Cape City — despite the "cape" in its name — was actually located deep within the continent, far from any coastline.
As for why it was named Cape, its origin had long been lost to history.
This was the meeting point Wes Elwin and Ultear had agreed upon.
When Wes found Ultear, she was sitting in a well-known ice cream shop, a colorful mountain of ice cream set neatly before her.
She looked just like an ordinary neighborhood girl — nothing about her hinted that she was a member of Grimoire Heart.
"You've got a lot of nerve relaxing like this. You're the Council's number one wanted criminal right now. Aren't you afraid of being recognized?"
Wes ordered a coffee and sat down across from her.
"Look who's talking."
Ultear took off her sunglasses and handed him a newspaper. "You're famous now too."
On the front page was a large photo of Wes — along with an astonishing bounty.
"Looks like the Council really went all out this time."
Wes skimmed the article, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. He didn't seem surprised at all.
Ultear stirred her ice cream until it became a colorful mush. "The more chaotic the situation becomes, the better."
With that, she stood up, a faint smile on her face.
"Come on. Hades has been waiting."
Wes glanced at his completely untouched coffee and silently suspected that Ultear had chosen this meeting spot just to annoy him.
"Petty."
He muttered the remark under his breath before taking a sip. "…Mediocre."
Leaving enough money on the table to cover the bill, he rose and followed after her.
Both of them were highly skilled, and in a short time they reached a deserted mining zone roughly ten kilometers outside the city.
Jagged rocks rose everywhere, the terrain uneven and rugged. The towering stone hills formed a natural maze — the kind ordinary people would never find their way through.
Ultear guided Wes through the winding paths, turning left and right until they passed a narrow passage. Suddenly, the view opened up.
A massive airship rested silently on the ground. Its enormous frame contrasted sharply with the barren surroundings, like a slumbering beast.
"Welcome to the headquarters of Grimoire Heart."
Ultear smiled lightly and gestured toward it.
With her signal, the belly of the airship slowly opened, and a beautifully crafted staircase extended downward.
Ultear walked up first, glancing back at Wes with a teasing, almost challenging look.
Wes remained unmoved and calmly followed her up the stairs.
Inside the airship, two rows of uniformed members stood in perfect formation. Upon seeing Ultear, they immediately bowed deeply.
"Welcome back, Lady Ultear!"
Among them was a girl with short pink hair, headphones resting around her neck. Though cute, she wore a slightly cold expression. She had clearly been waiting for Ultear.
When she saw her, a brief smile flickered across her face before she hurriedly suppressed it.
"Ultear!!"
Her voice carried a mix of affection and unmasked joy.
"I'm back, Meredy."
Ultear replied gently and placed a soft hand on the girl's head.
Meredy melted like a tame kitten, leaning into the touch, her face blooming with a warm, blissful smile.
However, the moment she realized that Wes was still standing nearby as an outsider, Meredy's cheeks instantly flushed red.
Ultear shot Wes a disdainful glance.
Wes only shrugged innocently, as if to say he hadn't done anything at all.
"Let's go. I'll take you to meet the others."
As she spoke, Ultear took Meredy's small hand and led her forward.
At this moment, they were in the lowest level of the airship — the cargo bay where supplies and materials were stored.
The interior of the airship was incredibly spacious, large enough to accommodate hundreds of people.
To ensure smooth movement across different sections, the ship was equipped with multiple elevators, including one exclusively reserved for high-ranking officers.
Wes followed Ultear and Meredy into the officer-exclusive elevator.
Through the transparent elevator window, they could see the intricate inner structure of the ship and the busy personnel moving rapidly below.
As the elevator ascended steadily, they headed toward the upper levels.
Through the clear glass, Wes observed the interior scenes: a large cafeteria, tidy dormitories, fierce dueling arenas, and even recreational areas where members could relax.
This airship was practically a fully functioning mobile town, equipped with everything necessary for daily life.
"Unless someone is on a special mission, all members stay aboard the command ship. And the command ship never stays in one place for more than three days. It keeps drifting through the sky without a fixed route — that way, neither the Council nor the legal guilds can track us down."
Ultear proudly explained the unique features of the vessel.
"It's definitely not a bad plan."
Wes's response was rather flat. In his eyes, no matter how impressive this airship was, it still couldn't compare to Hogwarts.
Soon, the elevator arrived at the highest level — regarded as the very core of Grimoire Heart.
The Master and all senior officers had their quarters on this floor. Whenever something major occurred, Hades would summon all officers here to discuss their strategy.
The décor on this level was strikingly luxurious. The carpet beneath their feet was soft and rich in texture, woven from rare and precious materials.
The walls on both sides of the corridor were adorned with intricate carvings, each detail showcasing refined craftsmanship.
Following Ultear's lead, Wes and Meredy reached the end of the hallway, where a massive door stood before them.
Ultear knocked lightly. After a deep, muffled sound, the heavy door was opened from within, revealing the meeting room.
Wes stepped across the threshold — and immediately felt seven piercing gazes lock onto him at the same time.
They came from the other five members of the "Seven Kin of Purgatory." Their eyes held curiosity and scrutiny, as if trying to uncover what made this newly added comrade so special.
Besides them, the Guild Master Hades and the Deputy Master, Bluenote Stringer, sat at the head of the room.
Hades wore a suit of black armor, the cold metal shining with an aura of mystery and authority.
Every movement of the staff in his hand carried an air of solemnity that brooked no disrespect. The armor clung tightly to his body, accentuating his tall and imposing figure — enough to make anyone feel small before him.
Bluenote, with his long black braid draped over his shoulder, had faint stubble across his chin, adding a touch of ruggedness. His sharp nose and long sideburns gave him a stern, intimidating appearance.
Wes and Bluenote's gazes collided in midair like two bolts of lightning intertwining.
°°°
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