Chapter 73: Amazing City
Alvaric, Serya, and Valka arrived at the city of Vashtraal. When they got there, they were warmly welcomed. Everyone showed respect to Serya. As they approached, the guards at the gate—snake-type demi-humans armed with spears and wearing armor—immediately saluted Serya.
"Miss Serya, welcome back," said one of the guards.
Serya only nodded calmly, but a faint smile appeared on her face. Alvaric looked at her in confusion, but before he could ask, the city gate opened with a slow rumble. The gate was enormous, nearly twice the size of Chillg’s gate.
"Shall I escort you?" the servant offered.
Serya raised her hand and gave a slight shake of her head. She preferred to continue walking. As they stepped inside, Alvaric was taken aback.
The city of Vashtraal was unlike any city he had ever seen.
The houses there weren’t made of wood or stone, but of compacted earth shaped with high craftsmanship. The buildings were curved, like caves or giant snail shells. Some houses had short towers with ventilation holes that released warm steam.
The roads were lined with fine sand that felt soft underfoot, and the whole city felt cooler despite the blazing sun overhead.
Alvaric saw a giant blue lizard walking casually while pulling a cart, and beside it walked a woman—a snake-type woman with greenish scales, carrying a small child with golden eyes. They looked happy.
"The people in this city... are they all reptiles?" Alvaric asked.
Serya tilted her head. "I don’t know what you mean by that, but Vashtraal is a sanctuary for reptilian tribes. Here, snakes, lizards, and various reptile species live together in peace. Not all places accept them because they’re seen as disgusting."