Chapter 108: What the Water Hides
They both reached the riverbank, where the heart of the city unfolded in full view before them. The once distant myth had transformed into a communal obsession—people of all ages crowded the sparkling river: children giggling while skipping stones, elderly citizens exchanging stories of old folklore, and robed mages standing quietly as they cast detection spells over the water.
Even from a glance, it was clear: this was no mere rumor.
The river itself stretched out like a living creature—wider and grander than anything Marcus had imagined. What the system had described barely scratched the surface. The river pulsed with life, its waters glittering with hints of enchantment, home to countless aquatic species. Lush flora curled around its edges, forming a magical thicket that resembled the Forest of Trials in both ambiance and mystery.
"This place sure is lively," Marcus said with a soft laugh, the corner of his lips tugging up as he took in the scene. "And... more beautiful than I expected."
Victoria chuckled, her tone teasing. "Don’t tell me you’ve never come here before?"
Before Marcus could respond, Cynthia answered in his place, laughing as well. "Well, we did only decide to explore the myth last night. You know—spontaneity."
Hands casually tucked into his coat pockets, Marcus tilted his head, the smirk never leaving his face. "Right. The myth’s about a dragon, isn’t it? One that supposedly lives beneath this very river?"
"Pretty much," Victoria said, nonchalant, her gaze scanning the crowd.
Marcus’s attention drifted toward the clusters of people—at least twenty gathered along the banks, while another ten waded into the water, casting spells and probing with enchanted rods. A few were manipulating currents with water magic, testing for irregularities.
He narrowed his eyes. "Hmmm..."
"You have no idea what to do, do you?" Victoria asked, the corners of her mouth curling upward in a knowing grin.