The sun was beginning to set over the Holy Capital, casting long shadows across the towering white walls that encircled the city. The stone glowed faintly in the warm orange light, turning gold at the edges. Noel stood before the main gate, hands tucked in his coat pockets, eyes fixed on the massive structure in front of him.
'Here we go.'
Tok tok tok.
He knocked firmly on the smaller wooden door built into the larger gate.
A few seconds passed before it creaked open. A small viewing slot slid aside, revealing the weathered face of an old priest. His gray brows furrowed slightly before relaxing into something kinder.
"Yes? State your purpose," the priest asked, voice calm but cautious.
'Marcus said something about helping right?'
"Good evening. I'd like to enter the Holy Capital," Noel said. "I was told that a group of students from the Imperial Academy of Valor arrived recently—they're helping with the orphanage."
The priest blinked, then offered a small nod of recognition.
