Chapter 423: Observations Within the City
The next morning, Navin Bessalious once again set out on his long journey to the Empire of Ashen.
With the war intensifying, the border between the Kingdom of Cassander and the Kingdom of Thrace was ablaze with constant conflict. This mission was especially perilous.
Why not use Teleportation?
After multiple attempts, they found that the very fabric of space within the Empire of Ashen seemed to be sealed—resistant to breach. Due to the war, Thrace’s territory was riddled with magical interference. There had even been documented cases where Mages attempting to teleport were torn apart by spatial rifts.
And because of Otis’s arrogance, he couldn’t afford to make a grand diplomatic display this time—no delegation, no fanfare. He had to travel in secret, accompanied only by two trusted bodyguards.
Inside the wagon, Navin’s heart pounded.
"Last Hope... this must succeed."
"If we can secure the Empire of Ashen’s aid, perhaps Otis the King truly can unify the lands of Fadalan and restore the glory of the old Empire."
He turned to look back at the distant Holy City, then gazed upward at the towering "Eternal Sun God's Tower," lost in thought.
The wagon raced down the road. After passing a roadside station, it was replaced with a sturdy mule renowned for its endurance. Navin himself donned plain, unremarkable clothes, disguising himself as a common Merchant Traveller.
For the next month, he would journey through the northeastern Dwarf Kingdom, traverse the vast Mirl Valley, and first reach the Kartpa Hills region—now under the jurisdiction of the Empire of Ashen. Then, he would head north into the Anzeta Corridor, venturing into the remote and desolate Anzeta Great Wasteland—the heartland of the Kingdom of Ashen.
One month later, on the outskirts of Isdalia City in the central Anzeta Great Wasteland, Navin slowly removed his hood as he led his mule forward.
"This..."
"Impossible."
His breath caught as he stared at the sprawling construction complex in the distance—the massive, thick chimneys towering into the sky, belching thick plumes of smoke into the air. He rubbed his eyes, half-convinced he was dreaming.
This wasn’t just about scale. Navin had no doubt that even the grandest cities couldn’t match the majesty of the "City of Solar Radiance," Teotihuacan.
What stunned him was the speed of the Empire’s construction.
It had been mere months since his last visit. Back then, Isdalia was barely more than a rough outline on the map. Now, it had already surpassed many century-old cities of Cassander—so magnificent that even in the golden age of Sacred Fedran, it would have stood out.
He rubbed his eyes again.
Only when he saw people approaching in the distance did he finally confirm: this wasn’t a phantom illusion. The city was real. Solid. Undeniably existing.
"By Amanata above..."
"This young, unfamiliar Empire... is far more terrifying than I imagined."
Navin silently whispered a prayer, a shiver of unease creeping through him.
He had no idea how the Empire of Ashen achieved this. He didn’t know how they possessed such terrifying mobilization or building capabilities. But one thing was certain—Cassander Kingdom must take this Empire seriously.
What Navin didn’t know was that the Empire now boasted nearly two hundred thousand laborers—mindless, tireless, and fearless of death.
Though these constructs caused chaos in their wake, they had undeniably revolutionized the Empire’s productivity.
Now, building houses by mixing ash had become the universal "Newcomer Tutorial Quest"—a rite of passage for every new arrival. It was how newcomers earned their first gold coins and faction contributions. The newcomers themselves had been affectionately nicknamed "Oxen and Horses"—a fitting moniker for their endless toil.
The Imperial Parliament Hall, Ember Armory, Isdalia Grand Arena, and the Imperial Bank Building—each a unique, striking structure—had all been erected through the combined efforts of players and the Imperial Construction Crew.
A line of Tiefling Guards marched steadily toward him, their weapons gleaming under the sun—new-style bayonet rifles in hand.
"So, this is the weapon they’re using."
"Standard short rods—very similar to those used by Thrace’s army."
Navin observed them carefully.
