Emma and Vivian stepped out onto the bustling streets of Eldo-Clearoth Kingdom, and Emma’s breath hitched as her eyes darted from one dazzling sight to another. Unlike the quaint simplicity of Windfield or the rustic charm of Wellington, Eldo-Clearoth was a marvel of magical ingenuity and architectural splendor.
The streets themselves shimmered faintly, paved with a material that seemed to hum with latent energy. Hexagonal tiles of glowing quartz lined the pathways, their edges emitting soft light that pulsed in time with the footsteps of passersby. Above, floating lanterns hovered in midair, their magical flames dancing inside crystal casings and casting warm, golden hues over the city.
Carriages without horses glided smoothly along the streets, their chassis sleek and polished to a mirror finish. Each was suspended a few inches above the ground, propelled by a soft blue glow emanating from runes etched into their undersides. The carriages moved silently, weaving between pedestrians with an elegance that defied their size.
Emma’s gaze followed one of the hovering carriages as it passed by, her eyes widening as she took in its seamless design and the faint hum of the magic that powered it. “No horses… How does it work?” she muttered to herself, awe lacing her voice.
“Mana channels and wind glyphs,” Vivian said softly, walking beside her. “The carriages are imbued with spells that harness ambient mana to propel them. It’s common in cities like this.”
The streets were alive with people—no, not just people, Emma realized as she glanced around. Elves with flowing hair and sharp, elegant features moved gracefully, their clothing shimmering as though woven from starlight. Dwarves in sturdy, earth-toned garments strode purposefully, their beards braided with tiny runed beads that glowed faintly. A towering dragon kin caught her attention, his figure casting a long shadow as he walked past.
The man was dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, his horns curving back elegantly from his head. Pointed ears peeked out from beneath jet-black hair, and his folded wings rested neatly against his back, their leathery texture glistening faintly. His hands, though humanoid, bore slightly elongated claws, and his golden eyes—slit like a predator’s—shone with a piercing intensity.
Emma froze, her thoughts racing back to the air-train station. “Mom,” she said, tapped lightly at Vivian’s sleeve. “I saw one of these races before, at the station. What… are they?”
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Vivian glanced in the direction of the dragon kin, her expression calm. “They’re dragon kin,” she explained. “A proud and ancient race. Their kingdom, Ulheim, hovers in the skies between the human kingdom of Eldo-Clearoth and the giant kingdom of Vermonthy. They’re known for their strength and wisdom, though they don’t often involve themselves in our affairs.”
“Ulheim…” Emma repeated, her brow furrowing slightly. “But why wasn’t it in the book I read about the kingdoms?”
Vivian chuckled softly. “The book you read must be outdated. Ulheim’s existence isn’t a secret, but it’s not well-documented in human texts, especially older ones. Their history and culture are vast, far beyond what most books could cover.”
Emma nodded thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on the dragon kin until he disappeared into the crowd.
As they continued walking, the cityscape unfolded like a scene from a dream. Towers of crystalline glass reached skyward, their surfaces etched with intricate runes that shimmered in cascading colors. Bridges made of enchanted wood arched gracefully between buildings, their railings glowing faintly to guide travelers. Along the sidewalks, vendors sold wares imbued with magic—lamps that glowed brighter when touched, tiny enchanted birds that chirped melodically, and even charms that floated in midair, tethered by invisible threads.
The air itself felt charged with energy, a subtle buzz that seemed to flow through Emma’s veins. She could hear the distant hum of mana streams flowing beneath the city, their paths marked by faintly glowing lines that intersected at various points, creating a mesmerizing web of light beneath the surface.
“This place is… incredible,” Emma whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle hum of the city.
Vivian smiled, her expression soft. “Eldo-Clearoth is one of the most advanced kingdoms in the human territories. Its blend of magic and ingenuity is unmatched.”
Eventually, they arrived at a designated waiting area marked by a circular platform that hovered slightly above the ground. A sign above the platform pulsed with soft blue light, displaying the schedule for arriving carriages. Other travelers stood nearby, chatting or simply observing the bustling streets.
As Emma waited, she caught sight of another hovering carriage approaching. This one was larger than most, its sleek body adorned with golden accents that glinted in the sunlight. It glided gracefully to a stop in front of them, its doors sliding open with a soft hiss.
Emma turned to her mother, her excitement barely contained. “This one’s ours, right?”
Vivian nodded, leading Emma toward the carriage. They stepped inside and found seats among the other passengers. The interior was just as polished as the exterior, with cushioned seats arranged in rows and glowing panels along the walls that displayed the route and estimated travel time.
Emma settled into her seat and let out a soft sigh of wonder. “Everything here is so…beautiful.”
Vivian smiled, her eyes reflecting the same amazement. “It truly is.”
And with a gentle hum, the carriage lifted off the ground, seamlessly merging into the flow of the city.