As night passed, so did activity in the streets of Extraza. Merchants closed the seals on their stores as the loud chattering of the market died down. All except for one place, the Second District.
Holy City Extraza was divided into five main districts laid out in the shape of a concentric circle, mostly determined by social status and wealth. Each district was separated by a barrier which could only be passed through the primary gates at the southern end of each district, where authentication of status was necessary.
The Fifth District was not an amiable place, filled with rubble and makeshift huts, the very definition of a shantytown. Most immigrants who came from the countryside ended up here due to a lack of opportunities for those with no talent.
the Fourth District was a place for the common peasants, with small to large houses depending on the family size and ample work opportunity. Though not a place for the rich, it was most certainly a peaceful district. Famous tourist attractions such as the Median Bazaar, the largest marketplace in the continent, were located here.
The Third District was mainly occupied by the military, with over 90% of the facilities here being modified for training and lodging purposes for military personnel. Due to the militaristic nature of the nation and conflict, the district was currently the largest of the five to accommodate all the soldiers and facilities.
The First District was a place for all the important individuals of the nation and its most trusted assets. The district accommodated noble estates, historical sites and most importantly the 'Fortress' and the Ruling Palace. Though it had an ominous name, the Fortress was essentially the heart of the government, where all issues regarding the nation were dealt with including the budget. The building earned its name not only due to its large and domineering appearance, but also due to it being one of the heavily guarded buildings on the continent. the Fortress, like its name suggests, was a large structure spanning over a kilometer in all directions resembling a medieval castle, even coming with its own water bridge at the entrance. The Ruling Palace was the residence of the Royal Family and all its descendants. Though not as large as the Fortress, it was equally mesmerizing in appearance due to its architectural beauty. [Think of a mix between the White House and the Australian Parliament House, but larger]
The Second District, however, was a mysterious place. Though it was the smallest of the five districts by far, it could be said to be the most powerful, even more than the military. The district only had 31 buildings, each of a different size, style and purpose. With the 31 buildings, there were only 30 residents, each owning one of the buildings in the district.
Shops, restaurants, bars, homes, these buildings were all unique in their own ways-
One being that each and every one of the owners being either extremely powerful or influential individuals recognized by the Royal Family . Of the 30 owners, 27 of them were publically known, whilst the other four were mysterious figures that even now, no one except those of the Royal Family or other owners of the district knew.
The 27 known owners however, were renown figures such as the former Apostle of the Holy Church, the retired Hero of Ferzia and many others. Just the names of these individuals were enough to make the citizens of the city hang with their mouths agape. The existence of the district its one of the key attractions of the Holy City for tourists and travellers.
The prerequisites of becoming a resident of the District were extremely strict, and just by seeing the current residents of the district, it was clear for many that they would only be able to live in such a place in dreamland. Even entering the district for sightseeing and shopping at the few stores located inside was an extremely tedious process which usually took several months of preparation.
However, The products and services offered at the shops and businesses inside the district were of high prestige, and were sought after by many, including the richest of the rich.
"Why are there 31 buildings but only 30 owners?" A question asked by many. If asked to a regular guard stationed at the District gates, they would only reply with 'I don't know'. This was not a lie, no one except the owners and the upper government and Royal Family had access to any information regarding the 31st building. In fact, even some of the newer residents of the District had no clue as to why there stood a building with no recognized owner.
It was a simple structure, only a single storey at the northern end of the district. From an outsider's point of view, it was the smallest structure by far in the district, and had no visible uses. Some claimed that it was a haunted estate, whilst others claimed that it was the grave of the now dead General Holmes.
Unlike the other structures in the district, the 31st building was covered by an unknown black material that gave off a lustrous shine. In fact, it seemed as if the stars were reflected on the walls during night. The entrance was sealed by an old-fashioned key lock covered in rust. A few years ago, a group of travelers attempted to break the lock by force, but instead were all sent to the nearby clinic due to their attacks being rebounded on them. Needless to say, the group was now spending their days in the mines for disrupting the peace in the district.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
But contrary to popular belief, the building did have an owner, just not one recognized by the state.
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A figure garbed in black was resting atop a tree that stood near the northern end of the Second District. The figure was as still as the tree itself, but still breathing. the man was a common sight for the residents of the Second District as it had been in the same spot for over two years, observing the 31st building that was currently deserted, rarely leaving it's post.
The man sat cross-legged atop a branch with his eyes closed, not paying attention to the tourists who occasionally shot him curious glances.
