Gates of the Monster City
The dizziness from Montelli's spatial transfer fades. I rub my eyes and slowly lift my head. And I forget even to breathe.
"......Whoa."
It's overwhelming. Massive brass pipes intertwine densely, blotting out the sky. Building-sized gears grind together with eerie friction sounds—creak, clank. White steam and black smoke spew from everywhere, shrouding the entire city in fog. A bizarre, grand landscape where machinery and magic intertwine.
This is... Montelli.
The monsters' city. I'm standing near the entrance. Looking around, I see a sea of diverse monsters: orcs, trolls, goblins, and hideous creatures I can't name. They're carrying loads or weapons, passing through the massive city gates.
That's when it happens.
"Sniff sniff..."
"Where's that sweet smell coming from?"
The monsters nearby all turn their heads at once. Dozens of eyes fix on me. Gleaming gazes. They flare their nostrils and whisper among themselves.
"Isn't that a human scent?"
"Don't talk crazy. How would a human get in here?"
"Then maybe a demon. Looks human, but the aura's a bit off."
"But for a demon, the smell's too pure..."
"Hey, don't stare. If our eyes meet and they pick a fight, we're in trouble. Those good-looking ones can be the craziest."
They glance at me warily but slink away, putting distance between us. Luckily, mistaking me for a demon keeps them from charging right away.
......This is insane.
My insides burn black with anxiety. If even one says, "Hey, isn't this a real human?" and lunges, I'll be jerky on the spot.
Please... nothing happen. Just slip in quietly, sell my goods, and get out.
I blend into the monster crowd and join the long queue like an immigration line. Keeping my head down to avoid attention, someone taps my shoulder.
"Hey."
"......!"
My heart drops. I slowly turn my stiff neck.
"......Who?"
Far above my eye level, a jaw covered in green scales. Lifting my gaze, I meet vertically slit yellow eyes. A muscular build with a long, thick tail.
Liz... Lizardman!
C-rank monster. Instant death for civilians, even low-rank hunters need a party to handle these vicious bastards.
Why's he talking to me? Did he figure out I'm human?
I freeze as I've learned to do, and the lizardman grins, opening his mouth.
"Relax, buddy. Not gonna eat ya."
"......"
"Your scent's real unique. First time smelling anything like it around here. Newbie?"
He's speaking casually, friendly-like.
"......Yeah, something like that."
"Knew it! My nose never lies. Nice to meet ya. Name's Mandy."
The lizardman extends a rough hand. A handshake? I grab it calmly. The cold scales send chills down my spine.
"......Suho."
"Suho? Cool name. Looks like you're here to do business. Merchant?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, fellow trader! I'm here to sell some goods too."
Mandy pats my shoulder, chatting amiably. He's easier to talk to than expected. No, his cheeky friendliness is throwing me off. In a dungeon, we'd be killing each other, but here it's like 'Trader A' meets 'Trader B'.
"What're you selling?"
I ask, and Mandy slaps the huge leather sack on his back.
"Rare herbs and ores I mined. Big auction's on, so I'm here to cash in."
"......Big auction?"
I feign surprise. The one Hob Goblin mentioned.
"Isn't that invite-only? Need Association backing, right?"
"Ah, that? Pfft."
Mandy snorts, tilting his chin arrogantly.
"Lowly peddlers can't get in. Me? Got connections in the Association. No problem."
I thought he was just some random lizard, but he's got pull? More like a well-connected schmoozer.
Connections in the Association...
Intriguing. I'm a penniless newbie who knows zilch about this place. Mandy seems right at home, and with Association ties to boot. Better make him an ally.
"Impressive. Got real backing."
"What can I say? Connections are life in this game."
Mandy shrugs, adjusting his sack. He glances at me.
"I'm heading straight to HQ. What about you, buddy?"
"Perfect. I need to go there too."
I seize the chance.
"Mind if I tag along? First time here—could use a guide."
"Together?"
Mandy's eyes narrow. He sizes me up, gaze ambiguous—friendly curiosity or sizing up prey? But he laughs heartily soon enough.
"Sure! Same road, might as well chat."
"Thanks."
We push through the crowd toward the gates. Up close, they're monumental. Towering steel doors dozens of meters high. Guarded by two massive shadows.
Thud!
"Halt."
Two giant axes cross, blocking the way. Minotaurs, at least three meters tall.
"Inspection. State your business and show ID."
The minotaur booms. Mandy pulls out a silver medallion casually.
"Association registered merchant, Mandy. Here for delivery."
"Verified. Pass."
The minotaur retracts his axe. Mandy goes first; my turn.
"Stop."
The minotaur's red eyes bore down.
"ID."
"......"
My heart shrinks. ID? As if. Cold sweat drips down my back. Admit I'm human, and it's axe time.
Maybe?
Grasping at straws, I rummage in my pocket. The black envelope from the demon. No guarantee it's a pass, but Association-issued—shouldn't be ignored.
"This work?"
I hand it over with trembling hands. The minotaur glances irritably, checks it.
And then...
"......!"
Their stoic eyes widen in shock. The minotaurs yank their axes away, bowing 90 degrees.
"S-sorry for the offense!"
"We didn't recognize you, honored one. Forgive our rudeness."
Their intimidation vanishes. Trembling, they clear the path wide.
"Welcome to Montelli, honored guest."
"Safe travels."
I nod blankly, passing through. I look at the envelope in my hand. What the hell is this that makes haughty guards grovel?
That goat-head... must be a big shot.
One envelope for VIP access. The Ma Realm Merchant Association has more clout than I thought.
