The Rhendell marketplace teemed with life.Shouts from merchants, the rumble of carts, the scent of spices and freshly tanned leather...Lin let himself be swept into it, eyes wide, almost hungry with curiosity.
Strangely shaped fruits. Brightly colored awakening stones.One stall even sold fragments of magical creatures, preserved in enchanted resin.
"A world of resources…" he murmured.
He stopped in front of a forge.The interior glowed red, pulsing with heat.The blacksmith—a stocky man with a black metal prosthetic arm—hammered iron in a rhythm guided by reinforcement magic.
"Every strike is calibrated… directed by a control rune…"
Lin watched the process for a long time.He felt like a painter witnessing a different kind of artist at work.
Then, he moved on.
A little further, he stumbled upon a small temple.It wasn't particularly grand, but an odd aura emanated from it.People entered silently, laid down offerings, and left without a word.
The name carved above the arch: "Idra, Goddess of Hidden Fragments."
"Unknown…" he thought.He stared at the statues for a while.They depicted incomplete forms, blurred silhouettes—almost broken.
He felt a faint vibration.But no answer. No message.Just a heavy silence.
By late afternoon, he stepped into an inn tucked away in a quiet district.The wood smelled pleasant, the air was warm.A young woman in her twenties—long brown hair, a bright smile—greeted him cheerfully.
"Welcome to the Golden Lamb! Looking for a room?"
"Yes. But I've got nothing to pay with."
She hesitated.Then her eyes landed on the badge Lin wore.Her expression changed completely.
"You're… a Dungeon Maker?"
"Yes."
She gave a slight bow.
"Then it's on the house. Well—almost. Our mother loves dungeon stories."
"I'll make up a few for her."
They exchanged a knowing look.Then she pointed to the stairs.
"Room 7. And if you like books—my sister works at the city library. She's probably still there."
Lin didn't need to be told twice.
The library was old and silent, filled with towering shelves and enchanted scrolls.The innkeeper's sister—a quieter, more studious version of her sibling—greeted him politely and unlocked a rarely visited section.
He spent hours reading.Ancient maps. Timelines. Myths. Creation magic.Origins of Classes. Mechanics of dungeons…
But not a single mention of a reincarnated Dungeon Maker.No trace of his arrival.Nothing about parallel worlds.
"Why me…?"
The question lingered in the air, unanswered.But in his eyes, a spark ignited.
"No matter. I'll find the answer."