Nordland, Middenheim, the City of the White Wolf.
It stood on a plateau in the northern reaches of the Empire, a vast city of spiraling stairways and soaring spires built upon towering cliffs. Four great causeways spanned the sheer drops, linking the city to the routes that led deeper into Imperial lands. It was already winter, the highlands blanketed in snow, yet nothing could cool the burning curiosity in a certain someone's heart.
"This is another world! A city from another world! It's amazing!!"
Anne was so excited she nearly jumped into the air. In truth, ever since Duanmu Huai had brought her to the space station, the princess had been bursting with restless energy, like a husky about to run wild in the snow. When they boarded the gunboat, left the station, entered the atmosphere, and traveled north into the Empire, Anne had been beside herself with glee. It was her first time personally experiencing travel across a planet, and she had even asked Duanmu Huai in delight whether their world was also a massive sphere.
Well… though he felt sorry for Anne, the current Soul Shard World was indeed flat. Perhaps, when enough shards had been gathered, it could be reshaped into a planet. But for now… flat it remained.
At the start, Anne had quarreled with Duanmu Huai, since Guleya could not accompany her.
There was no helping it. Guleya's inhuman traits were far too obvious. In most places, it might not have been a problem, but here she would surely have been hunted down by Witch Hunters as a Beastman. Not to mention the many cults serving the Chaos Gods—that would be even more troublesome.
So in the end, Duanmu Huai split the group. Lorena took Guleya and Philine, the two dragonfolk, to the Holy City, while he brought Anne and Olgis to Middenheim.
At first Anne had protested bitterly, but Guleya eventually persuaded her, promising that when they met again, they would each share their travel stories. Only then did Anne reluctantly agree.
And now, seeing her bounding about like a husky, all traces of displeasure had clearly flown away.
"Don't forget what I told you."
Duanmu Huai gripped Anne's shoulder, gazing into her eyes.
"No using magic. No meddling in affairs. Not even to do good deeds. This world is far harsher than you imagine. Compared to the filth and corruption here, even Fafnir would seem angelic. So be careful. Be cautious. You wouldn't want Guleya to worry about you, would you?"
"…I understand."
Anne's excitement cooled at his words. On the journey here, Duanmu Huai had already explained this world and the plight of its mages. It was nothing like her own peaceful, benevolent homeland. In truth, Duanmu Huai hadn't intended to bring her at all… but Anne's magical talent was too great, and he sorely lacked a capable mage. That was why he had brought her and Olgis to Middenheim.
As for the rest of the warband, Fiya, being unstable, was left at home. Melody returned to the Holy City with Lorena to report.
Only he, Anne, and Olgis had come here.
To the City of the White Wolf.
As the Empire's foremost bulwark against Chaos, Middenheim was one of the few cities where the Ulrican faith held dominance. Ulric, god of winter, war, and the white wolf, had been the greatest deity of mankind before the founding of the Empire.
Ulric's followers prized courage, independence, and strength. They despised the Sigmarites, who they considered chatterers relying on clever tricks, weaklings who made excuses for their own failures.
Middenheim itself reflected the spirit of Ulric's followers: wild, courageous, and unyielding. Simply stepping through its gates, seeing the plain yet steadfast stone architecture, one could feel the essence of the White Wolf's spirit.
Especially when compared to Altdorf, with its ornate and extravagant buildings, the contrast was stark. If Altdorf was a finely carved work of art, Middenheim was a masterpiece wrought by the hands of nature itself—no ornamentation, no polish, yet exuding a raw, oppressive majesty.
The Middenheimers were tall, but Duanmu Huai was taller still. Bearing his warhammer, he strode through the streets. Passersby cast glances of awe or unease at him—naturally, none dared to provoke him. His grim and terrifying Power Armor and sheer bulk screamed "danger level MAX."
Anyone foolish enough to challenge him was either blind or brainless.
Olgis and Anne followed behind him in cloaks. Anne in particular stared wide-eyed, curiously taking in the crowds and buildings. Though her homeland of Manaria resembled a medieval fantasy kingdom, it had already entered a magitek industrial revolution. To Anne, Middenheim felt like someone from the eighteenth century industrial age traveling back to the fourteenth—everything was novel and strange.
"Sir Knight, where are we going now?"
Anne asked curiously. Duanmu Huai gave a simple answer.
"First, like every adventure story, we head to the tavern."
And as he said, most great tales began in a tavern.
Dim oil lamps flickered inside. Drunken patrons waved bottles, some brawling in corners. Barmaids in scanty dresses carried mugs through the room, flattering the drinkers and pouring out cup after cup of cheap beer. The tavern was noisy and chaotic, and amid that chaos, whispers of schemes and secrets were traded.
"I don't know what you're really looking for, warrior."
The barkeep behind the counter set a mug before Duanmu Huai with a sigh, turning his head away to avoid the warrior's gaze. The candlelight only lit Duanmu Huai's lower face, which somehow made him seem even more fearsome.
"To be frank, your timing isn't good. It's winter. The Beastmen have slunk back into their filthy dens, curled up like bears. Perhaps they're preparing for the next attack—but not yet. I've heard the sheriff swears he'll clean up Middenheim and wipe out those petty warlords, but I'd advise you not to meddle. He might end up dead in some dark alley, and Middenheim will go on as it always has."
"But there are always dealings to be found."
Duanmu Huai toyed with the mug in his massive hand, the vessel—larger than most men's faces—looking like a child's toy. Anne sat beside him, staring in fascination at his exchange with the barkeep, as though she were living the opening chapter of an adventure tale.
"I am a warrior. I crave blood, battle, and glory. We didn't come here just to admire Middenheim's beauty, though it is indeed a beautiful city."
"That it is."
No one disliked hearing praise of their home. The barkeep smiled, his face softening.
"I can see you're brave, tenacious, and strong. If you wished, you could sit at the tables of the mighty. When those damned northern Chaos marauders come, you could tear off their heads and smash them to pulp to prove your strength. But alas…"
The barkeep spread his hands.
"I've no special news to offer."
"Very well. I understand."
Duanmu Huai nodded. He hadn't expected to be handed a main quest straight away—this wasn't a game, after all. Though, speaking of which…
"Warrior, if I may, would you spare a moment to talk?"
A voice spoke at his side. Duanmu Huai turned and saw a long-haired wandering adventurer with a sword in his arms, smiling at him.
"If you desire blood and battle, perhaps we could work together."
(End of Chapter)