Anomaly of Fate

Velren climbed out of the carriage, his boots hitting solid ground. He stretched his stiff limbs, rolling his shoulders after the uncomfortable ride. But the moment his gaze lifted, all thoughts of soreness and fatigue vanished.

The sight before him left him speechless.

"Welcome to Caelestoria, kid."

Caelestoria. Stood atop the mountains like a kingdom carved from the bones of the earth itself. Towering spires of dark stone, reinforced with plates of metal, loomed against the sky, their surfaces etched with intricate patterns of brass and copper. Gigantic gears and mechanisms adorned the outer walls, some turning with slow, rhythmic clicks, while others remained still, embedded as part of the city’s aesthetic. Steam vents hissed in the cold mountain air, releasing plumes of white mist that coiled around the buildings like ethereal specters.

Bridges of iron and stone spanned across chasms, linking different tiers of the city like veins feeding into a mechanical heart. Along the roads, glowing crystalline fixtures hummed with energy, illuminating the pathways with a soft, bluish-white light. The walls weren’t merely high—they were fortress-like, reinforced with layers of interlocking steel and laced with mineral veins that shimmered under the daylight.

"Wow..."

So this was Caelestoria.

Their carriage rolled forward, approaching a massive gate of metal and stone. Thick pistons and gears lined the sides of the towering entrance, hissing with steam as the mechanism creaked to life. However, before they could pass through, a group of armored guards stepped forward, their uniforms marked with sigils resembling interwoven cogs.

"Halt," one of them called out. "State your business."

Nico, who had been holding the reins up front, lifted a hand in greeting.

"Weaponry supplies from Elyndra."