A narrow, winding path snaked its way through the woods, curving gracefully around the mountain's base and bordered by tall trees. Their branches formed a natural canopy overhead.

Wildflowers in hues of blues, yellows, and purples dotted the landscape and added splashes of color to the verdant surroundings.

As the path meandered closer to the mountain, the terrain became more rugged. The dense foliage gradually gave way to rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation.

The sounds of footsteps suppressed, and their owners' voices were drowned in the nearby streaming water.

The air grew cooler, and the scent of pine became more distinct as Aeron and four Phantom Hunters walked on the path leading towards the city. The sound of the stream grew louder, revealing a crystal-clear brook cascading over rocks, its water sparkling in the sunlight of the rising sun.

Finally, the path emerges from the woods, revealing a breathtaking vista. The city lied ahead, its entrance marked by ancient stone walls that have stood the test of time, but filled with the scent of curse and spirituality to ward against Haunts.

Beyond the walls, rooftops and spires stretched towards the sky, a testament to the city's enduring presence.

Aeron and four senior Phantom Hunters finally arrived at the daunting metal gates.

"Don't enter this Dark Claw forest until the Phantom Association decreases the danger grade. The current situation in the forest is dire," a middle-aged man draped in a black cloak said with a slightly stern expression.

Four senior Phantom Hunters that escorted Aeron to the city's gate wore the same kind of black cloaks, a long-tusked boar symbol on their shoulders.

Lapis recognized the symbol.

[Black Boar Guild. This is one of the strongest Phantom Guilds in this city. They must be out there to kill Haunts that are nearing in this direction.]

'I felt many more human presences. It seems that Phantom Hunters are stationed in the mountains.'

[Yes. Haunts might go into the wilderness of the mountains and crossover to the city.]

Aeron slightly bowed towards the Phantom Hunters while smiling, "Thank you, seniors. Stay safe out there."

The Phantom Hunters smiled at that and nodded before they returned to their teammates at their stationed area.

"Hurry up, boy!"

The city's giant metal gate opened a smaller door as a guard called him to enter quickly.

Aeron looked up at the mighty metal gates while walking towards the entrance and entered the smaller door, finally entering the Fourth Sanctuary city.

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'The fear emerging from stress and anxiety is permeated in the atmosphere,' Aeron raised his eyebrows at the silent atmosphere of the early morning, but tens of people from young to old were in the camps at the borders with melee weapons.

Some talked about matters of the city while some sat in meditation. None with bothered with Aeron after casting him a glance.

A kilometer away began the big apartments and houses with roads, street lamps, and electricity cable towers.

The city looked much like a mix of modern-style and middle-age structures.

Most of the people were sleeping, but Aeron could see some on their apartment's balcony, brushing their teeth or sitting on chair reading something.

[This is the outer area of the city, and it's for Tier-3 citizens.]

'Wait, what?' Aeron was surprised at that information. 'So people have different privileges and places to live based on their citizen Tier?'

Lapis nodded.

[Indeed. You need a contribution of over 10,000 spirit credits if you want to upgrade to Tier-2 citizenship and move into the inner area of the city. Spirit Credit is the main currency as well.]

[People here mostly work manual labor for companies, factories, workers in Phantom guilds, and such. Not everyone wants to become a Phantom Hunter because it's a risky path.]

'Understandable,' Aeron nodded, walking on the footpath and looking at apartments, stores, food stalls, and such. 'Are those worms?'

Aeron saw a few people at the stalls eating and drinking. The food stall had a water tank filled with lots of creamy-colored worms.

[Early morning worm soup and food. Easy to cultivate, cheaper, and gives you just enough energy to work. It's tasteless, but if you want to save credits, that's the way for Tier-3 citizens. They'll be either going for construction work or other places that I mentioned before.]

Aeron nodded and continued to observe while walking.

Lapis wryly smiled and added.

[Most aspire to become Alchemists, Forager Chefs, and Crafters with safe methods instead of risking lives outside. In the last five years, Tier-1 and Tier-2 citizens with Phantom Hunters in their families have trained their spirit power and curse power without going out thanks to Haunt cores and resources.]

[They can learn from Phantom Hunters without risking their lives outside and practice those three occupations to earn credits.]

As Aeron walked with Lapis and learned more about the city, they soon arrived at the border of the inner area of the city.

This area had fewer apartments and more houses. Everything looked better here than in the outer area of the city. School for kids, food, lifestyle, necessities, everything.

Generally, only those with at least one B or C-rank Phantom Hunter or multiple low-ranking Phantom Hunters in their family could live here.

[Your small house is in the periphery of the inner city area since you and your sister have been Tier-2 citizens since last year.]

Lapis sighed, her voice containing a hint of pity.

[The other Aeron worked hard for that, but after becoming a Tier-2 citizen, he couldn't keep up with the increasing burdens of food and saving up for his sister's illness due to a curse and giving her a C-grade Phantom Ability potion to save her.]

As Lapis led Aeron through the streets, he soon arrived in a small residency area with a row of small houses, each house consisting of one bedroom, a tiny hall, and a kitchen.

Some people were outside, talking to their neighbors about the trouble brewing in the nearby Dark Claw forest, but most of them were sleeping.

'The fear is thick here,' Aeron walked towards his house.

[Enter that 3rd house. Rosalie should be sleeping.]

'How old is she?' Aeron asked.

[Thirteen-year-old, but she lived through tough times since child and is more mature than kids of your world.]

'Mhmm, understandable,' Aeron nodded with a smile as he entered the house and knocked on the door a few times.

After two seconds, hurried footsteps rang in the house before the sound of a lock opening clicked behind the door.

"Brother!"

A melodious and cute voice containing relief echoed just as the door opened and Aeron saw a long blue-haired girl with pale skin, and a slim figure wearing pink pajamas.

However, when she saw Aeron clearly, her previous excited and relieved expression that emerged from knowing that her beloved brother returned from danger vanished.

"W-who are you?"