Limitless Summoner

When Ethan's turn came, a guard stepped forward, holding out a gloved hand. "State your business in Rotherhollow."

"Passing through," Ethan said calmly, keeping his voice steady. "Maybe looking for work." He answered vaguely.

The guard squinted at him for a moment, then nodded. "Keep your nose clean. Next."

Ethan stepped past the guard, blending into the flow of people entering the city. His heart was still pounding from the brief exchange, but he kept his face calm and expression neutral. 

The streets of Rotherhollow spread out before him like a maze, bustling with energy and life. It was both overwhelming and oddly comforting—he was just another face in the crowd here, at least for now.

The city had a distinct character. The streets were cobbled, lined with buildings that ranged from simple wooden shops to more elaborate stone structures adorned with intricate carvings. 

Vendors called out their wares from stalls overflowing with fruits, fabrics, and trinkets. The air was alive with the scents of roasted meats, spiced bread, and a faint undertone of horses and sweat.

Ethan moved cautiously, sticking close to the edges of the crowd and keeping his bald head low. He slipped into a quieter side street, pausing to take in his surroundings. 

His first priority was information—learning the layout of the city and figuring out where he could go without attracting suspicion. A map would be invaluable, but so would a casual conversation with the right kind of person. Ethan's gaze flicked to a small shop nearby with a sign that was pretty much a bear mug.

A bar? Ethan decided to check it out. It seemed like a good place to get information. The bar was also very busy, a place where he would be invisible. It was a good choice for scouting. 

He pushed open the wooden door of the bar, its hinges creaking softly in protest. 

Inside, the air was warm and thick with the mingling scents of ale, grilled meat, and the faint tang of spilled liquor. The din of chatter filled the room, interspersed with occasional bursts of laughter or the clinking of mugs.

The place was bustling with activity. Merchants, mercenaries, and travelers filled the tables, each engrossed in their conversations or nursing drinks after a long day.

Ethan slipped inside, his bald head drawing little attention among the sea of faces. His plain clothes and unassuming demeanor worked in his favor. He made his way to the bar, where a stocky barkeep was expertly juggling drink orders while keeping a sharp eye on the patrons.

"Evenin'," the barkeep greeted as Ethan approached, wiping his hands on a stained apron. "What'll it be?"

"Ale," Ethan said, sliding a coin across the counter. His parents had given him a coin pouch. He could tell it was not much but it was something to go off of. He glanced around the room as the barkeep poured his drink, taking in the groups of people scattered throughout.

Soon time slipped by and one by one the customers of the bar started walking out. It was well in the wee hours of the night when the bar was almost empty. Ethan shuffled out as well not wanting to stick out.

However, there was a smile on his face now. His plan had worked perfectly!

Seven hours inside the tavern and he was now a lot more knowledgeable about this world. The drunks are truly the best when it comes to loose lips. 

Ethan had spent the better part of the evening blending in, quietly sipping his ale and letting the conversations around him flow. People in their cups spoke freely, and he'd learned more in those few hours than he could have hoped.

The name of the kingdom: Eldvaris. The city of Rotherhollow, while not the capital, was an important trade hub due to its proximity to the northern mines. One could say that it was the main bread and butter of the city.

There was a guildhall in the city that catered to adventurers, mercenaries, and even bounty hunters. Located in the northern district, the guildhall was a hub for anyone seeking work, adventure, or a chance to make a name for themselves. Basically a place to earn decent money to live comfortably.

Sure, there were dangerous missions and they paid more. But from what he heard, there were a lot of simple enough but tedious missions too. Ethan figured he could do a few of these if he farmed them with his summons.

Last but not least, Ethan learned one more crucial tidbit. One that he was absolutely shocked to learn. Apparently, every Tom, Dick, and Harry born in this world had a class!

Everyone awakened their class when they turned 18 years of age and received a unique skill or talent tied to that class. 

It was a universal rite of passage in Eldvaris, and classes ranged from the mundane, like Farmer or Merchant, to the extraordinary, such as Sorcerer or Blademaster. The strength and utility of one's class often dictated their power, their social standing, and opportunities in life.

And Ethan already knew what his class was.