Lightning Is the Only Way

Gravis closed in on the town and slowed down. Charging full-speed into a town could evoke adverse reactions. Gravis might need enemies, but attacking a town full of innocent people was just wrong. The town had a five-meter-high, grey wall surrounding it. The big gates in front of Gravis were only opened so wide, that a human could barely squeeze through them.

The two guards beside the gate looked at him and noticed the saber on his back. They raised their halberds and shouted. "Halt! Why are you carrying a weapon?"

Gravis stopped and looked at them. "Because it's dangerous outside," he plainly explained.

The guards became a little more relaxed when they heard that but still kept up their vigilance. "We can't let you through with that weapon," the guards said imposingly.

Gravis furrowed his brows. If these were the town's rules, he had to comply, but only on one condition. "Is that true for everyone entering the town?" he asked. If this were only true for ordinary citizens, then nobles and people with 'connections' would still be able to carry their weapons. People with strength had the power, and he didn't want to bet on the possibility that no one wished to take his life in the town.

"In order to carry a weapon in the city, you require a certain amount of status, and we know all people with status. We must apologize, but we can't let you through like this," the guards continued. One of the guards looked up at the wall and waved one of his hands. The gates promptly closed completely.

Gravis narrowed his eyes at the guards and released his will-aura. The guards felt the world turn colder, and they believed they saw an illusory blade resting on their throats. They started having trouble breathing and faltered. Mortals had no resistance to Gravis' will.

"I am going into this town," Gravis stated, and all the hair on the guard's necks stood up. Gravis slowly walked forward. It was their duty to stop him, but they just couldn't summon the courage. They watched as Gravis passed between the two guards, not looking at them at all.

forward with all his strength, and the gate slowly started opening. The guard's faces whitened, and they retreated a couple of steps. Only someone with tempered muscles could open the gate

His power could not reach the level of someone with tempered muscles, but it was strong enough to open the big gate. This gave the guards the illusion that Gravis had tempered his

individual in the town with tempered muscles, so they didn't dare say anything to Gravis anymore. They let him pass in silence. After

other guards released a sigh of relief. They felt like

buildings consisted of stone. It was definitely better than the village he was in before. Many people crowded the streets, but

lot of stalls placed all around the square. They peddled different wares.

went to the back, and stood in line. The onlookers looked at him unsurely. Gravis was carrying a weapon openly, so his status couldn't be ordinary. Yet, he stood

at the guy who poked him. The guy just beckoned at Gravis with his eyes. The man in the line turned to Gravis,

continued until Gravis was at the front of the queue, everyone else standing behind him. The stall owner looked at Gravis with a mixture of delight and

does sir require?" He asked, very

his, by now, usual serious look. "Where can

at one of the stone buildings adorning the plaza. "This is

than most of the others. It had three floors and the walls were painted in a festive, red color. An ostentatious sign showed the building's name, "Medicinal Pill Pavilion", written with graceful strokes. Gravis nodded

start feeling smug. I'm lucky that everyone in my home city treated me