"Woah!!!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement as we finally approached the sprawling city of Drakenfall.
Three grueling days on the road had brought us here, and after the harrowing Sky Dragon encounter, this felt like a well-earned reward.
I leaned forward in my seat, pressing my face as close to the viewport as possible. The Manashift Cruiser's windows gave a crystal-clear view, and I drank in every detail.
Drakenfall wasn't just a city; it was an awe-inspiring fusion of art, architecture, and raw natural beauty. The entire city appeared to have been sculpted directly from the mountain it rested upon, cleanly merging rugged stone with crystalline structures.
It looked as if the mountain itself had decided to become a metropolis, its natural curves and jagged peaks flowing effortlessly into towering spires.
Massive stone towers rose high into the air, their surfaces alive with veins of glowing aura—most likely mana—that pulsed with a hypnotic rhythm, as though the city itself had a heartbeat.
I couldn't tell where the natural rock ended and the deliberate craftsmanship began. The effect was both surreal and captivating, like something straight out of a dream.
The city's outer walls were a marvel all their own. They were colossal, easily twice the height of anything I'd seen before, and etched with ancient carvings depicting battles, mythical creatures, and towering guardians.
Even from a distance, I could feel the craftsmanship and power behind them. The gates at their center were unlike anything I'd ever imagined—massive stone slabs covered in intricate, glowing runes, each rune radiating faint energy under the light of the twin moons.
Andre, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke. "It's my first time visiting as well. Quite impressive," he said, his calm demeanor making his quiet admiration stand out.
"I've been here a couple of times," Kaelar added, adjusting his grip on the steering mechanism. "Drakenfall's huge, even compared to other cities in the Neutral Zone. None of them come close to this place."
As we approached the gates, I noticed two Stonekin guards standing on either side. Their stony forms seemed to blend into the massive walls behind them.
One of them stepped forward, his expression unreadable. He carried himself with the unshakable confidence of someone who knew they were in control.
Kaelar lowered the viewport as the guard neared. The Stonekin's gaze swept across each of us, his glowing amber eyes lingering for a moment on my face before moving on.
"A Beastkin, an Aether Dragon, a Human, and an Elf," the guard rumbled, his voice deep and resonant. "You don't look like merchants or artisans. State your business in Drakenfall."
His voice reverberated through the Cruiser, sending an odd shiver down my spine. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was impossible to ignore.
It reminded me of the Stonekin we'd encountered three days ago after the attack on their village.
'Do all Stonekin sound like that?' I wondered, trying not to shift uncomfortably under his intense scrutiny.
Kaelar spoke up, his tone casual but respectful. "We're Celestial Concord candidates, here to pick up the Stonekin candidate."
The guard's gaze lingered on us for a moment longer, then he nodded. "Very well," he said, stepping back.
He turned to his partner and signaled with a hand gesture. The second guard, who had been standing silently with his arms crossed, moved to the gate.
Placing his hand against the stone, the second guard activated the runes etched into its surface. They flared to life, glowing brightly as the enormous gates began to slide open.
The sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air, and I watched, captivated, as the monumental slabs parted to reveal the city within.
"Wow…" I whispered, unable to help myself. The sheer scale and precision of the mechanism were incredible.
"It's Rune Magic," Hana said from her seat, her tone neutral, though it carried a faint edge of impatience.
"Rune Magic?" I repeated, glancing at her with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Hana turned her unamused gaze toward me, her expression set like stone. "With how much you don't know, it's honestly a miracle you can even walk and talk without instructions."
I frowned, the comment stinging, but before I could respond, Kaelar laughed from the driver's seat. "Cut him some slack, Hana. Amnesia, remember? He's basically a blank slate."
Hana didn't bother acknowledging Kaelar's remark and simply just remained silent.
Andre carried on with the explanation from where Hana had stopped. "Rune Magic," he began, his voice steady, "is the structured application of mana through inscribed symbols, glyphs, and patterns."
"These runes channel and amplify mana, turning it into specific effects. You'll find it everywhere—city gates, public utilities, large-scale mechanisms. It's fundamental to how our civilization operates."
He pointed toward the glowing channels etched into the nearby gates, their intricate designs pulsing with faint, rhythmic light. "Drakenfall's gates, for instance, don't open and close manually. They're controlled by an array of interconnected rune circuits."
"Rune circuits?" I echoed, leaning forward. "So, they're like… magical wiring?"
I had a vague understanding of how the security systems back in Demo City worked, so most of the information being presented to me made sense.
"Close enough," Andre said. "But don't mistake Rune Magic for the Arcane Arts. They're two entirely different things. Rune Magic is engineered—rigid, precise, and best suited for large-scale or automated applications. The Arcane Arts, on the other hand, are fluid and personal."
"They rely on individual skill and willpower. Fireballs, healing spells, teleportation—those are Arcane Arts."
"So, there are two kinds of magic?" I asked, intrigued.
"Yes," Andre replied with a smile.
"Wow," I murmured, absorbing his explanation. "And all of this runs on mana?"
