flickering within them. "This continent… is worth unraveling."