Chapter 71: Arrival

Words : 1041 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Their enthusiasm is contagious. The soldiers, despite their discipline, can't help but murmur among themselves. Some exchange glances, others listen in awe. Even Sorin, who usually keeps her thoughts to herself, finds herself intrigued. The way these three describe it makes it seem almost mythical. Then comes the part that confuses everyone. "But you know what's strange?" Nyssara says, lowering her voice slightly, as if sharing a secret. "The city's empty." The soldiers blink, startled. Even Sorin frowns. "Empty?" Thurn nods. "Apart from us and our subordinates and some soldiers, there's no one else." Veltha crosses his arms. "We don't know why, but it was eerie. A city that grand, that huge, should be overflowing with people. And yet, it was quiet. Too quiet." A hush falls over the marching soldiers. The ones who had been excited before now exchange uncertain glances. Some had imagined bustling streets, towering spires filled with people. The idea of an empty, silent capital feels... unnatural. After hours of travel, the towering walls of the capital finally come into view. The reaction is immediate. The sheer size of the walls alone—stretching high into the sky like mountains of stone—leaves the soldiers in stunned silence. Even the most disciplined among them can't help but crane their necks, their jaws slack in disbelief. "This... this isn't a wall," one of the soldiers murmurs under his breath. "This is a damn mountain." Nyssara, Thurn, and Veltha, who had been hyping up the city the entire way, now watch with smug satisfaction as the others finally see it for themselves. "Told you," Nyssara says, grinning. "It's ridiculous," Thurn mutters. "How do you even build something this massive?" Veltha chuckles. "No idea, but this is just the start. Wait till you see the inside." Sorin, walking ahead, keeps her expression composed, but even she has to admit—seeing it up close is something else. Then, as they approach the entrance, another realization dawns on the soldiers. The guards standing at the gate—unassuming compared to the monstrous walls behind them—are all Tier 2. A ripple of shock spreads through the group. "Wait, Tier 2?" one of the monster soldiers mutters in disbelief. "Just for guarding a gate?" "In this forest, someone that strong could carve out their own territory," another whispers. The soldiers exchange glances, suddenly feeling much smaller than before. Then, the small gate begin to open. A deep, resonating hum fills the air as ancient mechanisms pull the heavy doors aside, revealing the path into the capital. The moment the gates fully part, the soldiers step forward, eyes widening as they take in the city beyond. Even after all the stories, all the hype, none of them were prepared for what they saw. And for a long moment, the entire group stands frozen in place, utterly speechless, and amazed. Although they had tried to prepare themselves, seeing it with their own eyes was something else entirely. The floating islands. Some were small, no bigger than a noble's estate, with luxurious houses perched on top. Others were massive, hovering like great stone fortresses in the sky. The sight was so surreal that the soldiers barely remembered to keep moving. One of them pointed, voice cracking with disbelief. "Look at those five floating islands next to the palace... They're huge." Nyssara's eyes went wide. "What?! It's my first time seeing that!" Thurn, who had been bragging about the capital the entire way, suddenly felt like a fool. "Me too..." He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "Wow. That's what you call a real floating island." Veltha nodded, still staring upward. "Compared to those, the smaller ones just look like fancy floating rocks." A few of the soldiers swallowed hard. Seeing a single floating island would have been enough to make them question reality. But five, clustered near the palace like sentinels of the sky? That was something else entirely. One of the younger soldiers hesitated before whispering, "Are those... natural?" Sorin smirked. "No. His Majesty controls this city. Nothing here is natural." The soldier shivered slightly, unsure if he should feel more in awe or afraid. Groth, however, eyes was shining looking at it. "I don't know how it works, but it's incredible." Nyssara said, "Can you imagine living up there?" Thurn whistled low. "Not just anyone gets to, though. Only the strongest." That thought sobered the soldiers a little. They had come here full of excitement, ready to see the heart of their new kingdom. But now, standing beneath walls that touched the sky and floating islands that defied logic. Then, a deep, rumbling voice cuts through the awe-filled silence. "So, what do you think of the capital city?" The air seems to grow heavier as everyone turns. Varkas. The massive lycanthrope stands before them, his sheer presence enough to make even the most battle-hardened soldiers instinctively stiffen. His towering frame, covered in thick fur, seems even more imposing against the grand backdrop of the capital. His eyes gleam with quiet amusement as he watches their stunned expressions. Without hesitation, the soldiers snap to attention, placing their fists over their chests in salute. "General Varkas!" their voices boom in unison. Sorin steps forward and salute, her tone firm but tinged with lingering amazement. "General, words can't describe how incredible this city is. It's... perfect for His Majesty." Varkas lets out a deep, hearty laugh, the sound reverberating through the air like rolling thunder. "Good," he says, his sharp fangs flashing briefly as he grins. "That's exactly how it should be." His gaze sweeps over the soldiers, his expression shifting to something more authoritative. "Now, don't just stand there gawking. His Majesty is waiting." The soldiers tense, instinctively straightening their postures. "Move," Varkas orders. "Lead your forces to the palace and receive your rewards." Excitement surges through the ranks at those words. The fatigue of the long march fades instantly, replaced by renewed energy. Sorin gives a sharp nod. "Yes, General!" With that, she turns on her heel, leading the soldiers forward. The murmurs of awe continue as they march deeper into the capital, their eyes drinking in every impossible sight around them.

Chapter 71: Arrival

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