The sky radiated a gorgeous blue hue, with tufts of clouds floating amidst the vastness of heaven.
Across the distant horizon lied Al-Aresta, the capital of the world, ever verdant and teeming with life. The city encompassed a massive area far wider than the eye could comprehend. Given my automata make, I could estimate that this capital alone was as massive as a country.
The outer protective wall surrounding the country stood at 150 feet tall, casting a large, dominating shadow over the entrance. The very size of this world had filled me with an ever-present awe that could very well rival the Eternal Twilight.
Xerxes smirked, "Do you enjoy it? This city has served as the bastion of humanity for the past 1000 years. It's grandness is in tribute to our many ancestors who preserved against the forces of evil."
"It is...beautiful. So utterly resplendent. The stark contrast between civilization and nature creates a sense of discord and harmony, the untamed and the ordered. Such a society is the pinnacle of dualism."
He nodded proudly, like a child excited to explain their favorite hobby. "You've got a good eye. The will of the planet carries within it the instinct to maintain the balance. As residents of Al-Aresta and servants of the planet's will, it is imperative that we do not overstep our bounds."
"A system of equivalent exchange?" I inquired.
"Precisely. We must be sure not to take more than what is necessary, and to not be led astray by greed. Such foolishness will only bring upon the planet's wrath, endangering many. It is highly advised to not damage the wildlife or do anything highly unnecessary."
"Affirmative."
The Capital was separated into 17 districts, all thriving with life with certain variations. We were currently within the pampas expanse of districts 17-14. The Capital was not far off, residing in district 8.
As we delved deeper into the kingdom's hold, signs of life only grew stronger, as mythical creatures soared through the sky, their expressions carefree and at peace. Large land mammals also followed us through our journey, typically in large families. This country was nothing but diverse.
Despite such verdant conditions, the innovative human architecture held it's own unique beauty complimentary to the natural world. Buildings were both grand yet humble, containing intricate artistry while also being relatively small.
It invoked a sense of divinity- as though such structures were intended to invoke permanence and sanctification in all who approached.
After a few more hours on the caravan, we had reached our destination - District 8.
The capital, despite looming towards an impending war, greeted us with thunderous laughter and applause.
Children ran barefoot on the flower-lined alleys. Street musicians plucked away at strange, glowing instruments that sang a rich song. Colored banners swayed from rooftops, each marked with a different crest, creed, or guild symbol- bold and unconcerned with looming catastrophe.
I spoke with a confounded, yet flat tone. "They seem...happy."
Xerxes met my gaze with widened eyes. "Ah, did that come as a surprise? I suppose their cheerfulness is unexpected from an outsiders perspective."
"I assume they don't know of the war, yes?"
"Quite the contrary- they are more than aware of our war against the Great Evils."
"...?"
Noting my confuse countenance, Xerxes let out a small chuckle and order the caravan to stop. We arrived in a section of town not too dissimilar to the town center in Saranhell, though the technology was far more advanced.
We stepped out of the caravan and were greeted by many a cheerful citizen.
"You may not understand it through mere logistics. It is best if you show you their resolve in action."
Upon our arrival, the heads of the citizenry quickly turned towards us, as though bound my an inescapable magnetism.
Their eyes lit up with an indescribable awe. It soothed the soul, tempered anger, and invigorated the soul.
"Xerxes!" They said. "The Divine General is back!"
With an unspoken charisma, hundreds of citizens gathered to greet the chivalrous knight.
"Welcome home from the expedition!"
"Look, it's him! Xerxes!"
"Would you like some fruit for your travels?"
Without so much as lifting a finger, the sheer presence of the 7th Seat, Xerxes, had encouraged laughed, love, prosperity, and joy.
"This is what it means to be a Divine General, Ereth. We must become symbols of hope that extinguish despair. As long as we exist, our people have no reason to lament."
"I see…"
Xerxes waved back at the crowd and replied to their various greetings and inquiries. However, a certain question had broken the knight's stoic facade.
"Did you finally tie the knot with Adra?"
It utterly stopped him in his tracks. Xerxes choked on his own spit before covering his mouth in a failed attempt to hide his embarrassment.
"T-That is a private matter..."
