The spring afternoon sun filtered through the plane trees in eastern Fenlai City, casting dappled light across the flagstone road. It had lost its midday intensity and shone with a comfortable warmth.
Loa stood before the gates of the Lucas Clan estate.
The gates were so tall he had to tilt his head back to look at them. Two heavy oak doors were edged in bronze, with the Lucas Clan crest engraved in the center.
The enclosing wall stretched far into the distance, its end nowhere in sight.
As soon as Loa approached, a guard raised a hand to stop him.
There were four guards in total, wearing matching leather armor with longswords at their waists. Their positions were carefully arranged: two guarded the gate while two covered the flanks, allowing them to support one another. As for their strength... Loa glanced over them. All four were at the level of Rank Four or Rank 5 Warriors.
Without a word, he took the silver badge from inside his clothes and handed it over.
The guard who accepted it looked down, and his expression immediately changed.
The badge was genuine, bearing the clan's unique authentication mark, which could not be forged. More importantly, the Lucas Clan had issued fewer than ten such badges over the years, and every holder was an important friend or benefactor of the clan.
"Please wait a moment!"
The guard immediately became respectful. He returned the badge with both hands while waving toward the side entrance. Another guard waiting there jogged inside.
About half a cup of tea's time later, the side door opened.
A middle-aged man emerged, dressed in a dark gray butler's uniform, his hair impeccably combed. Loa recognized him-the butler who attended Wot. His name seemed to be Hika.
"Lord Loa!" Hika hurried forward