Chapter 14
The inn room was modest—sturdy wooden beams, mana-infused lighting, and a table that had seen years of use.
It was functional, nothing more. Which is why the woman standing in the doorway found it so baffling.
She let out a soft huff, scanning the room with thinly veiled disapproval.
“Alira,” she said, voice smooth but edged with familiarity. “A place like this? You should have let someone know you were coming—we would’ve prepared accommodations for you at the Solace Veil.”
Eli had no idea what the Solace Veil was, but judging by the tone, it was definitely not this place.
Alira remained seated, calm, unreadable. “That won’t be necessary.”
The woman tilted her head slightly, studying Alira.
“No one has seen you in thirty years.” There was something deliberate in the way she said it, like she had been keeping track.
“Where have you been? We could have used you when Velthran’s northern province fell.”
Alira didn’t react. “I am no longer in the consultation line of work.”
For the first time, the woman’s eyes flickered toward Eli. Her gaze was sharp, assessing, and Eli had the distinct feeling she was measuring his worth.
“Is this your son?” she asked bluntly. “Is that why you’ve been away?”
Eli choked on his own breath. He hadn’t been expecting that.
Alira simply exhaled slowly. “No.”
The woman wasn’t convinced. “I heard you say you were headed to the Capital to register him. If he’s yours, there’s no need to go through that process—we can get you there much quicker. Without the hassle of public transportation.”
She said the words like ‘public transportation’ was some form of barbarism.
Eli snorted. “Alira’s son? That’s a new one.”
He turned to Alira. “You’ve been keeping a lot of secrets from me, huh?”
Alira shot him a look that immediately shut down any further jokes. “Eli, this is Lady Veyna Lysara.”
She returned her focus to the woman. “We don’t need help getting there. We’re taking our time. This is Eli’s first time seeing the cities.”
Eli shrugged, still grinning. “Very isolated.”
The woman arched an eyebrow. “If this is all new to him, he’d be amazed by an airship.” She gestured around them. “Surely, that would be a more efficient way to travel?”
Alira’s patience remained intact, but it was fraying. “We’re fine.”
The woman sighed. “At the very least, if you insist on taking the train, allow me to assign some protection to you.”
Eli’s eyebrows shot up, he looked at Alira. “Like… guards? Armed escort? Fancy uniforms?”
The woman smirked slightly. “Yes, something like that.”
Alira leaned forward slightly, her expression shifting into something firmer, heavier. “I haven’t needed guards in a thousand years.”
The air seemed to tighten.
Eli could feel the weight in her words.
For the first time, Alira stood, meeting the woman’s eyes head-on. “Let’s stop playing games. What do you want?”
Eli could feel Alira’s presence almost expand over the room. This wasn’t Alira, this was Alira The Grace.
The woman didn’t immediately answer. Instead, she studied Alira the way one might study an unpredictable storm—one they weren’t sure would pass or destroy everything in its wake.
Then, finally, she sighed. “I’m not here to play games, Alira. I came because I wanted to make a request.”
Alira didn’t move. “You mean a demand.”
The woman acknowledged the correction with a slight tilt of her head. “Things have been getting… complicated. We’ve had more Emerald-tier monster outbreaks in the last three years than in the last fifty.”
“I am aware.” Alira said with a flat tone.
“Of, course you are.” Veyna said.
“We’re containing it, for now,” she continued, “but certain regions are becoming unstable. The public doesn’t know, and we intend to keep it that way.”
Alira’s expression didn’t change. “You’re trying to rebuild the Monster Guild to its full strength.” Alira not asking a question but stating something obvious.
Venya nodded. “Yes.” She said. “I know that was your suggestion once.”
Alira exhaled slowly. “And it was ignored.”
The woman didn’t deny it. “At the time, it seemed like a waste of resources. Now, we’re seeing the consequences.”
She glanced at Eli, her gaze flickering with something unreadable. “And I’d like to know why he’s important enough for you to come out of hiding.”
Alira didn’t react, but Eli felt the tension shift.
Eli could tell Venya was trying to get Alira to react to her subtle comments, “Hiding.”
The woman continued, her eyes narrowing slightly. “He’s just a Copper-tier user. I can feel his aura—yes, it’s strange, but nothing about him stands out.”
Eli huffed. “Geez, lady, you know I’m sitting right here, right?”
She ignored him entirely.
Alira’s gaze was steady. “Is that why you’re here?”
