Ethan stopped in his tracks in the middle of the street, his eyes narrowing as he watched the changes sweep through the city around him.
A light, golden mist descended upon Goldenveil like a living cloak, wrapping rooftops, walls, and towers in a soft, gilded glow.
At the same time, the density of mana and aura in the air surged in a single pulse—a wave that rippled outward from the palace of the fallen emperor-god, now renamed the Golden Palace, spreading to every corner of the sacred city.
The entire population of Goldenveil felt the change in that very same instant.
The Awakened, in particular, lifted their eyes toward the golden sky before slowly turning their gaze back to their Lord, each pair of eyes brimming with reverence.
Thalion and Doran paused also mid-step, their lips curving into discreet, proud smiles.
That was their lord. The destined Golden Lord.
The affinity and loyalty of the two knights could rise no higher—they had already reached the absolute ceiling.