"Partially," he said, placing his hand on his chin. "Mana is the raw energy source, but Rune Magic, in particular, is far more complex. It requires craftsmanship, alignment, and precise calculations."
"Raw mana alone isn't enough. Think of it like building a bridge—you don't just need materials; you need engineering and proper design."
"Rune magic, therefore, is the essence of technology. It was first invented by humans around 5,000 years ago. However, the way other races apply rune magic in this era is far more primitive by comparison."
He paused, then continued, "For most races, the use of rune magic aligns more closely with the Arcane Arts than with actual technology—at least, according to the humans."
Kaelar chimed in, his hands steady on the Cruiser's controls. "Drakenfall's mana network is a prime example. The city's infrastructure is embedded with mana conduits that distribute energy to everything—lighting, transportation hubs, trade routes, you name it."
"This network is what keeps the city running smoothly and is the backbone of its economy."
"Drakenfall's mana network is the largest and most advanced in the Neutral Zone," Hana added, gesturing to the glowing channels. "It powers not just the city's essentials but also its defenses. Without it, the city would grind to a halt. That's why it's called the heart of the Neutral Zone."
"That's incredible," I admitted, glancing out at the city's skyline in the distance.
The sheer scale of it was staggering.
"Yes, it is," Andre said, "but a human scientist would argue that we still aren't using rune magic to its full potential. To them, this is still Arcane Arts, not true technology. They do take a lot of pride in their inventions, if I may say so myself."
"Don't worry, you'll learn more during your training," Kaelar reassured.
As I gazed at the towers, their surfaces faintly glimmering, intricate runework pulsed across bridges and structures like a living web. The sight was mesmerizing, yet a thought struck me.
"What happens if something goes wrong here?" I asked, unable to shake the question.
Hana's gaze flicked toward me; her expression unreadable. "If Drakenfall were to fall, the Neutral Zone's economy and livelihood would collapse. Trade would stagnate, and the smaller cities and villages that rely on this place would struggle to survive."
"It would take at least a hundred years to recover."
Her words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, I felt the weight of the city's importance pressing down on me.
"Has anything like that ever happened before?" I asked, curious despite myself.
"Two hundred years ago." Hana replied. She didn't elaborate, and the somber tone of her voice made it clear she had no intention of doing so.
'Two hundred years ago?!' I thought, startled. 'Does that mean the city is still recovering?'
I shook the question from my mind for now. There was no point dwelling on it—I was too captivated by the city's breathtaking beauty.
Kaelar brought the Cruiser to a halt as we entered one of the bustling streets. "Alright, I think this is as far as I can go. They don't allow vehicles near the Central Plaza."
"Why not?" I asked, looking at the endless sea of people moving through the streets.
"The Plaza's home to the city's higher-ups and the Celestial Concord assembly," Kaelar explained. "They prioritize security and tradition there, so no vehicles or tech clutter the space."
"That makes sense," Andre said, though he looked a little uneasy. "Should we wait for you, Kaelar? This is my first time here, and I'd hate to get lost."
"Yeah, I'll park the Manashift Cruiser at the general lot. You guys will have to hold on till I'm back," Kaelar replied.
"There's no need," Hana said suddenly. "I know my way around. I'll take us to the Central Plaza; you can catch up later."
Her unexpected interjection left us all slightly stunned.
"You've been here before?" I asked, turning to Hana with curiosity.
Her face remained as impassive as ever. "I used to live here. Doesn't seem like much has changed."
'I wonder if she was here two hundred years ago,' I mused, the thought lingering in my mind.
'Back in Demo City, those stories did say Elves could live for a very long time. That would also explain why she didn't want to talk more about something going wrong here.'
"Good, then it's settled," Kaelar said, leaning back in his seat. "I'll meet you all at the Central Plaza."
We stepped out of the Cruiser and into the chaotic energy of Drakenfall's streets. The sounds of vendors shouting, the clinking of tools, and the occasional burst of magical energy filled the air.
The crowd was dense, a mix of every race and culture imaginable. Elves debated prices with Beastkin merchants, while Humans and Aether Dragons—most of which had scales on their bodies—walked purposefully through the throng. The scents were just as diverse—spices, cooked meats, and the faint metallic tang of mana.
I glanced upward, marveling at the towering spires that stretched into the sky. The runes etched into their surfaces pulsed in sync with the mana streams running through the streets, giving the entire city a living, breathing feel. It was a breathtaking mix of beauty and chaos.
"Stick close," Hana instructed, her voice sharp. "If you get separated here, you'll end up wandering for hours."
The warning wasn't exaggerated. The press of bodies made it difficult to move, and I found myself jostled from all sides as we followed Hana through the labyrinthine streets.
'Ugh, it looked so majestic from inside the Cruiser, but walking through it is a completely different story,' I thought as someone elbowed me in the ribs.
"Try not to fall behind, Jay," Andre said over his shoulder, his tone kind but cautionary.
"I wouldn't mind if he did," Hana remarked flatly from the front. "Would make things easier for us."
'Seriously? Even now?' I scowled but kept my focus on staying close.
