The Chronicles Of Rhaxtyx

Chapter 36 - Vulca City

Author Note :

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Rhaxtyx and co were currently waiting in line to enter Vulca City. They had a long journey to come here and they were tired.

"Maaan I wanna take a shower!" (Rhaxtyx)

They were currently 'Disguised' so they weren't attracting any unnecessary attention to themselves. Badgey was in a smaller form and was on top of Rhaxtyx's head. Miriam was looking around while Rhaxtyx was goofing around so she had a general grasp of their situation and Roman was currently in the driving seat of the carriage. There were mostly horse carriages entering the city so they could not see much.

While they were on the road they came across a man who was walking towards Vulca. He asked to ride with them, even going as far as offering money for their trouble but after talking amongst themselves, they agreed to take him along. With Miriam here, he couldn't do anything to harm them anyway.

"Though it is not rare, there are still not that much bath houses in Vulca mister." (Kind stranger)

"You are saying that I won't be able to take a bath?" (Rhaxtyx)

"If you have the coin for it sure! But they are generally reserved for the wealthy tycoons of the city. So only nobles and aristocrats. Even merchants have a hard time entering one!"

"That is one sh*tty situation right there!"

"Well, it is like that at the outskirts of the Kingdom. Nothing we can do about it. I personally don't care. I don't really come here at all! I just wanted to go sightsee a bit in Hillan and visit some of my relatives."

"You really are going far for them." (Roman)

"Mhm."

"You are not much of a talker aren't you lady?" (Kind stranger)

As they were talking, some yelling could be heard from the front. Some riders perked their head out to see what's going on and some were already aware of it. This kind of thing was not rare at all in this city.

"What is going on?" (Rhaxtyx)

"Either someone tried to cut the line, tried to smuggle some goods or refused to pay the entrance tax."

"Entrance tax?"

"You don't know? Well you're in for a show then. I hope you have enough money on you mister or you'll be in trouble."

"How much is it?"

"They change it every other day so I can't tell for sure."

"What kind of bullsh*t is that?"

"That's Vulca!"

The yelling got louder and louder. Rhaxtyx and co were able to clearly hear the conversation now.

"Look I told you that I would be returning! I even have proof!"

"I don't care what you said! You are not showing me anything right now!" (Guard)

"Because your captain has all my papers! How the f*ck am I supposed to prove myself!?"

"Hey watch your language! You are talking to a guard of the city!"

"He said that I don't have to pay the tax for this once! Just let me talk to him!"

"That's enough! Men, take him away! This idiot has no respect for the rules. Maybe a night in a cell will change his mind."

"Come on! You don't even let me prove myself!"

"Shut up!"

"What kind of city is this!?"

As such, that man's voice became fainter and fainter. He was taken away just like that. It was clear that the city guards could do whatever they wanted. Rhaxtyx was not surprised though, as he had seen such behavior in his own world. When the administration lacked, people tend to do what they want. He was used to these things as some of his believers tried to act like that as well.

"Looks like we'll have quite the show." (Rhaxtyx)

"Why?"

"I'm not the one to bend easily. That's why I'm sure that there'll be some sort of dispute."

"Let's pray that that won't happen mister. These guardsmen can be quite ruthless at times."

"Naah I'm sure I'll be fine."

"I'm not the one to judge."

They kept on waiting and their turn came at long last. Sun was approaching the western horizon and it started dyeing the sky orange. The guard approached them and started talking.

"Hello and welcome to Vulca. I'm sure you know what to do?" (Guard)

"Yes sir. Here it is." (Kind Man)

"Hmm. What about the other three?"

"Oh we were just passing by. He seemed like he needed help so we picked him up." (Rhaxtyx)

"I see. No matter. It doesn't change the fact that you didn't pay yet."

"How much should I take out, if it's okay to ask? It's our first time coming to Vulca."

"Hmm? If so, come here. You have to fill in some paperwork. You stay here, you two will be enough."

"Whatever you say guard." (Roman)

Rhaxtyx and Miriam were led by the same guardsman towards a shack near the city gates. There were other guards there as well and there were some civilians exiting the building, all with crestfallen expressions.

"Enter and wait for your turn. And remember, you are always watched!"

"Thanks for the reminder."

So they entered the shack. Other than soldiers, there weren't much people here. Once they entered, they were called to a desk. There was a middle-aged man that looked around as if he was tired enough to want to die. His eyes were like a dead fish. His head was cleanly shaved but his eyebrows where the opposite, they were like thick bushed in a forest. On his leather armor was the Seal of Vulca, which was a volcano spewing its hot magma. This guard pointed at them with his pen when calling and didn't even bother to look at them.

"Greetings and welcome to Vulca how may I be of service?" (Guard)

His talking was as if he was sick and his nose was clogged. His tone of voice was condescending and this was reflected in his behavior as well, he didn't bother to look.

