The carriage moved through the wide streets as I observed every detail around me. The city was not just large; it was structured in a way that made it clear it had not been built gradually like the human lands. Everything seemed planned from the very beginning, as if someone had designed that place already thinking about the grandeur it needed to convey.
The buildings were tall, many with curved shapes that resembled scales or wings. Gold was still present in almost everything, but it was not an exaggerated or uncomfortable shine. It was a pattern. A symbol. Something that was part of the identity of that place.
"This doesn't look like an ordinary city," Elara said, looking out the window.
"It isn't," I replied. "They don't live like humans."
Lyannis tilted her head slightly, analyzing the flow of energy around her.
"The mana here isn't just dense... it's stable. Extremely stable."
"Is that good or bad?" Liriel asked.
"That depends on who's using it," Vespera replied. "For them, it's an absolute advantage."
Scarlett kept her eyes fixed on the streets.
"And for us?"
"It means any mistake costs more," she answered herself.
Rai'kanna observed everything with familiarity, yet still with a certain interest.
"Even for me... this is still different."
The carriage slowed as it passed through a busier area. For the first time, we could clearly see the inhabitants.
Dragons in humanoid form.
Some had small scales visible on their skin, while others only had distinctive eyes. There were also those with more noticeable traits, such as subtle horns or markings around their faces.
But they all had one thing in common.
Presence.
It wasn't just appearance. It was the way they walked, the way they looked, the way they occupied space. It felt natural, as if everyone there knew exactly their own worth.
"They're... different," Liriel said, not hiding her curiosity.
"More confident," Elara added.
"More dangerous," Scarlett corrected.
Lyannis watched a group passing by.
"They don't hide it."
One of the dragons looked directly at the carriage as we passed. There was no hostility, but there was no indifference either. It was a direct gaze, evaluating.
"We're being analyzed," Vespera said.
"Ever since we entered," I replied.
Rai'kanna nodded.
"They know who you are."
The carriage continued forward, now passing through commercial areas. Stalls, shops, open structures displaying goods.
"So they really do trade like humans," Liriel commented.
"Yes," Rai'kanna replied. "But not in the same way."
I looked more carefully. The items were different. Weapons with unusual craftsmanship, pieces that seemed to be made from rare materials, jewelry reflecting light in a strange way.
"They value quality," Scarlett said.
"More than quantity," Elara added.
Lyannis leaned slightly out the window.
"And magic as well."
In some places, it was possible to see small demonstrations. Controlled flames in the palm of a hand, objects levitating, simple enchantments being used in daily life.
"For them, this is normal," Vespera said.
"It should be normal for us too," Liriel replied.
Scarlett shot her a look.
"When you can do half of that effortlessly, we'll talk."
Liriel made a mildly irritated expression but did not respond.
The carriage continued down an even wider avenue. At its center, an elevated structure drew attention.
A kind of central plaza.
In the middle stood an enormous sculpture.
A dragon.
Not in humanoid form, but in its original form. Its wings spread wide, its body raised as if it were about to take flight. The level of detail was absurd. Every scale looked real.
"That..." Elara began.
"It's impressive," Lyannis finished.
"It's more than that," Rai'kanna said. "It's a symbol."
I continued looking at it for a few seconds.
"Of power."
"Exactly," Scarlett replied.
The carriage did not stop. It simply passed through the plaza and continued onward.
The flow of people began to decrease as we advanced into the inner districts. The buildings became even larger, more spaced apart, more imposing.
"We're approaching the castle," Rai'kanna said.
"That was expected," I replied.
Liriel looked around.
"This whole place feels like a castle."
"It almost is," Vespera said.
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"And we still haven't seen the center."
The carriage made a gentle turn, and then it appeared.
The castle.
Even from a distance, its impact could be felt. It was large, but not just in size. It was presence. The structure rose above everything around it, with tall towers, golden details, and a shape that resembled something alive rather than merely built.
"...now we're talking," Liriel said quietly.
Elara said nothing, simply watching.
Scarlett remained focused.
"Stay alert."
The carriage slowed again as it approached the main entrance. Guards were stationed there as well, more numerous and better equipped.
The escort that had accompanied us since the border gave a signal, and the gates began to open.
Without haste.
Without resistance.
Entry was authorized.
Before we got out, I looked at all of them.
"Now it truly begins."
Lyannis nodded.
"We're ready."
Vespera made a slight movement with her head.
"We always were."
Scarlett adjusted her posture.
"No mistakes."
Elara closed her notebook.
"Let's see how far this goes."
Liriel took a deep breath.
"Finally."
Rai'kanna looked directly at the castle.
"This is the heart of dragon territory."
I stepped out of the carriage first.
The ground reflected the sunlight faintly. The air was heavier there. More concentrated.
I looked ahead.
The castle entrance was right in front of us.
And inside it...
The next step was already waiting for us.