Bulwark of Hope

The steam whistle of the Oath of the North Wind echoed across the harbor.

Xia Lin stood on the deck, staring at the legendary city before him, momentarily lost in thought.

Nirose.

The capital of the Tsaros Empire, a bulwark of world order, the foremost front against the Abyss. One of the oldest and greatest cities on the continent.

Viewed from the harbor, the entire city rose in layered terraces.

At the bottom lay the bustling Dock District, where cargo ships and passenger vessels came and went without pause.

The middle levels were packed with homes and the Commercial District, white buildings gleaming softly beneath the sun.

At the highest point stood magnificent palace complexes and the Temple District, their golden domes shining brilliantly beneath the sky.

"Welcome to Nirose, my home."

Kade stood at the front. He removed his helmet and let the sunlight fall across his handsome face. Having returned to his homeland, the paladin's excitement and pride were impossible to hide.

"Wonderful, we made it in time!" He turned and smiled at the others. "Come on! You'll be staying at my house this time!"

"I guarantee the guest rooms at my place are the most comfortable in the entire capital!"

"Oh? That's great." Xia Lin let out a breath. "I really don't want to sleep in that damn ship cabin again."

"However, before we go home," he said, turning to Kade, "I need to do something first."

He patted a waterproof leather pouch at his waist. "I've compiled all the intelligence regarding Iceport. I need to go to the Brevor Embassy immediately and hand this over to Felicity."

"Mm, that takes priority." Kade immediately nodded, his expression turning serious. "We'll go together."

"Good." Xia Lin smiled. "You can lead the way, and we'll even save the copper