The problem is quite obvious.
Baiyu doesn't have the currency of the four major shipping companies, but these two guys are very persistent. They've been wandering in the desert for so many years, what excuse haven't they encountered, and what old hands haven't they dealt with?
People like Baiyu, they imdiately see as a big sheep to fleece. How can there be regulars coming to Skull Town without bringing the currency of the shipping companies?
If they don't slaughter a fat lamb like this, it's practically a waste of opportunity.
"Is it necessary to have the currency of the four major shipping companies?" Baiyu was getting impatient.
The two gatekeepers also felt the heat was just right, so they loosened their stance: "It's not necessary, we can go by barter too. We're very fair here; if you give us your goods, we can exchange them for the best prices.
Within the town, there are many ways to earn money.
Once you get inside, are you worried you won't make money? Redeeming your collateral is just a matter of minutes."
They've used this tactic more than once.
Once the person has collateralized their goods and entered Skull Town, these fledglings are often tricked out of every penny by the old hands inside.
In the desert.
You can only ever truly trust yourself.
This is a "primitive jungle" that eats people up and doesn't spit out their bones; the people inside are much more terrifying than wild beasts that live on raw at.
"So, what do you want to use as collateral?"
Baiyu fixed his gaze on them, with a slight smile.
The two looked at Baiyu's exquisite off-road motorcycle, saying, "This bike will do just fine; it'll certainly fetch a good price as collateral. Trust it to us, you'll absolutely get a fair deal."
"Is that so."
Baiyu glanced at them, and in a swift move, he slapped the two n on the neck, knocking them out cold.
Then Baiyu quickly dragged them to the side of the road and rummaged through their belongings, gaining a handso sum.
There were no caras at the town gates.
Baiyu drove his motorcycle effortlessly into Skull Town.
...
Skull Town.
The na cos from the town's aerial view, which resembles a skull.
Even at night, it's bustling with activity; neon lights, liquor, and music fill the evenings. Casinos and the red-light district are the most popular places here.
The money Baiyu snatched from those two gatekeepers wasn't nearly enough to spend in places like that.
He headed to a small shop, stocking up on substantial amounts of water and food, as well as other essentials needed for adventure in the desert, before preparing to head out again.
But at this mont.
On a street in Skull Town, a procession of people dressed in sacrifice robes swaggered by.
"Life eternal, faith immortal."
"Endless suffering, liberation through fate."
Their deep voices shouted this slogan in unison, creating quite a spectacle.
"What's going on here?"
Baiyu discreetly handed a cigarette to the shop owner, sothing he had grabbed from the two gatekeepers, figuring why not use it.
Cigarettes.
In the desert, these are valuable commodities.
When you need to inquire for information or ask about certain matters, a cigarette usually does the trick as it's a rare item in the desert.
The shop owner accepted the cigarette and spoke quietly: "This is the Faith Cult, a cultic organization that arrived in Skull Town a few months ago and is expanding rapidly. I've heard that joining them brings many benefits. Many in Skull Town have joined."
Baiyu was rather curious about a rapidly growing organization like this; doesn't the ruler of Skull Town worry?
Keep in mind.
Wherever you go, vibrant social organizations are often the first targets for suppression by local authorities.
Not to ntion.
They wouldn't just let them expand freely like this.
"Manage? Of course, they do! Lord Dragon Rider has ordered all residents of Skull Town not to join Faith Cult, or else they are to leave Skull Town. But for those outsiders who don't own any property or have citizen status in Skull Town, Lord Dragon Rider generally won't interfere."
The shop owner gave Baiyu a detailed explanation of the situation in Skull Town.
Overall.
Skull Town has its own base, the residents. Not just anyone can beco a resident; only with the sanction of the Lord can soone obtain citizen status. Without being a resident, you can't purchase any real estate in Skull Town.
Naturally.
One can't settle down in Skull Town.
Others in Skull Town are considered outsiders; the town traditionally attracts people from the surrounding desert by promoting freedom and non-interference.
This is the reason Skull Town has remained thriving for years without any signs of decline.
Simply put.
This is Skull Town's core competitive edge. The Lord isn't foolish enough to limit what strange things outsiders choose to believe, as it might be more trouble than it's worth.
After hearing the shop owner's explanation, Baiyu watched the procession of the Faith Cult march by, feeling it was a bit ridiculous.
Had it been in East Prosperity Imperial or the Great City.
Such blatant promotion of a cult would have likely led to imdiate execution; this isn't just an idle threat.
Yet in the desert, anything is possible.
Baiyu decided not to ddle. "With a fool, even a Buddha cannot guide," he has things to do himself and can't handle these odd matters.
But.
After the grand march of the Faith Cult moved away.
Another ard force surged into the street.
It just seed endless.
And this ard force was clearly Skull Town's defense force; everyone was quite intimidated and actively made way for them.
Baiyu's sharp eyes noticed.
Sitting inside the first armored vehicle were two very familiar n, appearing to be the sa gatekeepers.
"Could this ard armored squad be coming for ? Why such a big reaction? An elite armored force like this should be Skull Town's ace army."
Baiyu mused silently to himself.
However, he intended to lay low.
It's smarter not to escalate matters right now, as any entanglent with Skull Town's local forces would undoubtedly delay his arrival at the Free Federation.
But fate wasn't on his side.
As Baiyu planned to quietly keep himself under wraps, the gatekeepers in the armored car also noticed him.
Mostly because his motorcycle was too conspicuous.
No chance to hide it, really.
"Don't move, if you don't want to be shot dead, comply with us. Our Lord wants to et you."
Instantly.
Baiyu found himself confronted by dozens of gaping gun barrels.
These gun barrels didn't pose much of a threat to him, but there must be skilled fighters in Skull Town.
After considering for a mont, Baiyu decided against just fighting his way out.
Maybe.
The Lord of Skull Town is reasonable, and with his assistance, Baiyu surely would have an easier journey ahead.
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