As Sophia and Mike soared through the sky, the awe-inspiring sight of The Floating Islands of Minerva unfolded in the distance.
"Look at that," Mike marveled, his gaze fixated on the imposing islands. "Do you think Alth got the guns working?"
Sophia considered for a moment, her eyes locked on the distant islands. "I mean, look at it. The place is a fortress compared to before, and if she managed to make it fly across the world, I would say there's a pretty good chance."
The islands defied the natural order, once boasting towers that reached toward the heavens and crackled with arcane energy. Lush gardens, adorned with vibrant magical flora, had added a serene beauty to the ethereal glow that had enveloped the floating archipelago.
However, as they continued their flight, the changes became evident. The silhouette of a colossal flying fortress, armed to the brim with powerful arcane cannons, emerged into view. The possibility of its operational firepower sent shivers down their spines. They understood that this airborne bastion could drastically sway the rebellion's fate—an impregnable fortress set to redefine the central continent's destiny. The grandeur of these floating fortresses rivaled even the imperial capital in riches, but the islands now held the potential to rival the mightiest beasts of the land—a true testament to unparalleled magical engineering prowess. Each island suspended in the sky was a manifestation of the incredible power wielded by its inhabitants, transitioning from a symbol of wealth to one of martial might.
When they finally landed on the largest and highest island, a transformation scene greeted them. Once a grand fusion of architectural brilliance and magical opulence, the city now bore the heavy scars of war. The pristine towers and spires stood alongside ominous signs of battle. Gardens were ruthlessly repurposed for war, fielding tents in the hundreds to provide troops with housing, concealing hidden heavy artillery where serene waterfalls once flowed. Workshops once dedicated to leisure now churned out weapons of war both magical and mundane nature.
The fragrant air, once carrying the scent of blooming flowers and nature's melody, now reeked of metal and the tang of enchantments. Griffins and wyverns, once graceful transporters between islands, now exhibited a restless urgency instead of their regal grace.
As Sophia and Mike walked through the market full of soldiers, their presence drew curious glances. "We should go to the palace already! Why the hell are we stopping in the city first!" complained Mike, wondering about the sudden detour when Altheack was so close.
"We can always charge straight in, but we should get the news of the political situation first... it's kinda delicate considering I had to lie my ass off and make all kinds of bullshit promises to most of our allies. It will be a miracle if the alliance stays together long enough to even let us reach the vault," Sophia explained.
"I guess it's better than walking into another trap," Mike pondered. "But who cares what you promised these losers once we get that vault open..... they won't matter once we gain the power to change the world," he continued as they passed by a patrol of soldiers.
Pulling a cloak from their pouch, Mike covered Valicar's wings and tail, pulling up the hood to conceal their horns. While there were beast kin present among the soldiers and civilians, the combination of Valicar's features was very draconic—and the attention had something to do with dragonkin that had not been seen in centuries.
"We can find another way bedside genocide if we deal with the church first," Sophia retorted.
"Oh yeah, you expect these jackasses to beat the pillar of the north! After we got our ass handed to us by that south bitch," Mike said harshly, leaving Sophia to ponder that as they approached a local tavern with pair of wings above its door.
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"Excuse me, friend, a few rounds of your finest," Sophia interjected to the tavern keeper, her tone polite but urgent. "We need information about the current situation in the city. What's the talk about this Valicar all the bards keep singing about?" She passed a few gold coins to the attentive bartender as she inquired to see their standing in the city.
The bartender, a keen observer of gossip, eagerly accepted the gold and leaned forward with reverence. "Ah, Valicar! A legend, she is. Stories of her daring feats have spread like wildfire, echoing through every corner of the land. She took on the Pillar of the East, and saved the human kingdom Aldria—though it did involve blowing up the capital. Then she conquered it after the king's death, ousting Duke Aerion Skyborne, the king's brother, claiming these very islands you stand on as her prize."
He paused, emphasizing the significance of her accomplishments. "But that's not all! She clashed with the Pillar of the South, leading to the tragic end of Easton Von White, the formidable naval captain. Then came Ignial, the colossal red dragon, and, well, the Pillar met her end."
The bartender's voice reflected admiration and awe as he continued, "Her vanishing left an unsettling silence, but before her disappearance, Valicar saved the eastern territories from certain annihilation—twice! Eldora was rescued from the orc chieftain Joearai. That's also where Altheack and Gorlion first met before they formed an alliance, now including the might of HelmHold, or what's left of it after the attack from the Pillars!"
Pausing again, he collected his thoughts. "However, the Pillar of the West relentlessly battered the republic. Valicar's absence left a void, but the Alliance stood strong, planning their next move. They've gathered their strength here at Minerva and pummeled the empire in the west. Now, we're at the empire's doorstep, awaiting the rest of the fleet—thousands who couldn't fit on the islands. We're hoping Valicar arrives soon with the means to defeat the Pillar of the North. If that dragon couldn't kill him, who else can?" The bartender's hope was palpable.
"Wow, she sounds like a hero," Mike grinned, soaking in the praise for their exploits. "Well, she's our best shot, aside from Gorlion or the Archmage. They did manage to defeat the Pillar of the West, but... Valicar is a terror in her own right. She wields magic never seen before, but it poisons the very land. Supposedly, she tried using it against the Pillar of the South, but it failed, for better or worse. Yet, her worst crime is that she dabbles in necromancy... There are even rumors she has ties to," he glanced around cautiously, "Death Tooth, the legendary dark cult feared by the whole world for their attempt to end the world a thousand years ago."
"So, do the people love her or hate her?" Sophia cut through the discussion, seeking a more straightforward perspective.
The bartender leaned back, methodically wiping a glass with a cloth as he mulled over Mike's question. "It's a mixed bag, my friend. Some revere Valicar as a savior, a beacon of hope who has triumphed against impossible odds. She defended the eastern territories and stood against the Pillars, earning her the title Aldria Scarlet Scourge due to the thousands she's slain in the wake of her battles. To some, she's a hero; to others, a relentless force who views the Alliance as a mere stepping stone, regardless of the casualties left in her wake."
He paused, his gaze sweeping the room cautiously before continuing. "There's an unease around her, beyond just her formidable magic. Whispers of ties to Death Tooth and the use of necromancy scare many. Some view her as a necessary evil, while others question whether she might be as evil as the threats she's fighting."
"In the end, it depends on who you ask. But one thing's for sure, everyone's looking to her and the Alliance to bring an end to the Pillar of the North and the tyranny of the empire," the bartender concluded, his expression reflecting the uncertainty that lingered in the air.
"Thanks for the news," Sophia said, swiftly downing the liquor before heading for the exit.
"Hey, we just started drinking," Mike protested.
"I thought you wanted to reach Alth right away," Sophia retorted.
"Aw, hell. I guess we can drink on the way," Mike grumbled, pulling a bottle from their pouch. "Off to see our friends," he added sarcastically, taking a swig. Their wings unfurled, the cloak shifting aside as they soared toward the palace, their reputation weighing on their minds. Both reflected on their story in the eyes of the common people – the ones Mike would sacrifice and the ones Sophia knew she had to save.