The woman’s shoulders finally sagged a little, her posture losing some of its previous rigidity. “Look, Alira. A lot has changed.”
She hesitated.
Alira didn’t miss a beat “And a lot has stayed the same.”
Veyna sighed. “We could use your counsel at the very least.”
Alira’s voice was flat. “And at the very most?”
The woman’s hesitation lasted a fraction of a second too long. “If you’d be willing to hear me out, we can take you to Irondale immediately. No trains. No waiting.”
Eli frowned. That was a big shift.
Alira considered the offer for a long moment.
Even if they took the train, it would still be seven hours before they reached Irondale. And with every hour that passed, the risk of someone noticing that all 5 affinities resided in the boy.
He was a walking beacon, and once the wrong people figured that out, things would get complicated.
“How did you know I was here?” Alira asked Veyna.
Venya looked at Eli for a brief second, “We have the ability to track people now through Mana scans. It’s fairly new, but when your signature popped up, I was notified as I was already here for a meeting with the new Brightvale Healing Consortium leader.” She said this with a little assurance.
Eli thought she said this to sound impressive, but if Alira thought it was, she showed no sign.
“So, you can imagine my surprise that I was told you were to arrive here in Brightvale within a few hours.” Venya said. Venya shifting her weight a little.
Eli felt that everything this lady did was on purpose. She was dangerous.
“We parked and waited for you. I was told you had used your mana signature to secure two tickets to Irondale and then a room at this Inn. I was walking over here when I noticed the guards having a pleasant conversation with this one.” Pointing at Eli, “I heard your voice and you know the rest.”
Alira finally nodded. “Fine.”
The woman looked mildly surprised.
Alira continued, “We’ll take your offer for the ride. But after that, we go our separate ways.”
The woman’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Of course.”
Eli, who had been following the exchange like a spectator at a high-stakes chess match, leaned back and stretched.
“Cool, cool, cool. Soooo… does this mean I finally get food?”
Alira exhaled sharply and turned toward the door.
Eli took that as a yes.
After loading into what looked like a mix of a bullet and a bus, Eli put his hand on the door as he climbed in. His HUD pinged.
🔹 [HUD Scan Activated]
→ Object Identified: Vanguard-Class Mana Transport
Security Clearance: Capital-Level Authorization Required
Current Status: Active – En Route
Transport Specifications:
* Model: Vanguard-Class Secure Mana Courier
* Capacity: Capable of carrying up to 15,000 Units of refined mana cores or classified cargo.
* Enchantment Grade: High-Tier Defensive Wards (Multi-Layered Barrier System)
* Speed: Enhanced via Mana Conduits – Max Acceleration: 320 Kilometers Per Hour
* Primary Function: Secure transport of high-priority mana artifacts, restricted tomes, and Celestial-grade materials.
Defensive Systems:
* Kinetic Warding: Reduces impact damage by 70% from non-mana projectiles.
* Aetheric Disruption Field: Nullifies most unauthorized teleportation attempts within a 500-meter radius.
* Guardian Sigils: Linked to Elite Monster Guild Escorts (Silver & Gold-Tier Authorized Only).
* Security Protocols:
* Tamper-Alert Runes: Unauthorized interference triggers Capital-Level Response Units.
* Emergency Lockdown Mode: Activated upon hostile breach detection.
Passenger Comfort & Security Enhancements:
* Energy Mana Stabilization Field:
* Eliminates all sense of movement inside transport.
* Passengers experience a state of "static equilibrium," preventing motion sickness.
* Even at max acceleration, internal conditions remain as if stationary.
[Threat Assessment: EXTREME]
⚠️ Warning: Any unauthorized approach will result in immediate retaliation by automated security wards and Guild Forces.
Eli’s eyes widen. “Ho…” He stopped himself.
Holy shit, he thought to himself. What they are doing with mana is insane.
Alira looked at him with a knowing glance but didn’t say anything.
The inside was lined with comfortable seating that looked like it could be adjusted to fit a multitude of different situations.
The door shut and Eli could see through the windows the Transport lifted into the air and spun 180 degrees and then shot forward in blinding speed.
Eli didn’t feel anything, if he had his eyes closed he would swear they were still sitting still. Eli just shook his head. This is insane.
After about 5 minutes of flight and a few direction changes they pulled up to a large complex that definitely looked secure.
A lot of guards were standing watching the surrounding area. No one had spoken the entire time.
They got out of the Transport and Eli stretched his arms and legs.
