As the group progressed, the streets began to widen, turning from its original 8 lanes to 4 lanes, but not losing their overall width they had with the previous 8 lanes.
Ryan could also see the city changing around them.
They passed over stone bridges that arched over shallow canals which cut cleanly through the districts, water glinting faintly beneath the afternoon’s light. The water’s colour held a slight tinge of brown and green.
Ryan’s ears relaxed. There was less shouting now, fewer hamrs and wheels. Instead, there was the quiet rhythm of footsteps, the murmur of controlled conversation, and the distant splash of fountains and canals.
The buildings grew taller and cleaner, stonework smoothed and reinforced rather than patched. Hos were no longer stacked haphazardly atop one another but laid out with intention. Courtyards opened into public parks filled with trimd hedges, fountains, and paved walkways where couples strolled and officials conversed in low voices. The air slled different here. Less smoke, less refuse. More trees and grass, more polished stone, more wealth.
Ryan noticed how even the roads themselves were very different. The stone was lighter in colour, fitted together with precision and care rather than rushed necessity. There were drainage channels carved so cleanly they almost looked decorative.
The people changed too. Children sprinting through alleyways and labourers hauling crates were long gone. Here, n and won walked with asured steps, dressed in tailored coats, embroidered cloaks, and polished boots. Jewellery glinted in the sunlight. Conversations were quieter, sharper, deliberate.
So glanced at the group with mild curiosity, others with clear recognition once they noticed Myna’s armour. No fear, but awe, awe and acknowledgent.
Ryan shifted. "Feels like we have crossed an invisible line."
Micah nodded. "We did, in a way. These are the Inner districts." Micah said, his voice hinted with disgust. "Not really my style."
Guards were everywhere now.
They stood at corners, near entrances, beside parks and plazas, never clustering but eternally present.
Not the practical soldiers they had seen near the gates and on the mountain, but ceremonial units stationed at regular intervals. They stood perfectly still, backs straight, eyes forward, dressed in polished Rupes uniforms that glead in the light. Their armour was made of cloth instead of tal or leather, almost ornantal, crested helms adorned with feathers and long halberds held with rigid precision.
Ryan was reminded comfortably of the guards back on Earth at Buckingham Palace. They seed more symbol than shield.
The further they rode, the more frequent the patrols beca.
Eventually, the road curved into a broad stone plaza dominated by a fortified compound. High iron gates stood before it, reinforced with thick stone pillars etched with military sigils. Beyond them rose a massive structure of dark stone, severe and functional, banners of the Rupes Kingdom hanging from its walls.
"This is it," Micah said proudly. "The Coalition’s main base in this Kingdom." He sighed. "Our mission is at an end."
Myna rode forward to the iron gate.
The guards at the gate were different. These were not ceremonial soldiers. They wore battle-ready armour forged from dark, unfamiliar tal, layered over chainmail. Long swords rested at their hips, daggers strapped across their chests. Their eyes were sharp, assessing, dangerous.
"Halt," one of them ordered.
Myna dismounted and stepped forward, presenting herself with authority alone. "Captain Myna of the 7th scout company. I request imdiate entry under orders of General Aldric."
The guard barely glanced at her badge. "State your purpose."
Myna’s lips pursed. "I am carrying information that may decide whether we win or lose this war."
The area went silent.
The guards exchanged looks, tension rippling through the line. A captain would not say such things lightly. After a long mont, one of them nodded.
"Open the gate."
Two guards stepped forward to escort them inside. Others took their horses after the group dismounted, leading them away without a word.
Ryan caught Ben’s expression as they dismounted. Pale, tight and uneasy.
He’s going to be exposed, Ryan thought. He shouldn’t have co back to us, as admirable as it was.
They crossed the compound quickly, passing by soldiers marching and others moving between the buildings. They entered the largest building. More guards stood watch inside, allowing passage only after brief inspection. Stone steps carried them upward, deeper into the heart of the compound, until at last they stopped before a heavy set of doors which also had two more guards beside them.
"This is as far as you go," Myna said to the escorts and her group. "What is discussed beyond this point cannot be overheard even by you soldiers."
The guards hesitated, then stepped back.
Myna turned. "Ryan. Eleanor. With ."
Ben, Micah and Gerald would remain outside the room. The three of them shuffled over to a few fancy seats that beckoned their exhausted bodies.
The doors opened.
Inside waited six n.
All of them were older, hardened by decades of command. dals lined their chests. Their uniforms were refined, variations of brown and grey, tailored to perfection. Power radiated from them, not loud or obvious, but absolute.
These were the strongest people he had ever been around. Without a doubt even stronger than Aldric.
The 6 n were in a heated discussion, but now disrupted by the sound of the doors opening.
The room fell silent and their eyes darted to the three intruders.
The doors behind Ryan and Eleanor shut with a loud bang.
Myna bowed. "Please excuse my intrusion, sirs, but I bring fantastic news."
"Go on then," one of the n said with one of his eyes raised in curiosity.
"These two with are Ryan and Eleanor. They are heroes." Myna said.
The man who spoke stood up instantly in disbelief.
"Is this so sort of prank? You try to make us believe that we have two heroes arrive now... at the sa ti? This is not the mont for jokes like this." He shouted.
"It is not a lie, sir. They are both Heroes."
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