Arrival to Akkad

After a long journey through the ocean, entering the sea. Squadron Commander Orcham chose this bustling trading and fishing harbor as the perfect place to introduce the four young soldiers to the grandeur of Akkadia's capital, Akkad.

The harbor was unlike the stern, fortified military docks. Instead, it was alive with vibrant activity, a place where the essence of Akkadian life thrived.

As the ship approached, the smell of fresh fish mixed with the aromas of spices and exotic goods from distant lands. Traders shouted deals, fishermen hauled in their catches, and the sound of lively conversation filled the air.

Orcham stood at the helm, his gaze steady, gesturing towards the sprawling city beyond the harbor's edge. The towering structures of Akkad rose in the distance, their stone and brick façades catching the light of the late afternoon sun, glimmering like the heart of the kingdom itself.

"This,"

Orcham said, his voice calm but filled with a sense of pride, "is where it all begins. Akkad, the seat of power, the capital of the kingdom."

The four of them looked out, their eyes wide with awe. The city's walls, strong and immense, guarded the civilization within, while the harbor's docks were filled with ships carrying goods from all corners of the kingdom, giving a glimpse into Akkadia's vastness.

Orcham wanted them to see not only the might of Akkadia's army, but also the lifeblood of the kingdom. The trade, the culture, the people. This harbor, seemingly ordinary at first, was their gateway to something far greater: the heart of Akkad.

Akkad, the capital of the Akkadian kingdom. a vast and bustling city that radiates power, wealth, and history. Its streets are cobbled, filled with horse-drawn carts, merchants, and citizens going about their daily lives. Wooden and stone buildings, constructed in a style reminiscent of the Middle Ages, dominate the cityscape. Winding alleys lead to grand marketplaces where traders from all over the empire gather to sell spices, textiles, and precious stones, alongside local fishermen and blacksmiths.

Mana-powered light pools, glowing with a strong yet soft yellow light hue, line the main roads, illuminating the city even after sundown. These lights provide a magical glow, casting a shimmering reflection across the stone and wooden surfaces of the buildings. Tall, fortified walls protect the city, with watchtowers manned by soldiers in crimson armor, keeping a vigilant eye on the bustling activity outside the walls. Other soldiers walk among the streets, three walked down and the other three walked in the opposite direction.

Temples dedicated to the gods, particularly the mighty Anu, rise like stone fortresses within the city, their courtyards filled with worshippers and priests conducting rituals.

The Euphrates River, wide and slow-moving, cuts through the heart of Akkad city.

The residential areas vary, from the ornate homes of nobles adorned with lush gardens and fountains to the more modest dwellings of the common folk. Streets are alive with the sound of artisans crafting, blacksmiths hammering away, and vendors shouting their wares.

Akkad thrives on its military prowess, but it is equally driven by commerce, with its harbor constantly busy with incoming and outgoing ships.

Despite its grandeur, Akkad retains a rough, lived-in feel. Tavern signs swing in the breeze, inns welcome travelers, and the city's narrow backstreets hide secrets and intrigue. At its heart, Akkad is a city alive with both ambition and tradition, where the old world meets the power of magic. A harmonized mix of a perfect utilization of magic artifacts harvesting the potential it gives to other uses than bloodshed.

URSANG POV.

The worry gnawed at me as I glanced at Yacha. My friend's face was unusually pale the whole trip, up until we left the port, his eyes distant, lost in some unknown thought. Yacha's silence was unsettling, his head seemed to be in the clouds as if he were trapped in a place I couldn't reach.

I have seen Yacha fight with fierce determination before, but this was different, something deeper. I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was weighing on Yacha's mind wasn't something easily shaken off. However, I'm glad that Yacha's expression shifted from distant to wide-eyed awe, the bustling city of Akkad pulled him from his thoughts as its grand architecture and vibrant streets captured his full attention.

He or we had never seen such a place before, As we walked through the bustling streets of Akkad.

AUTHOR POV.

Eline turned to the group;,her curiosity piqued. "So, where exactly are we headed?" 

Hadleigh glanced at her, a hint of excitement in his voice. "The royal palace."

"I've heard it's magnificent," Ursang said, expressing the tales the second in command back in the orphanage told him.

Speira chimed in, a smirk on her face. "Yeah, but what's so special about it? Just another big building, right?"

Yacha, still captivated by the sights around him, added, "It's not just a building, it's where the king rules! I bet there are treasures and magic artifacts inside."

Eline nodded enthusiastically. "And think about the soldiers who protect it! They must be incredibly skilled."

Ursang smiled, sharing in their enthusiasm. "We'll get to see it all up close."

While they were still chatting, Orcham chuckled softly, shaking his head, "You're still just kids, despite the things you managed to pull."

Hadleigh and Ardran were in shock, as were the rest of the remaining veteran soldiers, they had never seen Orcham laugh, on the other hand, and the rest of the newbies had no idea about the cold personality of the squadron commander. 

"Hell is freezing" Ardran said to Hadleigh.

while both of them elbowed one another with a funny laugh, annoying  Orcham. He paid no mind to avoid their childish behavior.

YACHA POV.

This small tour around Akkad erased the thoughts of a horrible dream I had, I decided to keep it to myself for now. This was my first time—no, our first time in a luxurious city—and I enjoyed seeing the squadron commander's soft side.

