The impression Ragnar got from the HCR was… more greenery… What The Fuck.
This fauna however, was much more organised, unlike the jungle. There were bushes that lined the pathways on the side of roads, along with trees that appeared at regular intervals.
There were a few buildings as well, here and there, but they were also completely covered with green as the fauna seemed more like a hungry monster that had devoured everything.
At this point, Ragnar felt like the Sylvancrests didn't just love their nature, no.
They were obsessed with it.
The fauna was so overbearing that it took him a few seconds to notice that the sky was not grey like back on Earth. Instead, it was a light violet colour. He knew that it was going to be this way but the sight of it still awed him. He hadn't caught a glimpse of the sky while he was in the Evergrows, so it was the first time he was seeing it. It looked almost... magical.
The sky back on Earth had already lost all lustre because of the pollution and always looked grey and dark.
His gaze moved back down to gaze at his surroundings.
The reason for actual structures being so sparse in this area was probably because they were so close to the borders, so, few people choose to live here.
It was proven as they moved deeper into the Sylvancrest Territory. All sorts of buildings appeared in his view, that all seemed to be made using the same architecture that was present in the Continent of Nature, where he lived.
They had pointed arches, towering ceilings, and intricate detailed decoration creating a sense of upward movement in the buildings.
Aura's mount did not pause anywhere as she continued moving deeper into the HCR.
The pathways were filled with people who walked around in shiny armours and carried luggage bags. They seemed to all be going about their work, just like back on Earth. Albeit, the work on this side of the Rift was very different, mostly involving killing the Shifted.
He also saw other people using Shifted creatures as mounts and for carrying luggage. There were all sorts of them, from a massive worm with countless legs and a cute face, to a beautiful stag like creature with glowing horns.
The streets were also lined with shops of all kinds that sold materials that were useful in the Realm.
After walking for a few minutes Aura finally came to a stop in front of a huge building that had words engraved on the top of its Archway which read 'Trade Union'.
The Trade Union was surprisingly not made using the style that was common in everything else around here. It was more akin to the stronghold, with black steel that covered the walls and pointed ceilings. The signature greenery however, was still present as if that was non-negotiable.
There were people standing outside the gates of the Union, who wore clothes like a butler, but green in colour, instead of black. Aura had stopped in front of them as one of them came closer and spoke.
"Oh, if it isn't Lady Aura. Shall I take the mount?"
Aura's expression did not change as a small smile was ever present on her face since they had entered the HCR. She said casually as she got down from her mount.
"Hm, thank you."
After the man took the reins of her mount, Aura spoke to thin air in her usual tone.
"You can come out now."
The men standing at the gate got confused by her words but they were shocked into action when they saw something emerging from the ground beside Aura. Before they could panic any further and cause a ruckus, Aura said in a commanding tone.
"Its fine. The creature is already dead."
Her words were like a bucket of cold water as it calmed them down. It was only after calming down did they notice that another person was now standing beside Aura.
He was holding the Giant Purple Ant on his Shoulder.
Aura looked at him and asked in a teasing tone.
"Should I carry it for you?"
Ragnar already had a frown on his face as he was clearly struggling with its weight. Hearing her words, he did not hesitate in the slightest and tossed it on the ground.
"That would be great."
Aura looked at him with a dumbfounded expression as the staff standing there also mirrored her feelings.
Aura's face scrunched up as she said to the butler-like people.
"Carry it inside."
She started walking ahead after saying that as she thought to herself that he will never find a partner if he keeps this attitude. Ragnar followed her with light steps as he felt like a huge burden was off his shoulders. Yeah, because it was.
The staff people did not struggle to carry the corpse since they were also Arcane and brought it along with them.
There was a reception in front of them as soon as they entered the union. Several pretty ladies sat behind it as they tended to the customers.
They walked up to the one who was free and Aura spoke to her like she owned the place.
"Is my uncle here?"
Ragnar had thought that Aura had influence in the official matters because of the reaction of the people at the stronghold. But it seems that he had still underestimated her.
As far as he knew, the Trade Unions were operated by the World Government, but she asked them about her uncle as if they all should know who she is.
And surprisingly, the staff lady knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Yes, he is here Miss. Would you like me to call him or would you like to go to his office directly?"
Aura did not take time to respond as she said while walking away from the reception.
"It's fine. We'll go to him. Umm… Take care of this corpse. We'll tell you what to do with it on the way back."
After she had walked quite a distance, she noticed that Ragnar wasn't following her.
He was standing at the same spot staring intently at the staff ladies as his gaze moved from one to another. His gaze looked stoic as if he was considering which of them to kill first.
Ragnar was currently trying something. These ladies were considerably pretty since all Mutants were. And they should be the crème of the crop since they were given this job. And just as he expected, he didn't feel anything. Just more cattle.
It was clear now that it wasn't just Aura who was not attractive in his gaze. It was the case for all humans.
The ladies were getting nervous under his piercing gaze as they prepared to call for security but at this moment a voice called out from behind that made this mad man divert his gaze.
"Come on, Lord Ragnar."
Ragnar's attention was broken as he turned around and walked towards Aura.
The people around them whispered among themselves at the way that Aura had addressed this unknown man. But no one interrupted them. Lucky for them.
When he reached near her, she asked with a doubtful expression.
"What were you doing?"
Ragnar replied casually as he walked beside her.
"Just checking something."
Aura did an 'Uh-huh', as she did not continue to ask further.
They walked up to a wall that looked bland, but there were several glowing white circles lined on the floor beside that wall. The circles glowed timely as several people walked into them and disappeared. Similarly, several people appeared into them from nowhere.
Ragnar asked her in a casual tone.
"What are these?"
Aura replied curtly without even looking at him as she walked into one of them.
"You can think of them as a lift."
Ragnar was expecting her to explain it in detail like she always did until now but surprisingly, she didn't continue after that.
Ragnar did not ask again as he went and stood beside her in the circle.
Then he felt a weird sensation as the circle glowed and his body felt weightless. Then suddenly, the scenery in front of him changed as they appeared in a corridor.
Aura left the circle and walked towards her destination. It seemed that she was very accustomed with this place as she knew exactly where she was going.
Ragnar caught up with her as he noticed that she was walking a bit faster than normal. He had no idea what that meant as he followed behind without speaking a word.
Reaching in front of a door, she knocked.
A deep voice came from inside that felt quite authoritative.
"Come in."
Aura opened the door and walked in and Ragnar followed suit.
It was a room made out of mahogany wood including the furniture. It looked like a study that people from older generations used. But Ragnar only observed the room for a moment as his attention was captured by the solitary man in the room.
The man had a prim and proper beard that was already showing signs of aging. He had dark green hair and similar eyes, just like Aura. But his eyes were experienced and looked sharp. He also had a few wrinkles that marked his otherwise handsome face. But they also seemed to add another type of charm to him.
He had a steady face that broke into a warm smile when he noticed it was Aura. He said in a rather mellowed out voice.
"How did my Little Angel remember me today?"