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The gates of the Sound Kingdom castle swung open as Seraphina and Saber stepped out into the warm sunlight, accompanied by a small group of royal guards. Their footsteps echoed on the stone streets, but the sounds were quickly drowned out by cheers from the gathered crowds. Citizens lined the streets, their voices raised in admiration for their king. The applause was deafening, and children waved small banners adorned with the Sound Kingdom’s crest. Saber smiled warmly, raising a hand to acknowledge his people, his every movement met with roaring approval.
Seraphina glanced at him, amused. “Seems like you’ve got a strong support system here.”
Saber turned to her, his expression proud yet humble. “They’ve learned to appreciate what we do as a kingdom. Not all the kingdoms within Region 4 can say the same.”
“Why not? Don’t you have control over them?” Seraphina asked, curious.
Saber shook his head. “I tend to let each kingdom operate under its own set of rules. Autonomy breeds trust. But I always make it clear—anyone from those kingdoms who feels oppressed or mistreated is welcome here. My gates are open to those who seek refuge.”
Seraphina nodded thoughtfully. “I can see why they’re loyal to you.”
As they continued walking, the cheering faded into the background. Seraphina shifted the conversation, her voice curious. “So, how long will it take us to reach the Main District?”
Saber let out a hearty laugh, drawing curious glances from the guards escorting them. “When people think of the Land of Spade, they picture a small, manageable landmass. But they couldn’t be more wrong.”
He stopped for a moment, turning to face Seraphina directly. “The Land of Spade is bigger than all five universes combined. Its true scale is unimaginable. If someone wished to travel from one end of the Land of Spade to the other on foot, they wouldn’t make it within their lifetime. In fact, they might not make it even after ten lifetimes.”
Seraphina blinked, taken aback. “Wait—you’re saying it’s that big?”
“Exactly,” Saber replied. “Even the space between universes, the 5 Universal Ring, pales in comparison to the vastness of this land. And that’s why reaching the Main District, even from the Sound Kingdom—which is the closest of all six kingdoms to it—would take us approximately five years.”
“Five years?!” Seraphina’s voice rose in disbelief, startling a few of the guards. She threw her hands up in exasperation. “That’s insane!”
Saber chuckled, and even the guards couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “Ah, you must be new to how things work here,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. “Fortunately, we won’t need to walk.”
“What do you mean?” Seraphina asked, her confusion evident.
“The Teleportation Circles,” Saber explained. “Around 600 years ago, The Council devised a revolutionary system for travel. A brilliant scientist—Dr. Elira Vayne, a genius among geniuses—developed a network of teleportation circles placed strategically in all major areas of the six regions. Thanks to her, we can bypass the vast distances.”
Seraphina tilted her head, intrigued. “This Dr. Vayne sounds like someone worth meeting.”
“She is,” Saber agreed. “Though she’s retired from public life, her work continues to shape how we live. It’s thanks to her brilliance that the Land of Spade remains connected.”
Their conversation carried on as they approached a large open plaza at the heart of the Sound Kingdom. The Teleportation Circle was a marvel of design, etched into the ground with glowing, intricate symbols. Its edges were adorned with crystalline structures that pulsed with energy, casting a soft light across the plaza.
Saber stepped forward, his hand rising in a practiced gesture. The symbols on the circle flared to life, glowing with vibrant colors that rippled outward in perfect synchronization. A low hum filled the air as the circle activated, and the energy it emitted seemed to pulse with power.
“All right,” Saber said, stepping back and motioning for the group to follow. “Let’s go.”
Seraphina took a hesitant step into the circle alongside Saber and the guards. The moment they all entered, a blinding light engulfed them, and the hum turned into a soft, resonant tone. In an instant, they were gone.
When the light faded, Seraphina found herself standing in the Main District—and she was stunned.
The sheer scale of the city defied comprehension. Towering spires of gleaming metal pierced the skies, their surfaces shimmering with advanced technology that Seraphina had never seen before. Bridges of light connected buildings suspended high above the ground, while below, sleek vehicles zipped along glowing roadways. The air buzzed with activity as thousands of people and machines moved in perfect harmony. Even the atmosphere felt alive, charged with an energy that seemed to hum in her very bones.
“This… is incredible,” she breathed, her eyes wide with awe.
Saber smiled at her reaction, clearly used to such sights. “Welcome to the Main District, the heart of the Land of Spade.”
Before Seraphina could respond, a high-tech robot approached, its body sleek and polished, with glowing lines tracing intricate patterns across its surface. It stopped in front of them, its voice smooth and mechanical. “Welcome, King Saber of the Sound Kingdom, and his esteemed guests.”
The robot’s glowing eyes turned to Saber. “How may I assist you today?”
Saber inclined his head slightly. “We seek an audience with The Judge.”
The robot paused for a moment, its systems processing the request. Then, with a faint whir, it responded, “Understood. Please follow me.”
The robot turned and began to move, its gait fluid and precise. Saber gestured for Seraphina and the guards to follow, and they made their way through the bustling streets of the Main District. As they walked, Seraphina couldn’t help but marvel at the seamless integration of technology and life in the city.
“This place feels… alive,” she said, almost to herself.
“It is,” Saber replied. “The Main District is the pinnacle of advancement, a testament to what the Land of Spade has achieved. But even here, there are challenges—and The Judge is at the center of it all.”
Seraphina nodded, her curiosity piqued. She straightened her posture as they neared a massive structure that loomed ahead. Its design was unlike anything she had ever seen, a blend of ancient architecture and cutting-edge technology. This, she realized, was where they would meet The Judge.
The chapter ends as the group ascends the steps to the imposing entrance, their fates intertwined with the decisions that awaited them inside.
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