Just as I was starting to get used to the chaos, someone grabbed my arm.
The grip was so sudden and strong that I yelped in shock.
"Hey! Let go!" I shouted, struggling to free myself, but the hand didn't budge.
Before I could call out to Andre or Hana, I was yanked forward with such force that I stumbled. The crowd blurred as I was dragged away, my protests swallowed by the noise of the streets. When I finally regained my footing, I found myself inside a dimly lit tent.
"W-What's going on?!" I demanded, spinning around to face my captor.
An old Beastkin woman stood before me, her hunched form draped in layers of tattered, colorful cloth.
Her fur was a patchy mix of gray and white, and her sharp, yellow eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity. Her feline features were accentuated by the faded, tribal patterns painted across her face.
She let go of my arm and hobbled toward a small wooden table in the center of the tent. The interior was cluttered with strange trinkets—bones, feathers, and jars filled with unidentifiable substances.
A faint, herbal scent hung in the air, mixed with something metallic and sharp. At the center of the table sat a crystal ball, faintly glowing with an eerie light.
"Hello, child," she said, her voice raspy yet oddly melodic. "You have the face of a visitor. Is this your first time in Drakenfall?"
I glared at her, rubbing my sore arm. "Who are you, and why did you drag me in here?! I could report you for assault or… or something!"
'Do they even have Enforcers in this world?' I wondered, the thought making my threat feel hollow.
The old woman chuckled, the sound more like a purr. "Oh, but there was a reason, child. Would you like me to tell you your fortune?"
I blinked. "Fortune? You grabbed me off the street to tell me my fortune? That's insane!"
She ignored my protests, settling into a chair behind the table. "Fortune is not something to take lightly," she said, her tone turning serious.
"Every soul carries a unique thread, woven into the great tapestry of existence. Fate, coincidence, destiny—they are all parts of the same weave. Wouldn't you like to see a glimpse of your thread?"
I folded my arms. "Look, if this is some kind of scam, I don't have any money to give you."
Her smile widened, revealing sharp, worn teeth. "Oh, don't worry, child. The first reading is free."
'She's not going to let me go until I play along,' I realized with a sigh.
"Fine. Just one fortune." I said dejectedly.
The old woman clapped her hands together, clearly pleased. "Excellent! Take a seat, and we shall begin."
Reluctantly, I sat down across from her. The chair creaked under my weight, and I couldn't help but glance nervously at the glowing crystal ball.
"Now," she said, her hands hovering over the ball, "close your eyes, focus on my voice, and answer my questions."
'I just want this over with. I need to catch up with Andre and Hana—fast,' I thought, shutting my eyes.
"What is your name, child?" she asked.
"Jay. Jay Jay."
"How old are you?"
"Nineteen."
"Where are you from?"
"Demo City," I answered hesitantly, unsure if I should be giving her this information.
I wasn't sure if she knew of all the places in this world or something along those lines.
There was a long pause. I peeked one eye open to see her staring intently at the crystal ball, her hands moving in slow, deliberate circles above it.
The light inside began to shift, darkening slightly.
"It is complete," she said at last. "Now, Jay, what would you like to know?"
I hesitated, caught off guard by her question. What did I want to know? The idea of asking about my future seemed silly, but at the same time, there was an undeniable allure.
After everything I'd seen in this world—magic, dragons, Stone people (Stonekin), and now a glowing crystal ball—maybe there was some truth to it all.
Maybe it really was possible to know my future.
'What would I even ask?' I thought, mulling over the possibilities. My mind drifted to the chaos of my recent life, the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
"What do I end up doing in the next twenty years?" I asked at last.
'At least this way, I might get a glimpse of what my thirties look like.'
The old woman's eyes gleamed. "A question of purpose and fate," she murmured, her hands resuming their slow dance above the crystal ball. "Let us see…"
Her movements grew more deliberate, and the glow inside the ball intensified. Threads of light swirled within it, forming intricate patterns that seemed to shift and weave with a life of their own.
For a moment, I felt a strange pull, as if the air in the tent had thickened and the world outside had faded away.
But then, without warning, the light twisted and darkened. A suffocating aura filled the tent, the once-clear crystal ball turning pitch black as a thick, ominous energy radiated from it.
"What's happening?!" I shouted, jerking back in my chair.
The old woman's expression had shifted from serene focus to sheer terror. Her hands trembled as she tried to steady herself.
"N-No… this is impossible…" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the growing aura.
"Hey, explain! What's going on?!" I yelled, panic rising in my chest.
She stumbled back from the table, her sharp claws clutching at the air as if warding off an unseen force. "You… You…!" she stammered, pointing a shaking finger at me. "What are you?!"
"Me?!" I shouted back. "You're the one who dragged me here!"
At first, I thought this was all a setup for me to fall for her schemes, but the old woman didn't look like she was acting at all.
The dark energy swirled more violently now, its tendrils reaching out like smoke, curling around the crystal ball. The old woman fell to her knees, her wide eyes fixated on me.
She eventually managed to speak, her voice trembling with a mix of absolute fear and horror.
"Y-You are the end!"