At dawn, as the city slowly stirred awake, Lin followed the directions etched into his imperial pass.
His steps led him to the western outskirts of Rhendell, where a double gate stood, guarded by knights in red capes.
"Your authorization, sir."
He handed over the seal.The guards inspected it, exchanged a glance… and let him through without a word.
The building was circular and silent, carved from white stone that glowed faintly with magical energy.At its center lay an immense circle etched into the ground—living runes pulsing gently, like a sleeping heart.
"…So this is it."
Around the circle, several imperial mages maintained the site.Some wore robes adorned with intricate geometric sigils; others were accompanied by floating automatons.
Lin approached the edge of the circle, captivated.
"An intercity portal… linking the entire structure of the Empire…"
He could feel the energy flowing through the stone, rushing toward a destination far beyond this city.Toward Astraea—the Imperial Capital. The heart of the world.
A mage stepped toward him, visibly annoyed.
"Restricted access. Without a direct summons or special activation, this circle won't open for you."
Lin nodded, unfazed.
"I'm only observing. Learning."
The mage muttered something and walked away.But Lin remained there a while longer, eyes scanning the flows—trying to decipher the logic. The connections.
Then, slowly, he smiled.
"One day, I won't just use this circle… I'll recreate it."
As he left the sanctum, a subtle alert pulsed through his mind.
[Intrusion detected. Unknown group entering your dungeon.]
He stopped, leaned a hand against the wall of a nearby alley, and closed his eyes.
"Let's see who dares to play in my domain this time…"
And then—He vanished.