"Hello, yes, umm..." (Rhaxtyx)

"Please be quick as there are people waiting in line."

There was no one behind them.

"This is our first time entering the city. We were told to come here?" (Rhaxtyx)

"I see. Then the fee would be 5 silver for each person, including the rat."

"What? Don't you think it is a bit high for a fee?"

"If you are unhappy then you are free to leave and never comeback."

"At least give us a discount for the animal. It is not that big! Plus it is not a rat, it is a baby badger."

"Really? Then 7 silver for that 'baby badger' Pay or leave. And don't waste my time; I have a lot of work to do."

His tabletop was almost spotless as well, not even a single paperwork. It was clear that he was lying and was trying to extort money. Rhaxtyx was getting irritated by this.

"Look, we are here to do trade. We are here to earn your city some money! You will really take that much money from us?"

As he talked, Rhaxtyx pointed at the carriage at the city gate where Roman was still sitting. The guards took a look and after heaving a sigh, turned back to Rhaxtyx and spoke.

"I see. Then we can do some arrangements. You will have to pay 10 silver in total and a place will be prepared for you."

"Thank you."

Rhaxtyx pulled out 15 silver and put them on the desk. Even though it was still too much, according to what Miriam taught him, it was still lower than the amount they originally asked. They exited the shack and a soldier was waiting for them there next to a horse. He saluted them and talked.

"Greetings sire! I was tasked with escorting you to your inn."

"Oh really? Thanks!"

"This way please."

'This reeks of suspicion.' (Rhaxtyx)

This foot soldier led them through various streets as if he was giving the trio a tour of the city. He was taking them around the city and towards some place that was not safe, that much was obvious as the looks of people around them changed drastically over time. It became family friendly to PG-18, especially towards Miriam. It was natural with her beauty and she was used to it as well at this point but she still kept her hand over her short sword.

"Not much left until we reach your inn sire. Just bit more patie-"

"Oi. You guys."

As they about to exit a street, six people blocked their path and three more blocked where they came from. These people were literally your everyday bandit. From their clothes to their faces. The one who spoke to them was a tall guy with a decent build. He had a sinister smile on his face as he talked.

"I haven't seen you before so you must be new. Welcome to our humble city. Oi you bastards too!" (Leader)

"Heheh welcomeeee!"

"Welcome indeed."

"Okay shut up. As you can see, we are pretty happy to see you guys."

"Hey! Don't you have any respect to this city's guard!" (Foot Soldier)

"Huh? Oh right. Take care of him for me."

After this order, the henchmen all started attacking the foot soldier. He fought back but against 10 people twice his size, he had no chance. He was soon dragged down from his horse and beaten up.

"Look here. You have two options ahead of you. One; leave all your belongings here, including your clothes and the woman, and leave with your life. Two; we take them by force and you don't live to regret it. How about it?"

"Hmm let's see." (Rhaxtyx)

'I knew it. Even the city guard are in this. The hits before were way too light to hurt him for real.'

"I want to add one more option there. You all kneel and beg for forgiveness." (Rhaxtyx)

""Hahaha!""

"Hehehe. You really are funny. But I'm not joking here. This is your last chance."

After the leader spoke, the henchmen started to take their positions, their hand on their weapons. Rhaxtyx looked around and put Badgey down from his head. After locking gazes with Miriam he snorted and spoke.

{Blazing flames of the nether realm come forth}

After chanting quickly, he hurled a Firebolt at the leader and drew a dagger. While this was happening, Miriam charged at the men behind them with her short sword drawn and Badgey returned to its original form and started biting at a nearby enemy. Roman stayed behind to calm the horses and don't let them run amok.

"Kuh! You bastard!"

The leader was furious and drew a short sword from his waist. He swung it towards Rhaxtyx while running at him while chanting.

{Force be with me!}

After this chant, there was an invisible aura around his sword. Rhaxtyx knew it would bad new if it hit him. Of course he wouldn't get injured or anything but Miriam and Badgey would be caught in a bad position if he got launched.

"You have some potential after all! Too bad though!

{Go fast, at the speed at the speed of sound, sonic boom!

May your force be heard… }

He chanted a two lined Sonic Boom while dodging and after positioning himself between the enemies, he let go of the spell. All the enemies were taken aback by the force of the spell and blood was flowing out of their ears.

"Shit! I've never heard a spell like that!" (Leader)

"And you won't hear ever again!"

After launching himself towards the stunned enemy, it didn't take long to dispose of him. Rhaxtyx looked around and noticed the foot soldier was missing. It was as he suspected and he was okay. And was probably reporting what transpired here. So he turned to Miriam which was cleaning her blade, smiled and spoke with a cheerful voice.

"So, what shall we do? Wanna go sightseeing a bit?" (Rhaxtyx)

"Sure."

"Looks like we'll have fun in this city." (Roman)

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