Golden domes shimmered under the light, radiant bridges of flowing energy arched between towers, waterfalls cascaded in midair, and crystalline spires pulsed with raw power—
It was a city more magnificent than even Emerald Castle itself.
Ethan paused, momentarily taken aback. A quiet thought stirred in his mind.
"Damn… this place actually suits me."
He even entertained the idea—half serious, half amused—of hauling the entire city back and making it his new capital.
As he stood there, lost in thought, Idra landed beside him with a graceful sweep of her wings, folding them neatly behind her.
"Father," she said, lifting her chin slightly, her battle aura still crackling around her. "Everyone here's been dealt with. Should we keep pushing upward?"
She'd been sealed away for too long. Now that her power had awakened, she was itching for more.
But Ethan shook his head.
"No rush."
He raised his hand, and a vortex of dark-gold energy began to swirl in his palm.