Suddenly, the man's eyes shot open as he hurriedly got up onto his feet, startling the tourists. His gaze shifted around until it locked onto a small space right outside the jet black structure known as the 31st building.
The next moment, space around the area the man was gazing upon began to bend into a vortex. The tourists gasped as they took a few steps back, some let out unsightly shrieks from surprise.
From the vortex, a human figure emerged. It was covered from head to toe in a black robe, with a black and white mask covering its face. Silvery-white hair draped from the sides of the figure's mask down to its neck. From afar, one would think that the figure was a female due to the shoulder length hair and small build, but their instincts told them that this was a man. Everything from its overall domineering appearance to its chilling aura that led the surrounding people, including the figure garbed in black, to believe in their instincts.
As if not paying attention to the crowd that had gathered, the masked figure walked towards the 31st building. It pulled out a strange object, that on closer inspection resembled a key, from god knows where, and used it on the lock.
Surprisingly, the key fit, and the lock dropped to the floor with a thud. Ignoring the gazes, the figure opened the double doors and stepped inside, closing the door behind him as he walked in.
The black figure stood atop the tree in silence, before returning to his senses. He immediately pulled out a small piece of paper which had symbols etched onto both sides, and threw towards the crowd.
Suddenly, the paper erupted and shone brightly, blinding all the tourists that had happened to witness the former event. After around 20 seconds, the light dissipated, whilst the tourists stood dazed for a moment, before wondering off in different directions with dead eyes. The man had temporarily put them into a trance, whilst locking away their memories of the past minute.
After making sure that the crowd was gone, the man took out a round stone that also had symbols etched onto it. He brought it to his mouth and began to speak.
"Helmwind reporting, [Clockmaster] has returned, inform the Council and His Majesty."
[Affirmative, you are dismissed until further notice]
After confirming that there we no further orders, the man stretched his arms before leaping off the tree and making his way to the district gate at the southern end of the district.
"He's finally back, 'bout time, here I was wondering if I was going to have to live the rest of my life on that darn tree!"
The man began muttering to himself as he made his way towards the gates, venting a year's worth of frustration in the process.
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"So he's back... what on earth is he up to now."
An old man in his late 50's slowly muttered to himself as he listened to the report that had just arrived. The messenger was still on his knees waiting for further orders.
"You may leave, make sure the Council hears of this as soon as possible."
"Yes, your Majesty!"
The messenger stood up, made a salute, and swiftly left the office as not to disturb the old man any further.
This man was the current king of the Ferzia Kingdom. Galus Vida Le Ferzia, commonly referred to as Galus III.
As Galus was about to retire for the day and head to the royal library for some peace and quiet, another messenger arrived without notice.
Usually, entering the King's quarters and study without prior notice was a punishable offense, but under certain circumstances, such as if the other party was of the royal family, or if it was a messenger with news that was of utmost importance, the rule was lifted.
"Your Majesty! We have just received words that the Young Princess' transport and knights were attacked in Karaza! All 50 guardian knights including Captain Rift have been heavily wounded. The attack has stopped, but none of the guardians are in any shape to move and are requesting immediate support!"
"WHAT? They dare attack a royal carriage?!"
The messenger was taken aback by the sudden change in the King's attitude. Galus was usually quite calm, and not many things were capable of putting him in a fit of rage.
"Y-yes, your Majesty, we don't have much information on the attacker, but Captain Rift says that the suspect was most likely of the [Heretical Six], specifically the [Time Reaper]."
"Time Reaper... We'll deal with this issue later, but more importantly, what's the condition of my daughter, what's her condition?"
"Fortunately, the princess is unharmed, but we suspect that this incident may leave her traumatized, sir [Clairvoyant] suggested that we inspect her carefully upon arrival for any lasting effects."
"You don't have to tell me that... Go! Send the third and fourth scout divisions to assist them, take the Southern route to enter the city, we don't want the citizens to see this mess. Also send the fifth magic-equipped battalion in case there are any further attacks! Don't cancel the parade and send in the third carriage unit from the main entrance, we can't let other nations know that we have been attacked, showing such weakness will be the end of us..."
"Yes, your Majesty!"
The messenger hurried out immediately towards the Third District to inform the military of the orders, whilst Galus himself silently reclined back into his seat and pondered to himself before letting out a sigh. Nevertheless, the burning anger in his eyes did not dissipate.
"Damn you [Time Reaper], if my daughter is to lose so much as a strand of hair, don't think you will live much longer!"
Galus silently made an oath before staring out the window towards the messenger that was now galloping towards the district gates.