The transit hub is a large city.
As the central hub for the movement of goods and people, its prosperity needs no further description; one can get a sense of its significance simply by observing the density of the flow of people and vehicles.
At the same time, because it is close to the Dark Zone, and serves as the defensive front against the first wave of the Black Tide every year, after learning from the experience of the previous central city being breached from the inside, it not only has much stronger and thicker city walls than other places, but also stone materials engraved with defensive spells have become the standard for the buildings constructed here.
Of course, saying it is one thing, but actually seeing it is another.
Even knowing this, I still couldn't help but be amazed when I stepped out of the designated transfer passage in the city again.
Looking around, the entire city is a clear, pure white color. Tiny, shimmering golden runes, like breathing, are intermittently arranged along the engraved lines, like ordinary patterns, combining defense and beauty.
The carved eaves are adorned with sculptures of various animals. Some are roaring dragons with outstretched wings, others are divine birds with outstretched necks and long cries, but most are small beasts with gentle expressions and endearing clumsiness. Even on the fountains that cascade down in curtains of water, there are mermaids, symbolizing the ocean, sitting with treasure bottles in their hands, their expressions gentle and natural.
The annoyance of having to leave from a designated point when strolling through other cities was temporarily largely dispelled by the impact of this beauty.
"It seems even more luxurious than when I passed by last time."
A familiar voice came from beside me. I paused for a second, then turned my head and saw Hikari with one hand above her eyes, standing on tiptoe and looking around.
"Why are you here? No, what are you doing here?"
"Mr. Yumi!" Hikari puffed out her cheeks unhappily, placing her hands on her hips as she did so. "Why are you trying to drive me away the very first thing you say to me?"
Okay, it was definitely my fault. After all, Hikari is a cute little idiot, and I shouldn't have said such a jarring thing on my very first meeting with her.
Next time, I should remember to say that before I even see her.
"..." Hikari's gaze remained unfriendly. "Although you haven't said anything, Mr. Yumi, I have a feeling that you're thinking of something rude."
Yes, I'm sorry, I was wrong.
They'll do it again next time.
After spending so much time with the White Fox, I have this strange feeling that Hikari has also gained the ability to read people's minds.
After a few words of reassurance, and after confirming several times that I would treat her to dinner, Hikari finally returned to her usual cheerful mood.
"I snuck out! Although Yao-jie probably knew I would snuck out." Licking the vanilla milk ice cream she had just made, Hikari skipped and hopped along beside her. "After all, Mr. Yumi's little garden is full of books, and just looking at those words makes Hikari feel like they're going to fight each other, and my head feels like it's being stirred up by a stirring stick, so I just ran away!"
If you feel a headache while reading, that's really something; it must have been tough for you to sit down.
If I could, I'd gladly switch places with Hikari, and just sit there all day looking at spell formulas and diagrams, as long as I don't have to go out.
...No, I'd better forget about that idea. I just feel uneasy letting this idiot wander around outside by herself. I have this strange feeling of an old father worrying that his silly daughter might run into bad people and get into danger if she goes out alone.
"Wait a minute, since you've been to the Sacred Tree Stronghold, you obviously have the coordinates there, right? And since you were able to follow us, you obviously can Voidwalk..." I suddenly remembered this and looked at Hikari expectantly, "Can't we just go straight there?"
"No way?" Hikari's rattle-drumming voice came back online. "Mr. Yumi, have you forgotten? I've never been to school, so I don't know those complicated mathematical esoteric arts that give me a headache, nor can I calculate those complex coordinates. The only reason I was able to catch up was because I saw that the door you opened hadn't fallen apart yet, so I pushed it open and ran in before it closed."
That idiot suddenly said something dangerous.
Void walking involves creating a temporary passage connecting two ends in the dangerous void. Even in shallow areas, it's hard to say whether one will be immune to external impacts and interference. While her approach might have a chance of success, missing the moment I cut off the magic supply—that is, closed the door—in the temporary passage, losing one's coordinates and being randomly teleported to any location would be the best-case scenario. Worse still, one might fall into forbidden zones or abysses, or be consumed by the fragments of the torn passage.
I raised my hand and gave this silly girl a sharp rap on the head. Seeing the girl's pitiful look as she covered her head, I couldn't help but scold her a few more times before finally stopping after she begged for mercy and promised "I won't do it again next time."
Then, we drove around in a winding path, visiting all the food stalls along the street.
In short, in order to hire reliable mercenaries and also to increase the probability of meeting fellow travelers heading to the Sacred Tree Stronghold, I followed Hikari's directions toward the ornately domed hall in the city, which was said to be the largest information hub and was named [Hiretman's House].
I must say that Hikari truly lives up to her reputation as someone with extensive travel experience. She knows exactly where to go in a city, what to say, where to buy the most affordable gear, how to talk to people to get discounts, and where to get the most comprehensive information. She even knows a thing or two about many terms that make me dizzy just looking at them.
"However, are there really so many people going there to participate in the sword fighting tournament recently? The recruitment notices are plastered all over the wall."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
