Bato started his long trek towards Castle Town. Still feeling elated after the results of his magic experiment, he didn't notice the number of people walking on the same road as him. Everyone, going about their business either to or away from the castle town. The number of trees decreased, and the number of people and wooden huts started to increase. Soon, the hustle and bustle of the people shocked him back into reality. Coming out of his daze, he noticed the approaching city gates.
From his lodgings, the journey took about an hour and forty minutes. There were many benches littered on the side of the road. People were already resting on some of them. At last, Bato beheld the sights of the entrance. Where, in the game, the gates were represented by a simple drawbridge and castle wall, the truth was more…grandiose.
Statues of people, animals, and goddesses aligned in symmetry leading to the entrance. The castle walls seemed to stretch from the city entrance and around. All the while, the people of all shapes and sizes. Young and old. Male and female. Different styles of clothing and hairstyles walking through. The portcullis hung overhead from above. The drawbridge was suspended over a moat that was deep blue below. Torches, hanging from the castle wall; display the city's eloquence and power.
Ocarina of Time truly didn't do this city justice.
Bato walked on the massive wooden beams of the drawbridge. It bounced ever so slightly with many people crossing it. Through the gate and into the city, he could see that Castle Town hosted more places and people than originally contrived. It was truly a medieval city, within a fantasy world. As he stopped near a guard tower, he felt his head spinning. Is this what Hyrule truly was? Not a game of pixels and polygons but a real-life experience that was given by the grace of the goddesses.
It was too much. Jaw agape, he fell on his knees in shock. The people continued to pass him by, not caring about the existential crisis he was having. He was like that for a few minutes before feeling a light tap on his shoulder. "Sir? Excuse me, sir? Are you alright?"
Bato shot up quickly. Turning, he beheld a city guard. Holding a spear, he wore a grey tunic, brown belt, leather braces and graves. He had brown, curly hair, and brown eyes and wore a face of concern.
"You seemed greatly troubled."
"Oh, no ah. I mean," Bato's introduction to the city guard left much to be desired. He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. It's my first time being in Castle Town."
He gave a grin. "Yes, the city does do that to newcomers. It's a sight to behold, isn't it."
"Yes. Indeed, it is."
The guard extended a hand. "I am Commander Cobn, of His Majesty's town guard. At your service."
"My name is Bato," he returned the handshake. "As you can see, I am new to the lands of Hyrule. Not a complete lie."
"Truly? Whereabouts are you from?"
"Termina," Bato replied quickly. It had just slipped his mind that he didn't think about creating a backstory for himself. "A continent far away from here. I'm travelling the lands you see, experiencing what life has to offer."
"At that age, eh?" Cobn gave a small laugh. "You don't look any older than I am. You're lucky you're able to do that kind of thing. So long as you have the rupees for it."
Shaking his giant's wallet, Bato nodded his head. "I do. But I fear this won't be much."
"Then allow me to show you the administration building. It's there to help newcomers and serves other functions as well."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to interfere with your duties."
"Nonsense!" Cobn tapped his spear with the butt and walked beside Bato. "For what is a guard if he cannot serve the people?"
As they walked, Bato couldn't help Cobn's noble and professional demeanour. "If more people would behave like that. But, no doubt, Hyrule will have its share of corrupted nobles and dark guilds."
As the two walked side-by-side, the city began to feature many side shops. In addition to the city shops available, there were many stalls in front of them selling various items, equipment, potions, and the like. Bato spoke with Cobn about the plot of land and the hut he found in the beginning.
"You'll have to get that land registered in your name," Cobn said. "Provided the land isn't loaned to someone else."
"Ah, crap." Bato had forgotten that this was a feudal system. The kingdom loans the lands to the people and the king collects through tithes and produce.
"It shouldn't be too much of an issue. If the land does belong to someone, the office will find you another plot to call home. But there are fees associated with that. The fees correspond to the distance between the Castle Town and the plot."
"Thanks for the warning, I'll keep that in mind." Bato tapped on his wallet. "A parting of rupees lies in my future."
"Get used to that feeling, friend. Castle Town has a way of sucking you dry." Going through the main street, they neared the centre square. They stopped in front of a big, brick two-story building. Heraldry of the royal family hung everywhere. "This is the administrative building. I'm sure if you're planning to stay long term, then you'll be seeing this building rather frequently."
