Chapter 487: Fughal

Chapter 487: Fughal



Northern did not particularly perceive Reno as a special threat. They had met only once when he was to steal some sort of map from Helena, and his invisibility was a big deal.

Northern thought for a while if he should copy the ability but decided against it. He didn't think he'd need a reason to be stealthy or invisible in the future.

And should there be, he believed his control of the Void and what his eyes could now allow him to do was more than enough.

With everyone's consent, especially Shin's, Reno was allowed to join the team.

They all trekked to the thick, gigantic tank curricle that was waiting for them in front of the building.

The curricle was powered by four enormous Bulwarks.

Bulwarks were domesticated monsters with antenna-like horns, red beady eyes, and strong faces just like usual bulls. Their bodies were also like bulls but boasted more muscle lines, making them look incredibly strong.

Their speed belied their size; they were the uncensored definition of brute strength and speed. An equal and undiluted blend of both elements distributed in these brawny monsters.

While there was an air of modernity to the curricle, talking about the external plates and body, it was almost like the traditional chariot, supported by a pair of fat black tires to match the pace and strength of their core engine and hauler.

The inside of the curricle seamlessly melded luxury with functionality, echoing the fusion of classic design and cutting-edge technology seen in its exterior.

Upon entering, Northern was struck by the spacious cabin, far larger than what he expected thanks to the innovative design.

The walls were lined with dark, polished wood, inlaid with gleaming metal accents that mirrored the external plating.

These metal strips occasionally pulsed with a soft light, hinting at the advanced systems running throughout the vehicle.

Plush seating dominated the space, upholstered in rich, deep red fabric that brought to mind the beady eyes of the Bulwark beasts.

The seats were generously proportioned and deeply cushioned to absorb the vibrations from the powerful creatures' gait.

A control panel sat at the front, its sleek design a stark contrast to the ornate wooden paneling.

Here, holographic displays provided real-time information on the Bulwarks' vitals, speed, and navigational data.

Despite the high-tech interface, traditional leather reins hung nearby - a nod to the timeless connection between driver and beast.

The ceiling was particularly striking. A transparent dome allowed passengers to gaze up at the sky, but with a twist - it could darken instantly for privacy or to display a map of the surrounding terrain.

Storage compartments were seamlessly integrated into the walls, their handles disguised within the wooden patterns.

When opened, they revealed climate-controlled spaces for refreshments or personal items. This was not a particularly surprising spectacle to anyone... except Northern and Hao, who had never been in any of these before.

Northern, in his expression, appreciated the design, while Hao was intriguingly inspecting with an "Oh oh?" look on his face.

Soon, the curricle got into action, plunging forward with the power of the Bulwarks.

Their powerful steps resonated with the entire functionality and vibration of the vehicle, but it did not tremble or discomfort its passengers in any way.

The city's heart, an enormous council hall, was modern and polished, with large glass windows representing transparency in their government.

Overall, Fughal was a city marked by contrasts: old grandeur mingling with the symbols of newfound independence.

Straightaway, Northern and his cohort journeyed directly to the Warp port.

From the window, before they got to the port, Northern could see the spearhead of a pale

green crystal piercing the sky, its lower part blocked by several buildings.

Eventually, their curricle stopped in front of a building, where two heavily suited soldiers stood with silver spears crossed over the gate.

The driver exchanged a few words with Shin while Northern and the rest got down from the

curricle.

The walls of the port were brownish bricked and were an out-of-pocket aesthetic that somehow contrasted the entire representation of the city in an odd way.

It was insinuative of the fact that this place was most likely recently built. And it was the government's final act of accepting Fughal as an independent nation of their own. Which most likely made them the smallest nation in the world, at least in the Central Plains.

'Well, that's just my thoughts; who knows, there could be a smaller nation than this one.'

Shin finally got to where they stood and showed the guard his ID, explaining that he was traveling with all of them and they were all underage.

Hao was a bit offended that the guard did not seem to argue with Shin about him. Perhaps it

was an issue of height?

But Northern encouraged him to look to the bright side of how it didn't work against them, so

he decided to do just that.

Which proved to be more difficult than expected for him. All he wanted to do was just go back and smack some sense into the damn soldier.

Immediately, they entered the compound of the port. They were approached by a slick-back,

blonde-haired guide in a simple white shirt, black pants, and black waistcoat, who showed them to the waiting room and collected information on where they all would be Warping to and went away to submit it.

Of course, they would tip him at the end of all of it. Guides had the simple job of just showing

people to the waiting room.

But some of them, as an extended means of hustling, would go as far as helping people

further, speaking with their colleagues to put the list ahead of others. Of course, they must not get caught; they could get suspended for it.

But they did it anyway. As money in this part of the city was not an easy thing to come by, they had to work so hard, and sometimes it wouldn't even be enough.

That was just one of the downsides of Fughal on a lighter mode because it was also common in every other nation; however, far diluted compared to this place.