But as the guards drew closer, their eyes locked onto him.
"Better observe the city first before completing the King’s mission."
"If they truly are allied with Thrace..."
He pulled his hood tighter, lowered his head, and quietly led his mule forward, heart pounding. He prayed silently that the Tieflings wouldn’t detect his strangeness.
"Stop."
The Tiefling Guard Captain spoke.
Navin froze, instinctively tightening his hood, trying to appear casual as he attempted to slip past.
But the captain’s bayonets flashed with a cold gleam, crossing in front of him, blocking his path.
"Sir, I’m just a passing Merchant Traveller. If you—"
Navin reached into his pocket, ready to offer coin to smooth things over.
Instead, the Tiefling Captain produced a scroll of parchment, its surface inscribed with shimmering golden script.
"You are Navin Bessalious, correct?"
"Please come with me. The great Emperor of the Ashen Flame has long foreseen the arrival of the Cassander envoy. His Majesty has been awaiting you for some time."
"What?"
Navin’s mind reeled.
This mission was supposed to be secret—no one was supposed to know. Yet the Emperor already knew of his coming.
Could it be true? Was the Emperor truly as the rumors claimed—possessing omniscience, the power to see into the future?
"Come with me."
The Tiefling urged again.
With his heart in his throat, Navin led his mule forward, escorted by the Tiefling Patrol Unit, as they entered the city gates.
Inside, the streets teemed with people—hurrying, bustling, a chaotic symphony of life. Players in bizarre, extravagant outfits were everywhere. A squad of fully armed soldiers. A single mule. A plain, unassuming Merchant Traveller.
The combination was undeniably strange.
Navin glanced at the bizarre architecture lining both sides of the road—each building a wild fusion of styles, defying convention.
Yet the citizens paid little mind. The Empire’s guards were on official duty, and disrupting that was a serious offense. Most merely spared a glance before returning to their tasks.
"What’s that Non-Player Character doing?"
"No idea. If the Empire Guard caught him, he must be important."
"Could he be a spy from the South?"
"Last time, they caught a Northern survivor—didn’t last long in custody."
"Any hidden quest here?"
"Forget it. Not our business. Better spend time grinding. Gold’s hard to come by now—Mining Quests are all handled by Skeletons."
Players chattered casually, unafraid, but keeping their distance. Their words, however, made Navin flush with embarrassment.
Then—whistle!
The sharp, echoing call cut through the air.
"Woo-oo-oo!"
"Northwind Fort Road Station. Next stop—Imperial Seventh Armory."
"All passengers, please exit first, then board. No pushing. Queue up properly."
Navin stared in awe as a massive iron beast—gleaming, metallic, monstrous—rolled into view along the tracks. From its towering chimney, thick gray-white smoke billowed into the sky.
The people waiting by the station, however, were completely unfazed. They yawned, shifted their weight, and waited patiently for the passengers to disembark—then formed a line, responding to the conductor’s commands.
"Citizen! Maintain order!"
Above, the sky occasionally split as a Peacekeeper soared overhead—riding a two-headed dragon. The citizens barely glanced up. Murmurs passed among them:
"That bastard fined me fifty copper coins last time."
"It’s him again—damn dog’s son."
On the street, a group of Ogres marched past—dressed in extra-large tailcoats, their bellies straining against their shirts, buttons threatening to pop. The lead one held a gentleman’s cane, wore silver-rimmed glasses, and carried himself with an air of noble dignity.
"Isn’t that Lord Daitou?"
"Good day, Lord Daitou."
"Wishing you a fine appetite today."
People greeted him respectfully, some even fawning with admiration. The Ogre nodded graciously in return.
Scenes like this were common.
"This city..."
"It’s utterly bizarre. Nothing like any place I’ve ever seen before."
Navin Bessalious surveyed the surreal, dazzling spectacle around him, and couldn’t help but think.
(End of Chapter)
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