Wide-eyed, William beheld a sprawling forest of glass, steel, and stone. Smooth buildings rose from the ground like the mythical trees he had read about in legends. The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the tall windows, illuminating the place and making it a surreal sight to him, who had barely seen cultivators’ second-tier sects. But this... made his heart drum and his blood boil in curiosity.
He gasped when they walked on the sleek, dark ground stretching into a spacious street. The sight of elevated platforms covered in lush gardens and the architecture using arches, towers, and spikes in a harmonious blend overwheld him.
How he wished he weren’t an aged man. Surely, no one would have blad him for rushing down to explore. Unfortunately, he couldn’t sha himself more than he already had. Instead, he slled the refreshing scent of magical flowers, freshly carved stones, and brand-new steel.
There, by the corner of a rounded street, he saw an impressive building from which a glass roof extended to protect from rain. Empty spots lined the walls beneath, making him wonder what they’d be used for, while long pipes snaked down the ground.
Now that he had noticed the pipes, he glanced at the other buildings. Most of them featured them on their intricate facades, too. Were they used to drain rainwater?
He pondered for half a second before his attention shifted, caught by giant disks crowning the tallest towers. Why were they covered in numbers, and what were the two needles pointing at them?
But sothing else stole his attention again, not that he knew the answer, anyway.
Bridges connected the city’s different parts. They seed unremarkable... if they weren’t suspended between high platforms. And what were these irregular, spinning structures he saw everywhere?
Confused by everything, he took support on the only thing he sowhat recognised, even if the form was different—one of the many street lamps.
Misha saw his pale face and how he gasped over his knees like a fish out of water. Honestly, he was quite one. And his reactions made her grin. After all, everything ca from the mories of her world. She had blended the best, pouring her heart and more to create this city. Of course, perfection was far, as shown by the visible cogs and pipes, but she prided herself on the result. Not to ntion, they added to the aesthetic.
She placed her hand on William’s trembling shoulder and pointed at the first building he had observed. "This is a theater where people will co to hear music or watch plays. The disks are called clocks. Did you ever wonder what ti it was or how many hours had passed? Now you can just check the numbers to know!" She pointed at the clock tower. "We must reach that tower first to add the finishing touch. Follow !"
Colors returned to William’s face now that he received explanations, but the awe remained.
They walked deeper into the city, passing grocery stores, markets, and business galleries filled with empty alchemy and weaponry displays.
Yet, even as a bizarre device propelled them beneath the tower’s roof, and they stepped into an office that slled of fresh wood, he had yet to see a soul.
A frown creased his brows. "Its intricacies are beyond , but even I see this city’s extraordinary nature." He shook his head. "It’s better than most prominent sects and perhaps on par with the legendary archipelago. It’s a pity no one has the chance to live inside."
Misha bead at the praise. "Thank you, William. This is more than a city to —it’s a morial, my parents’ legacy. I barely finished the construction, so it’s indeed quite empty. But isn’t life harsh for most? Just like for you and the children, I’ll give more people a chance to shatter their unfair fate—to flourish in peace."
She paused, a trace of grief clouding her bright golden eyes.
Adam wrapped his hand around her shoulders, nodding in genuine support. "They’ll be proud of you, Misha. You worked relentlessly to create a marvel even I am in awe of."
She hugged him tight, her hands trembling on his back. "I hope they are." Her voice cracked. "I-I think I can finally move on, bury that painful guilt accompanying every morning, every night. Their knowledge will help others beyond the grave, making their contribution eternal."
Adam closed his eyes, letting her cry against his chest in silence. She didn’t need words, only his presence and unconditional understanding. That was why he had agreed to take the children in without bothering to question her. He trusted and loved her that much. And she reciprocated that love by raising her face.
She smiled through her tears, her lips inching closer until they t.
They shared the blissful mont for a few seconds. Then, Adam pulled back, gesturing with his eyes to William with a hint of embarrassnt coloring his cheeks.
Misha patted his chest in response, chuckling. "You’re so cute in these monts. But don’t you think your complints sound a bit hollow? What’s a city compared to the flying bastion you built?"
"There is no competition between us, Misha. Your achievent is as splendid as mine, and I like your city. Every stone is imbued with your raw emotions, and you designed each building with the desire to make life easier for your guests." He brushed her golden hair, smiling. "But more importantly, you’re happy. That’s all that matters to ."
She lingered in his arms before she nodded. "Thank you."
Then, she turned toward William, who smiled softly. "Excuse us for this, William. Let resu my explanation. This building is yours, and this is your office."
William’s eyes widened. "Wait. You’re giving an entire building just like that?"
"Not exactly." She shook her head. "You led a mage’s order for decades. I want you to use that experience to manage my city. Of course, you’ll get benefits befitting your position."
William tucked his fingers around his chin, pondering. After a few seconds, he sighed. "I don’t have much ti left. But if you’re comfortable with this old man, I’ll do my utmost to help your future citizens feel at ho."
A grin spread across his wrinkly face as he gestured at the children. "As for the benefits, they need them more than I do."
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