The sun's first light pierced through the verdant canopy, casting a warm, golden glow upon Alistair as he sat, cross-legged, surrounded by a whirlwind of intricate arcane symbols. His once haggard complexion had begun to fade, replaced by renewed vigor and determination etched across his face.

"Are you sure you're feeling well enough for this?" Milo asked, his concern evident despite the gruff tone.

"Rest assured, Milo. My strength has returned," Alistair replied without breaking concentration, his fingers deftly tracing elaborate patterns in the air. "It's time we moved forward."

Milo watched, mesmerized, as Alistair channeled the elemental forces around them. The air crackled with energy, and a shimmering portal began to materialize before their eyes. Its edges blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors, beckoning the trio into its depths.

"Remarkable," Milo breathed, unable to tear his gaze away from the otherworldly spectacle. The desire to learn, to master such a potent art, surged within him like a tidal wave. "Alistair, could you... teach me how to create portals?"

"Not yet, Milo." Alistair's words were gentle but firm. "This is advanced magic, beyond your current abilities. But be patient; your time will come."

Milo's brow furrowed, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He knew Alistair was right, but it did little to quell the fire that burned inside him. This power could change everything, and he longed to wield it in their fight against the Alliance of Three.

As the portal stabilized, Milo took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp desert air one last time. His thoughts raced: What awaited them on the other side? Would they find allies or enemies within the City of Licht? His heart pounded in his chest, a relentless drumbeat of anticipation and anxiety.

"Remember," Xu Wei interjected, his voice steady, "we do this together, Milo. We make this right and avenge Marco, whatever the cost."

Milo nodded, locking eyes with Xu Wei. A fire burned within him as he thought of his last memories of Marco, his blazing phoenix form. "We'll make it right for Marco!"

"Let's go," Alistair said, stepping forward into the swirling embrace of the portal.

Milo and Xu Wei exchanged resolute glances and followed suit, stepping into the portal's swirling embrace. As its otherworldly light enveloped them, Milo's senses were overwhelmed by the sensation of being pulled apart and reassembled, his very essence seeming to stretch across the fabric of reality. The transition was disorienting, a maelstrom of colors and energy that threatened to consume him entirely.

"Focus on my voice," Alistair shouted over the din, fighting to maintain his own equilibrium amidst the chaos.

Milo clung to the sound like a lifeline, willing himself to stay grounded as they hurtled through the magical conduit. His mind raced with thoughts of what awaited them on the other side, but he knew he couldn't afford to lose himself to fear or uncertainty.

"Almost there!" Xu Wei called out, his voice strained yet steady.

In an instant, the storm subsided, and they emerged from the portal into darkness, gasping for breath as their bodies reassembled in the new environment. Milo struggled to regain his bearings, the sudden calm after the tumultuous journey leaving him disoriented and uneasy.

"Welcome to the City of Licht," Alistair announced, his voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and dread.

Before them sprawled the City of Licht, a bastion of light magic and devotion. It was a place where the luminous glow of enchanted street lamps painted the cobblestone streets with an ethereal radiance. The architecture was a testament to opulence and prestige, with grandiose palaces and intricately designed temples reaching towards the heavens.

Noble carriages, adorned with gilded filigree, rolled by, bearing the rich and privileged of the city, their finely embroidered garments glistening in the soft, magical light. The scions of society moved gracefully through the streets, their refined manners and dignified airs reflecting their elevated status.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Milo and Xu Wei couldn't help but feel like outsiders in this city of the elite. Their dusty attire and travel-worn appearances marked them as strangers in a world of privilege and power. But they had come here with a purpose, driven by the need to find allies within the Order of Light and continue their quest to stop the Alliance of Three.

As they took their first steps into the City of Licht, Milo couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled over him. This city, so steeped in light magic and religious fervor, held untold secrets and dangers. The path ahead was uncertain, but their determination remained unyielding. With Alistair leading the way, they embarked on their next chapter in the quest for the Crystal of Balance.

...

The City of Licht unfolded before them like a dazzling dream. Its streets were wide and meticulously maintained, lined with trees bearing leaves that shimmered with a soft, iridescent glow, casting intricate, lace-like shadows on the ground. These trees, known as Lumifolia, were sacred to the city's inhabitants, symbolizing the eternal presence of light magic in their lives.

Alistair led the way through the bustling thoroughfares, where nobles and aristocrats glided past in carriages drawn by magnificent, ethereal creatures called Radiant Steeds. These equine beings possessed wings of pure light, and their hooves left trails of glimmering stardust as they traversed the cobblestone streets. The clopping of their hooves created a harmonious rhythm, blending with the soothing chimes of bells that resonated from towering spires.

Xu Wei marveled at the stunning architecture that surrounded them. Palaces with crystalline domes and pillars adorned with intricate mosaics reached for the heavens, capturing the radiance of the sun and refracting it into a breathtaking display of colors. Each building seemed like a work of art, a testament to the city's devotion to light magic.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the city, they came across the Temple of Illumination, a grand structure that dominated the skyline. Its walls were composed of translucent crystal, etched with verses from the holy scriptures. At its apex, a massive stained glass window depicted the City of Licht bathed in divine light, radiating warmth and serenity. Pilgrims and worshippers gathered here, their voices raised in songs of praise, creating an enchanting symphony that filled the air.

Milo couldn't help but notice the reverence in the eyes of the people. Their faith in light magic was palpable, and it permeated every aspect of their lives. Priests clad in white robes moved among the congregants, offering blessings and guidance. Children, their faces aglow with wonder, listened to stories of the city's founding, the eternal flame that burned at its heart, and the miracles of light magic.

The trio's presence did not go unnoticed, and curious gazes followed them as they navigated the city. Some regarded them with suspicion, while others extended welcoming smiles. Milo felt both awed and humbled by the atmosphere of piety that enveloped the City of Licht. It was a stark contrast to the desolation of the desert they had left behind.

Their journey through the city eventually led them to the Great Plaza, a vast open space where festivals, ceremonies, and gatherings were held. Today, the plaza was adorned with vibrant banners and tapestries, and a stage had been erected at one end. Citizens and visitors alike had gathered to witness a performance—a play that told the story of the city's founding.

Alistair guided them towards an open area where they could watch the spectacle. The actors, dressed in elaborate costumes that glittered with enchantments, moved with grace and precision. They narrated the tale of the city's creation, how the first Royal Family of Michiwitt had been blessed by the divine light and had chosen this sacred land as their home.

Milo was enthralled by the performance, his attention captivated by the actors' every gesture.

As the play reached its climax, a radiant figure emerged on the stage, representing the divine embodiment of light magic. Her presence seemed to illuminate the entire plaza, and her voice, filled with warmth and authority, echoed through the hearts of the audience. It was a stirring reminder of the city's unwavering devotion to their faith.

When the performance concluded, the crowd erupted in applause, and the trio joined in, their admiration for the city and its culture growing with each passing moment. But amidst the revelry, they couldn't forget their purpose. They needed to find one of Alistair's former contacts within the Order of Light—a Templar who could aid them in their quest against the Alliance of Three.

Alistair led them towards a magnificent building nearby, adorned with the emblem of the Order of Light—a radiant sunburst. This was their destination, the Templar Headquarters. Inside, the halls were adorned with murals depicting the city's history, and the atmosphere was one of solemnity and dedication.

Milo, Xu Wei, and Alistair approached a receptionist, who regarded them with a measured gaze. "We seek an audience with one of your Templars," Alistair said respectfully. "I am Alistair, and these are my companions, Milo and Xu Wei. We're here to see Seraphina, just tell her Alistair is here."

The receptionist nodded and gestured for them to wait.