The wind carried a faint hum of machinery.
On the wide platform before The Wall, a large crowd had gathered—merchants, travelers, mercenaries, and curious wanderers—each pair of eyes fixed on the towering steel gate ahead. The air was thick with anticipation and dust.
High above them, Alec stood on the parapet, his cloak whipping lightly in the wind. His gaze swept over the restless sea of faces below, then he turned to his subordinates and said calmly,
"Open the gate."
"Yes, sir."
A low metallic groan followed, echoing between the walls.
Pincha—crack—creak...!
Under the pull of hydraulic chains and gears, the massive gate of Black Tortoise City began to rise. Shafts of golden light spilled through the opening, illuminating Alec and the guards lined neatly behind him.
He stepped forward to the very threshold and called out in a clear, commanding voice:
"Welcome, everyone—to Black Tortoise City!"
