The Captain of the city guards approached Roy and Co.
"Are you and the young ladies next to you here to attend the ritual ceremony?"
"Yes, we are." Roy nodded in confirmation. "Can you tell us where it's being held?"
"It's happening somewhere on the seventh mountain, but I'm not entirely sure of the exact location," replied the guard.
As Roy gazed towards the mountain, he marveled at the breathtaking sight of the Forbidden Capital skyline. The floating mountains, with their ethereal presence, cast enchanting shadows that danced with the sunlight. Two bustling bridges connected the sixth and eighth mountains to the seventh one, teeming with a constant flow of people.
The generous guard even offered to pay for the guide on Roy's behalf.
"There are many kids acting as guides for foreigners at the moment. If you don't mind, I can recommend one for you. The fee is really cheap, and I'm happy to pay for it." the guard added after a moment. Despite his status, he was being so generous to Roy because he seemed to have some relationship with the Scaleless, the empire's third heavenly knight
In the capital, it was a customary tradition for children to earn their first bit of money on the awakening ritual day by serving as guides. The locals believed that participating in this practice brought luck and increased their chances of awakening when they reached adulthood.
Concerns about their safety were unnecessary as the capital was governed by the laws of the Sun, which were believed to be omnipotent and omniscient in this area. Those who dared to break the Sun's laws in his home ground would face immediate consequences. The punishment was swift and severe, often taking the form of a lightning bolt striking the wrongdoer, reducing them to ashes. Depending on the gravity of their offenses, individuals might be apprehended and subdued or met with instant death. For instance, forced sexual acts were considered an egregious crime punishable by death. A sword would drop from the sky and cut the offender in half before they can even commit wholeheartedly to the sinful act and destroy the life of their victim!
Given the Sun's unquestionable authority and the immediate, divine retribution he delivered upon those who transgressed, it was no wonder that the people held a firm belief that the Sun was the very incarnation of a god and worshipped him piously.
Roy glanced at the guard, expressing gratitude with a warm smile. "I appreciate your generosity, but I am capable of covering the expenses myself. However, I would be grateful if you recommend a guide to us."
The guard nodded understandingly. "Certainly. Allow me to introduce you to a trustworthy young guide."
The guard led Roy and Co to a small, unassuming figure amidst the bustling crowd.
Initially appearing as a young girl, a closer look revealed that it was, in fact, a boy, a remarkably young one at that.
With delicate features and a slender frame dressed in worn-out boots and old clothes, he emanated an intriguing blend of fragility and resilience. His androgynous appearance added an element of mystique to his overall demeanor
'He seems familiar.'
Interestingly, Roy felt a flicker of recognition when he laid eyes on the boy. There was a sense of familiarity, a vague connection that sparked within Roy's memory.
'But I can't remember where I saw him before.'
Yet, despite his efforts, he struggled to pinpoint the exact moment or context in which he might have come across this enigmatic young boy before.
"Hey there! I'm Rasian Achlys, your guide for today. Nice to meet you!" Rasian introduced himself with a friendly smile.
Upon hearing his words, Roy was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, did you say your name is Rasian?"
Rasian Achlys couldn't help but feel confused by Roy's reaction. He kept his thoughts hidden behind his pleasant smile and replied, "Yes, that's correct. Rasian Achlys. Is there something wrong?"
Roy tried to compose himself and conceal his astonishment. "Oh, no, nothing at all. It's just that... your name, Rasian, it's quite fitting, that's all."
Intrigued, Rasian Achlys asked, "Fitting? In what way?"
Roy swiftly gathered his composure, drawing upon his acting skills to mask his true emotions. "Well, it's just a coincidence, but I recently read a novel where the main character had the same name, Rasian. Your name reminded me of that character, and I thought it suited you well."
Unaware of Roy's true astonishment, Rasian Achlys smiled warmly. He had no idea that he, a humble slave of the Achyls, was destined to become the future savior of the western lands according to Sunset_Never_Blooms, the author of the novel "Ancient Battlefield of the Gods."
"I see! That's quite interesting," Rasian responded happily. Being compared to a hero made him feel genuinely joyful. Throughout his life, he had been called nothing more than a slave, with only his parents and a compassionate guard addressing him in a more humane way.
With a beaming expression, he turned to Roy and his companions. "Well, I'm glad you think so. Now, shall we proceed with the tour? Is there anything specific you'd like to see or learn about?"
Still reeling from the unexpected connection between Rasian's name and the novel's protagonist, Roy struggled to regain his focus and replied tersely, "Not really."
Roy's knowledge of the capital and its surroundings stemmed from the pages of the Ancient Battlefield of Gods novel, which provided a comprehensive account. Thus, he didn't feel the need to inquire further.
Rasian's expression dimmed slightly, revealing a tinge of disappointment. It seemed he genuinely wanted to share his knowledge with them.
"But I do," the female siren chimed in, her voice soft yet enthusiastic. "I'm open to learning about anything you think would be worth our time."
Rasian's face lit up, and as he led them towards their destination, he began to regale them with stories about the empire's renowned landmarks and the latest gossip.
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