CHAPTER 5: AURATRIA

...Determined, I set off at a brisk pace towards the cobbled road. I was resolved to cover the twenty kilometers in one go to reach the famous capital as quickly as possible.

Progressing on an actual path was relatively pleasant. Indeed, for several days, my steps had been on non-existent trails, resulting in me tiring much faster than anticipated.

The landscape along my entire journey was rather mundane, with no significant changes. Simple plains surrounded the straight path of the road, marked by signposts every five kilometers. I passed by many vendors accompanied by their mules, but I didn't stop. Nevertheless, I wondered if they would cross to the other side of the "Divina Sozo" and if so, how. But despite my pondering, I didn't stop to ask them, having the determination to reach Auratria as quickly as possible. I ran for a little over two hours before the scenery began to change.

As I approached within a kilometer of Auratria, I began to catch sight of some rather ordinary houses, belonging to peasants. These houses were more or less similar to those in my original village, indicating limited wealth. These peasants must surely be quite useful to the capital, yet no financial support or subsidies seemed to be provided to them. Nevertheless, I didn't want to make a stop there because, in the distance, I could make out the towering clean white ramparts, indicating my imminent arrival at my destination.

I quickly left the muddy village, out of breath, beginning my final sprint towards the imposing capital.

The grand ramparts, much like the city to which they belong, are steeped in myth. And even without believing in them, they only served to pique my curiosity further. I covered the last kilometers almost stumbling until I came face to face with a gigantic bridge, connecting the ramparts and thus the city to the mainland, as they are surrounded by a small river aimed at complicating ancient barbarian invasions. And right there, the sight of the bridge was a real shock.

Indeed, even the bridge leading to the city was an architectural marvel. Carved from the whitest stone, it stretched majestically over a river with crystalline waters, reflecting the sun upon it. Its railings were adorned with intricate motifs, depicting legendary scenes narrating the city's past.

In the middle of the bridge stood an imposing tower, a veritable fortress of stone, also white and adorned with motifs likely representing the kingdom's deity. This tower, if I trust the inscriptions above the entrance, was called "Lanua Divina Aurora." In the center of the tower was an arch, marking the entrance to the city. Its gates were open, and guards stood on the other side but did not seem hostile to my arrival. Above the entrance were two receptacles made of black steel, each with a crystal at their center, colored like flames. I couldn't say what they were, but let me tell you, they were surely some of the most beautiful stones I had ever seen in my life. Between them was the capital's coat of arms: a complex star with a golden crown above and a drooping plant on either side, all against a blood-red background.

Erected on several levels, access to which was unknown to me, there seemed to be at each level a second tower rising like protective sentinels around its main structure. These towers also had balconies whose purpose was unknown to me. Nevertheless, I could imagine the view from up there, and it filled me with dreams. At the top of the tower, a crown of golden arrows rose around the peak of the structure towards the sky, like a beacon of grandeur and power. Opulent domes also crowned each level of the tower, harboring secrets unknown to me.

The bridge extended beyond the tower with white walls stretching from end to end, which seemed to transition into the city's ramparts after a few meters. These walls were in perfect condition, just like those of the city. The imposing ramparts surrounded the city with their protective arms, standing tall and proud. Watchtowers rose at regular intervals along the ramparts, each bearing the same coat of arms as the one I presented earlier. At the top of the ramparts, soldiers patrolled tirelessly, ensuring that the city's security was never compromised. Their presence was a constant reminder of the city's vigilance and determination to protect its inhabitants from any threat, yet they also showed no hostility towards my entrance.

To be honest, just seeing this, knowing that these were merely the city's gates and ramparts, made me feel out of place here.

Despite this feeling of inferiority, I slowly advanced under "Lanua Divina Aurora" and crossed the threshold of the capital for the first time. And what a shock it was when I came face to face with a city even more colossal and resplendent than what I had just seen! One could literally compare this city to those found in web novels!

