The river stretching hundreds of meters wide before them was known as the Soren River. Although it was close to the perennially frozen Valley of Ice, it was an ice-free river that flowed throughout all four seasons.
The Emerald City-State, a shimmering jewel, nestled quietly on the opposite bank. It skillfully utilized the narrow strip of land south of the Valley of Ice to form the city’s silhouette.
The only roads leading into the urban area were bridges spaced several kilometers apart. However, unlike other cities on the Leon Continent, Emerald City—the ecclesiastical capital at the center of the continent—was the only city without an outer wall.
This confidence stemmed from two factors.
First, the Soren River was wide and torrential, naturally forming an insurmountable barrier that provided a natural defense for the city. Second, Emerald City was under the direct jurisdiction of the Holy Church of Light. It was internally harmonious and stable, rarely engaging in disputes with the outside world, and because it was located at the heart of the continent, it was almost never harassed by external magical beasts.
The only exception was at the northernmost tip of the city, where it bordered the entrance to the Valley of Ice. A short section of wall stood there, designed to prevent the magical beasts lurking within the valley from invading.
The two of them stood on the opposite bank and looked into the distance. The towering foothills behind the city appeared even more rugged in the morning light, as solemn as guardian deities.
The route they took into the city was the widest avenue on the southern side. Both sides of the road were covered in a snow-white landscape that looked as holy as an angel’s wings under the sunlight, earning it the name “Angel Avenue.”
Due to Emerald City’s unique wall-less design, the screening process for visitors was exceptionally relaxed and inclusive. Generally, one only needed to briefly register their identity information with the Church Army stationed at the bridge to easily step into the holy city.
Non-residents only needed to obtain a small, exquisite badge from the Church Army as proof of identity for activities within the city. By wearing it, they could freely traverse every corner of the city.
Midir received two such badges from a spirited Church Army soldier dressed in leather battle robes. He gently handed one to Aila and then began to examine the small metal piece in his own hand.
The badge had an elegant white-gold base, engraved with a short staff symbolizing the Pontiff’s authority and a fluttering flag. The two elements complemented each other, radiating holiness and solemnity.
At the very center, a rising sun pattern shone brightly, inlaid with a small green gem. Under the caress of the light, the gem emitted a soft and enchanting glow, as if it contained the unique life force of Emerald City.
After glancing at the badge in her hand, Aila casually pinned it to the collar of her cloak. She stepped lightly onto the avenue ahead and said cheerfully.
“Don’t just stand there looking at it; put it on! That way we can enter the city. As for that gem, it’s not some rare treasure—it’s just a mineral unique to Emerald City. In fact, the city was named after this very stone.”
“I was just thinking, using this for identity verification... isn’t it a bit too casual?” Midir said as he pinned the badge to a prominent spot on his coat. He nodded to the guarding Church Army soldier and hurried to catch up with Aila.
“Don’t worry, there’s a lot of sophisticated technology hidden in that stone.”
Aila chuckled, tapping the badge on her collar with her slender fingers. “Our registration information is cleverly stored inside this tiny gem. This is a technology unique to the Holy Church of Light. Don’t look down on it; it’s very useful. As for the specific principles, I only have a vague understanding, but I hear it’s quite practical.”
Because it was adjacent to the Valley of Ice, Emerald City’s climate was relatively harsh, which meant its population was nowhere near as flourishing as other large metropolises.
However, thousands of years of cultural accumulation and the gathering of believers meant the city still maintained a large population and was filled with a unique charm.
As the spiritual lighthouse for believers across the continent, Emerald City attracted not only merchants but also pilgrims from all directions who set foot on this holy land with piety and awe.
Vastly different from the bustling noise of Lionheart City or the cold solemnity of Azure City, Midir’s first impression of Emerald City was one of “peace.”
This tranquility and harmony were undoubtedly reflections of how deeply the teachings of the Holy Church of Light had permeated the people's hearts, allowing the city’s residents to lead peaceful and comfortable lives.
The two walked leisurely along the avenue, enjoying the unique and refreshing scenery. What was even more peculiar was that as soon as they stepped within the city-state’s boundaries, the surrounding temperature began to rise quietly, and the originally piercing wind became gentle.
“Phew, why do I feel like it’s getting hot? It shouldn’t be my imagination, right?” Aila took off her thick hood and fanned herself with her hand.
“It definitely has become warmer. I just sensed it carefully, but it doesn’t seem to be related to magic. It should be some kind of natural phenomenon, right?” Midir answered with a hint of curiosity in his tone.
After wandering aimlessly for a while, Aila suddenly took Midir’s arm and pulled him away from the bustling avenue, stepping into a quiet, deserted alley.
“Aila? What is this?” Midir asked with some confusion as he looked at the slightly dark and damp surroundings.
But Aila did not respond directly. Instead, she continued forward for a distance until she was sure no one would disturb them. Then she stopped and suddenly looked up, speaking loudly.
“To the friend who has been tailing us, would you care to show yourself now?” Her voice was clear and firm, echoing through the alley.
“Someone’s following us? Since when?” Midir was startled. Although the city’s peacefulness had caused him to subconsciously lower his guard, he didn't notice anything unusual even after scanning his surroundings.
Aila saw his confusion and furrowed her brows slightly as she explained.
“That presence has been following us since shortly after we entered the city. Moreover, the person’s methods are quite hidden. Even a mage like you would find it difficult to notice for a moment. If my five senses weren't different from those of humans, even I wouldn't have discovered them.”
With that, her gaze turned sharp as she looked toward a mottled brick wall on one side of the alley, as if she could pierce through the stone to see the hidden truth behind it.
The wall before them was devoid of life or warmth, looking perfectly ordinary to Midir. Just as he was wondering, a shadow on the wall suddenly writhed, and a thin figure stepped out of the shadow like a ghost.
Seeing the sudden appearance of this figure, Midir immediately adopted a defensive stance. The elemental power within his body began to circulate, ready to strike at any moment.
“Miss Aila, the Golden Flame Tigress... your reputation is well-deserved. My meager tricks are nothing before you.” After flickering a few times, the figure solidified into a tall, thin man wearing a black suit and a strange mask covering his face.
The man bowed to the two of them with an elegant posture. His voice was soft and magnetic, seemingly full of praise for Aila’s keen perception.
“And I presume this must be Mr. Midir, the Brilliant White Mage who has recently risen to fame?” The man’s words held a hint of inquiry as his gaze drifted over Midir.
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