The City of Airedale.
Better known as the second capital of the Augustus Empire.
Although it wasn't as grandiose nor large as the imperial capital or any of the port cities, its importance couldn't be underestimated.
Particularly because of the greater presence of Descenders in and around the area it occupied. After all, the branch of the Descender Association here was among the most powerful throughout the whole empire.
Not to mention that on the map, Airedale was situated closer to the centre of the landmass… meaning there was a greater chance and concentration of Dungeons suddenly manifesting. Luckily for the citizens, a strike team would be on call during the day and night to react to any emergencies.
Even though there was a higher risk of settling in a city surrounded by constant danger, the inhabitants inside lived normally and peacefully with a semblance of tranquility. They were all briefed on any emergency procedures should any unfavourable situation arise… which only added to the sense of security permeating their hearts.
Outside the circular city, a queue lined up awaiting entry. Guards wearing polished plate armour manned the entrance to the gate as the sunlight glinted brightly off of their protective covering.
Nico narrowed his gaze, wincing at the sudden pain.
He closed his eyes and opened them a moment later to reveal a set of placid maroon pupils. He had put up his hair in a man bun - the length was getting longer, and he had no desire to cut it soon.
In front of him, different scenes were on display. There were large groups of people returning from an expedition carrying a variety of goods, some dressed in ragged clothing torn in many places, families basking in the warmth of each other's company, and little kids making a ruckus playing together.
All of it streamed into Nico's senses, gifting his sensory organs no shortage of information. He smiled softly seeing the broad grins on the children's faces.
'Truly, ignorance is bliss.'
He would not lie, he envied the younglings a little. They could be carefree and not have to worry about a single thing, unaware of the status quo.
However, on the flip side, Nico was now in a position where he could step on the path that would gift him a chance to change things. He could not do that if he remained a child forever.
A bitter sigh escaped his lips as he shook his head to dispel his thoughts. The line moved forward at a steady pace and soon enough it was his turn.
A guard stared at him through the slit in their visor. Their weapon was visible at all times, no doubt a show of force to deter anyone from causing trouble.
"What is your purpose for entering Airedale?" The guard spoke in a forceful tone.
"Shopping," Nico replied calmly, pretending not to notice the sentry's domineering attitude.
"That will be a fee of one silver to gain entry to the city."
Nico retrieved a pouch from the bag on his shoulder and rummaged inside. A second later, a silver coin with the image of a knight thrusting their sword into the ground below, lay on his palm.
He passed it to the guard, who remained stoic and unyielding as ever. The only sign that he had accepted the brown-haired boy's fee was his stepping to the side slightly.
Nico nodded, having no desire to prolong the interaction. He promptly entered the city gates, unconsciously jiggling the pouch in his hands.
The sounds of coins colliding rang out.
His parents had given him a sizable sum to help him buy whatever he needed to complete his preparations for the Ceremony. They would meet later with him after picking up Charlotte from school.
Right now, though, Nico wanted to get a head start on things. He mentally reviewed what he had to do:
'I need to buy a good quality spear, and armour, as well as some rations in case something goes awry and we end up being starved of food.'
Nico shifted his gaze towards the bright sky. As he walked through the paved streets of Airedale, he mused to himself that it was close to midday.
That meant he had around a few hours to do what needed to be done.
'Perfect…'
***
The city of Airedale… was divided into three different sections composed of the outer, inner, and central circles.
The outer circle - as its name hinted - referred to the edges of the settlement. It was also where the slums and bottom caste of the inhabitants were to be found. The prices here were not too shabby, with any random passerby on the street able to purchase anything they desired with their salary.
The inner circle, meanwhile, was where things became different. It was the hub where the Descender Association did most of its work, not to mention where its headquarters were situated.
As he turned left on a main road, Nico could spy the inner circle from afar. He took in its contents.
A wall partitioned its inside from the common people in the outer circle, with more guards and security measures in place. Spikes covered the top of the metallic barrier which gleamed sharply in the sunlight.
Nico shuddered. Peering closer, he found several banners draped down from the wall. Each depicted a certain emblem, with the ones bearing a set of silver wings and a green basilisk being the most eye-catching.
Right beside the crests, in big bold, vibrant letters, the names of the Academies stood out in all their glory.
Nico scanned them until his gaze paused on one.
'SilverWing Academy.'
The most renowned school in the city and one of the top in the entire Augustus Empire.
Nico's eyes blazed with passion and desire to join the famed institution. Before that, however, he had to make it through the Awakening Ceremony first.
He sighed and looked around. Countless establishments littered either side of the street. The space in the middle served as a walkway or a road for when a carriage came trundling through.
The thing that intrigued Nico the most, however, was the fact that creatures resembling bulls pulled these coaches along. They had a golden hide and steam intermittently escaped their nostrils.
Some people who milled about on the street flinched whenever a particular one roared a bit too loud, alerting them of its presence. They scrambled out of the way, having no desire to cross these curmudgeons.
Nico smirked at the sight before he scanned his immediate vicinity. A few paces away from him, there was a sign displaying directions for anyone who was unsure of where to go.
The boy studied it briefly and then spurred into action.
His destination…
… the Merchant Association.