Limitless Evolution: I'm The New Dragon God?
Chapter 61: A Stroll Through Belfort

Chapter 61: Chapter 61: A Stroll Through Belfort

The sun hung high over the red-bricked roofs of Belfort City, casting golden warmth on cobbled streets that bustled with life.

Hawkers shouted the prices of fresh produce, carts creaked along the road, and the clang of a distant forge echoed through the alleyways.

Ryu had just stepped outside when Venus appeared before him, arms folded, lips twitching into something between a smirk and a pout.

"What’s wrong?"

"You’re going to the city a stroll, right? So mother told me to show you around the city," she said, avoiding direct eye contact. "But don’t misunderstand. I’m just doing my filial duty."

Ryu raised an eyebrow, amused. "Is that so? Sounds like you were waiting outside before I even opened the door."

Venus huffed and brushed past him. "Tch. If you’re going to talk that much, I’ll leave you here."

But her pace slowed just enough for Ryu to catch up beside her.

As they moved along the main road, Ryu took in the lively scene of the city. The scent of roasted meat mingled with the sharp tang of herbs and minerals drifted into the air.

Children ran past chasing a ball made of bundled cloth, while vendors called to passing customers with hopeful voices.

Their first stop was the Old Market.

It sprawled like a maze between buildings, filled with mismatched stalls and canopies of every color. One moment, they passed through aisles of shimmering cloth. The next, there were weapons, armor pieces, and even captured beasts in enchanted cages.

"This is where most adventurers come for quick trades," Venus explained casually, but there was a lightness in her tone, as if this place held childhood memories.

"I like this place," Ryu said. "It feels lively."

He glanced at her and saw the smile she quickly tried to hide.

They eventually reached a small Potion Concoction Shop nestled between a bakery and a wand repair stall. The air smelled of crushed herbs and alchemical smoke.

Inside, shelves lined with bubbling bottles and strange ingredients surrounded them. A hunched man behind the counter eyed them suspiciously before grunting in welcome.

Ryu scanned the prices. "Old man, E-grade healing potion. How much for three?"

"100 silver coins for the set," the old man replied calmly, not offended at the slightest.

Without hesitation, Ryu dropped the coins and picked them up.

The potions glowed faintly in the light, crimson with flecks of gold. He quickly slipped them into his pouch.

"Are you planning to bleed a lot, Ryu?" Venus teased, watching him.

"No. I just like being prepared."

From there, they made their way to a Blacksmith Shop.

The air grew hotter as they stepped inside.

Clang, Clang.

Sparks flew in the back where a broad-shouldered woman hammered away at a molten blade. Rows of swords, shields, and axes lined the walls.

Ryu inspected a dagger, checking its weight and edge.

"Do you use daggers?" Venus asked, surprised.

"No. But I plan to buy one as they’re easier to hide."

But after hearing the price of the E-grade dagger, Ryu instantly gave up. A single dagger costs 250 silver. It was magically enchanted weapon, that’s why it’s price was high.

He decided to buy it later from Rick’s shop when he get the money.

Though he tried hide the disappointment, Venus noticed it instantly. Her face softened slightly. Her eyes lingered on the dagger before following him outside.

They left the forge and wandered toward a restaurant near the plaza, the scent of rare grilled meat drawing them in like moths to flame.

The place was cozy, filled with the warm hum of conversation. A pot of thick meat soup steamed on the table between them, rich with spices and vegetables. Ryu reached for his pouch, but Venus raised a hand.

"I’ve got this," she said with a tilt of her chin. "My treat."

Ryu blinked. "Oh? That’s unexpected."

"Don’t act so surprised. A lady should know how to host."

"Haha..." He laughed. "You’re full of surprises today."

Venus didn’t respond, but there was a soft flush to her cheeks as she sipped her soup.

Once their meal was done, and the sun dipped a little lower in the sky, she led him through a winding path up a hill. At the top stood the gates of a large stone-built academy, its high walls engraved with powerful runes.

"This is the Hunter Academy," she said, folding her arms with a proud smile. "This is where the future of the city trains. And I am currently at my final year for graduation"

Ryu gazed at the structure with mild curiosity. Some students in uniforms sparred in the yard, while instructors barked out instructions. Mana pulses drifted faintly in the air like smoke.

"It’s impressive," he admitted.

Venus stood beside him, hands on her hips. "If you’re lucky, maybe I’ll give you a tour inside next time."

He glanced at her with a smirk. "Oh? I thought this wasn’t a date."

"It’s not," she snapped quickly, face turning red. "Don’t get any ideas."

Ryu chuckled as the wind picked up, carrying the distant echo of laughter from the academy grounds.

For a moment, everything felt simple. Peaceful.

But behind his calm expression, Ryu’s thoughts wandered to the dragons... and the chaos creeping like a shadow beneath the surface of the world.

But he understood:

’Peace is nothing but an illusion, he thought, eyes narrowing slightly as the breeze brushed past his face. I can already feel the looming chaos. If I want to survive—no, if I want to rise—I must steel my heart and grind without end. Until I stand above all... until even the heavens must look up to me.’

With that fierce conviction, a quiet storm brewed in his soul. The innocence that once colored his gaze was fading, shed like snake skin. In its place, resolve took root, cold and unwavering.

The tormented young soul who had arrived in this world was slowly vanishing.

In his stead, something sharper was emerging. Like a will tempered blade in fire, like a presence that would one day silence mountains and shake the stars.

And when that day came, when the veil of obscurity was torn apart...

The world would remember his name.

The universe would kneel before the rise of a true Apex Creature.

RYUZEN DE MANUS.