Lancey's gaze settled on Jenna, the female Magus they had met on the road, now standing beside a burly man named Manla.
Jenna's white, Chinese-styled gown shimmered in the sunlight, her pearl necklace glinting as she clung to Manla's arm, her ordinary face softened by a gentle smile.
Manla was broad-shouldered, his frame imposing, clad in a simple tunic of white, his dark eyes sharp with curiosity as they flicked toward Lancey and the carriage, lingering on the vehicle as if trying to pierce its secrets.
"This is…" Manla's voice was deep, tinged with perplexity, his brow furrowing as he glanced at Lancey, though his attention quickly shifted to the carriage, curiosity evident in his tone.
"This is Lancey, someone I met along the way!" Jenna's voice was bright, a hint of warmth in her words as she hung onto Manla's arm, her smile widening. "She's a wandering Magus planning to stay in Nightless City with her senior."
"Really?" Manla's tone softened, a kind smile spreading across his face as he reached into his satchel, producing a rolled parchment.
"This is a city that advocates peace and harmony, so I hope you'll enjoy your stay here. Here's a complete map of the city as a small welcome gift."
"Many thanks!" Lancey's voice was bright, her smile radiant with genuine gratitude as she accepted the map, her blue eyes sparkling with appreciation.
The five Knights bowed their heads in unison, a gesture of respect, their armor glinting in the sunlight.
"It was great fun traveling with you!" Lancey called out, her voice laced with fondness as she steered the carriage away, the wheels creaking softly. "I'll see you again, Jenna!"
"It would be best if you lose the carriage and horses for now," Manla suggested, a note of caution in his words. "Although there's no such rule here, it might offend some short-tempered Magi and impede traffic."
"Okay," Lancey replied, her tone agreeable, a flicker of understanding in her voice as she glanced at the map, her fingers tracing its edges before guiding the carriage toward an inn.
Manla waited until Leylin's group had vanished into the crowd, the carriage disappearing around a bend, before turning to Jenna, his broad frame loomed over her, his dark eyes narrowing with concern, the air between them growing tense.
"Jenna, from what I know, you don't usually get this close with strangers?" Manla's voice was low, a puzzled edge to his tone, his brow furrowing as he studied Jenna's face.
Jenna's face turned pale in a second, her gentle smile fading as her eyes clouded over, a strange, ethereal haze settling over them, her body trembling faintly as if caught in a vision.
"I don't know why, but I have some premonition that makes me want to get closer to her—no, to the person inside the carriage…" Jenna's voice was soft, her words tinged with unease, her clouded eyes reflecting her inner turmoil.
"Do you know who that is? Seems like a character—or just a show-off," Manla pressed, his tone curious but cautious, a hint of suspicion in his words.
"I don't know. I wasn't able to see him," Jenna replied, her voice tinged with frustration, a flicker of doubt in her tone. "It seems as if he was avoiding me?"
"Is that so?" Manla's voice was thoughtful, a note of uncertainty as he scratched his head, his fingers rough against his scalp. "The high-grade meditation technique you're cultivating may not be very powerful, but at times, it can accurately pinpoint a trace of the future. Since that girl gives you such a peculiar feeling, do you need me to send someone to check out…"
"Leave it!" Jenna's voice was sharp, a sudden intensity cutting through her exhaustion, her white eyes glowing with an eerie light. "I have a feeling that if we do that, it'll definitely incur the displeasure of the man behind her."
Her eyes which returned to normal suddenly turned completely white again, devoid of color, her voice trembling as she spoke, the words spilling out in a rush, her body swaying. Cold sweat poured down her face, matting her hair to her forehead, her energy draining as if wrenched from her core.
"You actually made another prophecy!" Manla's voice was filled with shock, his eyes widening as he stared at her, his tone heavy with realization. "Her fate is sure to be intertwined with yours!"
"Not me, but the whole of the South Coast and it's not her," Jenna's voice trembled, her words laced with dread as her eyes regained their color, her body shaking. "In her shadows lies a looming beast. I can't see… It's dark… so dark. I hear the wailing of corpses—they're crying, they're bowing, they're offering their allegiance…"
"Quick, send me back to Grandmother's place!" Jenna's voice was a desperate plea, her words spilling out in a rush before she fainted, her body going limp in Manla's arms.
"Jenna! Jenna!" Manla's voice was grim, a mix of worry and determination as he held her close, his expression darkening with resolve.
He turned and hurried away, his steps quick and purposeful, Jenna cradled against his chest.
....
