Ten days remained before the Danghai Conference.

…

Visitors to Danghai would describe the city as metropolitan ice-cream coming in three favors.

Facing the sea was the articulated Harbor District, welcoming vast numbers of cargo freighters and ships. Here, the number of warehouses loaned to store important inventories outnumbered the accommodation. Most would call it spartan, but most sailors would be satisfied with well-established bars and a few sweet selections of houses of ill-repute.

Cussing sailors aside, the harbor of Danghai was a thing of beauty. Unlike Earth’s, Frisnia's infamous wood, cultivated nearby the World Tree, boasted superior parameters to concrete as a material. Danghai's Oceanic Port — the city's signature attraction — won its artistic design award for the natural beauty of pagodas of varnished wood contrasting to the emerald sea of Tengen Continent. With his bonus on the line, the harbor-master’s upward mobility depended on keeping this beautiful architecture like it was made yesterday.

Facing the land was a series of parking lots and magical train stations. As a trade-hub, Danghai prided itself on excellent transport service in both land and sea. The city dedicated part of its land to accommodate land-transportation. The Station District was devoted to serving tourists with restaurants, hotels, and parks with beautiful fountains.

The Danghai internal rail network connected the two external districts with the breathing heart of the city — the wooden metropolis of Business District.

Here, the architect of Frisnia pulled the best out of the magical woods’ lightness and toughness. Wooden pagodas and spires formed the architecture, combining nature and modern together like a mocha blend. Magical railways network substitute snaked through the forest of wooden skyscrapers like capillaries, connecting the place together.

Notable buildings in this area were the pyramid that formed Frisnia’s Conference Center, the wooden palace of Frisnia’s Commercial Bank and the nest-like Skylark Trade Emporium.

Danghai was indeed a beautiful city, second only to Frisnia’s capital. More notably, it went down as the trigger of the war that forever changed the Tengen Continent. Here was where the first battle of the Wild Hunt War started. The battle which commenced among the wooden skyscraping pagodas birthed legends and transformed legends into myths.

And this was how it all began.

…

Two particular myths in the making were Remus Breaker and Yuri Ushakov. The two knights of the Horizon Dawn were queuing in the immigration office of the station district.

They were paladins of the modern era. Unlike traditional warriors of the light, the two Earthlings were dressed in well-pressed suits with a necktie and polished shoes instead of shining armor.

“Why’re we dressed like this?” Yuri said, voicing his unfamiliarity in formal clothing.

“Because we’re technically an agent on the behalf of Acropolis’ Arms Association,” Rem said. “We are here to represent them in a trade conference.”

“That’s our cover story,” Yuri didn’t know how to feel about being a weapon trader.

“It isn’t a story,” Rem corrected. “I asked a friend to put our names on their trade team sent to Danghai. We might be here to prevent the coming shit storm, but we also represent Acropolis’ weapon-makers.” Rem made his point clear. “I don’t know what you think about guns, but you better like the 2nd Amendments because we are the source of Acropolis’ gun culture.”

Yuri felt his brain explode, “We did what?”

“Acropolis was formed after Centuria died in a fire,” Rem gave a short version. “Me and my old buddies built a refuge and taught the refugee how to run a country. We built some of their industries, drafted their constitution, and gave them Cicero’s approved education. Empress and I introduced them to firearms and gun-making.” REM’s voice contained a hint of pride. “After we exploded the usurpers in the Hidden Vault Showdown, the refuge — Acropolis — became the strongest growing influence to recover in the wreckage of Centuria.”

Yuri blinked, “You guys founded a nation?”

“Technically, it is still a city-state,” Rem corrected. “And we only give them guidelines, the rest is on them.” Rem frowned. “They still built statues of us. The monument for Lux in front of the Militia Academia is a source of stress for her. She felt nervous about being put on such a high pedestal.”

Yuri couldn’t believe the shit he was hearing, “Of course they built you a shrine. You saved their lives and founded their bloody country.”

…

The duo got their fake credentials through the barrier of immigration officers.

There, behind the huge station that marked the Station District was where Rem’s eyes spotted the clue.

“I think we found Chronicler,” REM said.