The moment I fully pass the gates...
I can't close my mouth at the sight.
"This is..."
Gears grind massively. Steam and smoke billow. Like an industrial revolution factory fused with a magic world—grand and majestic.
Lost in awe, Mandy sneaks up and taps me.
"Flies'll get in your mouth, buddy."
"......Ah."
"From your reaction... first time in Montelli?"
Mandy's eyes widen. I nod reflexively.
"Yeah. First time."
"First?"
Mandy's expression turns odd. He mutters, puzzled.
"Weird. How's a newbie got an Association-backed 'black envelope'? That's for big shots only..."
He glances between the envelope and my face, then pales, backing away.
"N-no way..."
His voice shakes.
"You're... a great demon polymorphed as human?"
"......What?"
"Eek! P-please spare me! Forget my rudeness earlier!"
Mandy's ready to grovel. I wave it off with a hollow laugh.
"No. Misunderstanding."
"Th-then what's with the envelope?"
"Association showed interest in my goods. Got invited, that's all."
I play it cool. Mandy sighs in relief, clutching his chest.
"Phew... scared me. Thought you were a real great demon."
"That scary?"
"Scary? They wipe out whole cities if pissed. Total lunatics."
Mandy shudders. I swallow a bitter smile inwardly.
Me, a great demon.
Hardly—three days from death sentence. But the misunderstanding's useful. Keep some mystique to survive here.
"Let's go. Standing around's pickpocket bait."
Mandy leads. We weave through the crowd toward the center.
But the path isn't smooth.
"Hey, check it. Lizard's swishing his tail."
"Kekeke. What trash he scrounged this time? Selling his skin?"
Street monsters jeer at us. Their stares drip mockery.
Not just Mandy—mine too.
"What's that next to him? Demon?"
"Scrawny. Break like a twig."
Snickers stab my back. I clench my fists. Want to snap back, but hold it.
Then Mandy murmurs low.
"Ignore 'em."
"......"
"Barking dogs ain't scary. Those are lifelong gutter hyenas. Avoid shit 'cause it's scary? Nah, 'cause it's gross."
Mandy hums nonchalantly. But his hands tremble faintly. He's holding back rage too.
"We succeed, they'll shut up. Ignore. Do our thing."
"......Yeah. Got it."
We trudge on, jeers as backdrop.
How long? Destination appears.
"Here. That's HQ."
Mandy points. I stare, dumbfounded again.
"......That's the Association?"
A colossal steel fortress. Hundreds of brass pipes encase the walls; rooftop chimneys belch endless steam. Center: house-sized gear clock ticks solemnly.
Overwhelming might. No human building compares.
"This guy's at it again."
Mandy pats my back.
"C'mon in. Good spots'll be gone."
"Ah, right."
I snap to, following. Past revolving doors into the lobby—mind-blowing sight.
High ceiling, hundreds of display cases in a maze. Glass cases glow with bizarre items. Monsters weave through, appraising.
As I gawk...
"Well, gotta go this way. Registration's a hassle."
Mandy says goodbye.
"Handle your business, buddy. Catch ya if fate wills."
"Yeah. Thanks—got here safe."
"No sweat. Good luck!"
Mandy grins cheekily, vanishes into the crowd.
Alone, I look around blankly.
Now what...
No guide—lost. Where to? Who to ask? Find a reception desk first.
I step cautiously.
Thud!
"Ah, sorry..."
Hard collision with a shoulder. Body reels. Opponent: mountain-sized orc.
"Hey, eyes for show?"
Orc glares menacingly down.
Indignation surges. He bumped me on purpose—shameless.
This bastard...!
I look up to retort. But...
"......What're you staring at? Want your eyes gouged?"
Yellow fangs drip saliva. Red eyes gleam murderously. Rage chills instantly.
"N-no, my fault. Didn't look. Sorry."
I bow. Orc snorts, shoves past.
"......"
I can't lift my head till he's gone. Face burns with shame. Bumped left and right—punching bag. Stay like this, get trampled.
I hurry to a marble reception desk labeled 'Reception' in the lobby corner. Straighten clothes, approach.
Blink.
"Welcome, sir."
Neat-uniformed receptionist smiles professionally. Small horns, bat wings—succubus.
......Whoa.
Honestly awed. Thought monsters ugly; she's prettier than human celebs. Pale skin, red lips, curves hugged by uniform—unreal.
"How may I assist?"
"Here for pass issuance..."
"Pass? New registrant?"
"Yes. But I was invited..."
"Invited?"
Her eyes narrow suspiciously. I place the black envelope on the desk.
"This prove it?"
"This is..."
She picks it up. Freezes. Professional smile vanishes; face pales in shock.
"Gasp!"
Hand to mouth, stares incredulously.
"S-sir? Where did you get this envelope..."
"From an acquaintance. Problem?"
"N-no! None at all!"
She jumps up flustered. Rushes out, bows politely.
"I'll escort you personally. This way."
"Ah, okay."
180-degree shift. Nearby monsters stare curiously, but she ignores, leads to VIP elevator.
Ding.
Elevator arrives. Gold-trimmed interior dazzles.
"Fifth floor."
She presses. Smooth ascent.
Soon, doors slide open. Plush carpeted hallway. At the end: familiar silhouette.
The goat-headed demon from the dungeon. Arms behind back, gazing out window. Turns at footsteps.
"You've arrived."
His lips curve softly.
"Welcome, Ghost Story Merchant. I've been waiting."
Hand to chest, elegant bow.
"Forgive the late introduction. I am the Third Branch Manager of the Ma Realm Merchant Association, Jagan."