The group of people fleeing the city was an easy target for both monsters and rogues. Despite the threat posed by monsters, the people had too many different goals to unite as a single force against the common threat.
Everyone did what was best for themselves. It was a sacred rule of human nature, one that constantly destroyed and elevated them.
However, the monsters were the same. If there was a good reason, they were ready to tear each other apart for a fresh piece of meat, and unlike humans, they had no cities or society.
Step. Step. Step.
The rescue squad moved forward along the ravine, surrounded by high cliffs, with the sun flashing through the cracks.
Even now, the monsters did not hide their interest in the group. From time to time, sharp claws and predatory eyes showed up at the edges, but as soon as their gaze fell on Xir, they immediately retreated.
At night, the situation was different. Under the moonlight, the monsters felt more confident, their instincts sharpened like a well-honed sword. It was their prime time, and the fact that they could see much better in the dark than humans could play a significant role.
Even for an Awakened, this could be a problem, although abilities or a special Catalyst might help fight monsters under the veil of night.
The guards, the people from the Pit, and even Garet didn't feel it, but Xir constantly exuded a steady, powerful aura. It wasn't an unconscious process, he controlled it, and if he wanted to, people would be influenced by his aura as well.
"Gha... Gha... Gha..." Garet breathed heavily, his hands on his knees.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, splashing onto the pebbles beneath his feet.
Xir wasn't joking, he made Garet run long and fast.
"What's wrong? Are you tired? Oppar can keep this up for hours!" Xir exclaimed, approaching Garet.
"Tsk. I'm a simple man, not a horse! Of course, I can't keep up with him!"
Xir shook his head. "You're not a simple man anymore. You're an Awakened, and still, you can't beat a horse in speed and endurance."
At the time, Garet didn't understand this, but it was a valuable lesson that would benefit him in the future.
"Look, we're almost there."
"Hmm?" Garet raised his head as his eyes went wide.
The last line of trees descended to a bare plain leading to one of the most influential cities in the region.
An iron wall tens of meters high rose, connecting two peaks, located in the center of the gorge, preventing anyone from passing unnoticed. Behind the gates lay a complex, multi-level city capable of satisfying the needs of everyone: hunters, refugees, merchants, guards, or the Awakened.
In the very center of the city, a tall building was prominent, hard to make out from such a distance, but Garet knew in a heartbeat what it was.
"Thornspire... But something's wrong..." Garet muttered.
He narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out what the difference was, but the Iron Gate was too far away.
"Yeah, but more on that later." Xir nodded and tossed Garet a flask. "Here, I'm sure you want a drink."
Garet's eyes widened. "Oh, do you even have any compassion?"
However, as soon as Garet took his first sip, he spat it out sharply due to the sour, berry flavor that filled his mouth as the crimson liquid spilled onto the ground.
"What the hell is wine doing here?!" Garet exclaimed.
"Hahaha, do you think purified water is easy to get outside the city? It's not efficient! Drink wine, it's definitely safe."
At that moment, the rest of the group approached them.
For the guards, this sight was nothing new. The same could not be said for the people from the Pit.
Tap.
Konrad put his hand on Garet's shoulder.
"Ah, it's been a long time since I've been here."
Garet raised an eyebrow. "You visited the Iron Gate?"
"Yes. Several times. In a way, that's why we're still alive, because that's where I met Xir."
"Hahaha, just imagine. He drank two bottles, but looked sober!"
Konrad didn't react and looked at Garet with a serious expression.
"I shouldn't say this, but maybe it's a good thing that the Pit fell. At the Iron Gate, you'll have a lot more opportunities to grow, especially now that you've become an Awakened."
Slowly, a slight smile spread across Garet's face.
"Thanks. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here."
Clap.
Xir clapped his hands, drawing attention.
"Alright, let's not tempt the monsters to attack us while they still have a chance. When we get to the city, you can rest. As the group leader, I'll make sure everyone has a place to stay and food for the time being, but after that, it's up to you."
He didn't need to say anything else. The people from the Pit ran forward with happy smiles on their faces.
In fact, if it weren't for the Monster Wave, it would be difficult for them to get to the Iron Gate. This city did not accept everyone, and even those who managed to get inside the walls did not always find a place for themselves.
As often happens, disaster ended the lives of some, but gave a chance for others.
As soon as they left the ravine, the last monsters retreated, and nothing else threatened the group.
On the plain, there was a crossroads, and not everyone was heading for the northern wall of the Iron Gate along the path they had come. Carriages, carts, simple travelers, and people on horseback lingered in the distance.
Their group was just one of many leaving or arriving at the Iron Gate, but it was the largest.
The guards at the gate immediately sprang into action, preparing to receive the squad. It was not only because of their numbers, but also because of who was leading the group.
"Commander Xir! We are glad to see you!"
Four guards greeted him, striking their chests twice with their fists.
Xir, as a man of higher status, did this only once, and not with his fist, but with his palm - a light tap on his heart.
"You already know what happened to the Pit. It's a group of refugees, the largest and the last."
Then, Xir pointed to one of the three gates, the most heavily armed.
"Everyone from the Pit, go there. They will search you, brief you, and let you in."
The people nodded and followed the guard.
Naturally, Garet headed after them, but Xir stopped him abruptly.
"Nah, you go through the other way."
"Agh?" Garet gave him a questioning look, just like the guards had.
Xir nodded toward them.
"Show them. Just a quick glimpse, nothing more. We don't want any trouble, right?"
Garet understood what Xir was talking about. He turned to the guards and his Genesis Core trembled, just once. A light flashed through his eyes, like fiery discs.
The surprise on the guards' faces was genuine and unfeigned. They clearly did not expect him to be an Awakened.
"Give him the emblem."
With long strides, the guard approached Garet and handed him a palm-sized emblem on a short chain that could be worn in a pocket, on a belt, or on a lapel.
"This..." Garet looked at the iron, triangular shield with a four-pointed star within.
"This is yours now. When we arrive at the Thornspire, you will be properly registered."
Thus, Garet passed through the checkpoint like everyone else, but he was treated much more lightly. Primarily because he was an Awakened.
At the exit, the noisy streets of the bustling city opened up before him, but only one thing really caught Garet's attention.
The Thornspire, unlike the one at the Pit, was much larger and had three peaks rising from the tower instead of one.
Soon, Garet will be there, just like any Awakened at the beginning of their journey.