“Where?” asked Yuri.

Rem pointed to a cleanly dressed boy handing out brochures and promotion for the upcoming.

“Normally, that kid will get kidnapped or forced into some dubious shit by the jackasses in this area,” Rem said. “The fact he is out here giving brochures instead of pick-pocketing proved that our dear Hikma already had a conversation with some assholes.”

Yuri wasn’t surprised, “Are they dead?”

“Probably not,” Rem shook his head. “Hikma will probably lock them in the cellar before he decides what to do with them. He is considerate that way.”

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The two walked to the kid. The three pairs of eyes met. It was the child who reacted first. He looked at Rem in surprise.

“You are in the photograph,” the boy said.

“You mean Chronicler’s photograph,” Rem confirmed. “The one he always kept in his wallet.”

The boy nodded.

“What is your name, buddy?” Yuri said.

“Alec,” answered the boy.

“Alec,” Rem said. “Do you know the guy named Chronicler?”

Alec nodded.

…

Rem and Yuri found themselves in front of a nice wooden building.

“That is easy,” Yuri said, then something occurred to him. “Hey, what are Chronicler's abilities, anyway? Orwell claimed he can use every attribute, and Shyme called him the finest mage she ever saw.”

“They are right on both accounts,” Rem replied. “But those statements are misleading. Hikma never crafted a single spell, and he couldn’t. He is like me and you — an Origin-user without a leaning to a particular attribute.”

“What?” Yuri said. “How can…”

Then Yuri struck the possible answer.

“Arcane,” Yuri said. “Can you use every Arcane under the sun?”

“Technically, no,” Rem explained. “To utilize Arcane, you must be able to learn the memory lies within the Astral Realm. This requires that you must have a strong link with the memory in the first place. It was where personal preference, Adamakles, Mystic Core and Origin helped. Even then, every one of those had a limit on their coverage. Chronicler is an exception that confirms the rule.”

“Exception?” Yuri said.

“His Origin covers the representation of words,” Rem said. “It is called [Glyph of Forms].”

“How did representation of words allow him to use every Arcane?” Yuri asked, confused. After the hype and list of people who praised him as the paragon, Yuri expected a nuclear-powered man who could rearrange the stars and flip the ocean. The revelation that Chronicler’s power was centered on words was a let-down.

At least until Rem explained what it meant, proving the true terror of the origin laid in its context.

“Don’t underestimate that Origin,” Rem warned. “Since the dawn of speech, reality and memory are represented through words — fire, worship, stars, tragedy, chuck-e-cheese. Words can be said to be the avatar of concept in conveyable form. Remember how Arcane needs a link to be learned? Now what would be a better link than the avatar representing the concept, carved into reality with the power of Origin.” Rem shrugged. “By its lonesome, [Glyph of Forms] was only good for inscribing enchantment — a mediocre function. However, with Hikma’s natural empathy and the Astral Realm, it became a fast-track to master every elemental Arcane and esoteric ones like [Tempo] and [Tenshou]. To be fair, having every power under the sun wasn't proof of dominating mastery, but that didn’t change the fact Hikma wielded EVERY MYSTIC UNDER THE SUN. Better yet, [Glyph of Forms] could even provide a framework for an Arcane, lending Hikma the option to do some pretty crazy moves. Trust me, Orwell brought his A-game to Venistalis. He even pushed Hikma to the edge, but Mehest was stuck fighting a losing battle the entire time.”

The door opened.

“Glad to see you hyping me up for our new friend,” Hikma came out to greet the two.

Yuri ran his eyes over Hikma. The Chronicler — Hikma De Darwin — was a Middle Eastern young man around Rem’s age. He dressed like a junior Victorian professor; white shirt accompanied by gray trousers and matching waistcoat. His boot told a different story. The rugged, dusty boots with worn lacing told the story of a man who traveled frequently. Hikma was clean-shaven with the face of a dreamy Arabian prince. Everything, from the almond-color gentle pairs of eyes to the curious hint of his smile, told the tale of a mirthful man with a hint of curiosity. The way he leaned against the door spoke to both relaxation and peace.

