The farther north one went, and the closer one got to the coast, the thicker the moisture in the air became, and the muddier the ground grew.
Most people with power lived in the higher southern part of the city, while the poor and fishermen lived near the water.
It was a vast city!
Its area was comparable to that of several Black Cities.
Its population was even harder to count.
Vanilla Market was the market closest to the coast, and its miles-long streets were packed with vendors.
Every day,
the seafood traded here could fill more than a hundred fishing boats.
Some of it was consumed in Vitri City, while the rest was transported by merchants to other lands.
After reuniting with Aya and the others, Karl had come to this market after a brief visit with them.
They needed to survey the surroundings and make plans for the future.
"Vitri City's lord is Sodan, a Legendary Knight. They say he has the blood of Grand Duke Ferdinand."
Aya led Karl forward, speaking as they walked:
"A hundred years ago, City Lord Sodan killed a deep-sea whale in the Endless Sea and opened up the sea routes. That was what brought prosperity to Vitri City."
Only the Legendary could live past a hundred!
There was no doubt about City Lord Sodan's strength.
"Other than a guard of fewer than a hundred people, the City Lord has not established a city guard here."
"Everything here belongs to freedom!"
"No taxes, no officials, no exploitation—that's why people call this place the Free Port."
Aya sounded a little excited.
Having grown up in Black City, she had seen city guards abuse ordinary mine slaves more than anything else.
There was no freedom in Black City!
That was why, after experiencing the "environment"