“Do you think they have food on this airship?” he whispered to Alira.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“If not, I will personally make you something, but I am guessing they do.” Alira replied with her no-nonsense tone.
“We do have food on board. We have a cook on board that can make you almost anything you want.” Venya said as she walked by them following the lead guard.
The walk to the airship was uneventful, Eli was really hoping for some cool new ManaTech, but everything looked very mundane and normal.
After they took a platform that lifted them to the top floor, they exited to a large hallway that ended with what looked like a walkway onto a cruise ship.
Eli couldn’t help but put his hand on the outside of the ship.
Eli’s HUD pinged.
🔹 [HUD Scan Activated]
→ Object Identified: Argent Wing
Classification: Capital-Class Airship – Monarch’s Personal Fleet
Authorization Level: Imperial Clearance Required
Status: Docked – Awaiting Priority Boarding
----------------------------------------
Ship Specifications
* Model: Argent Wing – Celestial-Class Sky Cruiser
* Primary Use: Exclusive Transport for Capital Elites
* Access Restrictions:
* Only verified high-ranking officials, noble houses, and elite dignitaries may board.
* Excludes The Monarch, who possesses a separate flagship.
* Unauthorized entry will trigger full lockdown and capital-level security forces.
* Maximum Capacity: 150 Passengers + Personal Staff & Guards
* Dimensions: 280 meters in length | 80 meters wide | 6 decks
* Flight Method: Mana-Infused Levitation Core + Aetheric Propulsion Drives
* Maximum Speed: 550 Kilometers Per Hour (Full acceleration stabilized by inertia dampeners)
----------------------------------------
Defensive Systems
* Aetheric Barrier Array: Generates a multi-layered mana shield capable of withstanding direct magical bombardment and high-velocity projectiles.
* Adaptive Cloaking Veil: Renders the airship partially invisible at high altitudes, making it difficult to track.
* Celestial Disruption Field: Prevents unauthorized teleportation or mana-based interference within a 1-kilometer radius.
* Kinetic Nullification Matrix: Negates the effects of external turbulence, ensuring passengers feel zero external force.
* Personalized Guardian Sigils: Allows only registered passengers to interact with ship functions, preventing hijacking.
----------------------------------------
Luxury & Passenger Comfort
* Gravity-Stabilized Interiors: Passengers experience absolute motion stability, eliminating turbulence or shifts in altitude.
* Personalized Mana-Climate Control: Each suite adjusts to the user’s preferred temperature and mana alignment.
* Skyward Lounge: A floating observation deck with reinforced glass flooring for an unobstructed view of Caelum’s landscapes.
* Imperial Dining Halls: 5 star dinning with 2 Chefs on board.
* Stellar Ballroom: An opulent event space, often used for diplomatic gatherings and elite entertainment.
* Private Celestial Chambers: Suites designed with customized mana-infused furnishings for maximum luxury.
----------------------------------------
[Threat Assessment: EXTREME]
⚠️ Warning: Any unauthorized boarding attempt will trigger immediate defense protocols.
—Capital Forces Will Respond with Lethal Force—
This time Eli couldn’t stop himself. “Holy shit.”
Eli and Alira were led to the private seating area that looked more like a large living room than something that should be on an airship.
“We will be leaving in about 10 minutes.” Venya said as she turned and walked back out the door.
The private lounge aboard the Argent Wing was larger than Eli expected.
Plush seating, smooth marble-like tables, and softly glowing mana sconces gave it the feel of a high-end executive suite.
The air was crisp, probably filtered through some enchantment that kept it perfectly balanced. Eli ran his fingers across the table as he sat, his HUD flaring to life.
☰ Item: High-Grade Lux Weave Upholstery
☰ Material: Softened Titan Silk, Mana-Treated Foam
☰ Description: Designed for optimal comfort. Automatically adjusts to passenger preferences.
☰ Item: Argent Dining Table
☰ Material: Mana-Carved Stone, Reinforced Arcane Seal
☰ Description: High-resistance, self-cleaning surface. Resistant to elemental damage.
Eli smirked. “Auto-cleaning tables. Man, I need this for my apartment back home.”
Eli looked at Alira, “This all seems…” Alira cut him off, “Not right now.”
Eli got it and just nodded.
He didn’t know who was listening and what he would say but he figured she was right to be cautious here.
Eli sat back and started fidgeting with the seat, Looking at Alira, “This is the most comfortable kidnapping I’ve ever been part of, granted this is my first kidnapping so I guess I don’t have a lot to compare it to.”
