The city of Avos raised its colossal walls against the verdant, menacing horizon of the Northern Forest. Towering as high as twenty men, the smooth, reinforced gray stone seemed to challenge the heavens. Yet, behind this imposing barrier, life pulsed with a distinctly modern energy. Vehicles glided silently along wide asphalt avenues, passing aerial trams zipping along suspended rails. Giant holographic screens projected advertisements for mundane local news. Café terraces buzzed with crowds, and parks hummed with children at play. The city thrived, carefree, in its cradle of steel and light.
At the top of the Municipal Tower, in an office with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city, Mayor Corwin flipped through reports. Production figures, demographic analyses, expansion plans… His square face, framed by a neatly trimmed graying beard, bore a look of calm focus. A soft electronic beep sounded from his desk. He tapped an integrated touchscreen, and his assistant's steady voice came through: "Mr. Mayor, Magister Voxten has arrived."
A spark of interest, tinged with a hint of well-controlled nerves, flashed in the mayor's eyes. He straightened immediately, unconsciously adjusting his tie. "Show her in at once, of course."
The door slid open noiselessly. The woman who entered wore no ostentatious uniform, just a long charcoal-gray coat over black pants and soft boots. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, revealing a face with delicate features but a steely gaze. "Mr. Mayor," she greeted in a clear, neutral tone, with a slight nod.
"Magister Voxten!" the mayor exclaimed, rising with an almost too-eager spring. He rounded his imposing desk to shake her hand with marked enthusiasm. "An honor to have you in our humble city! Please, take a seat. A refreshment? Coffee? Tea?"
Erda offered a polite but cool smile. "Nothing for now, thank you. The welcome is appreciated." She settled into the designated chair, back straight, hands resting precisely on her knees. Her eyes scanned the room before locking back onto the mayor. "Avos is a remarkable city. Prosperity shines on every corner."
The mayor visibly swelled with pride, regaining some of his confidence. He took his seat. "Thank you, Magister. We do our best to ensure the well-being and safety of our citizens. It's always rewarding to hear our efforts recognized, especially by the Capital's representatives." He paused, seeking her gaze. "Your presence, and that of your… forces… is a tremendous reassurance to us all."
Erda nodded again, a measured gesture. "It's our duty to safeguard the nation's strongholds." Her eyes sharpened slightly. "I must say, Mayor Corwin, I'm struck by the atmosphere here. A certain… serenity. Almost unsettling, given the alarming reports about the Northern Forest and the impending cataclysm. There's no trace of fear in the streets."
The mayor gave a broad, almost jovial smile. "But that's perfectly normal, Magister! In fact, it's proof that everything is under control!"
Erda raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Is it? I'm listening."
The mayor leaned forward, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. "It's obvious! Look around you! You, a Magister, are personally here in Avos. You command an entire legion of Elite Wardens. And according to your own communications, the Magister of Zion himself is leading operations! He's already in action in the Forest as we speak!" The mayor spread his arms wide. "Most of our current population, you see, has never known a true 'rush.' They've grown up in the safety we provide. As for those who, like me, have studied history…" He lowered his voice, confiding, "…they know full well that never in the annals has such a deployment of forces been necessary! Never have two Magisters in person been mobilized for a single frontier! The threat may be colossal, but the response is even greater! How could people be afraid with such a show of protective strength at their doorstep? It's… comforting. Immensely comforting."
Erda studied the mayor with silent intensity for a long moment after his enthusiastic tirade. Then, a faint, almost imperceptible smile brushed her lips. "Indeed," she agreed, her voice as calm and smooth as ever. "It's… interesting to see how much faith the people place in our capabilities. An apparently absolute trust."
She rose with graceful fluidity. "I only wished to greet you, Mayor Corwin, and assess the situation in Avos firsthand. Your words are illuminating. I'll leave you to your important duties."
The mayor hurried to stand as well. "Of course, Magister! Thank you again for your visit and for all you do for Avos! Don't hesitate if you need anything!"
Erda gave a final polite nod and left the office as silently as she'd entered, leaving behind a mayor visibly relieved and brimming with renewed pride for his city and its protectors.
Outside, at the base of the Municipal Tower, a man waited, leaning against a sleek but sturdy all-terrain utility vehicle with angular lines and discreet armor. He wore a similar utilitarian outfit, his gaze methodically sweeping the surroundings. Without a word, Erda climbed into the vehicle, the man taking the driver's seat. The engine started with a barely audible hum.
As the vehicle merged into the flow of urban traffic, passing glowing shopfronts and screens displaying idyllic landscapes, Erda broke the silence. "The Association," she said in a neutral tone, gazing at the bustling city through the window, "has clearly not seen fit to inform this city's mayor of the exact nature of the threat. A 'cataclysm,' a 'rush'… terms vague enough to avoid unnecessary panic. But not a word about the Dragon King."
The man glanced briefly in the rearview mirror. "Standard procedure, Magister. Contain panic. A city gripped by hysteria fights itself before the enemy even arrives. The Association is just following the top-down disinformation protocol."
Erda let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "Pity." She turned her head slightly toward him. "Such a pity. Imagine the credit, the glory, my dear colleague Magister would reap from his triumph if the world knew what he faced and defeated. Crushing a mere 'rush' is an achievement for military manuals. Slaying a Dragon King leading a horde of monsters…" She paused, letting the idea linger in the air-conditioned cabin. "…that's the stuff of legends. That forges a hero for the ages. That shines."
The man kept his eyes on the road. "Magister…" He chose his words carefully. "…do you really wish to… 'clarify' the situation?"
A genuine smile, this time, slowly spread across Erda's lips. A cold, almost predatory smile. She looked again at the peaceful flow of pedestrians on the sidewalks, children laughing by an interactive fountain, lovers seated at a terrace. "This city," she murmured, "is far too calm, Ryu. Too trusting. Too… lulled into false security. Such a triumph deserves to be seen. Such a threat deserves to be known. And my colleague…" The smile deepened, laced with icy ambition. "…deserves to shine in all his glory. It's time to wake Avos. For its own good. For the glory of this nation."
She placed her hand on the dashboard. "Drive to the Northern Observation Post, Silas. We have a… perspective to adjust."
The silent vehicle accelerated smoothly, blending into the modern urban landscape of Avos.
A/N: How are you all doing? I haven't gotten much feedback from you on this story. Not feeling it? Or is it still too early? Either way, cheers to you and happy July! 😊📖