The third floor was a general store for all sorts of things and objects for travelers, with odd collections for their implements and luggage.
The fourth floor was like a kind of large receptionist office where paperwork and all national and international documents were managed.
This place is the Administration Center of the Northern Branch of the Adventurer's Guild.
The fifth floor were large private meeting centers for groups or clans of adventurers.
They will probably reserve a meeting place and then proceed with their needs.
Adventurer clans are very large and work together for their cause. They are more like an independent organization that serves as business extensions between the clans and guilds of each continent.
"We have reached the end" said Zaliph who was taking us back to the first floor.
It seems to only have five administrative floors...
It was entertaining after all.
It has essential and well-thought-out things.
"What did you think of Lucius-sama?" the anxious Zaliph asked.
"Fascinating"
"Yes! It's fascinating!" As I expected, Zaliph enjoyed it much more than I did…
"Now we will go to the next place!"
"Yes!" we all shouted with excitement.
***
After leaving the adventurer branch and wandering through the almost impassable streets, we came to one in particular where a huge cathedral could be seen: it had a glass dome covering the top and an intense light emanated from within. On the front structure was a symbol of the Aquatic Continent.
"What is that place?" I asked.
"That is the Cathedral of the Sacred Ocean God," the cultured Zaliph replied.
Just as humans believe in their different religions, there are other races that believe in their own.
I remember reading in the palace library about the belief of the water people: the Sacred Ocean.
There is a God who created life in all the desert and desolate lands thanks to the sacred power of water.
According to the people of the water, the God of the Ocean blessed and granted each species a position in the chain of life before its birth, in order to establish the natural order: some were wiser and more intelligent, others more aggressive and powerful; everything was decided from the beginning.
And that includes the natural differences between each species.
"Do you want to see their monuments?" he offered.
Since I am now living in this place, I see no problem with learning about their cultures and beliefs...
"Yeah"
Crossing the majestic doors with impressive carvings, the scene inside the cathedral left a feeling of divinity: a place worthy of being a tribute to a God.
The floor was made of white marble stone, along with the walls with high-quality engravings. Inside there were statues of a man wearing imposing armor saturated with ostentatious ornaments.
"That's the God of the Sacred Ocean," Zaliph said.
Their appearance puts a lot of emphasis on what they refer to God...
Just as I was thinking that, I noticed that on the base where the individual was standing, there was writing. There were also other different writings on the other statues where that God was posing with an apparently different meaning.
[The God of the Sacred Ocean, maker of all that is known and conqueror of darkness, who hovers over life after creation, is now the defender of every fish. He sent those who gave a will for their greatness into the nothingness and guards them until the preacher of their examples returns, awaiting now the successor of the Seven Seas.]
"He who is worthy of true strength is the one who rules and lies in the heart of each and every other species."
— Letter to Atlas
That was what was written on the first statue in the main hall.
After reading what each of them contained, I understood something interesting: the Aquatic Continent emerged from the depths of the Atlantic thanks to the power of the God of the Ocean. He supplied the lands of the continent and granted said place a people whose likeness allows the inhabitants the ability to inherit all their qualities.
The God of the Ocean named those lands, Atlas.
"Fascinating," I murmured, stroking my chin.
After walking through the corridors, where there were more monuments with many offerings, we came across something that left me speechless.
"What is that!?" I screamed, unable to hide my surprise.
In front of me was a huge hall that connected to the second section of the cathedral. What made that impression on me was not that the hall had no door, but that its interior was covered in water.
The water did not flow out and seemed to be contained by an invisible wall... or perhaps an invisible door...
"This place is constantly being covered by the power of the Holy Ocean, that's why a light emanated from the crystal dome on the cathedral's roof." Zaliph said and continued. "Only those of our same species can cross over to the other side..."
Understand...
The people of the sea can breathe and live underwater, just as we do on the surface. Since the oceans are their domain, that is one of their natural qualities.
Since I'm a human, I would obviously drown if I breathed in the water, the same would be true for other species that visit this place.
"What's on the other side?" I asked, heartbroken but still not giving up.
"When a new inhabitant of our kingdom is born, he is brought to this place to be baptized and blessed by the Sacred Waters. And as part of the welcome of a new warrior of the Sacred Ocean, he is allowed to be recognized as a vessel for him to enjoy strength."
"It sounds a bit demanding for your future…"
"Yes, it may seem that way when we are compared to the rest of the world, but that makes us special," Zaliph added with a smile and continued. "That's what my mom always says."
What Zaphyris says... can sometimes be questionable...
I reached out and touched the wall of water in front of us. The sensation was similar and there was no change... it just stayed there like a strong film on the rest of the interior... just like a uniform mass held together by an invisible force.
Inside I could also see a hallway with more things associated with this place.
I assume the baptismal room and other things are located on the upper levels of this cathedral.
It's a shame I can't see it...
But it's not like there's any point in knowing that. There are more important things to do...
Or so I would like to say...
"I think we should get back," I offered, adding, "We'll leave it here for today, is that okay?"
"Yes!" those three answered.
They didn't look tired at all...
They always have plenty of energy for everything.
And so, we left the cathedral and started walking back towards the palace. It was a short, informative and fascinating walk about this city.
"Oh? That's not Hilda?" The Ephtos asked as he pointed into the distance… Did he identify her among so many people?
To our left was the street that led to the shopping area. Hilda was walking with some not-so-heavy boxes in her hands.
"Yes," Zaliph replied. "I think he's heading to the palace like us."
"Hildaaa!" Ephtos shouted. Junk did the same, followed shortly after by Zaliph.
When she heard her name, she casually turned around and her gaze met ours.
Then he approached with a smile but a little bewilderment.
"I didn't expect to find you two around here," she said, then looked at me. "And especially not you, Lucius-sama. Did something happen?"
"It's nothing, it's just that these three children were showing me the city… sort of like a tour."
"Oh? That sounds good."
"Are you heading to the palace?"
"Yes, we can go together if you want, Lucius-sama." He added a smile as he said that.
"Eh… I'm sorry, but we'll be going a different way right now." I have no choice but to decline his invitation. We were supposed to come sneaking around and shouldn't have seen each other in the first place… but these kids don't think things through very well before they act.
"Is that so?"
"... Yes, I'm sorry."
"Don't worry, it was a little inconsiderate of me..."
"It's not that, Hilda!" I clarified and proceeded to explain what was happening. If they were to see us, then there would be no point in trying so hard to keep it hidden.
"Eh... that sounds like a typical idea for these three kids." Hilda thought about it for a bit and then added. "Well, sorry to take up your time. You better get back quickly."
"Yeah, see you later." I said goodbye to her and then we left. Hilda also waved her hand goodbye and walked away in the same direction she had before.
That exchange was a bit strange, but it was for the best. If I'm in this position by my own decision, then I have to finish it anyway.
The four of us made it back into the forest and back into the palace without any problems. Although we rushed towards the waterfall, Ryujinzhu arrived about a couple of minutes later...
It was a coincidence that I did it that way.
She didn't seem to suspect what was happening, but she was a little puzzled by the presence of Zaliph and his brothers.
The bet was risky, but the crime never came to light. This secret had remained between us... although with Hilda involved in the process.
I'll thank you sometime...