Chapter 26: Infiltration Through Shadows
Ding
The small city’s symbol, the red bell hanging atop the highest tower in the center of the inner district, rang loudly as usual, announcing the end of the day. Its high-pitched chime brought joy to some while awakening sad memories for others. Its beautiful red color, originally a tribute to the blood of the heroic soldiers who defended their city over hundreds of years, was a tradition. Before heading to war, the bell would be taken down and painted with their blood.
Despite the mixed emotions its ringing evoked, it was also a signal of the changing time. The soldiers and guards scattered throughout the city lit the massive torches that cast scattered light, reducing the desolation of the dark night. Meanwhile, shops and homes lit beautiful lanterns that adorned the place, giving it a stunning charm.
The drunkards emerged from their hiding spots and headed to their usual taverns, while soldiers and workers invited each other for a few drinks or a delicious dinner at the popular restaurants. The lights varied, and so did the people. The day no longer held sway over the place.
Time passed slowly, and even the night lights began to dim. Most people returned to their homes to get enough sleep in preparation for the next morning. The restaurants that had filled the air with the aroma of delicious food began to close, leaving only a handful of those accustomed to staying up all night: soldiers assigned to guard duty, homeless individuals, and drunkards lost in life’s troubles. And also, crimson eyes lying in wait.
On top of one of the tall houses, a shadow as dark as the night itself sat. With his blood-red eyes, he watched the illuminated city fall into the embrace of darkness and the tranquility of sleep. He raised his head and looked at the high sky, contemplating the massive celestial moon that faintly lit the earth, then turned his gaze to the four familiar moons behind it: a small, beautiful white moon riddled with large craters, a smooth green moon like a gem owned by all, a brown moon filled with fiery, burning lines, like a land that had faced inevitable destruction. And finally, a distant, dusty-colored moon surrounded by a massive, strange ring.
Sigh!
Sollivan let out a sigh in his bed as he observed the world through Noctis’s distant eyes. He saw the details of life in an unfamiliar crimson hue. After relieving some of the tightness in his chest, he became more focused. He lowered his head and looked toward the inner city, specifically the upscale district far from him. Massive, sprawling houses and beautiful gardens still in bloom despite the winter. The area was filled with armored guards and strict patrols. Occasionally, a young troublemaker might sneak out without their parents’ permission, heading to a tavern or brothel. Everything seemed very ordinary and familiar to Sollivan, who had once lived in a similar place.
Huff!
He exhaled deeply and silently encouraged himself before giving the order. ’Let’s go. It’s time to test your abilities to the fullest.’
Without hesitation, Noctis hid within the folds of the shadows. His steps were as light as the wind, and his cold aura like winter’s chill allowed him to pass before the guards’ eyes like an invisible breeze. Within a few minutes of walking in the dark and avoiding the light, he reached the upscale district.
He observed the high walls adorned in some parts, then focused on monitoring the guards stationed at every corner and intersection. Unlike the rest of the neighborhoods, the streets of the upscale district were very wide, so massive torches were placed everywhere, ensuring light reached every corner.