Luna calmly walked through the crowd, not bothered by countless eyes on her, and went directly towards the head guard's place at the entrance gate.
Usually, the other guards would try to stop anybody from bothering the head, but this time, nobody bothered to do that. Although they were almost lost in her beauty, thankfully, they didn't lose their minds, as they knew the beauty in front of them was extraordinary.
It wasn't just her face that drew attention—it was the way she moved, with a graceful yet commanding presence. The calm, cold demeanour she carried told everyone exactly what they needed to know.
She was someone important. Someone untouchable.
Without hesitation, Luna walked straight toward the head guard's station, bypassing the long line as though the rules simply didn't apply to her. And truthfully, they didn't.
As she passed, the crowd fell into silence, as though enchanted by her mere presence. She didn't need to release her internal energy—her aura alone demanded respect, leaving everyone in quiet awe.
A moment later, the head captain of the gate emerged, his posture unmistakably humble and deferential.
It took only seconds for the situation to change. The guards, once strict with inspections, now moved with haste—not to check them, but to assist them.
Without a single question, they cleared the way.
Ash, Jin, and the rest of the caravan entered Rock Castle City without following the line, slipping past the bustling checkpoint as though they were honoured guests, not weary travellers.
They quickly entered through the main gate and arrived at the outer market of the Rock Castle City.
Ash, Jin, and the other new trainee soldiers looked around with wide-eyed excitement and curiosity.
For most of them, this was their first time seeing a real city. They had grown up in small, scattered villages, far removed from the bustling heart of civilization.
Rock Castle City was a medium-grade city—not the grandest, but far from small. It's well-structured streets and fortified walls spoke of order and strength, a place where powerful factions thrived and hidden dangers lurked.
To the newcomers, it was a whole new world.
Even Ash was also a bit surprised, as he thought the place wouldn't be as good, as he had seen quite a large city with high technology. Not like this world, which seemed like an ancient, backward world.
But as he took in the city, he quickly realized his assumptions had been wrong.
This world wasn't as primitive as he had once thought.
All around him, fascinating sights caught his eye—things that rivalled or even surpassed, the technology of his previous life.
Glowing symbols and runes lined the streets, emitting a soft, steady light. They functioned just like streetlights from his old world, yet they were clearly powered by something far more mysterious than electricity.
Even more astonishing, puppets and mecha-like constructs moved along the roads, performing various tasks. Some carried goods, others cleaned the streets, and a few even stood at intersections, seemingly directing traffic.
It was clear now—this world wasn't undeveloped.
They hadn't lacked progress in science and technology. Instead, they had advanced in a different direction, using mysterious internal energy or spiritual power to achieve what his past life had relied on machines for.
This kind of thing he didn't notice in the village, nor did he read much of it. He remembers to read a little about runes, and that's it.
The group continued to go deeper into the city and finally came to a large inn, which seemed to be quite famous and was the place where the group was going to stay.
He brought enough money and rented a single room for himself alone, as he wasn't like other soldiers who had to share a single room with four or five others.
And finally, the group can rest, as they were mentally exhausted, if not physically, due to the dangers they face.
With their mission complete, they were free to do as they pleased during their downtime.
Eager to explore, Ash and Jin set out, ready to stroll through the city and take in its sights.
But just as they stepped outside—
They stopped in their tracks.
Standing before them was Luna.
She wasn't just passing by—she was waiting.
Her elegant figure, her calm yet commanding presence, and the intense gaze she fixed on Ash made it clear—
She had come specifically for him.
Jin beside him also noticed this and quickly ran outside, as he didn't even dare to look at her, as her beauty was too much for his virgin ass, who hadn't even held women's hands.
"Not bad. I heard you killed quite a few enemies on your own," Luna said as she studied him. "I suppose you really are Senior Caine's disciple."
Although first-rate martial artists were insignificant to her, she still found Ash's feat impressive. After all, he was only a second-rate martial artist, yet he had managed to take down multiple opponents stronger than him. That wasn't something just anyone could do.
He remained calm. "Thank you, but Lady Luna, you didn't come all this way just to compliment me, did you?"
His tone was polite, but his gaze was sharp—he knew she had to have another reason for seeking him out.
"Hmm. You don't have to be so cautious around me," Luna said, her tone relaxed. "As Senior Caine's disciple, I wouldn't—no, I wouldn't dare—to harm you. And it's not just me… Many people across the empire wouldn't risk troubling you either."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is the old man really that incredible?"
He had already guessed that Caine was powerful, but from the way Luna spoke, it seemed his master's influence stretched far beyond what he had imagined.
Luna chuckled softly. "Yes, he's truly extraordinary."
Then, with a teasing, almost seductive smile playing on her otherworldly beautiful face, she leaned in slightly.
"Which is why I've decided to give you a gift… because I'd like us to develop a closer relationship."