Chapter 160: Home of the Stone Shield

The hours passed quickly. The sun climbed into the sky, reached its highest point, and slowly began its descent toward the horizon.

When the sun had already begun to sink, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold, enormous stone walls finally appeared in the distance. The City of the Great Rock.

Judite practically pressed her face against the window, her breath fogging the glass.

"We’re here!" Her voice rang out with joy. Even though she had visited the city before, she still couldn’t hide her admiration, as if every visit were her first.

Lukas also watched in silence. The gigantic rock formation rose hundreds of meters above the city like a perfectly vertical mountain, a monolith of stone that defied gravity and comprehension.

Even from that distance, it was possible to see Hark Castle at the summit. Its white walls reflected the golden light of the late afternoon, giving the castle an almost sacred appearance, as though it were a fortress of the gods.

"It’s still enormous..." he murmured, his eyes tracing the mountain’s silhouette.

Clavor smiled, remembering his own first visit.

"The first time I saw this city, I had exactly the same reaction. I stood there for quite a while just staring."

A few minutes later, they reached the city’s enormous gates. The doors were made of hardwood reinforced with metal, so thick they looked capable of withstanding a siege lasting months.

The guards immediately recognized the Dmond Family crest displayed on the carriage. The symbol was well known throughout the region, a sign that these travelers were important people.

"The Dmond Family." The soldiers saluted respectfully, their helmets gleaming beneath the sunlight.

"You may enter."

Without any delay, the gates were opened. The heavy sound of the hinges echoed as the massive doors swung apart, revealing the city beyond.

The carriage slowly passed through the main entrance. The moment they entered, the city’s bustle filled Lukas’s vision. Life pulsed at every corner, on every street.

Merchants loudly advertised their goods, their voices overlapping in a symphony of offers and promises. Blacksmiths worked in front of their forges, the sound of hammer striking metal creating a steady rhythm.

Children ran through the streets, laughing and playing, while adults chatted in front of their homes. Carriages crossed broad avenues, transporting goods and passengers.

The city seemed even livelier than the last time.

Lukas observed everything attentively. Even after so many visits, he still enjoyed watching the activity, absorbing the vibrant energy of that metropolis. Every street told a story.

Above the city, Astra traced wide circles across the sky. The little eagle had accompanied the journey by flying above the carriage, her silhouette outlined against the blue sky.

From time to time, she descended slightly, as though checking whether the carriage was still directly below her, before soaring upward once again.

Tilbo and Prata had remained behind at Dmond Manor. The two of them had already grown too large for a trip like this, especially inside such a bustling city. An ant the size of a wolf and a spider over a meter long would attract far too much attention, causing unnecessary panic.

Even the little rat had stayed home. Lukas preferred leaving him resting in his wooden den rather than subjecting him to the stress of the journey. The little animal still wasn’t completely accustomed to movement, and such a long trip could have been traumatic.

As they traveled along one of the main avenues, Clavor spoke without taking his eyes off the road, his voice carrying clearly through the window.

"I have a surprise for you."

Judite immediately lifted her head, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"A surprise?"

"A new inn has opened near the Great Rock." Clavor’s voice carried a note of satisfaction.

"It belongs to an old friend of mine. I decided to reserve rooms there for tonight."

Aurora smiled, recognizing the name.

"So he finally finished the construction?" Her voice belonged to someone who had followed the project from afar.

"He finished it a few months ago. It’s beautiful."

Judite practically clapped her hands, her excitement overflowing.

"Is it a pretty inn?"

Clavor laughed, amused by his daughter’s enthusiasm.

"Pretty? Luxurious."

The girl’s eyes practically sparkled, as though she had just received a gift.

"Luxurious?"

"That’s right. One of the finest establishments in the city."

She immediately began asking questions without stopping, her curiosity insatiable.

"Is it as beautiful as the one at Hark Castle? Does it have bathtubs? Does it have sweets? Does it have huge beds?"

Clavor laughed at every question, his voice cheerful.

"You’ll see when we get there."

Lukas simply listened to the conversation, a faint smile on his lips. His attention, however, remained completely focused on something else.

His Awakening. The lodging mattered very little. He could sleep in a tent as long as the big day arrived. Nothing else seemed important compared to the imminence of that moment.

The carriage entered a broad avenue built at the foot of the Great Rock. The street was paved with neatly laid stones, and the buildings around them were far more imposing than those in the poorer parts of the city.

Everything there was much more refined. Elegant shops displayed expensive goods in their windows. Restaurants with outdoor terraces served well-dressed customers. Wealthy homes with ornate facades housed important families.

Everything had a far more sophisticated atmosphere, as though that part of the city were a world apart from the rest.

A few minutes later, Clavor slowed down, guiding the carriage to a gentle stop.

"We’re here."

Lukas looked up, and his jaw nearly dropped. An enormous three-story building occupied almost the entire corner, its imposing facade dominating the view.

Walls of pale stone, polished so perfectly that they reflected the light of the setting sun. Dark wood polished to perfection, carved with scenes of battles and heroes. Enormous windows with clear glass, framed by decorative moldings.

Pots filled with colorful flowers decorated the entire entrance, adding touches of color to the stone and wood. The fragrance of the flowers mingled with the aroma of food drifting from inside.

On the main facade hung an enormous yellow shield carved from fine wood. The craftsmanship was so detailed that it looked like a real shield, with golden edges and a central crest.

Beneath it was a sign. Lukas read it silently.

"Home of the Stone Shield."