The twilight sky began to shroud the Frontier in an ethereal glow as the twin moons, one crimson and the other silver, appeared in the vast expanse above. Their celestial light reflected off the myriad of surfaces in the station, casting an otherworldly ambiance over the entire area. The scene was as surreal as it was breathtaking.
Val, having finished his conversation with Marshall, made his way back to where he had left Eliana. He moved through the sea of people with ease, his tall figure and stoic demeanor parting the crowd like a ship through water. His destination was clear, his strides purposeful.
Eliana, who had been waiting patiently, saw him emerge from the sea of people. Her heart leaped with relief and joy. Many emotions bubbled up within her chest at the sight of him.
‘I feel like I’ve become a totally different person. Is this what it feels like to be in love?’
She was amazed at how his presence was having such a profound effect on her.
As Val approached, his eyes met hers.
They held a certain light that hadn’t been there before – a glimmer of possessiveness, a desire to monopolize Eliana for himself.
This was a novel sentiment for Val, something he had never experienced before in his emotion-limited existence. She was the first human to make him feel this way. He had to admit she was really something.
Eliana couldn’t quite decipher the complex emotions swirling in Val’s eyes, but it made her heart flutter for a good reason.
Despite his usually strong and stoic demeanor, in this moment Val’s eyes conveyed an intensity that promised her more than mere companionship. It was an alluring, almost intoxicating sense of belonging that she had long craved.
“You’re back,” she greeted Val, her voice barely a whisper but carrying an unmistakable note of joy.
“Are you ready to enter the Northern Frontier?” Val asked, his voice a soothing, unfeeling timbre that she was growing increasingly accustomed to.
“I’ve been ready.” Eliana nodded, a bright smile illuminating her face so much that her radiance matched the brightness of the two moons high up in the sky. 𝒩𝞸𝐕𝔩xt.𝔠𝒪𝔪
“Good. Then let’s go,” Val said to her, offering her his arm. Eliana looped hers through his, and together, they entered the lower city of the Frontier.
The lower city was situated at the foot of the colossal Mount Torjan, which stood between the Verdant Deep Forest and the other mountains of the Wyrmspine Peaks.
The lower city was a bustling hub of activity.
Markets thrummed with life, being run by merchants and brimming with vibrant arrays of goods from all corners of the kingdom. Trading posts showcased all manner of wares, from precious herbs to cursed artifacts. Taverns rang with the sounds of lively conversation and the clinking of mugs.
This was the economic backbone of the Northern Frontier, the first line of defense the kingdom had against the Empire. Of course, the newcomers had no idea about it.
Moreover, from the outside, none of it was visible. It was only after stepping inside that it all came to view. It was as if a protective barrier had been placed around the city, a magical veil that concealed its grandeur from prying eyes. Only those who crossed its threshold were granted the privilege of bearing witness to its true majesty.
For Val and Eliana, stepping into the city was like crossing into another realm, one hidden in plain sight. Their eyes widened at the sight before them. The transformation was just that staggering.
The lower city of the Northern Frontier surpassed any stronghold they had ever witnessed in the outer region in their entire life.
They thought that it rivaled even the majesty of the inner region of the kingdom that they had only ever heard of.
The silver spires reaching towards the sky, the wide cobblestone streets, and the ornate architecture of the buildings, all reminded them of the stories of the famed city of silver, also known as the only Divine Capital of the Victoria Kingdom.
Eliana’s eyes shimmered with awe, “This… this is unbelievable. It’s like something from a dream.”
Val’s gaze swept over the lower city that sprawled before him, his usually stoic face reflecting a hint of surprise, “It’s so much different than what I’ve heard.”
Val had to admit that the sight was a stark contrast to the tales of desolation and hardship that were often associated with the northern frontier. He thought he had made a mistake trusting in the many nasty rumors about this place. It might not be as bad as people made it out to be!
Suddenly, a familiar voice rose from behind them. They swiveled around to find Alfred striding towards them.
“This lower city used to be but a small refuge, a pocket of civilization that shielded bloodline users and normies alike from the harsh wilderness. With the Thunderspear tribe’s talisman, which wards off evil, people could sleep soundly, free from fear of devils invading their homes. Over the years, with investment from the kingdom’s nobility and the relentless work of the frontier folk, it evolved into the hub of commerce you see today,” Alfred said to them.
The duo listened to his words intently, surprised at the detailed explanation. While Alfred had his quirks, his knowledge was valuable.
“It’s rude to eavesdrop, Alfred,” Val’s voice was dry, but there was a slight twinkle in his eye. “However, I appreciate the information.”
“I merely happened to overhear your conversation and seeing your perplexed faces, couldn’t resist helping,” Alfred said with a casual shrug.
Eliana glanced at Val, curiosity gleaming in her eyes, “You know him?”
“Yes,” Val replied.
Alfred interjected before Val could continue, “Actually, sister, I owe a lot to Val here. He helped me pass my Trial by Fire which allowed me to enter the frontier. For that, I am forever indebted.”
The premier faith in this world is centered around the worship of the God of Light. Followers of this religion often have specific terms of address to signify their shared faith. Females, particularly those of the holy order, such as nuns, tend to refer to their male counterparts and other men in general as “brothers.” Likewise, men within the religious community called the nuns “sisters,” indicating their shared spiritual kinship.
Alfred’s choice of address, calling Eliana “sister,” implied that he too was a follower of the God of Light.
Once Eliana realized he was from the same religion as her, she felt more at ease.
“It was merely a transaction, Alfred. You paid me for my assistance. There’s no need to feel indebted,” Val waved off Alfred’s gratitude
“I can’t help it,” Alfred said, shaking his head, “But that aside, I’ve spent quite some time here. I can share some of my knowledge if you’d like.”
“And why would you do that?” Val’s eyebrow quirked
“Isn’t that what friends do?” Alfred grinned, his eyes shimmering with a genuine warmth. “Help each other when necessary.”
“And since when did we become friends?” Val countered, a subtle amusement laced his tone.
Alfred shrugged nonchalantly, “It’s never too late to make friends. Why don’t we start now? The frontier is a big and dangerous place. Having friends might make it slightly less daunting.”
“Well, it’s always better to have more allies in an unknown place. So why not?” Val replied.