The civilians paid no mind to us, we were foreigners, not from this land this much I could tell, but still, the happy, warm welcome through their actions was a relief, one of my worries was erased, I thought we would have a hard time adapting. I guess we were raised by the same standards, following the same faith. 

We arrived at the main gates. The castle is a massive, square-shaped fortress, its towering stone walls sturdy and imposing. The rear side overlooks a wide, flowing river, the water gleaming under the sun as it curves around the fortress.

the guard saw the squadron commander, no words were spoken, only a krikinh sound of the door open. We made our way through the gates and beheld a castle vast enough to house the royal residence, with elegant courtyards and grand halls, serving as a military base. Barracks and training grounds fill the outer sections, blending seamlessly with the royal quarters. Guards in each corner of the square-shaped outer wall oversee the bustling activity within.

A strong aura enveloped us all around. A man orcham dressed as division general Naramsin while giving us the order is a very powerful tone to bow down.

His presence was overwhelming, a figure wrapped in the brilliance of golden armor that shimmered like molten metal under the fading light. His crimson hair, vivid against the paleness of his skin, cascaded like a river of blood, framing a face that carried the cold edge of cruelty. His red eyes, gleaming with an unsettling intensity, pierced through the air like embers in a fire, burning with a silent command. Every movement he made was deliberate, as if the world itself bowed to his will.

He greeted Orcham, asking him to stand up, there was no warmth, only the weight of authority, a gaze that could freeze the bravest of men. The air around him seemed heavy, thick with that aura shaped by war and power. This much you can tell standing in his presence, his very being a testament to the ruthless legacy of Akkadia's royalties.

Instantly he drew back his aura, making his way out of the castle, overcame his face, calmed down, regaining his usual expression, while the other two commanders stood still. 

"Follow me to your temporary home," Ardran said after letting out a big sigh of sound, remarking his relief.

"That was a prince  children, the grandson of King Sargon the Great," expecting us to be amazed, yet all we thought about at the moment was food. 

"Does he give food?" In a sarcastic tone and wonder she said. 

Commander Ardran already looked tired of us and our behaviors, but thankfully he understood, saying, "Is that all you care about?"

"Well..." she replied, rubbing her stomach while Ursang and our stomach made a growling sound. 

"Bunch of babies," Speira said like she wasn't hungry.

Shamelessly, her stomach made an even louder sound. She blushed at the scene of us laughing at

"Your belly spoke the truth," Ursang said, mixed with a laugh that sounded like a donkey's bray.

We entered a house that looked nothing like a house in our eyes, it was a palace. We are the kings of our era here, and a and a couple of dishes were already done by other soldiers, not in their uniforms, as a welcoming gift. No greeting, no waving.

Speira attacked the table like a wild boar. I apologized for the behavior shown by her while the rest introduced themselves to the veterans. Thanking them for the meal.

We spent the night in introduction getting familiar, those soldiers will be our friends, assigned to missions together. One of them sat on a chair, switching vibes to a bitter seriousness. 

"Let me give you one advice and one advice only," he said in a steady voice, adding

"Even Orionis has scumbags. However , one person, one person, only don't get on her nerves. Even the commanders and palace servants avoid her." In a tone mixed with worries and trembling. 

I start wondering, who is this old woman they are talking about, how strong is she, and what has she done to earn such a fearsome reputation.

Ursang, after a few seconds of silence, calmly answered, "is the woman named Slayer of Nergal."

"Among other names through the different areas, but yes, I guess even the orphanages heard about her," he replies, relaxing a bit.

Myself and the two girls replied simultaneously, "No!!!"

Ursang proceeded to explain, it was a passing thing he heard on the ship, before the carnage, comparing one of us is  similar devil as the slayer of Nergal.

Ardran showed up with a commander from a corner with a concerned look on his face. Angrily, he said.

"You don't understand children. she is the youngest commander with a bad reputation, and what's shocking is her power levels are beyond a commander, but her troublesome behavior won't let her get a promotion.".

He made his way to a sofa, a drink in his hand, while we look confused at the last thing he said. "The youngest commander? Doesn't a commander pass a test after ten years of service? and an achievement in battles?!" My eyes almost popped out of my eyes.

A sarcastic laugh was let out, but in a different tone: "Yeah, she made it to a commander within eight months; if it wasn't for her multiple incidents, she would have made it way sooner.". 

I began to wonder who this woman is, and how long she's been serving as an Orionis guard.

The leader who already presented himself and the second leader, Chris, average-looking but shaped fine, interfered with the conversation. "Despite the rumors, she is just isolated, however, her magical attributes are nothing like you've heard. we don't know the extent of it, but I can tell you this."

Ardran stops him mid-sentence. "It's magic like you have never seen before, Yacha, you have one of the rarest attributes, but this girl has nonexistent attributes, which she rarely reveals as she brings down destructive catastrophes whenever she goes."

A warning he said, I love challenges. Ursang could not hide his excitement and asked about the whereabouts of this woman; he wants a taste of this man, and WE wanted to fight her.

Ardran replied, explaining with his tone a meaning hidden under the words he spoke: "sHe's two years older than you; yet again trade carefully with your next action. She will not hesitate to shatter your core if you hit her wrong nerves.".