Chapter 56: Welcome to Barubare

What do you mean "sort of two-star"...

Aolang muttered to himself, but didn't press for details, instead saying: "I was escorting a caravan to Barubare when we encountered that Earth Sand Dragon nearby.

Now I must hurry back to the Merchant Guild Camp to check on my companions' safety. Do you want to come along? If you have no lodging tonight, there's at least a bonfire and tents over there."

The hunter girl named Mudi thought for a moment, then shook her head: "Thank you very much, but no need. My camp isn't far from here, so I won't trouble you by coming along."

"I see." Aolang nodded slightly. "I'll be active in Barubare for the near future. If we meet again, I'll treat you to a grand meal as thanks."

Perhaps because she heard the word "food," the girl's eyes curved into a smile. "I'll remember that! My appetite is huge!"

"Deal!" Aolang smiled, tapping his forehead with his fingertips. "I'll go first. If I stay away too long, the caravan companions will grow uneasy."

"Farewell."

Mudi waved to Aolang as he left. After his figure vanished into the night, her gaze turned to the footprints left behind by the departing Earth Sand Dragon.

She adjusted the straps on her weapon and gave chase.

Perhaps the encounter with the Earth Sand Dragon had shaken off all the bad luck, for the final few days of the journey passed without incident, not even a single Dog Dragon encountered.

The entire caravan suffered no injuries and lost no goods, arriving safely at their destination—a large, lush Green Oasis.

From atop a massive Sand Dune several kilometers away from the Oasis, Aolang already noticed a vast expanse of colorful "buildings" nestled on the warm yellow slopes.

At first he thought it was some kind of Mirage, until he drew closer and finally realized.

This was the Mobile City, Barubare.

As a Mobile City composed of tents, covered wagons, and large Sand Ships, Barubare naturally lacked the essential infrastructure found in other cities, such as city walls and gates.

Arriving at the city's edge meant one could enter the streets directly.

But that applied only to travelers and pedestrians; caravans transporting bulk goods could not squeeze into Barubare's narrow, winding alleys. They had other entrances.

On the slopes east of Barubare's "Main City District" lay a vast, open Trade District where caravans would register and unload their cargo, and where subsequent transactions would take place.

Of course, that part of the work had nothing to do with Aolang; his gaze had long been firmly fixed on the landmark Dragon Ship at the city's center.

—The Barubare Guild Gathering Hall.

The caravan leader wore a face full of joy. With every single item of merchandise delivered safely to the destination, he stood to make a great profit on this trip.

He knew exactly who the greatest hero was, and approached Aolang directly. "Little brother Aolang, this safe arrival was all thanks to you. Here is the task settlement slip; take it to the Gathering Hall counter, and you'll receive the remaining payment.

Also, these are my personal thanks."

As he spoke, he handed Aolang a small leather pouch containing some cash.

"No need..."

Just as Aolang was about to decline, Karim stepped forward, cheerfully interrupting him. "Take it, it's what you deserve.

Not to mention that Earth Sand Dragon a few days ago, even the several attacks suffered in the Sand Sea alone were worth this extra bonus."

"Exactly." The Merchant Guild leader nodded in agreement.

Aolang looked at the Merchant Guild leader, then finally accepted the money pouch. "Then I won't stand on ceremony."

"That's the way!" The Merchant Guild leader laughed and embraced him. "Our caravan will stay in the Trade District for two more weeks before returning. If you want to come back with us then, come find us again!"

Karim also leaned in, patting his back and shoulders hard. "Me too! I might stay in Barubare for a while longer. Come find me to hang out when you have time.

Oh right, and this!"

Karim handed Aolang several folded sheets of paper. "I noticed you seem interested in outdoor cooking. These are some simple recipes.

Having a delicious, nutritious grand meal before heading out to hunt will surely give you more strength during battle!"

"Thank you very much." Aolang carefully put away the money pouch and recipes, then bid farewell to the Merchant Guild companions he had spent nearly a month with.

Amidst everyone's waving and farewells, he led Shaji into Barubare's narrow, complex, yet incredibly lively streets.

On the streets, the young Hunter and Elu looked around with eyes full of unmasked curiosity.

Perhaps because both were located in desert regions, the streets here shared many similarities with Luokelake.

For instance, both places strung ropes across the buildings on either side of the streets to hang laundry, blankets, felt mats, and other textiles to dry.

But the differences were actually far greater.

Just as most houses in Luokelake were dominated by the gray-yellow tones of the sand and stone itself, the residents' clothing colors were relatively monotonous, basically limited to white, yellow, and brown hues.

Barubare was different; whether it was the covered wagons and tents by the roadside or the residents' attire, everything highlighted a dazzling array of colors and uniqueness.

They had walked this far without seeing two identical pieces of clothing on any passerby, nor had they encountered two completely identical tents.

The city's streets were so colorfully chaotic they could make one's eyes ache, but once slightly accustomed, one could appreciate the extraordinary warmth and vitality of this city.

Aolang suddenly reached out and pressed the money pouch hanging at his waist. At the same moment, Shaji turned his head, baring his fangs and glaring at the figure quietly sneaking up beside Aolang.

It was a Melalu (Black Cat). Realizing its theft had been discovered, it turned and ran without hesitation.

Having served for a considerable time with the Citadel Guerrillas, where daily patrol duties included catching thieves, Shaji instinctively wanted to give chase, but didn't expect the Melalu to be unexpectedly agile.

Relying on its familiarity with the environment, it vanished in the blink of an eye.

After running a few steps, Shaji turned back and exchanged a glance with Aolang, who wore a similarly helpless expression and had already stopped pursuing.

This city had even greater population mobility than Luokelake, and even the streets themselves were constantly changing.

Watching a narrow alleyway that existed one second and disappeared the next after being occupied by some stall, Aolang genuinely felt a headache for his former colleagues in this city.

Maintaining public order here must be no easy task...

"Let's go to the Gathering Hall first to register, rent a small room, and put down our luggage before exploring," Aolang suggested.

"Okay meow..."

They carried little luggage, but possessed many valuables.

If the money pouch they carried was stolen, it would be painful, but at least bearable. But if the jewelry they had specially purchased for easy carrying was stolen, that would truly cause cardiac arrest.

The human and the cat stopped looking around, perked up their spirits, heightened their vigilance, and proceeded along the winding streets toward the city's central area, the direction of the magnificent Dragon Ship building.

This journey took longer than they had anticipated. Arriving at the base of the Dragon Ship building, before the doors of the Gathering Hall Tavern, the human and the cat quickly checked their belongings and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

A passing Hunter glanced at them and asked with some amusement: "Got black-cat-ed?"

"... Hmm, almost got stolen."

"Hahaha, then you really must be careful," the Hunter said with a laugh. "There are many Melalu in Barubare; petty theft has become a habit for them."

"But they don't steal only for valuable things. If you lose something precious, go check the notice board and report it immediately; someone will go to the Black Cat camp to retrieve it for you."

"I see, thank you for the advice."

"No problem, and..." The Hunter smiled and pushed aside the cloth curtain of the Gathering Hall Tavern door for them.

"Welcome to Barubare!"

PS: The Barubare in the game is actually very small, but the setting art and CGs depict it as very large, so I will expand on it to some extent.