Ah. Even knights could get embarrassed. You are a truly strange man, Xerxes.
____
It didn't take much time to reach the Royal Castle. The castle must have been no less than 1000 feet tall, looming across the land like a sleeping giant.
A silhouette jagged, demanding, yet endearing cut across the horizon- its spiraling pillars piercing the very heavens.
The material seemed to be a fine marble, exhibiting a divine gleam.
For no discernible reason, I felt a sudden compulsion to kneel before this monument.
"Mmmm…"
At the bottom of the marbled staircase sat a mysterious woman, her large hat covering the top half of her face, with a cigarette placed in her mouth.
Everything about the woman was slobbing and disorganized. Her crimson hair was adorn with split ends and frizz, while her outfit was that of a shoddy magician, more akin to cosplay than actual wear.
Xerxes held a disgusted expression. "You..."
"..." She remained unresponsive.
His irritation ever growing, Xerxes shouted, "Get the hell off of the stairs, you slob!"
The woman woke up. She stretched her body and moaned like a house cat before meeting Xerxes's gaze. "So loud...is it you Xerxes? You know I hate incorrigible men."
"As if any man of high esteem would even consider partnership with you."
The woman yawned once again, smoke curling from the edge of her cigarette like a lazy spirit. "And yet here you are, barking like a jealous ex."
She flicked the ashes off her coat with a limp wrist and turned her gaze - half-lidded, indifferent - towards me. "Who's the boy?"
Xerxes scowl deepened, "He's a candidate for the 8th Seat - something entirely unconcerned with you."
"Sheesh, so harsh today." She pouted mockingly. "You were always mean to women who knew more than you."
As the two endlessly bickered, I stepped forward, analyzing the woman. Her appearance was shabby, yes, but there was something else that I could not quite discern.
Typically, all human beings radiate some for of Mang, whether they are conscious of it or not. This woman, however, had not a single drop of Mang leaking from her body. It was almost dense - like a thundercloud pressed into flesh.
"What are you?" I said bluntly. "I can't see anything."
She blinked. Then, to my surprised, laughed- a raspy melodic sound. "What a pervert! You tried to gaze at my Mang, didn't you? Sorry, but I'm a shy woman by nature. Though, the fact that you can see the distortion itself is rather impressive, boy."
She brushed off the dust from her pants as she stood, grinning from ear to ear. "I like you, boy. What's your name?"
"Ereth." I said with a blank expression.
"Cute name. Not a half bad face either." She winked, her smoke trailing from her cigarette as she got a bit too close. "Mind if I take him off your hands, Xerxes?"
"Request denied." Xerxes said flatly, not even looking her way.
"Tch. You're no fun, eternal virgin." The shabby woman pouted like a child before turning her gaze back to me. "What about you, boy? Who might you be?"
"You just asked-"
"No, no," She waved lazily. "My name. I know yours already, Ereth. You'll need better communication skills to appeal to women."
"Right..." I said, confused and a bit miffed.
She threw her arms out dramatically like an actress taking the stage. "Wait...do you seriously not know who I am? Me? The most gorgeous, most jaw-dropping woman in all of Al-Aresta?"
"..."
Silence.
Her expression froze for a moment. Then she burst out laughing, loud and genuine. "You're the first person to surprise me twice in a single day. I like you even more now."
She tipped her wide-brimmed hat, revealing sharp crimson eyes that could cut through anything. "Name's Adra. Divine General Adra of the 4th Seat."
The air tightened at the mere utterance of her name. Even with her slouched and lackadaisical tone, something in her Mang shimmers like a dormant volcano, a disaster on the verge of being released.
Xerxes scoffed. "While she is indeed an unprofessional slob unfit for such a title, her skill is the genuine article. Just make sure to keep some distance from her, she loves toying with others."
"Hah! You aren't wrong there, Xerxes. But that doesn't mean I can't be interested in him." She got uncomfortably close to me and grabbed my face, as though analyzing a doll. "You should keep an eye on this one, General. He's got the eyes of someone who hasn't decided if he wants to take the path of saints or demons- a lot like Hisuin back then."
She turned, ascending the staircase with a whistle on her lips. "See ya soon, Ereth," she called over her shoulder. "Try not to bore me."