City of Silver

Before entering the Ruined Sea for the second time, Neph paid Bernadette another visit.

Of course, she had not come looking for a ship. By now, Neph could move freely through the Ruined Sea, and even if she needed help, Bernadette would not be the one she asked-she had come specifically for directions.

Compared to Neph, who had only passed through once aboard someone else's ship, Bernadette clearly knew far more about both noon and night in the Ruined Sea. Armed with Bernadette's knowledge of those waters, Neph set out and waited there for night to fall.

Neph faced the expanse of black, monastery-like buildings, the place where everyone's dreams gathered. Without hesitation, she walked over to the monastery's entrance.

The doors stood nearly ten meters tall. Neph exerted herself and shoved the heavy doors open.

Amid a heavy grinding sound, a gray stone plaza appeared before her, surrounded by two dim towers and rows of black buildings. Neph scanned the area, confirmed that the person she sought was probably not there, and continued inside.

Crossing the plaza and pushing open another set of doors nearly ten meters tall, Neph found a vast hall supported by two rows of thick stone pillars.

There were no candles in the hall, leaving it exceptionally dark. As the main doors opened, light streamed in from outside, bringing everything into view.

Neph saw vivid murals, predominantly gold, covering the walls and vaulted ceiling. They joined together without gaps, lending the place a grand, sacred air.

She realized that this might be the place she was looking for.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Neph looked toward the sound. A figure stood there, chopping a long log with an axe.

He wore a white shirt and a black vest and looked young, with short blond hair parted to