Indeed, within the ramparts, I could see all of Auratria. I stood in the middle of the exit and admired the view of this city, which seemed unreal in every way.

Firstly, it was built on a gigantic hill, which emphasized the city's construction from its center, with the highest point at the bottom of the city being at the edge of the ramparts. Nevertheless, the ascent was so gradual that one hardly felt the incline without thinking about it. In addition to this layout highlighting the city center, one could get the impression that the entire capital was built in a sort of spiderweb, creating thousands of alleyways. However, there seemed to be a grand central boulevard leading to the center, a road that was already before me, as it began right from the entrance.

As soon as I entered the city, I was greeted by numerous shops with their stands selling many things I had never seen before. In one of these shops, I found the same crystals as those I saw at the entrance; they were apparently called "lumicrystals." Despite my strong interest in these lovely stones, their prices seemed exorbitant to me, which prevented me from entering the shop for fear of causing a catastrophe and having to pay with money I didn't have. I decided to venture a little further down the street to admire the other shops, all selling various magical items, until I stumbled upon a weapons and armor vendor.

Intrigued by the sword I had in my possession, I decided to approach him to ask for information about it. I thought that since the equipment he was selling seemed just as rare as my saber, he could guide me on what to do with it! Moreover, I'm not in a hurry now that I'm in the capital; I'm free! I eagerly entered the shop and was pleasantly surprised by the welcome he gave me. He wasn't afraid of me; it was refreshing. So, I walked up to his counter and handed him my blade.

"Hello, I've come to inquire about this blade,"

I began, holding out the sword.

"It belonged to my late mother, and I'd like to learn more about it. Do you know anything about this weapon?"

He looked at me with surprise and replied almost immediately,

"Oh, young man, you know... I... I don't have much to tell you, I... I think you should maybe avoid using this weapon. It doesn't serve you, does it? Well, I must be going... Um, I don't know... I…"

He seemed quite uncomfortable, probably not knowing much about the weapon and not wanting to admit it, so he likely stalled for time. Deciding to leave, I turned back towards the main avenue, apparently named "Iter divinae Aurorae" according to a sign. A fittingly beautiful name for this city, I suppose.

I tucked away my weapon, hiding it under my jacket, and resumed my journey towards the city center. Eventually, I arrived at a square marking the end of the shops, giving way to a magnificent fountain with a statue several meters high at its center, depicting the deity "Auraclis," as its plaque described.

As I gazed up at the imposing statue of the deity Auraclis, I was instantly captivated by her majestic presence. Her delicate features were finely sculpted in stone, capturing the sparkle of her bright eyes and the gentle curve of her benevolent smile. Her golden hair seemed almost lifelike, cascading around her divine face. Around her forehead, she wore a crown of four-pointed golden stars, perfectly complementing her hands adorned with bracelets and rings embedded with a sun motif. She also wore a long necklace containing at its end, passing over her hands, a large "lumicrystal" that seemed capable of illuminating the entire statue. She was draped in an elegant robe that seemed to float around her, as if carried by the winds of dawn. Every fold of the fabric was finely detailed, evoking the lightness and grace of the goddess of dawn. Subtle motifs of stars and clouds adorned her garment, reminiscent of the celestial magic she embodied. Over her robe, she wore a corset, also made of gold, holding her ample bosom while giving her the appearance of a warrior for freedom. On her shoulders, connected to the corset, were shoulder pads also shaped like four-pointed stars, reminiscent of the city's coat of arms. At the bottom of the corset, she had a second layer reinforced in gold over her dress, forming a peak pointing towards the ground. Despite all this armor-like equipment, she had no weapon, and this image of kindness contrasted with the warrior legends she was part of, reinforcing my belief in the falsehoods spread by legends.

