After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World - Chapter 1750

Capítulo 1750: Hoffen’s Visitors! (Part 1)

“His name is Zenno,” he said. “He’s the other Class A Alchemist~”

There were only two Class A alchemists alive. One was her master, and the other one—

“Pardon?” Althea asked, and she suddenly felt a little nervous. “Wasn’t the other one in a City, Master?”

“Yep.”

“But…”

For the first time in a while, Althea found her left eye twitching.

Like Post Offices, Mercenary Halls would have ‘travel records’ of those who used the Hall’s arrays. They would record the ‘true’ names and titles of the person, including destination and the point of origin (prior to landing in the territory).

Each Lord had access to this record, provided it happened in their territory. This meant that Alterra was easily placed in the records of where the person went.

“He’s from Holt City, is he?” she asked, trying to keep her voice down and not let the couple of people in the Hall notice anything amiss. “Wouldn’t the Lord mind?”

She was frankly a bit concerned. Town-level enemies were one thing, but she’d rather not be popping off in the radar of cities for now. Sure, they had Cauis, but that was still starting, and anything can happen in between.

“It’s fine,” Hoffen said, waving his hand to dismiss her worries. “Unlike Bleumrick, the King of Holt City isn’t an insecure prick.”

Zenno nodded. “Oh, and if it makes you feel better, I didn’t come from Holt,” he said. “When I received your post, I had a prior engagement elsewhere, so I had to use another array.”

Hoffen narrowed his eyes. “Prior engagement is more important than my birthday, which I haven’t celebrated in a hundred years?”

He had actually sent a post to them days ago. Che replied a day later, saying when he would be available on the day, while this guy didn’t reply at all!

Zenno looked at him with a demeaning look on his face. “The world doesn’t revolve around you, old man!”

Althea wasn’t sure if the tension was normal, but she decided to shift the topic anyway. “Well, the Grandmaster went all the way here. We should be a bit more hospitable, master.”

Hoffen heard this and sighed. He looked at the other old man. “So who were you meeting?”

“A few dwarves.”

“…”

Althea really wanted to ask, but she knew it wasn’t the time. The two Alterrans simply led the two outside, escorting them to their accommodation. Hoffen fortunately managed to set up before inviting them (via ordering Sir Gregor, of course).

Cheman and Zenno blinked as they left the Hall’s threshold. First of all, the sight that greeted them outside the Hall was a wide street, but otherwise there was nothing but some forests, as well as some lights (which they could only assume to be cleverly-designed torches for now).

It had to be said: This was the first time they had excited a Hall situated in the middle of nowhere.

However, they were already very old, and there were few things that could surprise them now. They did, however, get a bit taken aback that a Healing Sanctuary was right next to it, also in the middle of nowhere.

Althea saw them looking around as they headed towards the broat cart stop. “The territory has just expanded, so the construction works are only about to start.”

She hadn’t placed the other system buildings, like the midrise buildings and the shophouses, yet because the Construction and Design Department was still finalizing the plans and their details. Since the constructions were permanent, they always planned thoroughly. Even the utilities underground were designed for when they become a City.

They should be done within the next few days, however.

“I see, I see…” They answered, nodding, also curious.

Though they did wonder where they were heading at this time, they were literally just following mindlessly. It was then that they stopped at a roofed area situated on the street between the Hall and the Sanctuary.

They watched as the Lady pressed something, and a bell-like sound echoed.

“What is happening?” Cheman couldn’t help but ask. Zenno wasn’t speaking and just looking around, though there was still that curious expression on his face.

“We are calling our rides,” Hoffen explained, looking quite proud.

A few minutes later, they heard the sound of hooves, and for a moment, the two alchemists thought a mighty beast cart would appear.

There was no such thing that happened. Instead, it was the mild broats with those perennially stupid looks on their faces.

“…a broat?”

Hoffen looked offended for the broats. “Don’t underestimate broats!!”

Zenno stared. “Is it because you look like them?”

“YOU—”

Althea rubbed her temple, feeling an incoming headache coming. Why did it feel like she was babysitting?

Anyway, she cleared her throat and asked everyone to enter the cars. The cars were cushioned, stable, and surprisingly comfortable. The driver was a middle-aged man she recognized as one of the older refugees, all the way back when they were still a village.

“To the Grand Hotel, please,” she said, voice gentle, and the driver nodded respectfully.

“Yes, Milady.”

The cart lunged forward, and they headed further into the wide roads surrounded by trees and the sky. They were interested to see that the streets were bright despite the darkness, and that there were torches every few meters, ensuring visibility amidst the deep forests.

They then turned their attention to the cart itself, which was also well-lit, and they could see everything despite the time.

It was also quite comfortable, with a roof and wooden walls to protect from the elements, and the seats were cushioned as well.

Curiously, in front of the chairs, there were drawn artworks with texts. The style of art was nothing they had seen before, but it was simple, easy to understand, and—most importantly—interesting.

/Glorious Hospitality Team: The Most Trusted Alterran Guides/

Then there were drawn images of people with colored vests and flags, and large, welcoming smiles on their faces. They also placed their main store address in front, which was apparently abutting a plaza.

/New! Bunsik Pocha, your new comfort snack destination, is now open! Warm, fun, and affordable—perfect for anyone curious about trying something new.

Located at Unit 122 Western Market Street. See you there!/

Then there were images of broth skewers, which Althea described to be fishcakes, tofu, vegetables, and sausages, all simmering in a light, savory broth.

The two newcomers had no idea what those were, but they found themselves drooling anyway.

There were only two image variants per cart, placed big enough to be seen and read by everyone in the small car, but not too big as to disturb the visual sight.

There also seemed to be a certain color theme, and a certain amount of saturation was skipped. At first, they just thought it was simply because of the available pigment. Later, they’d find out it was an actual requirement, so that it wouldn’t have visual dissonance with the surrounding views.

Althea explained that these were called advertisements, and establishments would pay for a slot every quarter. Considering that they got curious about the two establishments just by looking at the art, they had to say it was quite effective.

There was also something they realized was very different from their usual rides.

“I barely feel any shaking…” Cheman said, eyebrows raised. Usually, even if the road was decent, there would still be quite a bit of stagger. “Did you apply advanced techniques like those in cities?”

Hoffen, still smug, grinned at them. “Better, but you won’t understand,” he said before turning to Zenno.

“Your dwarf friends would, though. Couldn’t you take them with you?”

I just had fish cakes with broth, so…