The City of Dust

Having finally made it out of the forest, Ataru and Rosalind found themselves traveling down a dirt road. Thankfully they hadn’t run into any more monsters along the way. As they walked, Ataru asked some questions. Apparently the reason the prickle pup vanished the way it did was because it was more of a “monster” and then it was an “animal.” Creatures that live in places dense with mana like the untamed forest had a tendency to change into horrible beings like it did.

The magic Rosalind used was her speciality. She had a knack for “magic that created elemental phenomena.”

As for how he was able to move like he did, Rosalind wasn’t sure, and had spent a good while brainstorming. “So, are you sure humans on Earth aren’t able to move the way you did? Not even in rare cases?” She asked as they walked along the road.

“Yeah, I’m sure. If there was anyone that could do that they’d be world famous.” Rosalind let out a long hum at his response.

“Perhaps it has something to do with the training you did on Earth? Those that dedicate themselves to improving their bodies are often able to subconsciously enhance their bodies with their mana. From what I’ve read, well trained muscle fibers are better able to act as mana conduits. Basically, it’s the result of the effort you put in.” She said with a nod.

“Is that so? And here I thought all it was good for now was making me look good.” He said nonchalantly. Rosalind cleared her throat and lightly elbowed him.

“Don’t let it get to your head now. Oh, I can see the city!” She pointed ahead of them, sure enough Ataru could see large walls in the distance, with a towering gate as the entrance.

“Now that’s impressive.” He whistled as they approached.

“That’s Frontier City, otherwise known as the City of Dust.” She said.”

“Wise teacher, why is it called the City of Dust?” He said with a high pitched voice, imitating a school child.

“Why, I'll tell you young one. This city has been the bulwark of humanity for hundreds of years. In the past, the Untamed Forest was an even worse den of monsters. Often they would leave their home and attack civilians. But thankfully, brave souls took up arms against the monsters. It is said that they were so heroic, that often their attire would be stained by the remnants of fading monsters, which was confused for dust by the populace.”

An almost giddy smile formed on Rosalind’s face, as if she had been waiting to talk about this. “Soon enough those that fought monsters came to be known as dusters, the heroic adventurers that put their lives on the line in the name of peace!” She raised her arms forward and created a spark of magic confetti. Ataru gave the show light applause. “And eventually this city was built. It sits close to the border between the Kingdom of Agronia and the territory of Demons; Ralechi, hence the name Frontier City. As it was created on the home of the first dusters, it earned the moniker of the City of Dust.” She nodded, ending her lecture.

“Excellent explanation as always, teacher!” Ataru proclaimed.

“But of course, my dear student!” Rosalind responded with another sharp nod. The two of them laughed as they continued down the road.

Eventually they reached the gates to the city. There was a separate line for carriages and people entering on foot. As they stepped in line with those not in a carriage Rosalind whispered to Ataru. “Okay, let me handle the talking.” She said, and then they waited, and waited. The people ahead of them were being brought into an office built in the castle wall one by one, with only a few let through with no hassle.

“Is this normal?” Ataru asked with a yawn.

“I don’t believe so?” She cupped her chin and thought for a moment. “Perhaps security is tighter due to the end of the war? Most demons should have gone further west into Ralechi, but some might intend to take refuge in Agronia. They must be wary of demons intending to sneak into the kingdom.”

“You say that as if it has nothing to do with you.” He said, looking around for prying eyes.

”My disguise is perfect, have no worries. Seriously wipe that look off your face, we’ll be fine!” Ataru let out a sigh as he watched the stagnant line.

Eventually it was their turn. A man adorned in frilled, expensive looking clothing greeted them, flanked by two men in well worn plate armor. He scratched his scraggly beard as he looked the two of them over. “Do you have identification?” He asked in the way only someone that has said the same thing thousands of times could.

“No, we do not. We intend to purchase an ID.” Rosalind said, speaking in her best regal tone. He had a feeling it was the wrong tone for a casual encounter such as this.

“You’ll have to pass inspection before anything else young lady, now follow me to–” Before he could finish speaking, a loud scream from the back of the line turned the heads of everyone present.

“B-Bully boar!” A young man yelled out, scrambling towards the gate. Behind him was a rotund beast rapidly approaching, it appeared to be the size of a van, with tusks that looked more like curved lances. The well dressed man backed away and pushed the two armored men forward.

“Do your damn job!” He yelled at the two of them. With hesitancy they ran towards the beast, drawing longswords from their hips. One of them attempted to stab the boar, only to be knocked aside like a beachball.

“I’m not getting paid enough for this!” The second guard limply threw his sword to the ground before sprinting through the gate.

“Useless bums! Someone call for a duster!” The bearded man yelled out, but those in the crowd were either cowering in fear or busy running away.

“Hey Rosalind, does boar taste good in this world?” Ataru asked.

“I’ve heard bully boar is quite exquisite, actually.” Rosalind answered, raising her hands to prepare a spell.

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Ataru picked up the abandoned longsword. “Just stop it from moving and I’ll take it out!” He said, running forward.

“Got it!” Wind gathered around Rosalind’s arms before blasting forth in a pair of twisting tornadoes. The wind slammed into the boar, causing it to tumble across the ground. Before it could get back to its feet, Ataru jammed the longsword into its head, dispatching of the beast instantly. He pulled the blade from the animal’s skull and dropped it.

“So uh, do you know how to butcher one of these?” He asked, scratching his cheek.

“Me? I thought you knew how to, considering you were so interested!” They both let out a disappointed sigh before the sound of footsteps behind them got their attention. It was the well dressed man.

“Now that was quite the show, you two. Much more reliable than the idiots in borrowed armor the city employs.” He grumbled something to himself before holding out his hand. “My name is Gerald Heimsworth. And as far as I’m concerned you've passed the inspection. Come on in and we’ll get you two situated.” They each shook his hand before he motioned for them to follow. Ataru looked at the boar wistfully.

“Come on, we’ll surely get the chance to try it some other time.” Rosalind pulled him along by the arm.

After a lengthy gauntlet of paperwork, they each walked into the city, now with an ID made of thin metal. “Was it alright to use your real name?” Ataru asked.

“It shouldn’t be an issue. The only people that knew my name are dead, after all.” In spite of the dour answer she smiled as she looked at the ID in her hands.

“Right, sorry. So, where should we head first?” He asked as he looked around, taking in the sights. It really did look like a city plucked straight from a fantasy movie. Among the crowd he spotted several people that stuck out. Pointed ears, scales, furred ears and tails, most people looked simply human but there was a wide variety of species to be found.

“Hmm, there is one place. The Aegis guild. An organization that handles requests for dusters. I’d like to go there and...” She trailed off, not quite able to finish her sentence.

“Become a duster?”

“Yes!” She exclaimed. “Becoming a duster, helping people, battling monsters, it’s always been my, well, you know.”

“Your dream?” He said with a smirk. Rosalind pulled on the sides of her hat, hiding her face.

“You don’t have to just say it… It’s a dream born from a girl spending too much time reading books of adventure, it’s silly.”

“Really? Because I’m not laughing. Sounds cool to me. In my world kids had to give up on becoming knights or adventurers, but here it’s reality.” Rosalind let go of her hat and let out a chuckle.

“Thanks Ataru. You know what, it is cool. Let’s go.”