Chapter 21: Old Colleagues
The sun had noticeably set, casting the Imperial City in a glow both pleasant and eerie. The year was 2125, and with humanity's latest technological advancements, the Sanctuary stood as a testament to that progress.
Along with the moon's illumination, the city's neon lights pulsed rhythmically, painting the streets in a shifting tapestry of color. Towering skyscrapers loomed overhead, displaying holographic billboards flickering with advertisements for cybernetic enhancements, AI-driven services, and the latest virtual experiences. The sound of vehicles moving echoed, blending with the distant chatter of pedestrians navigating the night.
This was the true face of the Sanctuary known as the Imperial City.
Most people avoided venturing out during the day, conserving their energy for the exclusive nightlife that could be experienced nowhere else. Of course, entry into this thriving metropolis was a privilege, reserved only for those with status.
Even then, beneath the dazzling lights, the night carried an entirely different essence.
Love. Secrets. Passion. Sex. Danger. These were the true reflections of the Imperial City. At least, that was none of Klaus' concern. He dismissed the thought, unwilling to waste time on idle musings.
He stood on the road before the department store station, his hood drawn low over his face.
Fortunately, he had managed to convince Briar not to follow him. After listening to all his arguments, she had reluctantly agreed to stay behind, perhaps because she learned he had spent all his money and became depressed. What she didn't know was that Klaus wasn't the type to waste his funds. In reality, he had used them to acquire the equipment necessary for challenging the Shadow Realm.
"She looked rather dejected, even though it wasn't her money..." What a peculiar demoness, he thought. Regardless, he couldn't afford to let her tag along and had left her at home.
His gaze remained fixed on the dark alley ahead. The odds of running into trouble were as high as a third-rate RPG storyline.
Even so, he continued watching, as if expecting something to emerge. Then, in the next instant, a voice drifted from the alley.