Chapter 8: The City of Prosperity

Almost two weeks had passed and thankfully, Dan and Minerva's travel by cart towards the City of Ilian was met with no adversity. The roads were becoming more paved as they went deeper into the Empire, and the ride towards their destination slowly but continuously became smoother; it was comfortable enough despite the anxiety that filled the air. By now, everyone was aware of the impending crisis in the form of Krukas.

The City of Molivia was devastated beyond recognition. The previously almighty city was reduced to ashes, and all of the soldiers and residents residing in it were killed. Even the genius tactician, General Orbit, was killed in action. There were sightings of the mythical stone dragon, but it was something that needs to be confirmed by the royal magicians.

Emperor Kulaima VIII issued a subjugation order. He assigned the S ranked magician, Theolfo the Beheader, to be the Commanding General. Thousands of magicians were gathered three days ago to form the Emperor's desired Legion. According to the statement of General Theolfo, a large scale battle will break out before the month ends. Still, he told the general populace not to worry. The battle will be held in the Workshair Mountain Range. That will be the place where they will intercept Krukas' invading army...

Dan placed the newspaper he held on his hand inside his leather bag. After leaning on the couch, he looked at the open window. The scenery of multitudes of trees lightly blurred as the carriage moved forward. The metallic barouche's movement was fluid and only occasional bumps along the road were encountered.

"We're almost there. I wonder what awaits us in that city? 'City of Prosperity.' Just the name alone fills me with excitement!" Minerva uttered in glee. She was also looking at the open window and the breeze created from the barouche's movement was soothing. The scent of grass filled the air, and when mixed with the metallic aroma of the cart, it gave an indescribable feeling of the nostalgia.

"Mom, what do you plan to do once we get to the city? I mean... how do you plan to earn Yilians?" Dan asked. His stare remained fixated on the outside scenery. The two of them were currently inside the carriage, and they occupied two seats that were separated from the rest by a metallic partition.

It took Minerva a few seconds before she replied. In a sheepish tone, she said, "I'm not... sure? Probably do some errands." She was not confident that any of her skills would be ample to compete in such a major city. Dan knew the thoughts that filled her mind. He said, "You're a great cook--no, excellent. Once we arrived at Ilian, we'll open up a stall. Once we got ourselves a residence, we'll waste no time and immediately go to the market. We'll gather ingredients. Time is money. We don't want to have my soon to be born sibling live in poverty."

Minerva was surprised by her son's words. She was speechless after finding out that Dan had already made a mental itinerary once they got to Ilian. With mixed emotions, mostly helplessness and gratefulness, she softly smiled, making her left dimple sunk in response. "I'm really glad you're here with me. You really think my cooking skills' enough to compete in the city?"

"Of course. I've tasted it myself for years. Food made by mom is the best. No competitions." Dan's tone was filled with no doubt or hesitation. From the open window, they saw a large wall that surrounded everything the eyes could see. It was around half the size of the Great Wall of the Empire, but the clumps of iron embedded on it depicted a more sturdy appearance. Hundreds of soldiers manned the gate, and they all have vigilant eyes. It seemed that the news of Krukas' invasion sent them to a red state.

They heard the sounds of horses neighing, and the carriage halted to a stop. Suddenly, the coachman's voice rang out from beyond. "Passengers! We've arrived at the City of Prosperity! Welcome! Welcome to the City of the North! Ilian!"

From the bow front, the coachman went inside the carriage. He removed his night black hat and bowed. "This is as far as the Takal Express goes. Thank you for your patronage."

After those words, the passengers got out of the barouche, and the massive cart immediately set off. A small cloud of dust was created the moment the mounts kicked the ground. Dan and Minerva watched the carriage as it faded from the distance.

"Let's go!" Minerva squeaked. She was excited. Her entire life had been devoted as a housewife, and she secretly wished to travel to different locations. Specifically, she wanted to go inside the Empire at least once in her life. Just the mere thought that they would be living inside one of the major cities filled her with excitement. Her eyes could not conceal what she was feeling inside. Her sapphire gemstones kept swiveling left and right as it devoured everything it could see.

Dan lightly snorted after he saw his mom's appearance. He thought on how child-like she was. With a gentle gaze, he held her hands and they both walked towards the opened gate of the city. Numerous soldiers manned the entrance, and a medium-sized magic circle was engraved on the ground.

