Having lived in Blackstone Village since childhood, Lin Ye had always believed the forest was the edge of the world. But after walking for an entire day, he realized that the forest was merely a small fraction of the world.
At dusk, they finally emerged from the woods. The sight before him made Lin Ye freeze in his tracks. On the distant horizon, a colossal city stood firm. High stone walls encircled the entire metropolis, reaching at least ten meters high, adorned with towers and watchposts.
Flags snapped sharply in the wind—black banners with gold patterns, depicting an eagle spreading its wings.
Reg spoke, "Iron Rock City."
Lin Ye couldn't help but ask, "It's... this big?"
Reg replied flatly, "This is only a border city."
Lin Ye was stunned. If a border city was already this massive, what would the Imperial Capital look like?
Su Li stood beside him. Looking at the distant walls, she said softly, "Iron Rock City is the most important trading hub in the Northern Territories. Many adventurers and Demon Hunters come here."
Lin Ye took a deep breath. His heart suddenly raced with excitement. From this day forward, he was no longer just a boy from Blackstone Village. He was stepping into the real world.
The three continued forward. As they drew closer, Lin Ye began to see more people: merchant caravans, knights, adventurers, and even mages dressed in strange gear. A long queue had formed before the city gates, where soldiers in steel armor and spears were inspecting those entering.
Reg walked to the front of the line. When the gate guards saw the silver sword on his back, they immediately stood at attention.
"Demon Hunter?"
Reg nodded and produced a badge from his cloak. The soldier took one look and immediately cleared the way. "Please, go inside."
Lin Ye was surprised. "That simple?"
Reg said tonelessly, "Demon Hunters do not require inspection."
Su Li added quietly, "Because they are the ones responsible for handling the most dangerous matters."
As they stepped through the gate, Lin Ye was instantly overwhelmed by the scene. The streets were wide, lined with stone buildings—shops, taverns, blacksmiths, and inns. People were everywhere. The cries of vendors, the rumble of carriages, and the rhythmic clanging of hammers against metal blended into a vibrant symphony.
Lin Ye had never seen such a lively place. He couldn't stop looking around. Seeing his expression, Su Li gave a small, gentle smile.
"First time in a city?"
Lin Ye nodded. "It feels a bit like a dream."
Su Li looked at him, her eyes softening. "You'll get used to it slowly."
Reg led the way. They navigated through several streets before stopping in front of a massive stone building. A metal plaque hung by the door, engraved with a sword and a specific symbol.
Reg said, "The Demon Hunter Guild."
Lin Ye looked up at the sign. He had a sudden sensation that his destiny was finally beginning to weave itself into the fabric of this world.
Inside, the hall was crowded with armored warriors, hunters with bows on their backs, and adventurers drinking. When they saw Reg, many nodded in greeting; clearly, he was well-known here.
Behind the counter sat a young woman with long red hair and a sharp, efficient aura. Seeing Reg, she raised an eyebrow. "Reg? You're actually still alive."
Reg replied simply, "My luck held out."
The woman's gaze shifted to Lin Ye and Su Li. Her expression flickered slightly. "Newcomers?"
"For now," Reg nodded.
The woman smiled and stood up. She was tall, possessing a powerful presence. "I am Irene, the head of the Iron Rock City Demon Hunter Guild."
Lin Ye was taken aback, and Su Li frowned slightly. Reg had brought them directly to see the person in charge.
Irene's eyes settled on Lin Ye. She suddenly narrowed them. "Interesting."
Lin Ye felt uneasy. "What is it?"
Irene walked closer, circling Lin Ye slowly. Then, she whispered: "There is a very dangerous aura about you."
The air suddenly went still. Reg remained silent, and Su Li's expression turned grave.
Irene suddenly laughed. "Don't be so tense. I'm just curious." She stopped in front of Lin Ye, her red eyes gleaming. "Who exactly are you?"
Lin Ye didn't know how to answer, for he was still searching for that answer himself.
The torches in the hall flickered. Beneath Lin Ye's feet, his shadow swayed gently, as if responding to some invisible force.
Iron Rock City was only the beginning of a much larger storm.