Chapter 61: Where we are. (Part 2)

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It didn't take us long to reach the gated district for the nobility. The Old Man was keen to get it over with and already travelled at a fast pace on a normal day. Ria didn't complain and had grown used to holding on to me as we leapt from rooftop to rooftop, springing off the stonework and leaving barely a trace behind. The gate was closed and guarded by several heavily armed soldiers. From my jobs at the Guild I knew why. Not every refugee was amicable, and some dreamt of striking it rich on the misfortune of others. Thievery was quite popular lately.

"Halt!" the guard pushed a polearm in front of us, barring the way. "I don't know you. State your purpose and identity."

"Arvel Friend, I was invited," I showed the invitation.

The soldier stuck their eyes to it incredulously, "Proceed." They nodded and the gate behind them was opened for my entry.

It wasn't the first time I had seen the noble district. In Areithia Online it wasn't all too hard to enter and explore. During my time as a diplomat I had passed through regularly as the government building was built bridging the district to the commons and market. The Old Man similarly wasn't fazed by the large walkways, spacious gardens or tall mansions. Ria however, her eyes were wide with curiosity and wonder.

"Daddy, they're so big!" she pointed. "We could fit ten of our homes there."

"Yep," I replied and smiled. "They cost a lot of money too."

"Could you but one?"

"No way," I answered bluntly. "Daddy doesn't earn that much.

"If Ria helped, could you?"

I looked at her curiously as we walked by, "Do you want to live in a mansion too?"

"Hmmm," she thought about it. "No, it just looks nice."

"When the time comes, I'll show you my own castle," I grinned. "It's even more beautiful than the one here."

"Really!?" Ria shivered in excitement.

The Old Man scoffed, "Don't listen Ria, he's pulling your leg."

"How do you know Old Man?" I smirked. "I could be the Lord to a mystical and forgotten city, one lost to the Rift."

"Bah, go on, tell another tale."

I put a mental note to shove Elastire into his face when the chance came next.

"I believe you Daddy," Ria pushed her face against mine.

"Thanks Ria," I pushed back, and she giggled.

We made it to our destination. The Fortress of Haize. It stood strong within the noble district as a symbol of military might and where the greatest knights of Crysis trained and resided. Unlike the larger parts of the district, the fortress was not easily accessed in Areithia Online and required recommendations from across the city to enter. It was where you could learn some of the greatest techniques in Areithia. The entrance to the fortress consisted of a large black wood gate and a smaller opening beside it. We headed for the small opening where a single knight in full plate armour and helm blocked the way.

"State your business," the knight spoke in a firm but feminine voice.

"An invitation for Arvel Friend," I showed them the letter.

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