"Excuse me, sir... we...my son and I wish to go inside the city," Minerva said to a soldier. It wore a blue robe, and underneath it was an iron plate mail that seemed to have been recently polished.

The soldier condescendingly glanced at her from head to toe. He then smirked, making his cheeks form a large wrinkle mark. "Damn it. Another one, huh? The Lord of the City should close the gates for now. He's too benevolent... to think that he'll actually accept refugees without making them pay fees." His face distorted into a repulsive one, and he pointed his gauntlet-cladded hand towards the magic circle. "Enter the circle. If you're anything but humans, I swear—we'll slaughter you."

"Thank you, sir," Minerva said despite the mockery. She was grateful of the mere fact that they were granted entry. Entering the city was easier than she had imagined. At the corner of her mind, she noted to herself that she would thank the City Lord if she ever saw him. Only a benevolent man would open his city's gates to help refugees.

Dan and Minerva stepped inside the magic circle, and from a lifeless and dull color, the printed hexagram embossed inside a sphere glowed a bright yellow-azure hue. The particles of light touched their bodies, and after a few more moment that was without a doubt magical, the light dissipated, and the circle resumed a dull color.

"Passed. You two may enter," the soldier said with a hint of disappointment. A moment later, he hurriedly added, “Wait!” Dan and Minerva turned around and saw the soldier scratch his chin. The soldier breathed in a large gulp of air and nodded his head once as if affirming his next words. “I’m no demon, so I’ll warn you guys about the recent events in the city.” He pointed towards his left. “See those guys over there?” He pertained to the clustered refugees that had chains wrapped around their necks. Each chain was interconnected, creating a serpentine –like arrangement. “Those people are just like you guys. They entered Ilian in hopes of escaping the strife that befell them. Reality’s harsh though. Although the City Lord is a generous man, he’s still incapable of stopping the rampant slavery in the area. Slavery’s been part of the Empire since the previous generations. It’s considered norm.”

The soldier paused. “What I’m trying to say is… if you’re not prepared… I mean… if you don’t have enough Yilian to live inside the city, then don’t enter. Otherwise, you’ll become one of the innumerable refugees that became slaves in order to eat—in order to live. Life’s not that easy. Nothing is free.” He looked at Dan. His previous predatory gaze softened. “If I were you, I’ll seek refuge in one of the smaller cities. The military might’s not that great, but it still offers ample protection. Moreover, there’s less slave traders there.”

He waived a hand and turned around. “Anyways, I’m done with the warning. Whatever happens will be up to you. Don’t come crying after.”

Dan and Minerva were unable to utter a response as they felt that the soldier did not want the conversation to continue. His strides were hurried, and he immediately faded from sight the moment he melded with the crowd.

“Whatever your decision is, I’ll respect it. Don’t get too pressured, mother,” Dan said. “We still have enough Yilian to live by for a month or two.”

Minerva pondered. She remained silent for almost a minute. Afterwards, she dusted off her cloak and said in a fierce and resolved tone, “We’ll enter the city. Just living and breathing have its risks. We can’t continue running from our fears forever.”

Dan smiled after her words. “Of course.”

The two of them continued walking towards the slightly opened gate. Along the way, they noticed the large amount of refugees that was bounded by chains. They had not noticed it before, but after the blatant warning, their eyes saw the horrible reality. The words, “nothing’s free,” kept resounding inside their heads.

“Halt! I take it that you two wishes to enter the city?” a man wearing a hooded robe said. He held a staff that was around half his height. On top of it was a small marble that depicted a dull pink color.

“Yes, sir magician,” Minerva replied as she slightly bowed.

“Then fill out these forms. We need to have you two registered—security purposes. Don’t worry ‘bout the price. City Lord’s too generous. He actually gave away five thousand of these things for the refugees. There’s still a hundred or so left—there’s your luck.” The man handed them two bronze colored plates. On its upper right corner, the words ‘status plate’ was imprinted.

“Just touch that thing and say ‘Status,’ and everything else should follow.”

The more they heard of the City’s Lord, the more they wanted to see him. It seemed that the name of the city, ‘City of Prosperity,’ was not just for show. It actually held something within which probably originated from such a benevolent master.

Minerva mumbled the word ‘Status,’ and immediately after, the card glowed a dim hue. Numerous engravings began to appear on the previously blank plate. The soldier peeked at the card and recited the words written.

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“Minerva Bhlot. Magical power—rank G,” the soldier said with a nod. “You’ve been registered to the City Archive. Next.”

