The next day, all the soldiers started packing up their belongings. Neuman changed and stepped outside to find the camp filled with activity, everyone getting ready for departure from the city ruins.
He saw the commander finishing his conversation with the two captains and seeing Neuman, he turned to him.
"Ah, Neuman, are you ready to leave?" the commander said.
Neuman nodded.
"Good. We will move out soon, make sure you have everything."
Neuman returned to his tent and checked his belongings, spear, armor, and the pouch of coins. He took them and entered a carriage with the commander and the two captains.
The journey back to the kingdom was quiet. They traveled for days, passing forests, plains, and hills.
During the travel, he was either sleeping or observing the scenery and letting his thoughts calm him.
They encountered many beasts while traveling, but each was quickly dealt with along the way. Neuman even reached level 23 during the journey.
They finally reached the capital after a week of travel. The ruins he had seen earlier were a far cry from the busy city. The soldiers patrolled the streets, and merchants called from their stalls. The size of the place was overwhelming.
There was a crowd waiting for them as they entered the gates. Some were cheering in celebration, while others were desperately searching for familiar faces. People scanned the returning soldiers, calling out names, their voices filled with hope and anxiety.
Some embraced their loved ones with tears of relief, while others collapsed, sobbing when they found that the ones they had waited for would never return.
Neuman merely observed. He watched the contrasting emotions, the joy and sorrow intertwined in the capital's streets, before slipping away from the commotion.
Towering buildings lined the streets, and shops displayed wares ranging from weapons and armor to food and clothing.
As the soldiers started returning home with their families, the crowd began to thin. Neuman stood at some distance, carrying only a spear, a dagger, and a pouch.
He had no one to greet him, no home to return to. His family had cast him aside, as he heard from the commander. But anyways, he was not even particularly close to them anyway.
The absence left no real emptiness, only the reality that he had nowhere to go.
He glanced down at his clothes. The armor he had worn had been returned to the camp. Even though his clothes were clean, they looked worn, their colors nearly faded.
He made his way to a cloth shop, his eyes drawn to the vibrant fabrics on display. The merchant inside noticed him and, spotting the spear in his hand, called out, "Welcome, soldier! Looking for something to wear?"
Neuman stepped closer to the stall. "Perhaps. Something…better than this." He gestured to his faded attire.
The merchant, a stout man with a beaming smile, chuckled. "Aye, those look like they've seen better days. War takes its toll. Come, come, I have just the thing."
The merchant led Neuman deeper into the shop, displaying an array of tunics, shirts, trousers, and cloaks. Neuman ran his fingers over the fabrics, gauging their weight and texture before settling on a dark brown and blue shirt and trousers. The material was smooth, not extravagant, but sturdy and practical.
"How much?" Neuman asked.
The merchant smiled. "One silver and ten copper coins."
Neuman narrowed his eyes, watching the merchant in silence. The man shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, then let out an awkward laugh. "Sir, it's the finest quality you'll find in this area."
Without a word, Neuman took the garments, pulled a silver coin from his pouch, and placed it on the counter. "One silver," he said.
Neuman stepped out of the shop, his new clothes bundled in his arms. Behind him, the merchant took the silver coin and wiped the sweat from his brow.
"He looked dangerous," the man muttered. "His gaze alone made the air feel heavy."
But then he glanced at the silver in his hand and chuckled. "Still, I made a profit of twenty copper coins."
Neuman wandered through the city, searching for a place to stay—a temporary refuge while he figured things out. As he moved through the streets, he passed bustling inns, lively taverns, busy shops, and fragrant restaurants, each offering glimpses of the city's vibrant life.
After some thought, Neuman chose an inn that seemed suitable. Upon entering, he noticed well-dressed patrons seated around tables, enjoying their meals and lively conversation.
Scanning the room, he spotted the reception area, where a young woman sat engrossed in a book. As he approached, she looked up, set the book aside, and smiled.
"Sir, are you looking to rent a room?" she asked.
Neuman nodded. "What's the price?"
"Fifteen copper coins per day, which includes one meal," she replied.
He considered the offer for a moment, then pulled two silver coins from his pouch and placed them on the counter. "Ten days. And make the meal twice a day."
The receptionist accepted the coins with a bright smile. "Alright, sir. And your name?"
"Neuman."
She jotted his name down in the ledger, then handed him a key. "Here you go, sir. Your room is on the second floor."
Neuman took the key and made his way to the second floor. Upon entering his room, he set his spear down near the window.
The room was small but tidy. A simple bed, a wooden table, a stool, and a modest bathroom made up the furnishings.
He placed the bundle of new clothes on the bed before stepping to the window. Below, the city pulsed with life, the distant hum of streets bustling with people who seemed untouched by the battle he had just returned from.
He took off his worn clothes and slipped into the new ones. The fabric was soft against his skin, a change from the rough material he had grown accustomed to.
Neuman sighed and collapsed on the bed. Ten days. He had rented a room for ten days to rest, learn, and determine the strength of others.
Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door.
"Your meal, sir."
Neuman opened the door and found a young boy holding a tray of food. He took the tray and thanked the boy, who scampered off. The meal was simple, a loaf of bread, a piece of cheese, and a bowl of stew. It wasn't much, but it was warm and filling.
After finishing his meal, Neuman leaned back on the bed and closed his eyes. He was tired, both physically and mentally. He needed to sleep, to let his body and mind recover.