We passed through lands I didn't recognize. It was still winter so everything was covered in snow, but I could still see forests of red, frozen lakes, farm lands that didn't seem to be affected by the season, and later we passed over the ocean that was home to ginormous shadows lurking beneath the surface. After around fifteen more minutes I began to see an odd sight.
("...Skyscrapers?") [Solace]
From afar, I could see a land similar to modern day architecture.
("Did someone from Earth help develop that land?") [Solace]
As we came closer, I was quick to realize the differences. The structures of the buildings and materials were slightly off even if it was remarkably similar. Say for example, our buildings are made of concrete. These buildings however, are made of natural carved stone. If someone from Earth were to have enough knowledge to make these buildings, I'd expect them to know how to make concrete.
("They even have street lights too.") [Solace]
Skyscrapers made of stone, paved streets that look like compressed gravel, streetlights resembling what I once saw at the dwarven town, and even cars. Well, oddly designed ones.
("I can see it… Everything is powered by mana. There's no sign of electricity.") [Solace]
As we weaved through the skyscrapers, I could see the immense amount of mana emanating from the city we were traveling through.
("...Huh?") [Solace]
Out of the entire setting of modern architecture, there was a middle area that was very medieval. Specifically a large castle and the small area around it.
"Is that… where we're headed?" [Solace]
"It's the palace. So, yes we are heading there." [Fettle]
I should probably stop calling it a castle. It's much grander and luxurious. It was an amber structure, built with towers in an oddly specific way.
("...The palace itself is a magic circle?!") [Solace]
If not for the fact I was flying above, I wouldn't be able to tell.
"Are we here to meet the Lord for permission to stay? I thought we were here to see my fellow disciples though?" [Solace]
"The third one is there. We'll meet her first." [Fettle]
"She must hold a pretty high position here then." [Solace]
"...You could say that." [Fettle]
As we entered the palace's airspace, I felt us pass through numerous complex waves of mana.
("...Barriers?") [Solace]
They were lined so intricately and densely that I was shocked we were even able to pass through.
("Fettle must be carrying some sort of key that lets us in.") [Solace]
Either that or the whale just busted through it. In a world of magic, I could never know.
"This is our stop." [Fettle]
With a twirl of his fingers, I felt some kind of force carry Fina and I down with him. As we drifted, Fettle aimed us towards a stone courtyard.
"Did you set up a prior appointment or something?" [Solace]
"Haha, of course not." [Fettle]
As soon as we landed, we were surrounded by soldiers within an instant. With just a quick |Analyze|, I found that they were mostly in the 200-300 level range.
("And I thought the palace guards of Metus was strong.") [Solace]
It looks like their coat of arms was black and red. Black plating with red cloth underneath. Their helmets had the front molded into the shape of a skull as if to intimidate their opponents, and their weapons weren't systematically given. They each had their own weapon of choice, meaning they were most likely given freedom to choose what they are proficient in. This country was on another level compared to the ones I've visited. I should've guessed so since their civilization seemed more advanced.
"Hold!" [???]
A portion of the soldiers parted, allowing another man, seemingly one with more authority, to walk through. Aside from his choice of weapons and crimson cape, the man was outfitted the same as the others.
"Spear King. To what do we owe the pleasure?" [???]
"It's good to see you, Roban. I've come to seek an audience with your lord." [Fettle]
"I'll send a message." [Roban]
So he said, but he ended up standing there doing nothing.
("...Is this some sort of test?") [Solace]
After a few moments, the man spoke again.
"The lord has granted you permission. Follow me." [Roban]
The soldiers dispersed, returning to their duties as we followed Roban.
He guided us through the courtyard, passing several towers before entering the palace. Unlike Metus' lord, the doors weren't massive so there wasn't a need for giants to open it. In fact, there were no doors. It was just a massive open space with a transparent barrier in place.
("Do they use barriers for everything here?") [Solace]
Solid as it looked, we passed straight through the barrier. Much like Metus, the inside of the palace was confusing with all of its halls. I kind of thought the doors inside would be barriers too, but it was just normal wooden doors. Big as it was, the palace was very clean. There was never a time that I didn't see a servant going around. That also led to another strange thing I noticed.
("...There's no guards?") [Solace]
There were so many outside, yet there's none inside.
"We're here." [Roban]
We stood before large obsidian double doors. Or I guessed they were obsidian. I thought Roban would open the doors for us since there were no guards manning it, which left me surprised when they opened by itself.
("They have automatic doors here?") [Solace]
Truly an advanced civilization.
