Endless Evolution as a Centipede in a Game-Like World

"Ah, so this is what an adventurer city looks like..."

Though I saw the demon capital before and a few villages, this was far different.

It was more alive. It was called the city of Aztel.

The city was surrounded by massive walls and a towering gate, but there wasn’t a single soldier standing at the gate.

This is because the city is a free city unaffiliated with any kingdom. This city was built for people who called themselves adventurers. These are people who traveled the vast world and took on several quests.

This not only included players but also the inhabitants of this world.

The city seemed busy as there were many people entering and leaving.

I was in awe when I saw a woman with bunny-like ears and tail. The woman glanced down at me with a look of disgust and hurriedly grabbed the arm of her male companion.

That was basically the reaction I got from everyone as I passed by. Using biomass, I had made myself small, roughly 3 feet in length.

I also supresses the mana flowing through my body until there was barely any. I did this to make myself look like a weak and docile creature.

Adventurers frequently walked around the city with their summons, so the sight of a magical centipede with wings, though disturbing, wasn’t cause for alarm.

My main concern was being stepped on. As I walked, I couldn’t help but observe the swords, armors, and potions being sold.

Vendors lined the street showing off their wares with elaborate performances.

Meanwhile inns and restaurants had cute girls wearing maid outfits standing outside their establishments. These girls frequently, pulled blushing male passersby into their respective establishments.

Most of the passersby they pulled in were tired adventurers coming back home after a day hunting in the dungeon.

The men seemed to fall under some kind of spell, seeing the cute women in low cut outfits, clinging to them. They hopelessly allowed themselves to be pulled inside.

I also passed several street performances and concerts. The sun was setting, but it felt as if the city was truly about to come alive.

Though Vesperia was dangerous, I often heard players recount it as a paradise of unimaginable beauty.

"Kukuku, what have we here?"

Suddenly, I could feel myself being picked up off the ground, and I was suddenly face to face with one of the temptresses pulling unsuspecting men into their establishments.

"Where are you off to, little guy? Did you get lost from your owner?"

Two bulbous round eyes stared at me with concern. For a moment, I was stumped!

’Who sees a giant centipede with wings and then decides to pick it up?!’

"Your body is very hard and shiny! What is this stuff you’re made of? Is it glass?" The strange girl mumbled to herself as she began examining my body with interest.

Suddenly, I began to feel a bit self-conscious.

In truth, she wasn’t wrong. I was lost. This actually makes things easier. Maybe I can ask her for directions.

"Ahem, I’m actually looking for someone."

"Eeek! You can talk!"

"Yes."

"You spoke again! I’ve never heard of a magical beast that can talk before."

Maybe this was a mistake. She is way too overzealous of the fact that I can talk.

Why is she drooling?!

Dammit, it’s dripping all over my carapace!

I just had it clean today too!

"I’m sorry."

"It’s fine. As to what I was saying—"

"Wait, let me guess! You’re a prince from a far-away land that has been turned into a multi-legged monster by your evil twin brother."

"What?!"

"And the only way to turn you back is a kiss from the one true maiden that can hear you talk, Eeep!"

"What, no, that’s not it! Stop blushing right this instant!"

"I’ve never kissed anyone before... But if you insist."

"No, I don’t insist. Are you even listening to me?!"

That’s it. The poor thing has lost her mind. She’s bleeding from the nose as she stares up at the sky with starry eyes.

"Psst! Maya, stop goofing off! We’re supposed to be bringing in customers."

Suddenly, another employee walked over and pounded the girl on the top of her head, knocking her out of her daze.

The girl, whose name is apparently Maya, hid me behind her back and quickly bowed her head to the older employee.

"I’m sorry, I just got distracted for a second."

The older employee waved her hand in an uncaring manner.

"Whatever, just don’t mess up again. If you keep this up, then you’ll get fired."

After saying that, the older employee left and immediately began chatting up some of the passersby.

Maya watched with a saddening face before lifting me up so we were face to face.

"I’m sorry, I have to go now."

After witnessing what happened to her, I felt a bit obligated to ask: "Are you ok?"

She gave an awkward chuckle as she scratched the back of her head.

"Hehe, I should really be working right now. The boss put us out here to attract customers, but I’m not as pretty as the other girls, so I have a lot of trouble with this. Most of the male customers usually stay away from me since I’m such a ditz. Anyway, you said you need help with something."

"Uh, yes, I’m looking for an inn called Skylina."

Maya rested her index finger on her chin, looking deep in thought.

"Ooh, I know that inn. It’s one of our competitors. It’s actually not far from here. But my boss said I shouldn’t give out information for free, she said it’s a great way to get customers to come in. But a magic beast isn’t considered a customer, so what the heck?"

If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be fair if I take the information free of charge. Maybe there is a way we could help each other out.

Meh, I’m already late. What’s a few more minutes? Plus, after traveling for hours straight, I am a bit hungry.

"Maya, how would you like it if I became your first customer?"