Chapter 210: Syron (2)

In Louis’s memory, Syron had been nothing more than a small village. The narrow path they now stood on had been the same road he’d passed through in a carriage with Pablo years ago. Yet now, a meticulously maintained road wide enough for a dozen men to march shoulder-to-shoulder stretched before them, leading to a majestic city at its end.

Is that truly Syron?

The towering castle walls were reinforced with black iron plates. The city enclosed by these walls was so vast its size defied estimation.

This… This is larger than the Islet?

Not merely slightly larger, but at least twice the size of the Islet. Moreover, standing atop the walls were numerous Transcendents - elite warriors rarely seen even in minor kingdoms.

This sight, observed from a distance, naturally instilled awe in the beholder.

In Syron, which had undergone astonishing development over 250 years, not a trace remained of the village Louis remembered from his past.

“Wow…”

“Holy… Is this really the same place?”

Even the twins, who remembered old Syron, were left speechless by the transformation.

“This is insane!”

“To think such a place exists in this world!”

“They call it the greatest city in the Autumn Continent… Now I see why.”

The Flame siblings and Lavina marveled at the grandeur of this city they’d never witnessed before.

At that moment, Shiba’s mouth - forcibly sealed for so long - burst open in extreme excitement.

“Y-Yes, it’s Syron! The City of Steel’s reputation isn’t for nothing! With 203 top-tier ateliers scattered throughout and 100,000 Transcendent practitioners! They forge the world’s finest Transcendents! Oh my… Can you smell that metallic tang in the air? They say over a thousand Grade 4 Transcendents are produced there each year! Isn’t that astonishing? My goodness! I… I’ve finally reached this place!”

These weren’t words meant for others’ ears. Shiba’s lips moved of their own accord, spilling forth as he struggled to contain his pounding heart. Louis made no move to stop him this time - the rambling contained more than a few useful tidbits.

Still, Louis knew that if they let Shiba continue unchecked, he’d keep chattering in place for hours. So he took the initiative to move first.

Even as they walked, Shiba’s mouth never stopped moving, but by now the travel party had grown accustomed to it, letting his words wash over them without really listening.

Thus they stood before the main gate leading into Syron.

“It’s crowded.”

“I can’t believe there are so many people here even at this hour…”

Louis’s group had arrived in Syron late in the afternoon. Yet despite the hour, a long line of people still snaked out to enter the city.

Seeing this, Shiba added, “They say Syron keeps its castle gates open 24/7 unless there’s some special reason! They had to do it because so many people visit.”

In most cities, they’d have restricted movement at night for safety reasons, but Syron was different.

That must mean they’re confident in their security measures.

After waiting in line for quite some time, Louis and his travel party finally passed through the castle gate. They were once again astonished by the sight that unfolded within the castle walls—a spectacle that would have amazed even someone from modern times like Louis.

This is…

Most cities they’d encountered so far had adhered to typical medieval aesthetics. But Syron was different.

This… it’s a strange blend of modern and medieval elements.

The scene before them defied conventional architectural styles. Buildings resembling modern skyscrapers stood alongside steel structures rarely seen elsewhere. The unique architectural landscape stretched out before them like nothing they’d ever witnessed.

Despite the late hour, the city’s interior pulsed with vitality.

“Remarkable…”

“There’s another castle wall within the castle walls…”

“Wow, that’s incredibly tall.”

“Indeed, Syron! The City of Steel! Beyond those inner walls lies the district densely packed with Transcendent production workshops. All major facilities in this city are located within that area! And… that tallest building! That’s the Tower of Wishes! The most opulent tower in the entire world! Huh? Wow! Look! Over there! A Transcendent is wandering the streets! My goodness!”

Shiba, who had been providing explanations for each of the travel party’s exclamations, found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the Transcendent moving through the ordinary streets.

In Syron, these expensive Transcendents were truly commonplace.

While the travel party remained engrossed in their surroundings, Louis’s eyes were fixed on the tall tower standing at the city’s center.

That direction is…

Though much had changed, it was still recognizable. The site of the tall tower was where Louis and Dexter had once conducted their research.

After gazing silently at the newly constructed Tower of Wishes for a while, Louis turned to Shiba.

“Let’s part ways here.”

They had unexpectedly traveled together to Syron, but this was as far as they would go. From now on, the paths for Shiba and himself would diverge. It was best to part here.