Alira smirked just shaking her head.
Eli sat back and tried to meditate while he waited to take off.
Alira noticing this, smiled a little, he was learning at least.
As Eli was trying to get into a meditated state he noticed a small imperceptible shift in the gravity.
He lifted one eyelid, “Airships don’t usually fall out of the sky, right?”
Alira watching him just said “Not the good ones.”
Venya walked back into the lounge and looked at Eli who opened his eyes as she was walking by, “Order whatever you like. The Argent Wing carries a full culinary staff. You can access the menu through the tablet in the table.” Her tone lighter but still firm.
“Eli’s eyebrows shot up. “Fancy airship and fancy food? I take back what I said about being kidnapped. This might be the best kidnapping ever.”
Alira shot him a look, but Veyna chuckled as she moved toward the seating area. “I suppose it depends on your point of view.”
A subtle reminder that this was not just a casual trip.
A shimmering projection screen appeared near the center table, displaying the available meals. Eli leaned forward, scanning the options. Most of the names meant nothing to him, so he went with the simplest thing he recognized—something labeled “Seared Dire Steak with Mana-Rich Glaze.”
Sounds like steak.
“Alright, I’ll take this.” Eli tapped the selection. “And, uh… fruit juice?”
The display pulsed, confirming his order. He shifted his weight and set back in his chair.
Looking at Venya sitting next to Alira. “Man, this got awkward fast. So, what is the turn around on the food service?”
Venya was looking at him with an expression that Eli’s entire existence made no sense.
“It shouldn’t take long, Alira, do you want to order anything?” She said, still eyeing Eli. “No, thank you.” Alira said flatly.
Eli thumbed the table while everyone just sat in silence, Alira didn’t see bothered at all, Venya looked like she was about to crawl out of her skin.
A few minutes later two men wearing identical blue uniforms, both looked young and never made eye contact with anyone. Venya pointed at Eli and they sat the food and his fruit juice on the table in front of him. As soon as Eli grabbed the plate and removed the bowl on top of the plate covering the steak his HUD pinged:
☰ Item: Arcane Silverware Set
☰ Material: Mana-Treated Silver, Self-Sanitizing Alloy
☰ Description: Automatically adjusts to user grip. Resistant to corrosion and heat.
☰ Item: Seared Dire Steak – High-Quality
☰ Material: Dire Elk Meat, Mana-Infused Spices
☰ Description: Rich, tender, and saturated with natural mana energy. Provides increased stamina regeneration when consumed.
☰ Potentially Harmful? No active toxins detected. No harmful enchantments present.
Eli picked the glass of fruit juice up.
☰ Item: Arcane Crystal Goblet – High-Quality
☰ Material: Mana-Fused Crystal, Light Mana Weave
☰ Description: Enhances the natural flavor of any liquid stored within. Self-regulating temperature control ensures optimal drinking conditions. Resistant to shattering.
☰ Item: Multi-Fruit Extract Juice
☰ Description: A carefully blended combination of local and exotic fruits, enhanced through Light and Water mana infusion. Flavor adapts slightly to the drinker’s preferences. ☰ Potentially Harmful: No active toxins detected. No harmful enchantments present.
Eli paused, staring at his glass. He took a sip—his eyes immediately widened.
“This… tastes like every fruit at once.”
Alira gave him an amused glance.
Eli took another sip, shaking his head. “Okay, that’s just unfair to regular juice.”
Veyna, however, was watching him intently. “You’re remarkably easy to impress.”
Eli shrugged. “I was remarkably sheltered it seems.”
A beat of silence.
Veyna didn’t apologize. Didn’t soften her gaze.
Alira, sensing the shift, leaned back in her seat. “You wanted to talk. Go ahead.”
Veyna hesitated. “Perhaps in private.”
Alira didn’t even blink. “You can speak freely in front of Eli.”
Veyna studied her. “That’s not like you.”
Alira’s expression remained steady. “It wouldn’t matter. I’d tell him what we discussed anyway.”
For the first time, Veyna looked genuinely perplexed. Glancing at Eli cutting into his steak.
She folded her hands in her lap, exhaling. “Very well.”
She leaned back slightly, her voice taking on a measured tone. “Stormspire and Zarashan are at odds again. The seers claim Draegonreach has been generating massive mana fluctuations.”
Eli had no idea what any of that meant, but he listened.