"You've been a great help to me, commander. Thank you so much!" Bato gave a slight bow, but Cobn raised his hand.
"I do my duty. I hope that you'll be settled without any issues. Welcome to Hyrule."
"Thank you for having me." With a nod, Cobn headed back in the opposite direction. Bato looked at the building in front of him and entered. "Let's see how much this will cost me."
The lobby looked like something out of an isekai adventures' guild. There was a main counter in the middle, a bar on one side, and a board that looked like quests and people. It had an open concept, and many people wearing armour weapons, and books were running around, talking to one another. Bato approached the front counter, with trepidation. "Good afternoon, miss."
A young lady in an office-like outfit greeted him. "Welcome to the Hyrulian Administrative Building. How may I help you?"
"Y-Yes. I'm seeking the place where they handle land registrations."
The girl smiled and pointed. "Over there, sir."
"Thank you." As Bato approached the counter of the Land Registration, he couldn't help but notice that there wasn't anyone there. Except for the teller. Wearing the same style of office outfit, but she was intensely focused on a book. "I have a feeling that this meeting will be more grief than that other girl." Bato stood in front of the counter. The girl did not take any notice. "Hello?"
The girl sighed. "This is the Land Registration office." She spoke in a droll tone. "Are you here to register a complaint regarding your land or are you here to register?"
"Well, I wanted to see if the plot of land that I have in mind is available."
Without skipping a beat, the girl took out a massive map of Hyrule Field. Bato saw all the lands in the surrounding areas of Castle Town, as well as the outskirts. A lot of them were coloured in. It said the name of the person and his occupation. He turned his attention towards the Lost Woods. If he remembered correctly, it was a small hut that was bordering the forest. Beside the woods was a plot of land, that remained clear. "It's that one," Bato said, pointing.
The girl's bored look immediately changed. She looked at him and at the plot he pointed to. "There?"
"Yes," Bato asked, innocently.
"There?!" the girl asked, incredulously.
"Did I stutter?" A comment that Bato would have made towards an uncooperative coworker. He immediately regrets not stopping himself.
"That land is cursed!" The girl slammed on the desk, as to empathize with the point. "We had three families attempt to cultivate that land and after one year, they've all disappeared!"
"Okay. But I still want that land."
"Are you even listening to what I'm saying to you? You pick that plot, you're going to die!"
"And I fail to see how this concerns you, particularly. My business is my own. I have decided to use that plot of land, regardless of what others might say. So, either start the process or have someone else do it for you."
The girl shook her head. She then went through an open back door. About a few minutes later, an older gentleman was greeting Bato. "Good afternoon, sir. I'm here to understand you have an interest in the plot of land near the forest."
"That's right."
"You must know that there have been many incidents regarding that plot. Mostly wild animal attacks that come from the forest. Some people tried their hand in taming that place."
"And failed," Bato said sourly, looking at the girl. "So, I've been told."
"I was about to write a report to His Majesty's council, recommending cordoning off the land so it'll be safe for the surrounding people."
"Then, let me be the last to attempt to tame this land," Bato said, evenly. He crossed his arms. "I won't be easily swayed by your past stories and the laws of nature. Just yesterday, I defeated three wolfos there."
Both the girl and the man looked at each other. "Wolfos?"
Bato took the pelts he got from the three wolfos. "I was going to find a person that would like to purchase these pelts."
"Even a senior guard member would struggle against one wolfos. But three?!" The girl looked like she was going to faint.
The man's eyes shot up and looked up at Bato. "You've slain these creatures?"
"And I have no doubt there will be more of them in my future." More than just Wolfos lived in that forest. Moblins, maybe some slimes, Keese. Perhaps he could kill a Skull Kid to make a quiet profit.
The man spoke after a moment of silence. "The fee for new land registration is usually 300 rupees. Considering your desire, your evidence of skill and confidence, I am going to lower it down to 150 rupees."
"Grandpa!" The girl yelled.
The man turned to her, "Be silent, girl! I apologize for my granddaughter's behaviour. She's just starting in the administration world, you see."
"Of course, sir. And I too, apologize for my candour. I didn't realize you were a trainee."
The girl blinked at him. "Trai-nee?"
"Ah. Recruit."
"I see." The girl shrank back to her seat while looking at both men. Soon, the man gave Bato some papers to fill out. They were very simplistic; nothing too complicated. Hyrule was working on a primitive system, after all. After payment and stamps on both documents, he extended his hand.
