Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

While traveling on Fenro's back, Vincent seized the opportunity to question Valyn about the Tower of Speed. To which she answered each of his questions with sincerity, her tone brimming with a wealth of knowledge.

From her explanations, he discovered that the closest Tower of Speed was located in a bustling metropolis known as Freedom Swift City.

The Origin World was not limited to Novice Sanctuaries. There were numerous private cities and towns scattered across the land, built and governed by powerful organizations.

Unlike the Novice Sanctuaries, which were managed by a neutral and powerful race as part of an agreement among the top races, these cities were ruled by their founders.

This meant that in private cities, the city owner's laws were absolute. Such a setup often made visiting these cities a gamble—one wrong move, and trouble could easily follow.

Fortunately for them, Freedom Swift City was renowned for its fairness. It stood as one of the few cities with a reputation for just and reasonable governance, attracting both citizens and visitors alike.

According to Valyn, the city was ruled by a single clan of the Agisaur Race.

The Agisaur were famous for their speed. Although Vincent had read about their capabilities, he had never encountered a member of the race in person.

Hence, he was quite excited to meet one.

Along the way, Valyn shared the basics of the Tower of Speed and the trials that awaited challengers. The more she explained, the more his eagerness grew.

Located roughly 200 kilometers from the Tower of Illusions, it took them several hours to cover the distance.

As Freedom Swift City came into view, even from afar, it was an impressive sight. The city boasted medieval-style architecture and was surrounded by towering walls that stood an imposing 50 meters high.

On the road leading to the city, Vincent observed massive carriages drawn by gigantic primals resembling four-meter-tall bulls. A quick scan of the carriages revealed presences inside, their sheer size comparable to buses.

These carriages were a common mode of transportation in the Origin World.

Looking to the skies, Vincent caught sight of an enormous winged primal ferrying dozens of people on its back. The passengers were seated in an orderly fashion, much like an airplane.

Despite having spent a significant amount of time in the Origin World, Vincent found himself awestruck by the scene. Compared to the vibrant activity of Freedom Swift City, the Novice Sanctuary seemed lifeless and monotonous.

Finally, after hours of travel, they reached one of the city's gates.

Guarding the entrance were two towering humanoid creatures, standing at an impressive seven feet tall. While their physique resembled that of humans, their lizard-like skin and thick, tyrannosaurus-like legs set them apart.

Clad in light armor and wielding long spears, the guards exuded an intimidating presence.

Vincent immediately recognized their race as Agisaur. A quick scan with his Heaven Eyes confirmed their strength—both were mid-stage Tier 2 Origin Warriors.

He couldn't help but feel surprised. Mid-stage Tier 2 Origin Warriors serving merely as gatekeepers?

In the Novice Sanctuary, even the strongest gatekeepers only reached peak Tier 1. This raised questions about whether the Novice Sanctuary lacked stronger warriors or simply didn't need them due to its neutral governance.

As their turn arrived, one of the gatekeepers addressed them with an emotionless tone.

"Reason for your visit?"

Despite the presence of Fenro, the menacing Silverwood Fox, the guards showed no signs of intimidation.

The gatekeeper's sharp gaze lingered on them briefly. Without their masks, their races were easily identifiable.

Vincent wisely kept silent, allowing Valyn to handle the interaction. She flashed an innocent smile and responded with a calm voice.

"We are here for the Tower of Speed."

The gatekeeper studied her for a moment before withdrawing his gaze. His next words were equally blunt.

"Humans, 500 origin crystals each."

Valyn didn't hesitate. With a flick of her wrist, she produced a thousand origin crystals and handed them over.

"Take these," The gatekeeper handed over a pair of bronze tokens engraved with the word swift.

"These are bronze tokens. You're allowed to stay for two days. Lose them, and the city guards will detain you. If you wish to continue your stay, you'll need to purchase new tokens."

Valyn nodded in acknowledgment and led Vincent and Fenro through the gates.

Once inside, Vincent finally voiced his thoughts.

"Isn't that an absurd fee just to stay for two days?"

Valyn chuckled softly, her tone laced with amusement.
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"Don't overthink it. You'll get used to it eventually. This isn't a human city, after all."

Her words made Vincent frown slightly.

"So, humans also have cities on the Novice Continent?"

Valyn nodded.

"Of course. While we're not as powerful or influential as the top races, we humans still have our own places. But don't expect much. Our cities are smaller and scattered across the continent."

Although Vincent had already suspected as much, he couldn't resist asking, "Why is that?"

Valyn's smile faded into a bitter expression. She remained silent, leaving Vincent to piece the truth together.

The human race might appear united against common threats, but deep down, internal divisions and clashing ambitions kept them apart.

Vincent sighed, acknowledging the painful reality. Humanity had always struggled with unity. Wars could have been avoided long ago if they had truly stood together.

By the time they reached a restaurant named Stew Hare Bowl, it was lunchtime. Although neither of them needed food for survival, Valyn insisted on sharing a meal.

The restaurant was run by humans, and its staff were predominantly from their race—a rare sight in Freedom Swift City.

As they settled in to eat, the vibrant atmosphere of the city enthralled Vincent. There were far more humans here than in the Novice Sanctuary, and their confident demeanor suggested they had lived in the city for a long time.

Just as Vincent was beginning to enjoy the experience, a loud commotion shattered the tranquility.

Bang!

"Agh!" A feminine cry of pain rang out.

Turning towards the source, Vincent spotted a bald, muscular Agisaur man towering over a human waitress. Her face bore a fresh red handprint.

"Fuck!" the Agisaur spat angrily. "We let you build your little food shop here, and this is how you repay us? Do you think this garbage is fit for us to eat?"

The waitress, trembling on the ground, tried to apologize, but her words were drowned out by the man's fury.

The Agisaur raised his leg, preparing to kick her, when a mature woman's voice cut through the chaos.

"Dear gentlemen, please show some mercy to my staff."