Shield River City was named for the river built around it. Unlike the Emerald River flowing through Allen Bridge Fort, however, the water here was icy and clear, carrying the biting breath of snow-capped mountains.
From above, beneath peaks blanketed in white snow, sparse snow forests and dense coniferous woods spread out in layers. Riding down the winding cliffside road, one could take in the entire ancient city, painted mainly in grayish green.
Although most of central White Horse Kingdom consisted of plains, there were occasionally high mountains like those surrounding Shield River City.
Thanks to its terrain, which was easy to defend and difficult to attack, many of Storm Territory's vital border cities and military fortresses had been built in this region, echoing the kingdom's long western border defense line from afar.
Only after watching the knights gradually disappear into Shield River City's towering gatehouse did Count Bran finally beat his wings with all his might, soar over the majestic walls lined with battlements and patrolling soldiers, and enter this distinctly different border city.
Compared with the commercially prosperous and lavishly constructed Allen Bridge Fort, Shield River City still retained a great deal of stark wartime character.
The heavy city walls he had just crossed, the Training Grounds and weapon racks found everywhere within the city, and the practical stone buildings all displayed this military city's traits to the fullest.
Though it did not appear as prosperous and bustling as the central cities, quite a few travel-worn adventurers and mercenaries could already be seen on the streets, along with Adventurers Guild branches bearing eye-catching signs.
Count Bran flew through the city's maze-like skies for quite a while before suddenly landing on the eaves of a grand church and coughing awkwardly several times.
"Um... Your Majesty, it seems we don't