"Best of luck to you, Mr. Bato. I truly mean it."
"With the grace of the Goddesses, sir." Bato was about to leave, when he asked, "Where can I find the place to rent out a road stall?"
The man pointed, "The commerce desk should have all the information you need."
"Excellent. Take care, you two." As Bato walked off, the man and the girl had a private conversation.
"Regardless of their choices, you must remain professional. I can hear you from the other side! We're fortunate that this was a good man. What would happen if it was a retainer for a major house!?"
"But Grandpa, people died there!"
"We try to dissuade people from taking dangerous land as much as possible. But if they are insistent. If they show evidence of their skill. Then, who are we to deny them? Besides, I have a good feeling about that one."
"Well, that's new." The girl stared at Bato. "You don't say that about anyone."
"I know. I just feel that he'll do alright."
Bato made his way to another desk; like the one that he went to prior. However, there was a small lineup this time. He could wait. Mercifully, the wait time was relatively short. When it came to him, another office girl with blue eyes and short hair greeted him. "Welcome to the Hyrulian Commerce Guild. How can I help you?"
"Um, yes. I'm a newcomer around these parts and have recently rented a plot of land for the sake of agriculture. Somewhere, down the line, I would like to sell my produce in the city. Please help me out with that."
"I'd be glad to assist you in that, sir." She brought up a docket of papers. "If you could complete these documents, then we can get started."
Bato stared at the small mound. "Joy." The registration cost to join the guild was 200 rupees. At the end of every month, 100 rupees were required to rent out the space for another month. The guards were strict on this rule. Any vendor not paying on time would have their wares confiscated and jailed.
"There's also to note that as an up incoming farmer, there are many vendors selling produce. Be creative and sell something unique to you. One of the successful ways of running a business is through innovation, after all. Furthermore, see if you can invest in a cart as soon as you can. It'll make life a lot easier. She stamped a few documents, scanned some others and laid them in separate piles. Afterwards, she took a pile. "With this, your registration with the guild is complete. Please keep your vendor permit with you."
"I'd also wish to sell some monster parts. May I do it here?"
The girl pointed to the desk right across from her. "My associate here will take care of that."
"My thanks," Bato smiled and took his pile of papers. He headed to the associate who oversaw selling monster items.
"So, what will you be selling today?"
Bato started to take out his three wolfos pelts. The associate glanced at them, quickly. "150 rupees for the three pelts."
"Deal." Smiling, Bato handed over the pelts. After receiving the rupees, he asked, "Would it be possible to tell me where I can buy a handcart and some other supplies?"
"Where would you find anything in this town? The Central Square."
Making his way to the Square was easily done. It was just out the door and hung a right. Keep walking until you reach it. The market square was a sight to behold. With a gigantic fountain in the middle, the square hosted an assortment of shops and stalls surrounding it. People who come for shopping and entertainment run around; some with purpose and others aimlessly. Potter plants and trees dotted the square, with benches under them like before. Bato took stock of his surroundings. Woodworking, farming tools, ceramic creations, foods, produce. Just about like any other middle-age market with a fantasy twist. Looking at his competition, he could see the variety of foods that were on offer. The lady was right: he would have to be innovative and bring something unique to sell.
Continuing, he went on a shopping spree. There was a farmer, who was retired, selling an assortment of seeds and food. Haggling was big and the total cost for that was 100 rupees. Bato negotiated it down to 70. He found the cart near a woodworking shop and that cost nearly 100 rupees. Playing on the shopkeeper's pity, he negotiated it down to 80. His rupees were completely gone and not even a full day had passed.
"And with that, it's almost gone." The 150 rupees he had left from the pelts.… Placing the somewhat empty pouch back in his pocket, he was about to explore some more of the town when suddenly he felt something.
Something that he couldn't explain. It was a feeling. Staring towards one of the square's exits, he walks on with purpose.
The four truth stones clued in on where he was headed, and it excited him. A temple made of grey bricks and stone, complete with ornate glass windows, semicircular arches, and a stairway with greenery, makes a nice contrast to the temple itself. A centred roofed tower loomed over as the roof of the two smaller towers peaked over the architecture. He headed towards the entrance. He had no doubt. It was the Temple of Time.
