NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Entering the city
Krista met the guard's gaze, her own eyes as cold and unyielding as the city walls. The tall guard was level 24, while the other was level 12—impressive numbers for ordinary humans, who typically peaked at level 10. Only exceptional elites could break through that limit.
"We are travelers," she stated, her voice devoid of warmth. "We would like to stop by this renowned Aurora Bastion."
She gestured with a slight nod toward Fur clutched in her hand, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and apprehension as she stared at the towering city.
"Travelers?" the guard echoed, his voice laced with skepticism. He tried to assess their levels but couldn't. This could only mean one of two things: either they were among the 14% of humanity who hadn't awakened, or their levels were far higher than his, making them invisible to his perception. He decided it was likely the former—after all, the girls looked weak compared to his own level 24. He shifted his weight, the metal of his armor creaking softly. "From where? You look like you've been dragged through a wolf den." His tone was mocking, and he snickered. Yet, he couldn't shake the strange aura surrounding the two.
Krista's lips thinned, but she didn't allow a flicker of annoyance to cross her face. "From the Frostscar Wastes," she replied, her tone clipped. "We were caught in a blizzard and had to take shelter where we could."
"The Frostscar Wastes?" The guard's eyes widened slightly, his skepticism briefly replaced with surprise. The Frostscar Wastes weren't known to be habitable by humans, which only heightened his suspicion. "That's a long way from here. What brings you all the way to Aurora Bastion?"
Krista hesitated for a moment, carefully considering her response. "Winter is coming, and I don't want to end up frozen in that wretched place," she stated, the lie rolling off her tongue with ease. "We've traveled for months and have finally found this famous city of yours." She even managed to inject a hint of melancholy into her voice, a subtle performance that belied her true intentions. Fur blinked at her words, unable to understand a thing , she remained silent.
The guard seemed to soften slightly. After all, providing refuge from the harsh northern environment was precisely why the city had been built ages ago. "That's a good reason," he said, his tone less harsh than before. "But the city is under strict protocols. We can't just let anyone in. The Frostscar Wastes are known for their extreme environment—perfect for vampires to hide. Besides, you don't look like you've traveled for months. You have no luggage, and you're both covered in blood. How can I be sure you're not vampires?" he finished, his skepticism returning as he eyed their bloodstained clothes.
Krista remained unfazed. "Can vampires stand in sunlight?" she asked, rolling her hand through her long, silken black hair so that the sunlight fell on her face. Then, suddenly, something appeared in her hand. She held it out toward the guard, allowing him a brief glimpse of the gold coins within. "And I have the means to ensure we are not a burden to your city." She made no attempt to hide the bribe, presenting it as a mere transaction.
The guard's eyes widened at the sight of the gold. He exchanged a look with his companion, and both suddenly seemed far more attentive. "Well," he began, a note of avarice creeping into his voice, "Vampire or not, there are… fees… for entry." He coughed, pretending to be disinterested.
Krista nodded, her expression unchanging. She held the coins out further, allowing them to clink together softly. "I understand," she said. "Will this be enough?" She opened the pouch wide for him to clearly see the contents. For an ancient bloodline like the Spilledblood, gold coins were as common as tissue. It was natural to carry some at all times.
The guard's eyes darted between the gold and her face. "For now," he mumbled, reaching out and snatching the coins from her grasp. "But if you cause any trouble, you'll be dealt with accordingly." He turned to another guard and ordered him to open the small gate. "You still need to state your names and reason for entry for the record, if the city is to accommodate you."
The guard nodded toward the small opening in the gate. Krista dragged Fur by the hand and moved forward without so much as a thank-you or a nod to the guards.
"By the way," Krista asked with a casual tone, though her heart was cold, "Have you ever killed a vampire?"
The guard paused at the unexpected question. "I wasn't here when the old state fell, but don't worry—none are left inside the city now. All killed," he answered. Krista didn't say anything else and moved on.
As they entered the gates, the guard leaned toward his companion, his eyes still fixed on Krista's retreating figure. "That woman… she gives me the creeps. But this gold is quite something." His companion could only nod in agreement, wondering if he would get his share of the bribe.
Krista, however, didn't pay them any more attention. Her gaze was fixed firmly on the city ahead, her mind already strategizing and calculating her next move. She paused for a moment, her left foot hovering just above the ground, before taking a determined step forward into the Aurora Bastion—a step that would forever change the city.
Her vision shifted.
They were immediately engulfed by the bustling energy of Aurora Bastion. The city was a stark contrast to the desolate landscape they had left behind. Cobblestone streets, though uneven and worn, were lined with buildings constructed from a mix of stone and timber, their architecture a blend of practicality and austere beauty.
The air was thick with the smell of woodsmoke, freshly baked bread, and a faint metallic tang that Krista recognized as blood, though she couldn't pinpoint its origin. The sounds of the city washed over them: the rumble of cart wheels, the chatter of merchants, the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer, and the high-pitched laughter of children darting through the crowds.
But amidst the everyday bustle, there was an undercurrent of unease. The citizens of Aurora Bastion, dressed in practical, muted clothing, paused in their activities to stare at the newcomers. Their eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, followed Krista and Fur as they navigated the crowded streets. The duo's disheveled appearance—their blood-stained clothes, matted hair, and gaunt faces—made them stand out like sore thumbs. Fur, in particular, was gawking at anything resembling food, her chin slick with saliva.
No one dared to approach them directly, however. There was something in Krista's cold demeanor, in the way she held herself, that made them hesitate. The subtle use of her [Soul Pressure] skill only added to the intimidation. Fur, sensing the skill, tried to pull away but was held firmly in place.
Krista ignored the stares, her gaze sweeping over the city with an analytical eye. She noted the layout of the streets, the location of merchant stalls, and the positions of the city guards, her mind already piecing together a mental map of her surroundings. Most of the humans here were between levels 4 and 10, with a few higher-level individuals scattered among them.
And then she noticed something—huge pillars shooting toward the sky, erected at regular intervals. Atop the pillars were weathered pieces of clothing fluttering in the wind. Krista's heart skipped a beat as she realized what they were.
These pillars were where vampires had been hoisted and burned in the sun, their bodies disintegrating and leaving behind mere clothing. Her eyes widened as she held her breath, staring at them. A storm of rage brewed in her heart.
Fur gulped loudly, feeling the increased bloodlust radiating from Krista. She dared not look at Krista's face at this moment. Krista stared for what felt like an eternity, taking in the scene and silently vowing to make those responsible pay.
After what seemed like an eternity of silent observation, Krista finally broke the silence. Her voice, low and devoid of emotion, cut through the din of the city. "We need an inn," she stated, her gaze fixed on a nearby passerby.
The man, startled by her abrupt question, stumbled slightly before composing himself. "Uh, yes," he stammered, his eyes darting nervously between Krista and Fur. "There's the 'Sleeping Bear' just a few streets over. They take anyone with coin, no questions asked." He quickly pointed in the right direction before scurrying away, avoiding Krista's gaze.
Krista nodded once, acknowledging his direction. She let go of Fur's hand and began to walk, pushing her way through the crowd with an uncaring gait. The city continued to observe, whispers trailing behind them as they made their way to their first destination.
Following the man's directions, it didn't take them long to reach the 'Sleeping Bear' inn. It was a two-story building with a weathered wooden facade, its sign depicting a cartoonishly rotund bear snoring on a bed of hay. The windows were small and grimy, but the building appeared sturdy and well-maintained.
"Let's start from here," she mused as she stepped inside.