To sum up the trip to Enshissia I could only describe it as uneventful. We had stopped at a few small towns to stay the night, but that was the only thing worth noting. The trip took three long days of uneventful window staring, but finally, we arrived.
The terrain surrounding the city was different from what I expected. The forest was so dense that couldn't see anything in the distance except trees and leaves.
"Are you sure we're at the right place? There's nothing but forest for as long as I can see here." I asked suspiciously.
"Oh I had forgotten to tell you Shin. As I've said before Enshissia is located at the center of Bulgeria, and we had been living near the border. The distance from us too Bulgeria is too vast for us to only cross on a carriage, so we have to use a transfer gate." Zora said matter of factly.
I peaked my head out the window to look ahead of us, We had arrived at a fort with guards posted alongside the towering walls and entrance. After Cal talked to one of the guards and showed a few papers, we were lead inside and directed to a large tower overlooking the fort.
"Hold out your hands please." The guard at the entrance to the tower stated coldly. Following instructions, I showed my hand with confusion written on my face. The guard took out a large stamp and placed it on the palm of my hand. I felt a small amount of Xoul collect on my palm before the guard removed the stamp. A black and red symbol of a Dragon chasing its tail was on my palm. As if sensing my confusion Zora spoke.
"That stamp allows you entrance into the city. You won't be able to go through the transfer gate without it. It's a safety precaution so no one with Ill intention can get in ya know!" Zora said cheerfully.
"Please enter through the gate quickly, the brand will only last a few minutes." The guard said unwaveringly. Giving him a nervous nod we entered the tower. A small flight of stairs led down to another door with three more guards present. After seeing us they gave a nod and opened the door. What I saw made my jaw drop.
Behind the large door was the transfer gate. It was at least fifteen feet tall as It towered over even Cal. When Looking into the circular gate It could only be described as looking into space. The space inside was pitch black with dots of white scattered across. As I approached it, the dots moved according to where I was standing, making me feel as If I was in space itself.
"Beautiful ain't it? It never gets old looking at this thing. The common people don't get to use these gates so you should consider yourself lucky aye?" Cal said showing a smile. It was true that the gate was beautiful making me stop in my tracks. I felt truly fortunate to be able to see it.
"Yeah It really is. We should probably get going though, don't want to have to reapply the stamps haha." I chuckled nervously.
"Right! well then let's go!" Cal shouted leading us into the gate. The gate reacted to the stamp on my hand sucked me in as I approached it. A feeling I could only describe as falling had enveloped me as I was completely submerged in the portal. As if I was skydiving with no chute. As quick as the feeling came, it left, and the next thing I knew I was on the other side. I was panting for air and completely overtaken from the spatial travel. But Zora and Cal were unfazed.
"You'll get used to it eventually hehe." Zora chuckled as she saw me gasping for air.
"Wh-what the hell just happened? It felt like I was falling?"
"Yeah but it's only for a second so quit crying about it!"
Gaining my composure again I took in my surroundings for the first time since coming through. The scene was truly beautiful. The main section of the city rested upon a large flat plain with multiple sub-sections floating above it. The buildings were made of white material with shades of blue topping off the roofs. The city seemingly blended in with the natural life surrounding it, taking full advantage of the waterways and waterfalls that were sprinkled throughout the city. The city was protected by large walls, and further out by large jagged mountains giving it natural cover. Looking upon the city my mouth gawked open in disbelief. Zora eyed me happily giving a joyful smile.
"Welcome to Enshissia Shin."
The portal entrance was near the main one so we were swept in the crowd of people trying to enter the city. Lord Aiken had already arranged for us to stay in a temporary home located near Katoka so that was the first place we had planned to go. After entering the city I could tell I was already getting stares from the people wandering about. From what I could see, the population seemed to be quite diverse with not just demons making up the population. I saw orcs, harpies, and even Cyclops. But not a single human. To them, I must've been some strange rare species that's never been seen before.
"It seems a lot of people are taking a liking to me." I said nervously.
"It's only natural, they've never seen someone like you before. You two stay close to me, there can be some sketchy people in the city." Cal explained
"Yeah yeah whatever, you always say that but nothing happens anyway." Zora complained pacing behind Cal. I walked Cal's said as to try and avoid all of the stares.
"Katoka is located on the floating island Ishma, that is also where we will be temporarily staying. We will head there first to get settled." Cal pointed to the sky at one of the three floating islands in the sky. Calling it an Island was an understatement, as each island was large enough to house a small city over the capital.
"How are those Islands able to flo-" I was cut off from my question to Cal as a man began to speak to him. He was a demon with one large horn coming from the left side of his head. He wore a thick black cloak that covered his entire body, and his face was dirty with stains along his neck.
"Hmmm Hmmm, that's a fine child you have on you sir. Say, how much you looking for him? I've got plenty of buyers that'd be interested in a strange kid like him." The man said, looking at me with an evil smile. Cal shot back instantly making his intentions to the man clear.
"The "child" is not for sale. I suggest you leave." As if sensing Cal hostility the man gave Cal an easygoing expression.
"Now now, there's no need to be angry. If you're not convinced I can show yo-"
"I said, leave." Cal snarled, letting some of his aura leak out. The man immediately noticed this and put his hands up defensively. Finally, he had got out of our way so he could pass. Looking back at the man he looked at me with a sinister grin that made my skin crawl.
I hadn't thought too much about the dangers this city could hold. After all, the last city I was in was much worse.