Chapter 106: A Small Border Town in the Eastern Empire
The caravan passed through the Tami Kingdom checkpoint without a hitch and crossed the bridge, entering the Eastern Empire.
The Eastern Empire’s checkpoint soldiers were noticeably more professional than their Tami counterparts. Without a word, they meticulously inspected the caravan’s cargo and the “mercenaries’” weapons, then swiftly granted them passage.
Although the Eastern Empire’s nobles were known for their corruption and even their ties to criminal gangs, the army remained highly disciplined. This was a testament to the current Emperor, Camper the Great. While he turned a blind eye to most of the nobles’ transgressions, he maintained a firm grip on the military. Even the most audacious generals wouldn’t dare allow their soldiers to slack off on training or withhold a single copper coin from their pay.
As a result, the Eastern Empire’s army was well-trained, disciplined, and highly effective. Coupled with their unique Magic Warrior units, no nation, not even the Western Empire, dared challenge their authority.
Leaving the checkpoint, they followed a well-worn road eastward, reaching the nearest city to the bridge they had crossed. It was a small border town called Farien, meaning “farewell to the setting sun” in the ancient language, marking the westernmost edge of the Eastern Empire.
As they entered the city gates, a cultural atmosphere distinct from the Western Empire’s greeted them.
Despite the late hour, the border town was bustling with activity. Many shops along the streets were just opening for the night, offering food, entertainment, and even red-light districts. Signs adorned with glowing potions flickered, attracting attention, and the streets were crowded with commoners, organized thieves, and gangs of thugs. Mages were a common sight, some hurrying through the crowds, others mingling with gang members.
The Western Empire, known as the “Land of Knights,” prized chivalry and cultivated a large number of skilled Dou Warriors. The Eastern Empire, however, had taken a different path. Alchemy and magic flourished among the common folk, even ordinary citizens knowing a few basic spells. Professional mages were abundant, and it was said that sixty percent of the continent’s ninth-tier mages resided in the Eastern Empire, earning it the title of “Land of Mages.”
It was said that Rebecca, the one Abyss planned to resurrect, had graduated from the Eastern Empire’s most prestigious institution, the “Eastern Empire Royal Academy of Magic,” specializing in alchemy. Although the program typically took six years, she completed all the courses in two years, graduating with skills that surpassed even her teachers.
The city’s lax security was evident from the numerous gang members roaming the streets and the guards’ deferential treatment of certain gang leaders.
After navigating the bustling streets and generously donating to a few beggars, the caravan found a reputable inn. It was rumored to be owned by the leader of a powerful local gang, ensuring a peaceful stay.
“How would you like to rest?” Givia asked Abyss and his companions, standing at the inn’s counter, after instructing Santos to secure the wagons. “I can arrange a large room for the three of you, or two rooms, or three.”
Leona and Flora looked at Abyss, unsure of his preference.
“Please arrange two rooms for us,” Abyss said. “They’re close, so they can share a room. I’ll take a separate room—I don’t actually need to sleep. I’ve already had plenty of rest.”
Leona was touched by Abyss’s rare display of gentlemanly behavior, but also felt a twinge of disappointment. Flora also seemed slightly disheartened. She had planned to take care of him while he slept.
“You two get some rest. I know you’re not used to long journeys in a wagon. Now you can stretch your legs and relax,” Abyss said to the girls, his voice gentle.
“What if the enemy…” Flora asked hesitantly.
Abyss winked at her without answering, and she understood. He wanted Leona and Flora, who had been taking care of him, to rest easy. He would handle everything else.
Flora nodded silently, trusting his abilities. She would take this opportunity to relax with Leona and put aside her worries.
…
The entire caravan settled in. Givia’s soldiers rented several cheap rooms near hers, sharing accommodations, with two or three taking turns to guard her room.
Abyss sat alone in his room, a small, affordable space with a single bed. He hadn’t planned to sleep and hadn’t even bothered to lie down.
When would that Prince Kevin send his assassin? The anticipation of facing a new enemy kept his mind active.
He sat there, reading Leona’s ancestor’s notes on Outer Gods, occasionally opening the door to peek into the hallway. His room and Givia’s were at opposite ends of the hallway. A quick glance would reveal any suspicious activity.
A soldier, pretending to be a restless guest, strolled down the hallway. Seeing Abyss, he bowed slightly in respect, then continued his patrol.
Time passed quickly. Three hours later, well past midnight, Abyss finished reading the notes and closed the book.
He had discreetly set up a simple magical defense mechanism outside his room. Nothing could enter the inn without triggering it.
“Maybe they’re not coming. That’s a bit disappointing,” Abyss muttered to himself.
He opened the door again, peering into the hallway.
The hallway was empty except for the soldier guarding Givia’s room, still pretending to be a guest, occasionally glancing towards her door.
Just as Abyss was about to express his disappointment and close the door, he noticed something odd about the patrolling guard.
His gait was different from a typical soldier’s, too light, as if he were walking in low gravity. And his body, clad in leather armor, seemed too thin.
“Wait… Does the enemy’s assassin need to physically ‘enter’ the inn?” A thought struck Abyss.
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