"Remember your manners." [Roban]
"When have I never done such a thing?" [Fettle]
Roban stepped aside, choosing not to enter with us. So, the Spear King led Fina and I in. We walked along a red carpet, the space opening up to reveal an audience chamber much like the one in Metus. Well, other than the part where there were a bunch of guards and nobles standing on the sides. There were only armor stands lining the walls leading up to the throne, a seat raised up several steps for authority.
("It's… beautiful.") [Solace]
Painted glass allowed light to illuminate the lord sitting on the throne, outlining his bulky black armor. Unlike his soldiers, the lord's helmet had a crown built into it and the face didn't have a skull on it. It was made with a T-shaped opening, yet I couldn't see his face through it. He was also very large, which made sense why the throne was big as it was.
("...And he's damn strong.") [Solace]
I didn't need to use |Analyze| to see that the lord was overflowing with power. I can even say that it was greater than all of the soldiers outside combined. Even so, it wasn't as much as the Spear King.
"Fettle. What are you doing here?" [Lord of Naballia]
The lord's voice was deep, resonating throughout the audience chamber with authority.
"I've come to show you something." [Fettle]
Turning around, Fettle grabbed him and pulled me forward.
"Woah!" [Solace]
I stumbled forward, awkwardly adjusting my position to face the lord.
"...That must be Alt, the cruel sinner." [Lord of Naballia]
"Yeah, he's not that hard to sense huh?" [Fettle]
"Have you brought him here for protection?" [Lord of Naballia]
"There's no reason for you to not. Or are you unaware of his status?" [Fettle]
"I am aware that he is a heretic. …And that his presence here will turn the swords of other lands toward my own." [Lord of Naballia]
The Spear King clicked his tongue as if to say "Wrong answer.".
"He's Vincent's disciple." [Fettle]
The lord didn't react. How nonchalant of him.
"...Interesting." [Lord of Naballia]
The lord rose from his throne, his armor rattling as he approached. He continued, close enough that he loomed over me. Normally, something like this would be a form of intimidation for some. For me, I was just curious as to how I still couldn't see their face through the gaps of his helmet.
"...This is the one who defeated a Hero and two Feerae?" [Lord of Naballia]
The Spear King nudged me to answer.
"Y-Yeah… Am I not what you expected?" [Solace]
"The Feerae and Heroes I know of are much stronger than the current you. You must have fought inexperienced ones." [Lord of Naballia]
As much as I hate to admit it, he wasn't wrong. Belrick was as fresh a Feerae as one could be. If let alone, his tremendous talent would've made him an adversary I probably wouldn't be able to beat. Edwin, much like Wilharrow, seemed to be new to slaying demon lords. Then there was Zyrig, the Feerae that protected Lithik's demon lord. If not for Hema's blessing, I would've stayed down.
"...I got lucky." [Solace]
There was a moment of silence.
"They say luck is a skill. I'm proud of you." [Lord of Naballia]
"Huh?" [Solace]
The lord reached up and took off his helmet, revealing the face of a woman rather than a man's.
"You… You're a woman?" [Solace]
She had long amber hair, coupled with hazel eyes. The lord was in fact, not a burly man.
"I'm Vincent's third disciple, your senior sister." [Lord of Naballia]
Her voice was no longer deep and masculine. Rather, it was quite feminine.
("The helmet must have some form of voice modulation magic!") [Solace]
I turned back to the Spear King, who stood there grinning.
"I can see that the Spear King didn't tell you my identity." [Lord of Naballia]
"He's only met Nakros so far." [Fettle]
"Wait, how did you know that?" [Solace]
"Your master told me." [Fettle]
Why does Master keep selling me out?!
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ivanda Dominae Reid, your senior sister as well as the lord of Naballia." [Ivanda]
"Wait… Reid? Like, Master's last name?" [Solace]
"If you're thinking I'm his daughter, you would be incorrect. I took up his last name as a sign of honor. I'm a war orphan you see, so of course I still have a last name. I just chose to use Master's as well." [Ivanda]
"Uh-huh…" [Solace]
"In any case, I'll set an appointment for us to properly catch up later. I'm quite the busy person. When you exit, speak to General Roban to lead you to your senior brother. To be specific, ask to be led to Technology Town." [Ivanda]
Putting her helmet back on, Ivanda returned to her throne.
"You three are dismissed." [Ivanda]
Her commanding and deep voice had returned.
"It was nice meeting you after some time, Lord of Naballia." [Spear King]
He bowed politely before leading us out. As the doors shut behind us, I took one last glimpse of stained glass above the throne.
("...An eclipse?") [Solace]