A red carpet split the temple in two. Three columns of stone split the structure evenly on all sides. The floor, made of paved stone, had nothing on it. There were no pews, candles, or any other items that would normally identify it as a Roman temple. Instead, the windows that were outside allowed the sun to come through; arranged in an explosion of colour. Before him was an elevated black pedestal. The Triforce hung over it, with the Door of Time right below.
Bato walked with quiet reverence, each step echoing through the hall. He came upon the pedestal; the place where the Spiritual Stones would have rested. Vacant now, he shuttered at the possibility of Link opening the Door of Time and, by extension, the way to the Sacred Realm for Ganondorf. Seven years of destruction and chaos was not something he wanted to live through. Pushing the dreaded thought behind, he was about to leave when he heard someone's footsteps. Turning around, he saw her.
A young woman with tanned skin, red eyes and lips. With her pointed ears and white hair that sported a ponytail, she had silver armour over the chest and torso with what seemed to be a leotard-like garment underneath. Blue shorts, fingerless gloves, with grey and blue greaves. She wore a blue cuff around her neck, connecting the shoulder pads, and she sported the Eye of the Sheilkah.
"Oh crap." Impa was looking at him now. She had a look of suspicion and for good reason. Why would a commoner come to this Temple? The Church of the Goddesses was in a different part of the city. Being involved with the Sage of Shadow in any way would open him to more unnecessary drama. So, he decided to play it cool. Plastering a smile, he feigns surprise, "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."
"What are you doing?" Impa asked, with her arms crossed. "Not many people come here."
"I'm new in Hyrule, and I was visiting Castle Town." Bato walked towards her; hands open. "This building caught my eye, and I wanted to take a closer look. I have to say, the architecture of this place is unique."
"Yes, I suppose you can say that." She was frowning, but at least she wasn't straight-up accusing him of anything. "This temple was built during the early founding of the kingdom. No one knows its true significance."
"That's too bad," Bato said sympathetically. "I would imagine there would be a reason for all this. I suppose that reason is lost to the ancients now." He passed her and headed towards the door.
She didn't turn around to see him when she spoke again. "Any guesses on your part? I would like to hear the insights of a foreigner."
Bato stopped. "This temple is a gate to the fulcrum of creation. Haven't a clue. If you'll excuse me." Quickening his pace, he exited the temple before waiting for a response.
Taking the cart, full of items, he started to go back to the Castle Town entrance. Hauling the heavy cart, he made sure to pace himself to not tire easily. As he walked, he noticed the poverty of the city. Men, women and children, faces partially shrunken, holding out their hands for change. This was the reality of Hyrule Castle Town. Just like any major city, it had its full of beggars and the poor. Approaching an avenue that would connect him to the main street, he was stopped by a boy. He had brown dirty hair, and blue eyes, and wore peasant clothing.
"All right!" He yelled over. "Rupees and whatever you got in your pockets! Or I'll gut you like a fish!" He took out a small knife. It wasn't even sharpened, and the handle was bandaged on the end for a grip.
"You'll…gut me like…a fish?" This was a sad attempt at mugging. Bato could only look on as the boy tried to make an intimidating face with his malnourished body. He had rupees, but he would rather not encourage a future robber. He did have some foodstuffs he could spare, though. "I have some food if you'd like." Grabbing an apple from his cart, he held it out for the boy.
"I don't want your apple! I want your rupees! Give ''em', now!"
"And will you kill me if I refuse?"
The boy looked hesitant. "Y-Yes! I'll k-kill you. So, make with the rupees!"
Putting the apple in his pocket, Bato dropped the cart and walked slowly toward the boy. He held out the knife for protection. "Stay back, I'll cut ya good!" He was in front of him now. "I'm warnin' you!" Quickly, he grabbed his wrist and squeezed it. The boy's grip on the knife relaxed as it dropped to the ground. Kicking the knife away, the boy started to kick and claw at him. Bato grabbed both boy's wrists, staring impassively.
"Let go of me! Let go!" The boy struggled a few minutes more before going limp. Bato released him, and he started to shake, throwing himself on the ground, trying to hold off his tears.
"If you are prepared to kill, you must also be prepared to give your life in exchange," Bato said, gravely. "Life is the most important thing. Don't throw it away." He took the apple and put it on the ground. Grabbing a loaf of bread, he also placed it on the ground. As he prepared to push the cart and continue his way, the boy looked at him with tears in his eyes. He mumbled to himself, "I'll help you. I'll help you all. I swear it."