The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, as the group advanced along the open roads after leaving the forest. The tall grass swayed gently in the wind, and the distant sound of unknown birds echoed across the plain. Some of the people who had slept along the way began to wake up, blinking toward the horizon, realizing they were already close to their first destination: an imposing city that emerged in the distance.
The wagons moved slowly, with the horses trotting steadily. The merchant, Beltron, led the way, keeping his eyes alert for any sign of danger. The group took advantage of the journey to get to know each other better and relax. Dimitri and Selina continued to argue, provoking occasional laughter, while Romeu, still somewhat embarrassed by the beating he had received, remained attentive.
Haru, silent as always, kept his gaze fixed on Kuto.
— Hey… why are you staring at me like that? — Kuto asked, breaking the silence.
— You… are very similar to my dead brother — Haru replied, in an almost inaudible tone.
Kuto fell silent, processing those words, not knowing how to react.
Meanwhile, Jack took the moment to learn more about the region:
— Mr. Beltron, exactly which region are we in? — he asked, curious.
The merchant furrowed his brow, surprised by the question:
— No one your age would ask such a question… — he murmured. — At the moment, we are in the western continent.
— Western continent? So there are other continents? — Jack questioned.
— Yes. The nearest continent is the eastern continent. Each continent is different. The western one is calmer and more peaceful, where the influence of the church predominates. The eastern is less peaceful, with Masji influence — a reference to local cultures. As for the other three continents, I have no information, as I have never gone beyond the western-eastern border. Both have several kingdoms.
— And the city we are going to? — Jack asked.
— We are heading to the Kingdom of Zordis — Beltron answered.
The group watched the horizon with enthusiasm. The city walls appeared slowly, with two guards standing motionless at the entrance, an imposing gate that seemed to protect the city with strength and discipline.
Arrival at the City
As they approached, the guards demanded two types of documents:
1. Occupation Ticket: a document showing the traveler's occupation and personal information within the kingdom.
2. Purpose of Passage: a document explaining the reason for the visit and the planned duration of stay. There are three types:
Flexible: up to 1 month.
Medium: up to 1 year.
Indeterminate: no defined limit, staying until desired.
The group panicked momentarily, as they did not possess any of these documents. Romeu's eyes widened:
— They even require this here? — he exclaimed, astonished.
Beltron, laughing, reassured them:
— You are with me. You are my guests for my daughter's wedding and will remain for the same period as us.
The guards, after verifying Beltron's word, nodded:
— Very well, then you may enter.
The city revealed itself as breathtaking. Medieval houses with contemporary touches lined the streets, all bustling and vibrant. Magical traffic lights appeared along the streets, with avatars crossing in front of pedestrians to signal when it was safe or not. Shops ranged from fashion to weapons, from magical items to potions. In the center, a majestic palace gleamed under the setting sun, showing that the kingdom possessed wealth, culture, and power.
— Incredible… — murmured Sónia, amazed. — It seems magic has replaced technology here.
— And even more organized than I imagined — Haru commented, observing every detail.
The Wedding at the Blue Cathedral
Beltron led them through the central avenues to an immense square, where the Cathedral of Arvell rose, known for its blue stained-glass windows and golden towers. It was the place where the wedding would take place.
The temple was imposing — its doors were over six meters high, adorned with sacred symbols and carvings that told ancient stories of kings and mages. At the top, magical bells floated, emitting a pure and crystalline sound that echoed throughout the city.
The interior was even more stunning: the polished floor reflected the glow of enchanted flames that floated between the stained-glass windows. Tall columns supported a blue glass ceiling, and beams of light crossed the space like golden rivers.
The guests were dressed in luxurious attire — tunics and dresses embroidered with silver threads, enchanted capes that changed color according to the light, and jewelry that floated lightly over their bodies, displaying magical status. The air was filled with the aroma of enchanted flowers and sacred incense.
Beltron moved forward, emotional. His daughter, Lirya, walked down the central aisle, wearing a translucent silk veil and a necklace made of blue mana crystals. The bishop, wrapped in golden robes, raised his hands and began the ceremony, invoking the blessing of the stars.
The sounds of magical music filled the room — harps that played on their own and a choir of ethereal echoes that seemed to come from the cathedral's ceiling itself.
The group discreetly split among the guests. Selina remained with arms crossed, analyzing everything with suspicion. Romeu watched quietly, visibly moved by the atmosphere. Kuto and Jack exchanged attentive glances, studying the customs and protocols of the place — they knew this knowledge would be useful.
The ceremony lasted about an hour. When the bishop announced the union, a shower of sparkling petals fell from the ceiling, floating like tiny stars.
The Banquet
After the wedding, the guests were led to the reception hall next to the cathedral. Long, round tables were filled with magnificent dishes: roasted meats with mana herbs, fruits that glimmered slightly, golden wines, and enchanted desserts that floated for a few seconds before landing.
The group sat near Beltron, who watched them with pride.
— Help yourselves! Today is a day of celebration! — he said, raising his glass.
Selina observed the crowd carefully.
— I've never seen so many people happy at once… it's almost strange.
Romeu tried to appear formal, but hunger betrayed him. — Is this… is this really meat? — he asked, surprised to see the plate change color.
Beltron laughed. — It's Vynor meat, a domesticated magical creature. The flavor changes according to temperature.
As everyone ate, Jack remained silent, analyzing the people. The banquet was not only a party — it was also a political stage. Nobles, merchants, and soldiers exchanged smiles, alliances, and looks full of intentions.
Kuto, on the other hand, observed one of the large windows of the hall, from which the city could be seen illuminated at night. — This world… is so different from ours — he murmured.
Post-Wedding Conversations
Later, outside, the group gathered in the main square, under the magical lights that danced in the air.
— Now that we are inside the kingdom, we need to plan our next steps — Jack said, firmly. — We need to find a way to establish ourselves here, maybe gain access to the palace.
The others nodded.
Beltron approached one last time, still smiling. — Before you leave, accept this — he said, handing a gold coin to each of them. — A small symbol of gratitude.
— Thank you! — they answered in unison.
The group watched as the merchant walked away with his family. The sound of the bells echoed throughout the city, and the lights reflected on the distant walls.
Now, before them, Zordis stood as a promise — or a challenge.
And they knew that from this point forward, the true test would begin.