Legacy of Fort Sterling

It has been a week since the city has been transported to another location. He hasn't witnessed the shift in the mountains personally but he couldn't deny the effects. During the morning, the city's northern district is partially covered in the shadow of the mountain that spontaneously appeared during the shift. There has also been a few incidents with citizens that is starting to sow discord in the city. The sound of shouting distracted him from his thoughts.

"Ah speak of the devil.."

Andre muttered to himself as he moved closer to the commotion. There was a person arguing with the city guard. He was carrying weapons that he personally worked on, an adamantite sword enchanted with frost and an exotically shaped mithril dagger designed to parry weapons. More important than the fact that his weapons was crafted by him was the fact that it was commissioned by one of the City Lords, meaning that he is one of the "favored", people who earned the trust and favor of one of the City Lords. The man wielding the sword, Rivalen, suddenly charged at the guard who easily deflected the strike. The rest of the guards readied their runite swords, a standard among the city guards.

"You have committed crime against this city and it's people, what do you say for yourself?"

Rivalen looked down in shame but his sword remains tightly gripped. He refused to back down despite having no chance to defeat the guards.

"My family is out there. I will search for them or die trying!"

"You leave us no choice then. One of the favored you may be, but the words of the City Lords is clear: 'The City Guards will scout the surroundings. No one else is allowed to leave without our permission'"

Andre felt pity for the boy but he did nothing. Disobeying the City Lords is one the worst crimes a citizen can do. If Rivalen disobeyed the orders then he would be lucky if he was only imprisoned. Most citizens would think that he deserved death for such a heinous crime. The impending fight was interrupted by the arrival of one of the City Lords, Lady CutieKawaii. She was wearing gear of the finest quality. Even though he is not an expert on magical staves, he knew that the staff made out of star silver is a divine class weapon, the highest possible class excluding world items.

"What is going on here? Rivalen, what are you doing here? Explain."

Suddenly a heavy aura surrounded the City Lord, making it a little bit harder to breathe. He could see the guards tensing up, fear etched upon their faces. Rivalen, seeing his master, immediately put aside his weapons and kneeled deferentially.

"He is charged of assaulting the city guard and trying to disobey the words of the City Lords."

Lady CutieKawaii nodded regally then turned to Rivalen as if looking for an explanation.

"I am deeply sorry that I have created this commotion, my lady. I only wanted to find out what happened to my family at the village."

The guard turned to Rivalen, his fear of the City Lord momentarily forgotten in the face of such a blasphemous statement.

"Even so, the words of the City Lords are absolute and should not be disobeyed under any circumstances!"

Rivalen opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by Lady CutieKawaii.

"Enough! Rivalen, are you aware that you are disobeying our orders?"

Rivalen visibly flinched at her words, bringing his body lower to the ground in shame. He seemed confused and conflicted.

"But isn't it my lady's words that I should do everything to ensure my family's safety?"

"But I never-"

Lady CutieKawaii cut herself off, a look of realization appearing on her face.

She paused visibly contemplating but soon it seemed that she came to a decision.

"Yes, I did say that. It seems that my words were the cause of his actions."

The guards bowed and nodded to Rivalen.

"If he was obeying my lady's orders then his actions are within the law."

"It seems that the situation is now resolved. Return to your duties."

She then gestured for Rivalen to stand.

"I am planning on sending a second party outside in order to look for materials. I will allow you to join them."

"I don't deserve such kindness my lady."

She then looked towards Andre. Seeing his lady's gaze, he walked towards and bowed in respect upon reaching them.

"What would you require of me my lady?"

"I need you to forge equipment for the next survey party. What is the status of your supplies?"

"I am running low on runite and adamantite but it I could probably supply for a party of 20."

Lady CutieKawaii nodded and walked towards the direction of the council, motioning for Rivalen to follow. Andre returned to his workshop contemplating on the events that happened. Lady CutieKawaii's aura was overwhelming, as expected of one of the City Lords.

'CutieKawaii....A strong name fitting for a strong lady.'

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