“And Draegonreach denies it, of course,” Veyna sighed. “They are a proud people, and their claim as the oldest of Caelum makes them… difficult.”
Alira didn’t comment, but thought back to the conversation with Lilly. The Great Dragon Age, maybe they had a reason to feel proud.
Veyna continued. “Meanwhile, Durnspire has doubled their standing army over the last decade. Their official reason? Increased birthrates. But no one believes that.”
Eli moaned in delight, “This is the best steak I might have ever had, might be the best meal I have ever had, well this side of the Mississippi, my mom could cook a mean jambalaya.”
Venya looking at him, “Mississ…what…?” “What did you say your mom’s name is?”
Eli just glanced at her, and in a flat tone “My parents are dead.”
Venya didn’t respond and turned back to Alira. “As I said, Durnspire has doubled their standing army. No one believes their ‘increased birthrate’ as to why.”
Alira exhaled slowly. “I tried to warn them.”
Veyna sighed. “Yes. And they dismissed you.”
“They called me a paranoid old woman.”
Veyna gave her a wry look. “Well, to be fair—”
Alira shot her a glare.
Veyna smirked, but it faded. “The new Monarch at the time wanted to distance himself from what he saw as ‘outside’ voices. He believed the realm needed stability, not endless prophecies of doom.”
Alira’s expression remained unreadable. “And now?”
Veyna sighed. “Now, he has… evolved. He relies on the Council more than any Monarch before him.”
Alira’s lips pressed together, her gaze flicking briefly to the Argent Wing’s interior. This was his ship. She wasn’t about to badmouth him in his own house.
“As I stated the last time I advised the Monarch, we will start to see an increase in their army, and when we do, that we should already be out in front of them. They respect power. Showing power is the only way to get them to show their hand.”
Veyna nodded. “We are currently playing catch up.”
Veyna hesitated before leaning forward. “Alira… do you know how to contact the Preserver and Reformer?”
Alira’s expression didn’t change. “No.”
“Have you seen anything? Heard anything?”
Alira exhaled slowly. “Nothing useful.”
“No one can get an audience with the Preserver or Reformer.”
Alira’s fingers drummed against the armrest, looking at Eli for a brief moment. Looking for the first time like something intrigued her.
Veyna’s voice lowered. “They’ve been locked away for five years. Even their Ruby Guard can’t step onto the temple steps, there seems to be a barrier around the temple.”
“That does seem unusual. But they have locked themselves away before though, although I don’t think I have known them to be locked away for this extended of a time.”
Eli swallowed another bite of steak. He was pretty sure this was the best thing he had ever eaten, but also, what the hell was happening in this world?
Veyna pinched the bridge of her nose, frustration creeping in. Then, her voice softened.
“We’ve been fat and happy for too long.” Her tone was almost… ashamed. “I fear we are no longer the strength of Caelum.”
She looked at Alira sharply. “Do not repeat those words. It is… shameful that I even muttered them.”
“Speaking truth should never be shameful.” Alira looked at Venya with pang of sympathy.
Venya seemed to remember Eli was sitting a few feet away. She stood up, Alira, I appreciate your council. Please make yourself as comfortable as possible. We will be in Irondale in about 30 minutes. I will speak to you before we go our separate ways.” Venya had slipped her mask of calm and in control back on.
Eli sat back in his seat, watching as the Argent Wing descended toward Irondale’s airship port. The city loomed before him, massive and sprawling, an industrial fortress of stone, steel, and mana-infused forges.
Smoke and steam billowed from towering chimneys, their thick plumes tinted faintly by the glow of molten metal.
Giant cranes and conveyor platforms moved cargo between sprawling warehouses, while massive Earth-mana constructs reinforced the city’s walls and transit hubs.
His HUD pinged as they crossed into city limits.
☰ HUD Update: New Map Data Acquired
☰ Region: Irondale – The City of Forges
☰ Population: ~7 Million
☰ Primary Affinity: Earth Mana
☰ Notable Features: Largest Forge District in Caelum, Specialized Weaponcrafting, High Mana Density, Restricted Zones Present
Eli exhaled. "Holy shit, this place is massive."
Alira barely reacted. "Irondale is the second-largest city on Caelum. Everything they build here fuels the Capitals, the Monster Guild, and every major standing army."
Eli pressed his forehead against the glass, taking in the sight of rivers of molten metal flowing through controlled channels, platforms floating mid-air as Earth mana stabilized heavy cargo, and the massive blackstone towers that served as Irondale’s central district.
