After a week of travelling and navigating through unfamiliar terrain, Shinon’s journey led him to the outskirts of Haven’s Refuge.

Before travelling to the Refuge, Shinon wanted to clear the dungeon first. But the moment he reached there, he found the dungeon was missing and that he had been assigned new quests to replace the old ones. One of which was to infiltrate Haven’s Refuge.

Since Shinon was headed that way, he didn’t mind leaving for the city. However, he did wonder why the ascension quest was suddenly replaced by a chain quest.

"It doesn’t matter as long as it doesn’t interfere with my search," Shinon mumbled as he headed towards the city in front.

As he approached the city’s towering walls, he couldn’t help but be taken aback by the sight that greeted him. It was unlike anything he had encountered since his arrival in this strange world.

A massive swarm of people gathered at the city gates, their faces reflecting hope, desperation, and uncertainty. The crowd stretched as far as the eye could see, forming a restless sea of humanity yearning to enter Haven’s Refuge.

"For a moment, I thought they were zombies..." Shinon shook his head and continued on his way.

Shinon had spent months in this post-apocalyptic world, encountering remnants of a shattered civilisation and battling against the undead and whatnot. But he had never seen anything like it.

The sheer number of people gathered at the city’s gates was staggering. It was as if this place held the promise of salvation—a respite from the chaos and dangers that lurked beyond the city walls. No wonder the people were so desperate to enter the place.

However, as he approached the gate, Shinon quickly realised that only some were being granted admission to the city.

The guards stationed at the entrance were selective, allowing only a fraction of the hopeful crowd to pass through, while the majority were forced to camp outside the city’s protective walls.

It was a measure so that the defences stationed around the city walls would offer them some protection against the zombies. It was like a slum had been established outside the city walls.

"I don’t think I can sneak in like I planned before," Shinon mumbled as he watched the guards stationed over the massive walls. "Seems like I’ll have to try my luck like everyone else."

With nothing to lose, Shinon joined the queue, his curiosity piqued by the unfolding scene. He couldn’t help but wonder what criteria the guards were using to determine who could enter and who had to remain outside.

He saw the guards squashing the hopes of many people before them, and they only allowed four people inside out of the dozens who tried.

After what seemed like hours of waiting, Shinon finally reached the front of the line. The officer stationed there looked weary and bored, clearly exhausted from dealing with the constant influx of people. He glanced at Shinon with a disinterested expression.

"State your purpose of visit," the officer droned, his voice tinged with monotony.

Shinon hesitated momentarily, contemplating the best approach to gain entry without arousing suspicion. He needed access to the city to pursue his investigation, and the last thing he wanted was to be turned away at the gates.

"I’m an immigrant," Shinon began, adopting a tone of humility. "I lost my way and got separated from my family and was hoping to make this city my home so maybe they could look for me..."

He made sure to sound as vulnerable as possible, mimicking the desperation he had seen in the eyes of those around him.

The guard let out a tired sigh, his face conveying an unmistakable sense of indifference. It seemed that tales of lost families were a common occurrence in this chaotic world. He was about to wave Shinon through, rejecting him, when something prompted Shinon to speak up again.

"I’m also a blacksmith," he added, almost as an afterthought.

The guard’s brows furrowed slightly, his interest piqued by Shinon’s unexpected admission. It was clear that the mention of a trade skill had caught his attention.

"Wait here," the officer said, his tone shifting from apathy to intrigue. He stepped aside briefly and conversed with a fellow guard who appeared to be of higher rank.

Shinon watched with anticipation as the officer returned with the superior guard. The superior guard, who appeared more alert and focused, scrutinised Shinon briefly before speaking.

"You mentioned you’re a blacksmith?" the superior guard inquired.

Shinon nodded, maintaining the facade of a weary traveller who had stumbled upon an opportunity.

"Yes, sir. I’m a blacksmith by trade, though times have been tough lately," Shinon said politely. "But I have not forgotten my art."

The superior guard exchanged a knowing look with his subordinate before turning his attention back to Shinon.

"It seems you’re in luck," the officer smirked. "We’re in need of skilled labourers, and blacksmiths are always in demand. But we’ll need to test you first, so follow me."

Shinon complied, following the superior guard as they passed the city gates. As he crossed the threshold, Shinon couldn’t help but be taken aback by what he saw.

The city of Haven’s Refuge was unlike anything he had experienced during his time in this post-apocalyptic world. The place starkly contrasted with the desolation and decay he had encountered in the outside world.

It bustled with activity, its streets lined with working cars and illuminated by the glow of streetlights. People moved about with children, and shops and businesses thrived like the world had never been plunged into chaos.

Shinon’s disbelief was palpable as he took in the scene around him. It was a stark reminder that pockets of civilisation had managed to endure and even thrive amidst the turmoil.

The superior guard led Shinon deeper into the city, and as they walked through the bustling streets, Shinon couldn’t shake the feeling that he had entered a different realm altogether.

Little did he know that this city held its own mysteries, and as he delved deeper into its heart, he would be drawn into a web of chaos, challenges, and revelations that would test his resolve like never before. Not to mention, the city would make him question the reality itself.