The kingdom's center was located on the shores of the massive Lake of Oblivion. Unlike other kingdoms, the Forgotten Kingdom controlled all of the Lake of Oblivion's habitable lands. This is where the kingdom got its name: the Forgotten Kingdom. Its capital was a legendary city that had existed for thousands of years. It didn't hold one or two mysteries; it held many. While not particularly notable, the city housed many mysteries. At one time, the kingdom had the chance to become a Holy Kingdom. More than once. Though they may not currently possess their former power, the kingdom's foundations remain strong. After all, in a world where clean water was scarce, this kingdom controlled a vast lake.
Caravans from outside the kingdom traveled through countless cities to arrive here and sell rare and valuable materials and goods to nobles and wealthy officials. That's why, at this time of year, a line stretching for miles formed at the gates of the Kingdom City. Not to mention, there were experts within the caravans.
As he admired the city, a young man emerged from the front of the long line, catching the attention of the guard riding next to him on a horse.
"Is this your first time in the city, young man?" the muscular escort with a black beard asked. The young man nodded. An aura emanated from his body, approaching the peak of the Core Realm. Considering he was in his early twenties, it's safe to say he was a prodigious talent. In terms of talent, he seemed not much different from Maria.
"Yes, I've heard of the city's splendor from afar, but seeing it with one's own eyes is certainly something else," the young man said. Not so long ago, he had been recruited by a powerful clan from the Royal City during the State Election. However, due to family issues, he had been forced to delay his departure. As he headed toward the city now, he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of regret.
The bearded, burly escort smiled slightly and turned his gaze toward the city. A subtle melancholy lingered in his eyes. Past memories resurfaced.
"Everyone feels a little excited when they enter a city to pursue their dreams. But inside, you have to face reality. Even with your talent, it won't be easy," the man said. The young man looked at the escort curiously. He could tell that the man was at least a Sage and much stronger than he was.
"It sounds like you have a similar story. Did you first come to the city when you were young?"
The melancholy on the man's face deepened at these words. A hint of regret emerged alongside it.
"Yes..."
The man's voice was filled with such regret that the young man didn't want to delve into the matter further. There was no need to get on such a man's bad side.
But the line was also very long. Clearly, the young man didn't want to meditate along the way. He lived in a small city in the north of the country and had spent most of the journey meditating. Now, he wanted to chat with people.
Just then, a soldier in metal armor began to approach them. His face wasn't visible behind his helmet, and he wasn't very tall. Although he wasn't particularly large, a large belly bulging from his armor was clearly visible.
"Sir, there appears to be a significant issue at the city's entrance. The chief guard is unable to handle it. He asked me to seek your help," the fat soldier said respectfully. He knew that the bearded man escorting this convoy was no ordinary man.
"I recall the Crown Prince appointing young Adrian as chief guard. Am I remembering correctly?"
"You are absolutely right, sir."
The man clicked his tongue and looked toward the city gates, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. There didn't seem to be anything particularly remarkable happening there, but appearances can be deceptive.
"So he is faced with a problem that a sage cannot handle."
He turned his head and looked at the young man walking toward the caravan.
"Northern boy! Do you wish to enter the city?" he called out.
The pale boy from the north immediately raised his head and looked at the escort leader in surprise. He nodded to make sure he was addressing him before a smile blossomed on his face.
"Of course!"
The escort leader turned his head and nodded to the bewildered soldier.
"Lead the way."
The soldier quickly recovered and, amidst the crowd's curious gazes, led the young man, who was riding with his escort leader, toward the city gates. Many people had seen them head to the front of the line, but they knew the guards weren't actually there. The northern boy, with his powerful aura, was mistaken for a guard.
"What's your name?" the escort leader suddenly asked. It was unclear whether he was asking the soldier or the young man, but he addressed the young soldier first.
"Gallac, sir. Yours?"
"Me? Oh, Lu Jana."
Lu Jana asked no more questions, and Gallac was focused on watching the people. He didn't ask the escort leader any more questions.
They soon approached the city gates. The massive gates, which stretched up to ten meters, were awe-inspiring. Given that the surrounding walls were of a similar height, one could say that the kingdom had invested heavily in the city's security. However, for a city of its importance, these walls weren't that high. The walls were secure because of the military units lining them. They surrounded the city on all sides, and they were all at least in the Foundation Building Realm.
Gallac stared at the walls in surprise. He was surprised that the walls failed to meet expectations. This was the capital! Not an ordinary city. Lu Jana recognized his skepticism.
"Don't doubt the strength of these walls, young man. If they weren't so faithful to their duty, I wouldn't need to come to the city gate," he said. But despite his words, Gallac wasn't sure.
"Despite your stated reliability, someone is currently causing chaos within the city. If someone manages to cause chaos within the city, the walls—"
You're right, but you don't realize that you've completely underestimated the person we'll be facing now. It's not because of the city's small size. It's because of the attacker's strength."
Lu Jana then turned her head slightly and smiled at Gallac. His bearded face now resembled something more charming than aggressive.
"Besides, they're calling me. They couldn't find anyone better at dealing with young people. Haha!"
Together, they entered the large gate. The other merchants in the front row looked nervous, but when they saw that the escort soldiers were silent and respectful, they were speechless. Gallac entered with Lu Jana and the fat soldier. The city was nestled within a large pit, and the gate was elevated above it. Naturally, a magnificent sight greeted them as they entered.
Unlike the other kingdoms, this palace was not built on the highest point. It was at its lowest point. As the city descended layer by layer, the royal palace on the shores of the Lake of Oblivion drew the eye in that direction. Adorned with a multitude of jewels, it stood out.
But it was impossible to watch this scene for long. Several buildings at the city's entrance had collapsed, as if struck by cannonballs. This damaged several surrounding buildings, and it wasn't limited to any one building. Screams and the cries of children could be heard. There wasn't any major chaos, though. Soldiers who were too weak to fight were hiding civilians from the danger of the struggle. However, Gallac had ignored all of these elements at this point.
The protagonist of the chaos was a young man with pure white skin who wore a long robe. His hair was parted into two colors: dark red and silvery gray. His eyes were gray and his face was solemn, yet he seemed indifferent to his surroundings. He emanated a power that affected the surrounding area, making Gallac tremble with every heartbeat. Gallac couldn't believe this man was his age. No matter how similar they may have seemed in age, this had to be a hoax!
"Yukimura Senju!"