Stiles had to use a vehicle to arrive at the northern wall of Kynburgh. Though they had offered to use a warping device, Stiles insisted on using this method—he decided to get a view of Kynburgh cities.
'Now I wonder why they named this place as a fortress—it is so big; on the level of a kingdom, I guess.'
Stiles was amazed by the size of Kynburgh. Though he had not traveled the whole fortress, he could tell its population and size through descriptions and also the war room map.
Different cities of Kynburgh had a variety of building styles that made them special. For instance, Pride City mostly had buildings made of glass, with few metals, clay, amongst other necessary materials for building making less of its constituents.
The city had a steady electricity supply, making the fortress look different from within.
'I had thought Kynburgh was created using only the ancient method for building houses…' Stiles muttered to himself in amazement.
As if reading Stiles' thought, Alexia, who sat beside him, said, "The inhabitants of Kynburgh were and are not narrow-minded.
As the revolutionary period arrived, they made sure to follow along, developing Kynburgh into what it is today."
Alexia was proud of her people's mindset, boosting off to her Lord, Stiles.
Stiles could only shake his head at her display. 'You guys truly love this place…'
"So the development was brought about by the past Kings?" Stiles continued to observe the buildings as he uttered.
"Yes. The buildings were not built with the same materials as the wall, so it was quite easy to demolish and rebuild the interiors of Kynburgh," Alexia explained.
"What of the palace?"
"I don't even know about that. Though our lores claim the palace could change form, I don't know if it is true."
'Ohh… anyway, this building style should have existed at the time this fortress was built—maybe it was built with high-level materials that don't degrade…'
Having those thoughts, Stiles decided to forget about the lores, concentrating on enjoying the feel of journeying through the fortress.
'I would love to stop at fast-food joints, but time is of the essence. I had to argue with Alexia before I could use this method of transportation—I'm sure she would stab me if I requested to stop for a moment… Sigh'
Despite the gentle pace of the vehicle, it was clear that it was moving at an unimaginable speed, as buildings were passed in a flash.
Stiles did not know if the driver was fooling his senses, or if he was truly traveling at such a pace.
After a while, a tall wall could be seen in the distance, causing Stiles to suck in deep breaths of air. This was the second time he came in contact with the wall of Kynburgh, which still left him in awe.
'The artisan, architect, or whoever crafted the design for this wall is truly a master—how splendid…' Stiles praised.
"I heard you were in awe when you witnessed the wall at first," Alexia commented from the side with a smug grin.
"Let me guess, Veronica told you that," Stiles emotionlessly said.
"Yes."
'She didn't leave any stone unturned to make me look like a backwater kid…' Stiles lampooned, subconsciously dusting his furred coat to appear kingly.
"We are here."
Noticing Alexia's lingering gaze, Stiles called out, hoping to divert her attention.
'Why are you looking at me? Veronica…!'
Stiles aimed his palm for the door handle, twisting and simultaneously pushing to open the vehicle door.
Immediately he stepped out, Stiles felt the cool breeze hit his face. It had a salty feel, letting him know that a huge body of water was nearby.
'There was also a lake close to the Pagoda…' Stiles reminisced for a short while, before coming to reality as the vehicle heated up, indicating the driver's intent to drive away.
"I'll pack somewhere suited, My King," the driver said, giving Stiles a small bow.
'Are you not supposed to open the door for me…?' Stiles manifested a chubby face as he stared at the driver intently, making the poor male sweat profusely, ignorant of his crimes.
He could only look to Alexia for support, who immediately grabbed Stiles' shoulder, pulling him along.
"Alright. Though stick around, I'm sure the King loves your service."
'I don't…'
"I can move on my own," Stiles complained, breaking off from Alexia's grasp. "I'm no longer a kid you can pull around—I'm your king!"
"To me, you are still a kid."
"What kind of kid goes to war," Stiles retorted at his caretaker's words.
"Your type."
Not giving Stiles the chance to reply to her words, Alexia said. "Why didn't you tell them my rank?"
Stiles, who was taken aback by her sudden question, showcased a weird smile. "I felt you preferred it to be kept a secret, so… I didn't snitch."
Stiles shrugged, walking ahead of Alexia with a smile.
"Thanks—for trusting me."
"You are my caretaker after all."
***
Alexander Stronoff, also known as the Dark General, had arrived at the western wall of Kynburgh, his emotionless dark eyes scanning through the forest that spanned kilometers as he stood at the highest point of the wall.
"I hope I did not make the wrong choice—entrusting Kynburgh into the hands of a kid.
Though he seems knowledgeable enough in the art of warfare, something I'm surprised about."
Alexander muttered to himself, contemplating if the string of events was a good or bad thing for Kynburgh.
"It's too late, anyway. I just have to do my best and see what happens."
As Alexander stood there, staring into the forest, he heard footsteps approaching him in haste, causing him to turn his neck to get a clear view of the newcomer.
"G-general! General!" The male breathed heavily, bending to the front to catch his breath.
"T-the sensors—they have detected heavy movements within the forest!"
The man was a little scared. Though he wished to defend Kynburgh with his life, realizing that they were facing off against three communities made his frail heart palpitate in fear of the approaching danger.
"Calm down," Alexander said in a low tone, attempting to calm the male with an assuring nod.
"You believe in the 'Crown', right?"
Kirigan didn't need a reply from the man, since he could tell the man's faith with a glance. "Hail the 'Crown'"
"Hail the 'Crown'"
As if the man's voice was amplified, the individuals in the western wall could hear it clearly, resounding as their faith demanded.
"Hail the 'Crown'!!!"