Chereads / The Legendary mage / Chapter 26 - New city part 2

Chapter 26 - New city part 2

Over their tunics, each guard wore a sturdy chestplate, emblazoned with the city's crest—a stylized dragon intertwined with a tree, symbolizing both strength and protection.

The crest shimmered faintly in the fading light, a reminder of the city's proud history.

Their helmets were sleek, crafted to cover their heads while leaving their faces visible, each adorned with a small plume indicating their rank.

Beneath the helmets, the guards' expressions remained stoic, focused on their duties.

Along their belts hung short swords, sheathed in black leather, along with small pouches that glowed faintly—magical items at the ready should the need arise.

At the base of the towering walls, near the gate, the area bustled with activity.

A long line of travelers, merchants, and adventurers stretched back, waiting for entry. Each person in the line was subject to a thorough inspection by the vigilant guards.

The checkpoint was orderly but tense, as guards checked papers, examined goods, and asked probing questions.

No one was above suspicion; the safety of the city depended on it.

A magical scanner, an ancient artifact that hummed with energy, was used to detect any illicit magical items.

The device glowed faintly each time it passed over a traveler, its power cutting through deception with ease.

Surrounding the gate was a wide, open plaza, where people gathered before entering or leaving the city.

Around the edges, vendors had set up stalls, their voices rising above the crowd as they hawked food, trinkets, and supplies for weary travelers.

The air was rich with the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread, mingling with the sharper scent of metal from nearby blacksmiths hammering out weapons and tools.

To the side, a small group of adventurers was busy preparing for their journey, adjusting their gear and double-checking supplies.

Nearby, a caravan of merchants haggled with the guards over taxes and the goods they carried, their negotiations punctuated by sharp gestures and raised voices.

Above the gate, atop the wall, the guards had a commanding view of the road leading to the city and the bustling activity below.

Their watchful eyes never left the scene, ensuring that nothing escaped their notice.

The guards peered out through narrow slits in the stone walls, their eyes scanning the distant horizon for any signs of trouble.

They moved with precision, practiced from years of routine, but their vigilance never wavered.

Above them, the captain of the guard, distinguished by the silver bands on his armor, strode along the parapets.

His voice boomed as he barked orders, ensuring that every guard remained sharp and alert.

Occasionally, a faint flash of magic sparked from the walls, reinforcing the gate's enchanted defenses.

It was a quiet but constant reminder that this city was protected by more than just steel—powerful spells safeguarded it from unseen dangers.

Adam's carriage had joined the line at the gate, waiting to exit the city.

His eyes scanned the guards as they performed their inspections, methodically checking each carriage and its occupants.

It was clear to him that the city's security was thorough, and no one was being allowed through without scrutiny.

'They've probably found out by now that I was the one who killed all the people at the South District Organization base,'Adam thought, his mind calm even as the memory crossed it.

Outwardly, there was no tension visible on his face. He sat in the carriage with the same composed expression he always wore, but beneath the surface, he was careful to control his emotions.

It wouldn't do to give anything away, especially here.

The guards continued their inspections, moving from one carriage to the next. Suddenly, they spotted a young boy with white hair. Without hesitation, they seized him, pulling him from the line and leading him away for questioning.

When Adam saw this, he muttered under his breath, "Yup… they found out."

But as he watched their actions, Adam became convinced that they didn't know his face.

They were searching for something, but it wasn't him—not yet, at least.

Adam, currently transformed into the rotund figure of Fat Man Gobar, sat comfortably in the carriage, maintaining his cover.

His disguise was flawless, from his bulky frame to the slow, deliberate movements that masked his true agility.

It wasn't long before it was his turn at the checkpoint.

A guard stepped forward, stopping the carriage with a raised hand. He motioned to the driver before pulling open the carriage door, his sharp eyes scanning Adam up and down.

"Where are you going?" the guard asked, his tone formal but suspicious.

"I'm going to River City to visit my relatives," Adam responded, his voice calm, perfectly matching the persona of the harmless, well-fed traveler he pretended to be.

The guard grunted in response, not fully satisfied. He stepped back and began inspecting the carriage thoroughly, checking every nook and cranny.

Adam sat still, his expression neutral as the guard rummaged through the luggage and seats.

After a few moments, the guard finished his search. He stepped out of the carriage and signaled to his fellow guard at the gate. "All clear," he said.

With that, the carriage was waved through, and the heavy iron gates creaked open just enough to let Adam pass.

As the city receded behind him, Adam took a deep breath, feeling a subtle sense of relief. His escape had gone unnoticed, and for now, he was in the clear.

The road leading away from the western gate stretched far into the distance, a wide path made of packed dirt and stone.

Deep grooves etched into the road spoke of the countless wagons, horses, and travelers that had passed this way over the years, giving the path a weathered yet sturdy look.

On either side of the road, tall wooden posts stood at regular intervals, each carrying a lantern that glowed softly.

The flames inside were enchanted, burning steadily even against the wind and rain, lighting the way for travelers long after the sun had set.

To be continued...