'Prophets are such a pain in the ass.' Leylin thought, he was well aware of Jenna's situation and her unique cultivation technique and, had chosen not to meet her, his presence in the carriage was a deliberate avoidance.
Although he knew that through Lancey, Jenna might have glimpsed a prophecy, but Leylin was sure the family behind her wouldn't dare act easily.
Prophecies are powerful but only a Morning Star Magus has a chance to truly indulge in the secrets of the astral world, meanwhile foe Magus like Jenna despite their unique meditation technique, prophecy can be guiding as much as misleading.
Leylin stepped out of the carriage after parking it at a nearby inn, its wooden sign creaking in the breeze, the scent of hay and ale wafting from within. The Knights were commanded to stay behind, their armor clanking as they settled into the inn's stables, while Leylin and Lancey strolled into the streets of Nightless City, the night air cool against their skin, the city's glow a dazzling spectacle.
The streets of Nightless City buzzed with life, a sea of blackness formed by countless heads gathered close, their voices a cacophony of haggling and shouting that assaulted the ears.
The night was as bright as day, illuminated by glowing orbs that floated above, casting a warm, golden light over the cobblestone paths and wooden stalls.
Stores and stands lined the streets, their displays a chaotic array of goods—potions shimmering in vials, enchanted weapons glinting with runes, and rare herbs emitting faint, mystical scents.
Magi and Acolytes in robes of every color argued aggressively with vendors, their energy waves pulsing faintly, while regular humans moved confidently among them, trading goods without fear, their presence a testament to the light Magi's harmonious rule.
Leylin walked beside Lancey, his leather armor accentuating his masculine frame, his dark eyes scanning the crowd with curiosity, the vibrant chaos reminding him of markets from his previous world.
Yet the diversity of the Magus World snapped him back to reality—scaly marine races with webbed hands bartered fish-like trinkets, sub-humans with fur and markings growled in their native tongues, and smaller giants, over five meters tall, towered over the stalls, their laughter booming.
Tiny green beings with transparent wings danced in the air, their movements graceful, their voices like chiming bells as they flitted between vendors, trading nectar for enchanted dust.
Attracted by Leylin and Lancey's curiosity filled gaze, an old man approached, his back hunched, his tattered cloak dragging on the ground, his face weathered but lit with a flattering expression as he bowed deeply.
"My Lords, is it your first time in Nightless City?" The old man's voice was eager, a hint of flattery in his tone as he bowed, his expression bright with anticipation.
"What is your name?" Leylin's voice was flat, his tone carrying a quiet authority.
"Paul! My Lord, you can call me Paul," the old man replied, his voice delighted, a gleeful edge to his words as he sensed a potential deal.
"Good. I wish to stay here for an extended period of time," Leylin said, "Take me to the heart of Nightless City. It must have all the facilities."
"Excellent choice, My Lord!" Paul's voice was quick, brimming with enthusiasm, his words tumbling out without hesitation. "It seems you have some knowledge about the City. Renting an apartment in the center of Nightless City would be the most worthwhile. The heart of the city is controlled by several large factions that back Nightless City. There are different types of apartments for sale, and they are generally quite safe and conveni…"
"I know, let's go there!" Leylin's voice was firm, a faint impatience threading through his words as he nodded.
Paul led the way with a gleeful expression, his hunched form moving swiftly through the throng, his tattered cloak trailing behind him like a shadow.
Leylin and Lancey followed, weaving through the crowded streets, the press of bodies warm and chaotic, the air thick with the scents of roasted meats, incense, and the faint tang of magic.
The noise was unrelenting—vendors shouting their wares, Magi arguing over prices, and the hum of foreign tongues blending into a vibrant tapestry of sound. Lancey's blue hair drew curious glances, her beautiful figure a stark contrast to Leylin's imposing presence, his leather armor and cold gaze keeping most at a distance.
After half an hour of navigating the bustling streets, Paul brought them to a small door set into a high stone wall, its surface carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly, a checkpoint into the city's inner zones.
A queue of travelers waited, their voices low as they presented tokens or papers, the air around the door humming with protective magic.
"Nightless City has five zones," Paul explained, his voice carrying a practiced rhythm as he gestured to the door. "The outermost zone is for regular people and Acolytes to live in—its organization is the most chaotic, and as long as one has a token, they can enter and leave at will. The second zone is for those with permanent residency paperwork, though Official Magi can stay here too." He led them to the queue, his hunched form weaving through the crowd with ease.
"The third and fourth zones are residences for Official Magi, with a trade area specifically for them. Lastly, the fifth zone houses the branches of various powers—they're closed to the public, and non-members can't enter."
"I want to rent a place, take me to the concerned counter."