Lu Li stepped onto the port long since abandoned by humanity.
The icy chill of winter's aftermath blew, tearing at the breath he exhaled.
The Vena Refuge and Old Belfast are close. Both are port cities, both exist along mountains, but tragically, there is no light to favor here, only the numerous underground inhabitants distinguish Vena Ice-Free Port from other lost townships.
"Mr. Luli, long time no see."
Though he complained about Lu Li's reckless travel, Matthias was still delighted by his arrival.
"The surface is not safe."
Lu Li told this to the authority figure who had ventured from the refuge zone at risk.
"You've crossed the deep sea to reach Vena Ice-Free Port, whereas I merely came from the surface to the ground." Matthias said humbly, his gaze landing on the ship's deck where the Banyan Tree Guardian swayed like anemones in the dark: "Are these your... friends? Seeing them in person is even more astonishing than reading about them in letters."