Dan did the same thing as his mother. After the texts appeared on the bronze colored plate, the soldier read the words imprinted. “Daniek Bhlot. Rank G.” He lazily waived to the gate. “Go. You’ve been both registered.”

“Ah~ So tiring!” they heard the soldier grumpily say as they both moved further towards the gate. The gate itself was made of a certain black metal. It was as thick as the trunk of a century-old tree, and it towered almost the same height as the walls.

Dan and Minerva walked through the opening; no one stopped them in their tracks. Upon entry to the city, the sight of towering structures greeted them. From their location, an absurdly large tower that touched the clouds was seen. Peculiarly, it was not visible when they were still outside. It was light azure in color, and it gave off a translucent imagery. It was ghost-like, and it gave off the feeling that one’s hand would pass through it at the moment of contact.

“Lodgings for two? Meals are included,” a lady before them said with a wink. She was like a shadow that suddenly popped from the ground. Her figure was curvy, and her cheeks were light red. Her eyes danced as she waited for Dan and Minerva’s answer.

“Ah… how much?” was the first thing Minerva said. Money was currently an issue for their family.

The lady clasped her hands, making the frills of her sleeves dangle after the impact. “Two Ors, fifteen Kelts. Quite cheap I must say!” She winked again. She crouched and leaned. Dan saw her twin mountains but paid it no heed.

“Such a cute kid!” she said as she ruffled Dan’s head. Dan did not resist but stared straight into her eyes. She turned to Minerva. “So?”

“Yes, we’ll take the offer,” Minerva said. She placed her two hands on Dan’s shoulder. “We’ll rest for today. We’ll tour the city tomorrow.”

Dan nodded in approval. The lady flashed a teeth-revealing smile. She said, “Alright! Follow me! Heh~ this refugee thing’s making our business great. Heh~ Heh~.”

Dan and Minerva wordlessly followed as the lady led the way. They passed through numerous buildings. Most were stone houses. On the road, numerous stalls that sold antiques and potteries were line up in array. Opposite them were food stalls filled with salivating on-lookers. Buzzing sounds filled the air as people tried to lift down the prices of the items they were buying.

“We’re here!” the lady said as she pushed open the wooden door of an inn. It took them five minutes of walk to finally arrive at the place. “Mom! Another customer!”

The inside of the inn was bustling. It was filled with customers drinking and eating. At the far end of the inn, a woman with resembling appearance as the young lady that led them was wiping the plates. Beside her was a man with tinges of white hair.

“Sera, three rooms left and the inn will be full. Good job!” The woman flashed a thumbs-up sign.

The young lady turned to Minerva. “Welcome to the Sera Inn! Well, it’s probably obvious… it’s named after me. Heh~.” She scratched her nose and pulled out a key then handed it to Minerva. “Room’s on the fifth floor. Room 508. Lunch will be served in around an hour.” She ushered them to go towards the counter. “Down payment’s ten Ors. Better be sure.” She looked at Minerva with eyes that bespoke of the words ‘show me the money.’

Dan fumbled inside his pocket and handed the exact amount. He then tugged at Minerva’s robe and whispered. “Mom, you should take a rest. You’re pregnant.” He turned to Sera. “Is it alright if you deliver the food into our room?”

“Of course,” Sera said ceremoniously. “I take it that you wanted it delivered once lunch time comes?”

“Yes please,” Dan said with a polite smile. After those words, Dan and Minerva entered the flight of stairs. After reaching their room, they immediately slumped on the fluffy bed and closed their eyes. Their travel through cart was arduous and exhausting.

****

After eating lunch, Dan went towards the bathhouse. It was part of the inn’s special service. It spanned ten meters large, and the genders were separated by a large stone partition. Steams oozed out of the water and lightly occluded his vision. Surprisingly, he was alone inside such large place.

Dan removed his clothes and dipped his body onto the large tub. He felt a warm sensation crawl up his body the moment his toes touched the water. The water was crystal clear and soothing. He closed his eyes as he reminisced the previous training he did back in the village of Ruktia.

‘My previous training made such a commotion back then. This time, I need to suppress my soul spirit. It seems that it’s too colossal even in this world,’ Dan thought. After his previous training, he found out that everyone in the village felt his murderous rage. The phenomenon was so gargantuan to the point that some of the goats broke free from the fences in their attempt to flee the village.

