The walls of the city loomed ahead, towering at least two stories high. Their sheer size was intimidating, and the closer the convoy came, the more intricate the design revealed itself to be. Ancient symbols and glowing veins of Ithra energy seemed to run through the stone, giving the walls an otherworldly presence.
In the center of the city, a massive castle stood proudly, its spires piercing the sky. Even from a distance, Zack could see its grandeur—the glint of sunlight off its stonework, the banners that fluttered in the wind.
"This place is huge," Josh murmured, his eyes wide.
"Bigger than anything back home," Zack replied, unable to take his eyes off the sight.
As they passed through the massive gates, the streets came alive with the bustle of activity. The convoy slowed as they navigated the densely packed roads, lined with little two-story houses stacked tightly together. People moved through the streets, their clothes a mix of worn fabrics and faintly glowing accessories.
The air was filled with the hum of conversation, the clatter of carts, and the distant sound of bells. It was a thriving, chaotic city, full of life and energy.
But the convoy didn't stop.
As they moved deeper into the city, the streets began to change. The neatly arranged houses gave way to shabbier buildings, the cobblestone streets turning to dirt paths. The crowds thinned, replaced by individuals who looked tired and worn, their faces marked by hardship.
"This doesn't look so great anymore," Josh muttered, his earlier awe fading.
Zack nodded, his grip tightening on his pole. "They're taking us somewhere specific."
The streets grew narrower, the buildings more decrepit. Crumbling walls, broken windows, and the stench of decay greeted them as they entered what could only be described as the slums.
Eventually, the convoy came to a halt in front of a run-down set of buildings. They were clustered in a loose circle around what looked like a dirt field, the ground dry and uneven.
One of the guards stepped forward, his expression hard as he addressed the group.
"This is where you'll be staying," he said, his voice firm. "We can't afford to give you nice housing. You'll have to earn it yourself. Us teaching you how to use your powers and providing you with a real Ithra band is more than most people born in this world will ever get."
The guard gestured to the buildings around them. "Men will stay on that side," he said, pointing to one half of the complex. "Women on the other. It's 8 to a room, and whoever claims a bed first gets it. Each room must have at least 8 people—we don't have space to spare."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, frustration and disbelief evident on many faces.
Josh leaned toward Zack, whispering, "This isn't exactly the warm welcome I was expecting."
"It's better than being out there," Zack replied, glancing toward the dirt field and the crumbling buildings. "At least we're not alone."
The guard's eyes swept over the group, his expression unyielding. "Now go. Find a room and settle in. Training begins tomorrow."
The survivors dispersed, some moving quickly to claim a bed, others lingering with uncertain expressions. Zack and Josh exchanged a glance before heading toward the men's side of the complex.
Inside, the building was just as run-down as it looked from the outside. The air was stale, the walls cracked, and the wooden bunks creaked under the weight of those who had already claimed them.
Josh sighed, dropping his bag onto an empty bed near the corner. "Guess this is home for now."
Zack didn't say anything, his mind was already focused on what lay ahead. The guard's words echoed in his ears: You'll have to earn it yourself.