[Five days later]
Empire City appeared on the horizon before the road reached it.
It wasn't a surprise. It was that kind of city.
White stone towers visible from thirty kilometers away. The outer wall taller than any building the team, and especially Kira, had seen in Coral Port or Khar'Seth. Constant traffic on the main route — caravans, travelers, guild squads, mounted messengers.
And above all, visible from any angle, the symbol of the Celestial Temple carved into the central tower.
"Big," said Kira.
"Too big. Those arrogant bastards like to be seen," said Raven.
"It's the continent's administrative capital, after all," said Maya, checking her map. "Seat of the Temple and the Major Guild. Three million inhabitants in the city and metropolitan area."
"Too big," Kira repeated.
Grim watched the towers from Alex's shoulder.
**"Here. Again. So many souls."**
"Don't worry, we've been here before. Only this time we'll try to go unnoticed on purpose."
