"What do you mean by 'sort of 2★'?"
Altaïr felt a bit puzzled but didn't press for details. Instead, he said, "I'm escorting a merchant caravan to Val Habar and encountered that Barroth nearby. I need to return to the merchant camp quickly to check on my companions' safety. Would you like to come along? If you need a place to stay tonight, at least there's campfire and tents there."
The huntress named Isis thought for a moment before shaking her head. "Thank you very much, but that won't be necessary. My camp isn't far from here, so I won't trouble you."
"I see." Altaïr nodded. "I'll be active around Val Habar recently. If we meet again, I'll treat you to a big meal as thanks."
Seemingly because she heard about food, the girl's eyes curved into smiles. "I'll remember that! I have quite the appetite!"
"Deal!" Altaïr grinned and tapped his forehead with his fingertips. "I should get going now. My caravan companions will worry if I'm away too long."
"See you."
Isis waved at the departing Altaïr. When his figure disappeared into the night, her gaze turned to the tracks left by the Barroth's departure. She adjusted her weapon straps and followed them.
—--
Perhaps encountering the Barroth had shaken off all their bad luck, as the remaining days of travel passed uneventfully without even running into a single Jaggi.
The entire caravan arrived safely at their destination, a large oasis with lush water plants, without any injuries or loss of goods.
From a large sand dune several kilometers away from the oasis, Altaïr noticed a sprawling collection of colorful "structures" covering the warm yellow hillsides.
At first he thought it was some kind of mirage or illusion, but as they drew closer he finally realized, this was the mobile city, Val Habar.
As a mobile city composed of tents, wagons, and large Sandships, Val Habar naturally lacked basic infrastructure like city walls or gates found in other cities. Reaching the city's edge meant directly entering the streets.
However, that applied to travelers and pedestrians, merchant caravans transporting large quantities of goods couldn't squeeze into Val Habar's narrow, winding alleys. They had a separate entrance.
On the slopes east of Val Habar's "main urban area" lay a vast, open trade district where caravans would register and unload their goods, with subsequent transactions taking place there.
Of course, this part had nothing to do with Altaïr. His attention was completely captured by the landmark dragon-shaped large ship at the city's center, the Val Habar Guild Hall.
—--
The caravan leader looked delighted, all merchandise had arrived intact, meaning he stood to make substantial profits from this trip. Well aware of who deserved the most credit, he approached Altaïr proactively. "Young brother Altaïr, we owe our safe arrival entirely to you. Here's the mission completion document, take it to the Guild Hall counter to collect your remaining payment. And this is my personal thanks."
He handed Altaïr a small leather pouch containing some cash.
"No need–"
Just as Altaïr was about to decline, Karim walked over and interrupted with a chuckle, "Just accept it, you've earned it. Not to mention the Barroth from a few days ago, just the numerous attacks we encountered in the sand sea would already justify this extra bonus."
"Exactly." The guild leader nodded in agreement.
Altaïr glanced at the guild leader and finally accepted the money pouch. "Then I won't stand on ceremony."
"That's the spirit!" The guild leader laughed heartily and gave him a brief hug. "Our merchant caravan will remain in the trade district for two more weeks before heading back. If you'd like to return with us then, come find us!"
Karim also stepped forward, giving Altaïr firm pats on the back and shoulders. "Me too! I might stay in Val Habar a bit longer. Come visit when you have time!
Oh, and this too!"
Karim handed Altaïr several folded papers. "I noticed you seem interested in camp cooking. These are some simple recipes.
Having a delicious and nutritious meal before heading out on a hunt will give you more strength for battle!"
"Thank you very much." Altaïr carefully stored away both the money pouch and the recipes, then bid farewell to his companions from the nearly month-long journey.
Amid waves and well-wishes from the group, he and Sajji entered Val Habar's narrow, complex, yet incredibly lively streets.
The young hunter and his Felyne looked around with undisguised curiosity on their faces.
Perhaps because both were located in desert regions, the streets here shared many similarities with Loc Lac.
For instance, both places had ropes stretched between buildings along the streets where residents would hang laundry, blankets, felt mats, and other fabrics.
But the differences were actually more numerous.
While most buildings in Loc Lac maintained the grayish-yellow hue of the local sandstone, and residents' clothing tended toward more monotonous colors, primarily whites, yellows, and browns, Val Habar was completely different.
Here, everything from roadside caravans and tents to residents' outfits emphasized vibrant colors and individuality.
They hadn't seen two identical pieces of clothing on any passerby so far, nor encountered two completely identical tents.
The streets' riot of colors was almost overwhelming to the eyes, but after getting somewhat accustomed, one could appreciate the city's extraordinary enthusiasm and vitality.
Altaïr suddenly reached down and pressed his hand against the money pouch hanging at his waist. Simultaneously, Sajji turned his head, baring his fangs as he glared at the figure that had quietly approached Altaïr's side.
It was a Melynx (black cat). Seeing its theft attempt had been discovered, it immediately turned and fled without hesitation.
Having served with the Loc Lac Rangers for quite some time, where daily patrol duties included catching thieves, Sajji instinctively gave chase. But surprisingly, the Melynx proved exceptionally agile.
Familiar with the environment, it disappeared from sight in the blink of an eye.
After running a few steps, Sajji looked back and exchanged a helpless glance with Altaïr, who had also stopped pursuing.
This city's population was more transient than Loc Lac's, and even the streets themselves seemed to constantly change.
Looking at the narrow alleyway that had existed one moment but disappeared the next when taken over by a street stall, Altaïr genuinely felt sympathy for the city's law enforcement.
Peacekeeping work here must be quite challenging.
"Let's head to the Guild Hall first to register and rent a room," Altaïr suggested. "We can explore more after we've put down our luggage."
"Okay meow."
They didn't carry much luggage, but what they had was quite valuable.
If their money pouch got stolen, they'd feel distressed but could still bear the loss. However, if the jewelry they'd specifically bought for easy carrying got stolen, that would truly be heart-stopping.
The human and cat stopped looking around aimlessly, staying alert and vigilant as they followed the winding streets toward the city's central area, heading in the direction of that impressive dragon ship building.
This journey took longer than they had anticipated. When they finally reached the base of the dragon ship building and stood before the guild hall tavern's entrance, the human and cat quickly checked their belongings and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
A passing hunter glanced at them and asked with some amusement, "Run into black cats?"
"Yeah... almost got stolen from."
"Hahaha, you really need to be careful around here," the hunter said with a laugh. "Val Habar has plenty of Melynx, petty theft has become second nature to them."
"But they don't just steal valuable things. If you lose something important, go report it at the bulletin board. Someone will help you retrieve it from the black cats' camp."
"I see, thanks for the advice."
"No problem, and..." The hunter smiled as he held open the cloth curtain of the guild hall tavern door for them.
"Welcome to Val Habar!"