Reincarnated with Trash Talent But It's actually OP

The closer they got to the Empire, the more Yuto had to crane his neck upward, barrel holding his mouth from dropping to the ground at the sight of the city before him.

A twin-tower welcomed him, standing tall with a thick gate that could withstand a dragon's attack.

High defensive walls stretched wide, protecting the city and the people within.

Atop the walls, Yuto noticed several guards wary of their surroundings, fully equipped with steel armour and weapons.

The entrance gate was very bustling with many guests with carriages lined up, waiting for their turn for inspection.

After a tedious wait, Gonzo's carriage was called. Yuto stiffened as the knight guarding the gate approached them with vigour. 

"Oh-ho, Mr. Gonzo, it's been a while."

"Haha, yes, it's been a long time since I visited the Capital."

Unlike at the border checkpoint, the guards here greeted the guests with respect and smiles on their faces.

Even so, Yuto's eyes never missed a hint of wariness when their eyes met.

"And, who is this young man?"

The guard, approximately in his early thirties, nodded as he faced Yuto and then shifted his attention to Gonzo.

"Ah, he's my escort on this trip."

"Alright, young man, may I see your identification card?"

Asking politely, the guard approached Yuto.

Yuto swallowed nervously, realizing that he had nothing to prove his identity.

'What do I do? Should I make something up? Or...'

For a moment, he looked at Gonzo, who gave him a reassuring nod.

Yuto leapt from the coachman's seat and slightly bowed his head as he explained his situation.

"My name is Yuto. I'm just a wanderer who happened to be with Mr. Gonzo. As for an identification card..."

He hesitated for a moment while scratching the back of his head.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have one."

"I understand. Could you come with me for a moment?"

Seeing Yuto's confused expression, the guard shook his head and opened his mouth with a subtle smile.

"Don't worry, we're just checking whether you're involved in any criminal activities or not."

Yuto's brows furrowed deeply in a frown, and his reaction made the guard instinctively grip the sword at his left waist.

However, Gonzo stood in between with a flustered tone, as he spoke.

"H-Hold on, you two. It seems there's been a slight misunderstanding here."

Yuto and the guard turned towards Gonzo, who immediately clarified the discrepancy.

"Savior, calm down, because you won't have a criminal record for killing bandits."

The atmosphere froze. Yuto slapped his face hard, sighed deeply as he loosened the tension in his body.

"I see, in that case, I apologize for my ignorance."

Again, he bowed, and the guard waved his hand to the side and pressed his head down slightly.

"It's alright. Let's proceed, and I'll let my colleague handle the next guest."

Following the guard from behind, Yuto was led to a post near the gate where another young guard stood behind a counter, holding a transparent crystal orb the size of a child's head.

"Please place your hand on the crystal, Yuto."

The boy nodded and placed his right hand on the ball, which brought back unpleasant memories from Elias' time.

Yuto shook his head, feeling the smooth, cold surface of the ball seep into his skin, before the object shone blue with several words dancing within it.

"This is!"

The guard behind the counter gasped after he read the description written on the paper in his hand.

"What is it?"

Both Yuto and the gatekeeper turned their attention to the man, simultaneously. The man's body trembled as he squeezed the words out of his mouth.

"This young man managed to kill the bandits by the name of Spider's Den. The one we've been searching for."

"What!?"

Upon seeing the contents of the paper, the gatekeeper in front of Yuto immediately saluted him and told his subordinates to fetch the reward.

"Please wait a moment, your reward is being processed."

"Alright."

Yuto nodded and exchanged glances with Gonzo, who gave him a thumbs up.

Not long after, the young guard returned carrying a small pouch that jingled with a soft 'clink-clank' after being placed on the counter.

"This is your reward, five gold coins."

The boy, alternating his gaze between the sack and the guard, hesitated to take it.

"Is it alright for me to accept it without evident proof?"

"It's fine, take it. You've earned it. In fact, we are grateful for your contribution in maintaining public security."