He muttered under his breath, "Feels less like a city and more like a fortress pretending to be one."
Alira smirked. "That’s because it is."
The airship landed smoothly onto a reinforced docking platform. The moment the doors opened, the heat and scent of molten metal hit Eli like a wave—charred steel, stone, and a faint metallic tang that clung to the air.
Venya led them down the ramp, her usual composed expression unchanged as they stepped onto the port’s main transit hub. Guild enforcers and armored guards patrolled the platforms, watching the influx of passengers with sharp, methodical gazes.
As they reached the edge of the port’s restricted zone, Venya turned to Alira. "This is where we part ways."
Alira nodded, her expression unreadable. "Thank you for the ride."
Venya’s gaze flickered briefly to Eli, her curiosity still evident, but she didn’t press further. "If you change your mind about our offer, you know where to find me."
Alira simply nodded.
Eli, ever the opportunist, casually brushed against Venya’s shoulder as they passed. His HUD flared with information.
☰ Entity: Lady Veyna Lysara
☰ Affiliation: Arindal Council – High Representative
☰ Rank: Ruby Tier Mana User
☰ Primary Affinity: Spiritual
☰ Mana Type: Illusion and Light
☰ Notable Titles: The Monarch’s Voice, The Hidden Blade
☰ Status: Unknown Objectives
Eli nearly tripped over his own feet. "Damn."
Alira gave him a look. "Don’t push your luck."
As Venya’s escort peeled away toward the administrative wing of the port, Alira led Eli through a series of back alleys and narrow streets.
The towering structures around them blocked out most of the sunlight, leaving the pathways dimly lit by sporadic mana sconces embedded in the stone walls.
Eli frowned. "Okay, what’s with the whole ‘back alley’ route? Pretty sure we look more suspicious this way."
Alira didn’t slow her pace. "We’re keeping eyes off us long enough to slip out unnoticed."
Eli sighed. "See, now that makes me paranoid."
As they moved through the winding paths, Eli’s HUD suddenly pinged.
☰ ALERT: Tracking Crystal Detected
☰ Location: Inside Left Sleeve – Hidden Compartment
☰ Enchantment: Mana Signature Lock
☰ Function: Long-Range Tracking Beacon – Passive Transmission
Eli stiffened. "Uh, Alira? I think I’ve been bugged."
She stopped immediately. "What does that mean?”
“We are being tracked.” Eli said as he was moving his hand up to point where his HUD said it was.
Eli tapped his sleeve, as his HUD highlighted the exact spot. Alira reached over, slipping the small, barely perceptible crystal into her palm.
She sighed, shaking her head. "Venya used you as much as you used her. When you brushed up against her, I thought it was strange that she allowed the contact.”
Eli watched as she rolled the crystal between her fingers, mana flickering faintly around it. Then, without a word, she pocketed it and resumed walking.
A few minutes later, as they passed a merchant family with bags slung over their shoulders, Alira subtly dropped the crystal into one of their satchels.
Eli blinked. "Did you just—?"
Alira kept walking. "We need them looking in the wrong direction."
Eli glanced over his shoulder just in time to see two unassuming men in travel-worn cloaks walking into the alley they had just exited. Their movements were precise, calculated, their eyes scanning the area with quiet efficiency.
Alira leaned in slightly. "See those two?"
Eli nodded.
"Venya’s guards."
Eli felt a chill creep up his spine as the men checked a small, rune-inscribed tablet, then turned—heading in the exact direction of the family Alira had just passed.
Eli whistled low. "Damn, you’re scary."
Alira smirked. "Come on."
She led him toward a tram station, where a mana-powered transit line waited with open doors.
Alira pulled a few copper coins from her satchel, dropping them into the fare slot. The machine pulsed, confirming their transaction.
As they took their seats inside the tram, Eli let out a slow breath. “Are we the bad guys?"
Eli’s HUD pinged:
🔹 [HUD Scan Activated]
→ Object Identified: Irondale Public Tram
Classification: Urban Transit – High-Capacity Transport
Access Level: Open to All Citizens & Authorized Visitors
Current Status: Active – Current Route – Ashen Spire Station – Platinum Row Station – Blackstone Station
→Please see History log for further details.
Alira chuckled softly, watching as the tram doors slid shut.
The city moved past them in a blur of stone towers, glowing forge-windows, and the never-ending movement of people and machinery.