The sun dipped low as Velondar came into view—its towering stone walls casting long shadows over the plains. Unlike the rustic villages they'd passed, Velondar pulsed with life. The city gates were flanked by armored guards with polished halberds, banners fluttering above bearing the sigil of a lion cradled in flames.
Rai stepped forward with a quiet breath. "So this is it. Velondar."
Alex whistled beside him. "Looks bigger than I thought. And louder."
"Everything's bigger when money's involved," Rai muttered, eyeing the long line of players and NPCs entering the city. Merchants yelled from their carts, adventurers haggled with traveling smiths, and guild recruiters waved posters like cultists spreading the end times.
Eron tightened the strap on his pack. "So, we just walk in?"
"Sort of," Rai replied. "City access is open for players above level fifteen, which we are. But don't expect the game to throw out a red carpet."
