Chapter 171: The Seat and He Who Fills It
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Port base as Cara dismissed Arthur and Aziel. Her voice carried the weight of authority that had been earned through countless battles, each word measured and deliberate.
"Take the rest of the day to get situated," she said, her piercing gaze shifting between the two of them. "Your temporary quarters are in Building 4, second floor, room 247. The keycards are at the reception desk." She paused, studying their faces. "We’ll reconvene tomorrow morning at 0800 hours to discuss whats next. For now, familiarize yourselves with the base layout and get some food."
Arthur felt the lingering ache in his muscles from their sparring session, each movement a reminder of just how outclassed he had been. The memory of Cara’s overwhelming power still sent shivers down his spine—the way she had moved with such fluid grace, her light-based abilities creating a dazzling display that had left him blinded and completely outmaneuvered.
Aziel maintained his characteristic confidence as they made their way through the base.
"This place is massive," Aziel commented, his voice filled with genuine awe as they walked along the main thoroughfare. The Port base stretched out before them like a small city, with its network of interconnected buildings, training grounds, and defensive installations. Personnel moved with purpose along the well-maintained pathways, their uniforms bearing the distinctive insignia of various guilds.
Arthur nodded in agreement, his eyes taking in the impressive architecture.
They passed by Building 2, which housed the administrative offices and briefing rooms, its windows gleaming. The training grounds they had just left were visible in the distance, with other groups of soldiers now heading toward it.
"I’m starving," Arthur muttered, his stomach growling audibly as they approached Building 1. The structure loomed before them, wider than it was tall, its bulk suggesting it served multiple functions beyond just housing the mess hall.
Building 1 wasn’t the tallest structure in the base—that distinction belonged to the command tower that rose like a sentinel from the center of the complex—but it was undoubtedly the most substantial in terms of sheer volume. Its broad facade was punctuated by large windows that offered glimpses of the bustling activity within.