Once they entered Blood Port's core district, the buildings on both sides suddenly changed again.
All manner of towering structures lined the streets, their smooth, square outer walls resembling the walls of fortresses.
But a fortress only had one wall, whereas the walls before them stood row after row.
If she looked farther ahead, she could see lower factory buildings amid the high-rises, as well as smokestacks rising nearby.
The smokestacks stood far taller than the other buildings. These symbols of industry were like great towers reaching into the heavens, pillars holding up a sky that might otherwise fall.
For a moment, Gwen felt as though she had entered a world of giants. Everything around her was unimaginably immense, as though giants hundreds of feet tall truly lived in this enlarged city.
Unfortunately, Gwen's eyesight was excellent. Even from a great distance, she could clearly see the people moving through the buildings. They were not towering giants, but ordinary mortals just like her.
With mortal hands, they had built this city that reached into the clouds...
Gwen's heart thumped wildly.
Such a magnificent achievement ought to have been recorded in the Holy Scripture, turned into songs and sung for generations. This was a miracle truly worthy of praise.
But...
Gwen looked at the people beside her. Neither the Expeditionary Force nor Nora seemed to care about the sight outside.
"Lady Nora," Gwen said softly.
"What is it?"
"Why do you... seem not to care much about this magnificent city? It is so great, and the Expeditionary Force seems used to it as well. If it were according to the Temple..."
Gwen could not continue. She and Nora had long since had little to do with the Silent Temple. They were even returning this time to help the priests of the