After hearing the guard's words, Yuto nodded and took the money into his hands.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now that you have money, I suggest you get your identification card soon."

"Yes, I plan to stop by the Adventure Guild later."

"Good. Welcome to our imperial capital, we welcome you."

Yuto approached the carriage and immediately sat next to Gonzo, bidding the guard farewell as he disappeared into the crowds.

After seeing them both disappear, the guard behind the wall said softly.

"Captain, I heard the Spider's Den relocated to the Edelvaris Kingdom. That means the boy is from..."

"Let's not make baseless assumptions."

With those words, the young guard fell silent and bowed his head in guilt.

Of course, the young man had only voiced his opinion, especially considering the rising tension between the Empire and the Kingdom lately. 

It wasn't impossible that the boy named Yuto was a spy sent by the Kingdom, trying to approach Gonzo.

However, his instinct, honed from years of standing at the gate and somehow could read into people's nature, whispered to him that Yuto was clean.

He had nothing to do with the conflict between the two regions. 

"...For now, we simply need to monitor and believe in the strength of the great Empire."

"Yes, Captain."

The gatekeeper smiled, then turned back to his post and resumed inspecting the seemingly endless guests.

***

"Where to next?"

Gonzo asked beside Yuto, his hands busy controlling the horses as they moved slowly through the massive population here.

The crowds buzzed with activities, and along the roadside were filled with many shops or stalls loudly promoting their goods.

Buildings stood tall and sturdy with architecture from the medieval European era. The civilization radiated a magnificent aura, rich with culture and different uniqueness from his old world.

"Take me to the Adventure Guild to register. Then we can find an inn."

"Very well, Savior."

It was strange to see the hired boy giving orders to the man who hired him. Still, Gonzo acted normally, humming a pleasant tune.

Yuto unconsciously swayed his body from side to side, following the rhythm. He never expected that the man beside him had a talent for singing.

The man's voice was soft and soothed his weary mind after the long journey. 

Unfortunately, in this world, songs only contained melodies and were usually performed with cheerful hums without lyrics.

Or sometimes, there was also a bard who would perform stories while playing an instrument.

Coincidentally, his eyes fell upon a group of children accompanied by their parents, listening to the melodious strum of an instrument, with a cheerful story echoed merrily.

'That seems nice.'

Yuto's mouth curved upwards, smiling softly.

Many new things made Yuto feel that he was truly living in another world, which he had always thought was only fiction.

After some time lost in his thoughts, the carriage Yuto was riding stopped in front of a towering white building.

Large and full of history, with a wooden board displayed above the large door that said: Adventure Guild.

"Savior, we've arrived."

"Thank you, Gonzo."

Both of them got out of the carriage, and Yuto walked up the stairs, while Gonzo stayed and tended to the horses.

The bustling sounds from inside the building echoed out, making him pause midway before continuing with determination.

Passing through the open door, Yuto was greeted by a spacious hall with high ceilings.

The noise from the Adventurers pierced his ears, full of laughter, clattering utensils, and the pungent smell of alcohol; apparently, they were celebrating the success of their quests for the day.

Although he was wearing simple clothes, he borrowed from Gonzo. Yuto still attracted attention, especially due to his physical appearance.

His proportionate face, sharp eyes, and having trained in noble etiquette made the expression on his face contort in regret.

'No use crying over spilled milk.'

Yuto strode to the receptionist desk and was greeted by a beautiful female employee.

"Welcome to the Adventure Guild, how can I help you?"

"I'd like to register as an adventurer."

Just as Yuto declared his intention, two drunk men staggered up behind him, reeking of ale and trouble.

"Oi, oi, kid. You'd be better off staying home and snuggling in your mother's lap."

"Yeah, looks like another spoiled brat desperate for attention."

Yuto's expression dimmed instantly.

Something inside him stirred awake, as if a fire had been lit beneath his skin. The moment someone mentioned family, the air around him changed.