The more Yuri watched, the more he thought about Shyme’s crush on this man. Yuri instinctively knew the girl didn’t have a chance. Hikma De Darwin’s very posture spoke of freedom and humility. He was an antithesis to the very world Shyme and her colleague inhabit. This was the man who wasn’t interested in wealth. He helped found a city, fought several of the world’s most wanted men, and carried the weight of the world as Dream’s colleague. Despite all of this storied accomplishment, there wasn’t a hint of arrogance in him. He didn’t desire to prove himself great nor long for treasure.

Hikma De Darwin was a good man before everything else.

“It’s good to see you mate,” Rem shook his buddy’s hand.

“Glad to see you are okay,” Hikma took his friend into a hug. “I heard about the White Tower. I’m sorry I am not there to help.”

Yes, Hikma De Darwin was fueled by the old do good because it felt great and the power of friendship. Corny as it sounded, the fact Orwell got his ass handed by the purest of heroes only added the extra smarting to his defeat during the Venistalis Incident.

Hikma then turned to face Yuri.

“You must be Yuri,” Hikma said, offering his hand. “I’m Hikma. It is an honor to meet you.”

“Same here,” Yuri said.

…

They finished briefing Hikma on their discovery.

“That is what happened,” Rem said. “The Fairies are likely concentrating their force in the city. Acerbia is hatching another plot. The Wolf Hoard is involved either as a pawn or as a participant.”

Hikma replied to the entire story was simple, “Shyme Enma has a crush on me?”

“You didn’t know?” Yuri gaped. “You saved her during the Venistalis Incident.”

“Anyone would,” Hikma said. “I simply refuse to let people die if I can help it.”

Yuri didn’t know how to respond. Should he tell Hikma that Shyme’s secretly had a death-wish and a massive self-depreciation? The man before him saved the girl who didn’t think she was worthy of being saved like it was nothing and stole her heart. How could he put that into words?

But Hikma didn’t stop there.

“What about you?” Hikma turned to Rem. “This Serenade chick is into you. She is also Luxinna’s old friend. Dude, if you broke her heart, Lux will murder you.”

Rem sighed, “Hikma, please don’t remind me about the Mach-speed punch I will be hit with.”

It was then L chose to materialize.

‘Wow,’ she looked at the two would-be chick magnets. ‘Heart-breakers assemble. Want to hear my tips about dealing with women.’

Hikma sighed. It was the first time he saw the specter of L, but he displayed neither surprise nor fear. He knew exactly what the specter was — what she was offered — and he responded with only concern or cordiality.

“I know this might sound condescending,” Hikma said to L. “But if you want to talk, I am free any time. I promise I will keep everything between us confidential.”

‘What?’ L was stunned by this response. ‘Do you think I need therapy?’

“You are a fragment of the Reverse Beast modeled after Lin Tianshang,” Hikma said firmly. “Yes, you do need therapy.”

Unable to face Hikma, L picked that moment to run away.

“Anyway,” Dream brushed that short episode to the side. “How did you end up in this place?”

“It used to belong to a couple of crime-lord in this area,” Hikma confessed about the wooden house’s origin. “I found the kids being abused by their underlying. One thing led to another, and I got into a fight with the entire Danghai underworld.” He tiredly sighed. “Uprooting most of them and repurposing the rest into a positive force was tiring.”

“You beat the entire underworld in days?” Yuri gaped.

“The battle only took one day,” Hikma said, remembering how fast he needed to work to stop the gang war, filled in the hole, and clamped down on the more rebellious element. “Reorganizing them took longer, but most of them weren’t so bad.” Hikma paused. “Hey, Rem, are you busy? I need your help, mate.”

Rem sighed, “You keep some of the more troublesome one in suspended animationz under the cellar.”

“You can say that,” Hikma shrugged.

Yuri’s facepalmed. He felt a massive paperwork was incoming.

…

Tomorrow morning, the party of three went to meet the colleagues.

It was the time for Yuri to be introduced to the industrious citizens of the Acropolis — the city-state which would soon be known as the greatest rising superpower of Phantasia.

Later, Yuri would say these people may have been too influenced by the Dawn, given their penchant for liberties and firepower.