The scene ahead looked like something taken straight out of a fantasy novel Aziz used to read back on Earth.
Massive and imposing buildings lined the streets, each with its own unique characteristics — some had a more sober design, others a wild aesthetic, and several displayed entirely different architectural styles.
Beings of various races walked along the roads, some in groups, others alone.
With just a glance, it was clear: even in such a diverse environment, everyone minded their own business without causing any kind of trouble.
"So, Mom, do you have any suggestions on where we should go?" Aziz asked after observing the city for a while.
Astrid thought for a moment before answering.
"Hmm… to be honest, I never really cared about coming to this city. How about we just explore it for now?"
Aziz wasn't surprised by the answer. Knowing his mother, it would actually be strange if she had visited this place before.
"Alright. Let's just walk around. If I find something interesting, I'll let you know."
Soon after, the trio began exploring the city.
Some time passed as they wandered, until they stumbled upon a crowd of people gathered in one spot.
Some were wearing armor, others wore cloaks. There were those wielding swords, magical staves, whips, axes — and much more.
"What are they doing all gathered like that, Mom?" Aziz asked, slightly curious.
"They're either heading out or returning from missions, my dear. If you look just ahead, you'll notice they're gathered near the Adventurer's Guild," Astrid said, pointing with her finger.
Following her gesture, Aziz quickly understood the reason behind the crowd.
"I see… so I assume becoming an adventurer involves some kind of test, right?"
"That's right, young master. But since it's you, there wouldn't be any need for a test," Isis added, joining the conversation she'd been silent in until now.
"Haha, no thanks. Where's the fun in skipping the test? Anyway, today I just want a casual walk with my family," Aziz replied with a light laugh.
After hours of slow walking, Aziz began to feel hungry.
**Growl**
The sound from his stomach drew the attention of both women, who turned to look at him. Embarrassed, he turned his face away.
"Alright then, let's find a nice restaurant to fill up my baby's little belly," Astrid said playfully.
After searching for a while, they came across a luxurious restaurant with a long line of customers waiting outside.
"Let's go to this one. Looks like it's in high demand," Astrid said, dragging Aziz along.
When they reached the entrance, Aziz thought they would have to wait in line. However, they simply walked past everyone — and no one complained.
Noticing how odd that was, Aziz glanced at his companions suspiciously.
"Did you two cast some kind of spell on those people?" he asked, more curious than worried.
"No, young master. Actually, my lady cast a spell on us. It hides our presence," Isis explained, clearing his doubt.
"Hmm… a spell that hides our presence? That's actually pretty interesting," Aziz murmured, intrigued.
'Hey, system, you didn't even warn me that I was under a spell from my mom.'
\[That's your fault for not noticing. You're still too weak.]
Even though the system was right, Aziz couldn't help but feel annoyed at its mocking tone.
'Tch. I really need to get stronger — and fast.'
\[Besides, I didn't sense any malice from Astrid when she cast the spell on you, Aziz.]
Knowing his mother would never harm him, Aziz calmed down.
As they entered, they found the main hall packed with people and almost every table taken.
"So… should we go to another restaurant?" he asked, looking at his mother.
Scanning the place quickly, Astrid noticed there was another floor above.
"There's another level upstairs. Let's check if it's less crowded."
Leading the way, she climbed the stairs with Aziz and Isis following close behind. The second floor, however, was just as full.
Frustrated, Astrid activated her senses to scan the structure and found out the restaurant had eight more levels above.
Without wasting time, the trio went straight to the tenth and final floor.
There, instead of another large hall, they found a corridor filled with doors — probably private rooms for VIP guests.
They opened the most luxurious room with ease and saw that it was empty.
The room was truly opulent: a chandelier made of crystal shaped like two moons, cushioned chairs, a table made of some kind of special black wood, sofas and armchairs arranged neatly, and a balcony with a great view of the city.
Once they were seated, each picked up a menu — which looked like a transparent tablet with mana flowing through it, something that immediately caught Aziz's interest.
"So, what should we order?" Isis asked, placing the menu back on the table.
"Hmm… I don't know. Order the house special. What do you think, my dear?" Astrid asked, turning to Aziz. After all, someone with his power didn't really need food to survive.
"I'm fine with that," he replied.
Isis selected the dish on the magical tablet, and a countdown timer appeared beside the order.
After a few minutes, the door began to open.
"That was quick service," Aziz said, surprised.
"Indeed, I thought so too," Isis agreed.
However, it wasn't the food that greeted them, but a little girl — no older than ten — staring at them with a confused yet adorable face.
"Hmm… did I walk into the wrong room?" the girl muttered as she checked the number on the door.
"No… this is the right room. Why are there strangers in my room?" she asked herself with an innocent voice.
Seeing the scene, Aziz instantly spoke.
"Adorable."
Hearing what he said, the little girl looked directly at him, eyes wide.
"Am I adorable?" she asked, staring straight into Aziz's eyes.