The group left the bustling, prosperous city of Sharia and headed north.
The journey was not far. On foot, it would take only about half a day.
By carriage, it would not even take an hour.
Their destination was a desolate, solemn stretch of ruins.
Countless thick stone pillars lay toppled and broken before them.
Huge chunks of rubble littered the ground, still faintly recognizable as once-smooth stone slabs.
The ravages of time had carved deep marks into these massive stones.
Weeds and moss stubbornly pushed their way out between them.
The place as a whole resembled the Parthenon, only a little more collapsed and severely weathered.
Even in its ruined state, it retained an indescribable grandeur and solemnity.
There was no doubt that, in the distant past, an exceptionally magnificent and sturdy building had stood here.
Merely standing there, they could clearly feel the weight of centuries of history, steeped in blood and fire, washing over them.
"These are the ruins of Scott Fortress."
Nanahoshi Shizuka seemed quite familiar with the place and volunteered to act as their guide.
"According to historical records, this fortress was a military stronghold hastily built by the allied Humanfolk forces during the Laplace War."
"They say several thousand of the finest Humanfolk warriors held this defensive position against the Demonfolk army's relentless waves of attacks. The fighting was incredibly brutal..."
This really was rather nice. Just like visiting a museum, having a guide was always a good thing.
"But the two sides were vastly unequal in strength. Under the Demonfolk's frenzied assault, the fortress ultimately... could not hold out and was overrun."
Those visiting the Armored Dragon King this time were Cui Ciyou, Nanahoshi Shizuka, Sylphy, Roxy, Julie, and Linia and Pursena, who had insisted on coming along to see the excitement.
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