‘I need to practice it one step at a time. I need to be discreet.’ Dan closed his eyes and again reminisced the life of Hades. It was a routine that he’d rather do without, but it was indispensable. It was the only way he knew. Otherwise, he would not be able to summon such an extreme amount of blood lust.

One by one, his previous massacres flashed in his mind. His brows knitted together, and his lips formed into a downward crescent. His entire body trembled as he tried to keep reminiscing Hades’ nightmares.

‘Slowly… one step at a time… control it… don’t get consumed by it…,’ he inwardly mumbled. He channeled all of the bloodlust in his body into his chest, and then slowly, he channeled it into his fingertips. The steamy bath began to form bubbles as his soul spirit made the water quiver and tremble.

Dan kept procuring soul spirit. Unbeknownst to him, even the leader of the revolutionary army took two years to manifest such a phenomenon. But to Dan, it took him two attempts to finally channel it to a single point. The bath he was submerged in bubbled violently, but Dan did not take notice. He was deep in trance, and he kept reminiscing his previous life’s nightmares. He kept reminiscing the sensation of his blades cutting through flesh. It was a gruesome sensation, but the monster deep within him licked its lips every time his prey screamed of agony. The diabolical manifestation of his soul that resided within his body slowly but continuously unshackled its chain as he meditated. It was thirsting for blood. It was thirsting for carnage.

“THWAAGG!” A loud sound broke him out of his trance. His eyes bolted open, and it swiveled left and right as it glanced at the decimated bathhouse before it. Numerous cracks formed on the stone walls, and large blots of water spattered everywhere, eventually forming a flood-like appearance. The tub he was previously submerged in was now devoid of water, and its rear was reduced to dust. He heard numerous footsteps and afterwards, Sera entered the bathhouse with a worried look plastered on her face.

“Are you alright?!” Sera walked inside and stopped right before him. Dan was completely naked, but she seemed to not mind his appearance. To her, Dan was nothing but a six year old kid. She kept glanced at the decimated bathhouse, then to Dan. She leaned closer and repeated, “Are you alright? What happened here?”

Dan was left speechless as he tried to come up with an explanation. Suddenly, a woman’s voice rang out from the bath’s entrance. It was Sera’s mother. “So it finally gave way, eh? I knew that the day would come that this old thing would break. It’s definitely in great need of renovation.” She looked at Dan. “Ya alright kid? Any injuries?”

Dan awkwardly replied, “I’m fine.” He felt guilty after he heard of Sera and her mother’s concern. He found it hard to explain that he was the cause of the phenomenon. He knew that the two would not believe him, and even if they did, he was sparse of Yilian to actually pay for the repair. He silently listened as Sera’s mother lectured her of the proper ways of maintaining the bathhouse.

With a soft sigh, he walked towards the door and took his clothes. Uncaring for his naked appearance, he dried his body with a towel and putted on his garb. At the back of his mind, he repeatedly chanted the words, “Better control the soul spirit properly next time.”

****

After the commotion, Dan went back to his room. He then found out that Minerva was asleep. After kissing her cheeks, he wrote a letter on top of the wooden table saying that he’ll be out for a quick stroll. He then went out of the inn. The remaining blade was concealed within his cloak.

“Archery contest! Entry price is two Ors! Grand price is Six Wys!” a skinny man shouted. He was outside a tent that encompassed almost fifty meters in diameter.

The price of winning the contest perked Dan’s interest. He walked up towards the man and said, “Mister, is there an age requirement? Can everyone join the competition?”

The man grinned and crouched. “Yeah, kid. No age requirement! Your old man wants to join? Sure! The more the better! It a competition sponsored by the Roshaila Family!”

“Then sign me in,” was Dan’s reply. The man was taken aback by the child’s bold declaration. He snorted and said, “Hey. This is a serious competition. Tell your old man to come here personally to register. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to enter. The tournament’s starting in ten minutes.”

“I’m serious, mister. I’ll be the one joining the competition.” Dan pulled out two Ors and handed it towards the man. “Here’s the payment.”

The man pondered for a moment but eventually said, “Fine. I did say that there’s no age requirement. Do what you want, kid. No regrets ‘kay? It’s you’re choice if you wanted to throw away your money. I swear—kids these days!”

Dan did not reply but silently wrote down his name on the players’ list. He thought of the things he would buy the moment he got his hands on the Grand Price. He silently thought on how lucky he was to encounter such competition.