Moreover, from her towering height of 5 meters, she seemed to have her head bowed towards me, her hands clasped at the center of her chest as if holding something for the one she awaited. Even in stone, her face radiated serenity, compassion, and hope. I could understand just by looking at her why the inhabitants of this city and even the entire region admired her so much. Her closed eyes, yet seeming to see everything, transmitted to me a sense of calm that only a mother could give to her child. Even in stone, the statue seemed to exude a palpable energy, imbuing the air around it with an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort. It was as if the presence of Auraclis herself dwelled within the statue, watching over the inhabitants of Auratria with eternal benevolence.

I admired her for a long moment before deciding to continue my journey. I passed behind the statue and saw a second wall, this time within the city, with steps located after the statue as the only way to cross it. These walls resembled those surrounding the city but differed only in their size. Indeed, they were just shorter, but other than that, there was no difference. I climbed the steps adorned with golden motifs on each side and passed through the ramparts. Once atop, I was greeted by a new world I did not know.

The dwellings stretched as far as the eye could see, forming a picturesque landscape. Thousands of luxury houses stood side by side, each unique in its design and style. Some were grand and majestic, with imposing facades adorned with sculptures and columns, while others were wider but equally charming, with colorful facades and well-maintained gardens.

The main cobbled street, lined with buildings from end to end, was also bordered by majestic trees and flower beds. Streetlights with elegant "lumicrystal" lanterns gently illuminated the sidewalks, creating a warm atmosphere even before nightfall. The inhabitants went about their business, some strolling along the bustling streets, others relaxing on the sunny terraces of their homes. Each house told a story, reflecting the tastes and preferences of its inhabitants. Spacious villas with lush gardens neighbored picturesque cottages with colorful shutters. The multicolored tiled, thatched, or slate roofs created a patchwork of colors, adding a personal identity to Auratria.

Nevertheless, the city still seemed to ascend the hill slowly until reaching a final rampart still quite far from me.

-Mm, I wonder what lies at the center...-

As I descended the steps, savoring the peaceful atmosphere of the city, a young girl of approximately my age, dressed in a simple silk dress with a brown apron over it, threw herself at my feet, crying, and pleaded,

"Please, you, you, you help me! I beg you! You look strong, please help me, I'll do anything, just please save me…"

Despite her long disheveled black hair and her teary eyes the color of the city's lumicrystals. Despite her seemingly delicate and soft skin, marred by bruises all over her body. Despite her graceful figure covered in bruises. Despite these aspects that could have elicited pity, I felt nothing as I looked at her. My face remained neutral, betraying the absence of compassion; my smile had faded. I stared at her without saying a word, my silence speaking volumes about my indifference.

« ... »

Seeing that I had no reaction, she collapsed to the ground and resumed between her sobs,

"Why... Why aren't you doing anything..."

The young girl suddenly turned around, her gaze anxiously fixed on the majestic door of a nearby palace. From it emerged a man of the most ordinary appearance, except for his clothes revealing his great wealth. His blond hair styled in a bowl cut and his simple glasses gave him a mundane look, typical of the rich in the city. However, the closer he got to us, the more the young girl trembled, her pleas filled with terror growing in intensity. Meanwhile, I stood there, silently observing the scene unfolding before me, wondering if such scenes were commonplace in large cities. As for the young girl, she curled up on the ground, holding her head and rocking back and forth as if to calm the terror overwhelming her.

The man, with palpable anger, brutally seized the young girl's hair, forcing her to straighten up with disconcerting violence. His gesture was imbued with cold cruelty as he pulled her towards him, completely ignoring the girl's cries of pain. His fingers, tightly gripping her hair strands, seemed intent on tearing away all dignity, all hope from her. His face, distorted by rage, drew closer to hers, his tense features expressing unquestionable authority. He continued to violently pull the girl's hair until she no longer touched the ground, her body suspended in the air, vulnerable and helpless. He brought his face even closer to hers until their breaths intertwined. It was then, in a surge of rage, that he shouted at her :

