The Gray city of Silverguard

The carriage rattled along the cobblestone road as Logan and Harris headed towards the capital. Inside, the air was thick with silence, broken only by the clopping of the horses' hooves. Harris pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a deep drag before blowing out a stream of smoke.

Turning to Logan, Harris asked casually, "So Logan, where are you from?"

Logan, lost in his own thoughts, answered politely, "I'm from the city of..."

His words trailed off as confusion crossed his face. He covered his mouth with his hand, his breath becoming heavy. _Why... why can't I remember my hometown? _

Harris noticed Logan's distress and asked, "Is there something wrong?"

Logan took a deep breath and managed a smile. "I'm fine, just a fly got in my mouth."

Harris chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "Well, let me know if it wants a ride to. They say the flies there have their own territories."

Logan chuckled slightly, feeling a bit more at ease, and they continued their journey. They traveled, the scenery began to change. The open fields and rolling hills gave way to the bustling outskirts. Harris leaned out the window, pointing excitedly. "We've arrived, Logan. Welcome to the gray of silverguard."

Logan looked out the window, his eyes wide with wonder.

Silverguard was unlike any place Logan had seen. The high stone walls were covered with carvings and symbols from long ago. The massive iron gates opened to reveal a city full of life. People filled the cobbled streets, vendors sold their goods, and children played everywhere.

Tall towers and spires reached up to the sky, casting long shadows over the city. The buildings were a mix of old and new; ancient stone houses stood next to modern structures. In the distance, the palace's silver domes sparkled in the sunlight, a sign of the city's wealth and power.

The smell of fresh bread mixed with the scent of pine from the nearby forests, creating a warm and inviting feeling. As the carriage moved through the city, Logan saw beautiful fountains in the squares, their water sparkling in the light.

Everywhere Logan looked, there were signs of a lively city. Street performers played music and did tricks, while shopkeepers called out their deals. It was a city full of energy and promise, very different from the quiet life Logan had known.

Harris watched Logan's amazed expression and smiled. "Quite a sight, isn't it? This city always impresses newcomers."

Logan nodded, still gazing at the bustling streets. "It's amazing. I've never seen anything like it."

The carriage came to a stop, and Harris instructed the coachman to pull over. After stepping out and handing the coachman his payment, Harris turned to Logan and said, "We'll walk to the headquarters. Follow me, okay?"

Logan nodded and began to walk behind him. They navigated through the crowded streets for about thirty minutes before Harris took a sudden turn to the left. Logan quickly followed, trying not to lose sight of him. Harris stopped in front of an old building, and Logan looked at it with confusion. The stonework was ancient, and ivy clung to the walls.

Harris noticed Logan's puzzled expression and said, "Welcome to the Silverguard Investigation Agency." He thought to himself, _Sheesh, this building could use a facelift_

Harris walked up the front steps and pushed open the large oak doors, which creaked loudly. He turned back to Logan with a welcoming smile. "Come on in."

Logan stepped inside and was taken aback by what he saw. The interior looked like it hadn't been touched in decades. Dusty chairs were scattered around, papers were piled haphazardly on desks, and the place seemed almost abandoned. A few people were dozing on the chairs in the waiting area, and a woman sat at a wooden desk, reading a newspaper.

The woman looked to be in her mid-thirties, with sleek black hair pulled back into a neat bun. Her dark blue eyes flickered as she read. She wore a simple but elegant outfit: a fitted black dress with a white collar and a brooch pinned at her neck. Her nails were painted a deep red, matching the lipstick she wore.

Harris walked over to her, motioning for Logan to follow. "How are you today, Lady Hannah?"

Without looking up from her newspaper, Hannah replied curtly, "I'm good."

Harris let out a sigh and said, "I see you're still the same as ever." He placed his ID on the reception desk and said in a serious tone, "May we be in the protection of the origin that guides the codex."

Hannah finally set down her newspaper and glanced at Harris, then at Logan. With a slight smile, she asked, "And who's the cute guy you brought here?"

Harris retrieved his ID and slipped it back into his pocket. "He's with me. You don't need to worry about that."

Hannah smiled at Logan with a playful glint in her eye. She stood up and turned to a drawer behind her, pulling out a key. Handing it to Harris, she said to Logan with a teasing smile, "I'll see you when you get back."

Logan felt a shiver run down his spine and managed a nod, unable to find his voice. He followed Harris, who was already making his way to the far corner of the building.

Harris led Logan through a concealed door behind the reception area. As the door opened, it revealed a staircase leading down into the basement. Harris motioned for Logan to follow. They descended into the cellar, the air growing cooler as they went deeper.

When they reached the bottom, Logan was surprised by what he saw. Unlike the dusty and neglected first floor, the basement was bustling with activity. People moved about with purpose, and the space was clean and well-maintained. Bright lamps lit the room, casting a warm glow over the polished floors and organized desks.

"This is the HQ for the Phantom Knights," Harris said, turning to Logan with a serious expression. "Since you'll be working here from now on, I'd like to introduce you to the group."

Logan paused for a second, his mind racing. _Huh... what do you mean, work? _

Harris patted Logan's shoulder reassuringly. "Oh, didn't I tell you? Sorry for not explaining earlier but those who are blessed by the hand of the origin have a responsibility to protect this world."