NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Finally Going To Westero!
It had never been so exhilarating to spend money. After finalizing the purchases, Himmel felt a lingering thrill coursing through him.
Spending money truly was intoxicating, and for the first time, he understood the appeal of wealth. The satisfaction was unpretentious yet profoundly gratifying.
In three days, Himmel had devoured every chapter of A Song of Ice and Fire, solidifying his understanding of the intricate politics and social structures of Westeros.
Meanwhile, the online orders he had placed began to arrive, filling his small apartment with boxes upon boxes of soap, gel pens, refills, and stacks of A4 paper.
Surveying the stockpile, Himmel couldn't help but feel a growing sense of accomplishment.
Tomorrow, he would finally set foot in Westeros, armed with his wares.
That evening, after a modest dinner, Himmel meticulously packed his travel backpack.
He stashed some bread, dried meats, and bottled water for sustenance. Then, he added 50 gel pens, 200 refills, and 100 sheets of A4 paper.
This modest inventory would serve as his test batch to gauge the reception of his goods.
After all, he was still unfamiliar with the economic structure and currency system of Westeros. Small-scale transactions were safer until he had more concrete information.
In his previous ventures to the other world, Himmel had observed the frigid landscape and barren surroundings.
From his readings, he surmised that his entry point was likely somewhere in the North, though he was unsure of his proximity to Winterfell.
As he pondered his plans, his phone rang, snapping him back to the present.
The caller ID revealed it was his mother. With a fond smile, Himmel answered, "Hey, Mum!"
"Himmel, are you off work? Have you eaten?" His mother's familiar voice carried a warmth that instantly lifted his spirits.
"I've eaten," he lied, not wanting to worry her about his recent unemployment. "I got off work on time today."
To steer the conversation away from work, he quickly asked, "How's Dad? Have you both eaten?"
"We're fine. Your dad's out watching the dances in the square," his mother replied cheerfully.
Thanks to a revitalization program, their once run-down village now had paved roads and a community square where locals gathered for music and dance in the evenings.
The two chatted for over an hour, mostly about everyday life. Then, as always, his mother began urging him to settle down.
She spoke of his childhood friends who were now married with children, subtly hinting at her desire for grandchildren.
Himmel could only offer vague reassurances, promising to focus on relationships once his "work" settled down.
"Don't forget to bring someone home for the holidays," she reminded him before hanging up, her tone both hopeful and firm.
After the call, Himmel sighed, understanding his parents' concern. Rural families like his often expected their children to marry young, unlike the more lenient norms of city life.
His older sister, Clara, was already 27, with a 6-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. Compared to her, Himmel's bachelor status at 24 was a source of familial worry.
After a quick shower, Himmel lay in bed, scrolling through an old university group chat.
Once a lively hub of academic banter and shared interests, the chat had since devolved into a showcase of promotions and thinly veiled competitions of status.
Having struggled to find steady footing in the corporate world, Himmel rarely participated, opting instead to silently observe.
But now, with his newfound ability to traverse worlds, his past insecurities felt distant.
He had a plan, and for the first time in years, he felt confident about the future.
With that thought, he set aside his phone and drifted to sleep, eager to face the opportunities of tomorrow.
The next morning, Himmel woke before dawn, too restless to sleep any longer.
After a quick breakfast, he dressed in a stab-proof vest beneath a thick black cloak and sturdy boots suited for rugged terrain.
His packed backpack was slung securely over his shoulders as he prepared to cross over.
With a deep breath, he initiated the transition.
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The cold Northern air hit him as he materialized in Westeros.
It was still early, the light of dawn barely illuminating the barren landscape.
Looking around, Himmel saw nothing but endless wilderness—a vast expanse of frost-covered fields and distant hills.
He pulled out a compass, relieved to see it function in this world. Following its southward direction, he began his journey on foot.
After hours of walking, the scenery slowly shifted. Sparse grass gave way to patches of shrubbery, a welcome change that signaled he was moving toward more hospitable lands.
By mid-morning, Himmel had been trekking for nearly four hours. His boots crunched over frozen ground as he scanned the horizon.
Finally, in the distance, he spotted the faint outline of a settlement.
Gathering his resolve, he pressed onward, determined to make his first trade in this harsh yet promising new world.
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