"YOU FILTHY BITCH! YOU DARE TO POISON ME AND THEN RUN AWAY? I HOPE YOU DIDN'T THINK YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH THAT. YOU'LL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE, FOR DARING TO DEFY MY AUTHORITY. DO YOU THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE YOUR PUNISHMENT? YOU'RE DEAD WRONG, YOU MISERABLE WHORE. I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO DARE TO DEFY ME, TO THOSE WHO DARE TO BETRAY ME. YOU'LL BITTERLY REGRET DISOBEYING YOUR MASTER, YOU PATHETIC SLUT. YOUR PAIN WILL BE MY VENGEANCE AND YOUR AGONY MY SATISFACTION. NEVER FORGET, YOU'RE NOTHING, JUST A SLAVE THAT I'LL FIX. GET READY TO SUFFER, BECAUSE IF YOU THINK WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW IS UNBEARABLE, YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET!"

With a violent gesture, he threw the young woman to the ground, a brutal motion that caused her to fall heavily, her body crashing with a dull thud onto the pavement. Without hesitation, he placed his foot on her neck, pressing her face against the cold, hard ground. His gaze, once so hard and relentless, now seemed to avert its attention, as if the young woman was nothing more than a mere object under his foot. In a cold whisper, he uttered, his voice dripping with contempt:

"BITCH? IN ADDITION TO DISRESPECTING ME, YOU HAVE DISTURBED THE YOUNG MAN IN FRONT OF YOU. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED! HE PROBABLY HAD BETTER THINGS TO DO! APOLOGIZE."

I found this situation ridiculous because in reality, I had neither wasted time nor gained anything. Furthermore, she couldn't even apologize because her mouth was stuck to the ground, preventing her from speaking. Blood could even be seen trickling from her lips, so violent was the pressure exerted on her body. Her face was contorted with pain and terror, so no sound could escape her crushed lips.

Then, the wealthy man, seeing that the girl would not be able to speak, turned to me with a calm and composed demeanor. His voice, although devoid of the previous anger, still carried undeniable authority. He fixed me with an oddly gentle gaze, his eyes seeming to read my thoughts, and said to me in a controlled tone:

"I beg your pardon, please excuse this lady's behavior. I realize I have failed in educating my servant properly. She attempted to poison me with poorly cooked food and is now troubling you with her demands. Once again, I apologize for all this. I will give her the reprimand she deserves, I promise you. You cannot imagine how deeply sorry I am that you witnessed this regrettable scene. Please know that this should not have happened, and I will take the necessary measures to ensure it does not happen again in the future."

He paused in his speech and looked at me attentively.

"It seems to me that you must be a distinguished guest in our city. Please know that I will personally ensure your well-being and safety. Please accept my most sincere apologies."

Then, in a theatrical gesture, he performed a ridiculous bow towards me, as if to mark the end of this sad scene. He then turned on his heels slowly, dragging the woman behind him on the ground, the latter not even having the strength to struggle anymore. His departure was accompanied by a heavy silence, where only the sound of their footsteps echoed in the air.

I thought I caught a final glance from the woman, a glint of distress in her eyes, as the door of the palace closed behind her. It was a look loaded with a silent plea for help, which I couldn't hear but could only guess. In this silent exchange, our gazes briefly met, and in a surge of compassion I had never felt before, I gave her one last smile.

To be continued…

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 /BONUS/

Crystal Name: Aurora Lumicrystal

Description: In the shimmering city of Aurora, the streets and homes are illuminated by the shimmering splendor of Aurora Lumicrystals. These magical stones, with their fiery hues, are common yet captivating, emitting a soft and steady light akin to that of a flashlight. Each crystal is carved into a unique shape, allowing the light to refract into complex patterns that dance on the walls of the city at nightfall.

Usage: The inhabitants of the city of Aurora use these crystals to light their homes and streets, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Easily accessible, Aurora Lumicrystals are often worn as pendants or embedded in buildings, serving as a source of eternal light for all who reside in this city blessed by light. They can also be used as a weak source of thermal energy; luminous and magical.