“Ah…”

Shiba let out a small sound in response to Louis’s words. Soon, he couldn’t deny it anymore - he had already indebted himself sufficiently to Louis’s group. He couldn’t owe them any more. He bowed deeply toward Louis’s party.

“I’m truly grateful. How can I ever repay this kindness?”

“Five thousand gold should do it.”

“What?”

Seeing Shiba’s shocked expression, Louis chuckled.

“Just kidding.”

Behind them, Kendrick muttered, “Maybe not…” and received a solid punch, collapsing onto the street.

Now accustomed to this scene, Shiba smiled faintly. He glanced at Louis’s group and asked, “Um… When might I see you again?”

“That’s up to you.”

“I should repay this favor someday…”

“Forget it. Just take care of yourself.”

“Uh… Right…”

As Shiba’s face filled with disappointment, Louis patted his shoulder.

“We’ll meet again when the time comes.”

”…I hope so too.”

“Then until next time.”

“Yes… I’ve enjoyed this time and am grateful for it. I will never… forget any of you!”

Shiba answered with vigor.

If there is a meeting, there must be a parting.

Though regretful, he thought this was the end of his connection with them.

After the four members of the vomiting group exchanged brief farewells, Louis led his travel party away.

Shiba watched their retreating figures for a long time before finally moving.

This place is Fall…

The continent where he would unfold the dream he’d nurtured for so long.

I should go my own way too!

Having made up his mind, Shiba strode forward with determination.

I think the Transcendence Academy’s admissions office is in West Earth… I’ll find lodging nearby and apply for the entrance exam as soon as the sun rises!

His heart began to race with excitement at the prospect of this new challenge.

I wanted to enter Transcendence Academy as soon as possible.

Filled with excitement, Shiba began his journey.

He headed westward, toward the academy’s admissions office.

Meanwhile, Louis had parted ways with Shiba and his travel party. He walked with purposeful strides, his path unimpeded by obstacles. His destination was clear - the towering Labyrinth rose before him like a beacon, guiding his straight-line approach.

Tania’s curiosity finally got the better of her. “Teacher, are we heading there? The Tower of Wishes?”

“Yes.”

“Can we go inside to look around?”

“This isn’t a sightseeing trip. I’m going to check on something of mine.”

”…What?”

“It’s there. Trust me.”

Louis chuckled at Tania’s bewildered expression. His journey to the Tower of Wishes wasn’t about sightseeing. He was simply returning to his rightful place. As he continued his slow march, Louis’s gaze drifted toward one particular direction.

The small building that appeared to be an inn stood in a familiar spot.

This was where…

“Victor’s house used to be…” Louis murmured.

This was where the legless werewolf Victor had devoted himself to research, determined to sprint across the plains again.

Had he returned to the grasslands?

As Louis continued his journey, each familiar place triggered memories of the past.

There was Floria, the elf who couldn’t see, whose home now housed a teahouse.

Did she regain the ability to perceive the forest’s verdant beauty?

Then there was Erica, the flightless Harpy, whose former dwelling now served as a hardware store.

Did she learn to fly again?

When Louis spotted the tavern-like establishment occupying the site of Douglas’s former residence, he couldn’t help but snort derisively.

No wonder they say dwarves used to live here—there’s even a tavern standing there now.

In the cellar of that establishment, where various drinks were likely stored, Louis and four disciples from the Tower of Wishes had once established their hierarchy.

One step, then another.

Though his appearance had completely changed, Louis walked with remnants of his past still clinging to him.

One step, then another.

With each footfall, Louis’s chest prickled strangely.

Are they still alive?

The disciples of the Tower of Wishes had all been of different races.

Though 250 years had passed, there might still be survivors.

Carrying this thought, Louis continued walking.

The twins and Fin, aware of Louis’s situation, merely smiled faintly. No, their circumstances weren’t much different from Louis’s.

“You’ve really changed a lot.”

“I was the one who kidnapped Erica over there!”

“Ah, I brought Floria here, didn’t I?”

Louis wasn’t the only one with memories of this place.

Tania, Kendrick, and Lavina tilted their heads at the peculiar atmosphere between Louis and the twins.

As they continued walking while surveying their surroundings, Louis’s group soon reached the city wall. Despite the late hour, they passed through without issue, likely due to the many people still using the workshop.

Louis continued moving forward without hesitation.

After a moment…

”…”

Louis looked up at the massive 20-story building that had appeared before him.

This was the place.

On a night when stars and moon shone,

The promise he’d made with Dexter here:

I’ll believe you’ll return.

I can’t honestly promise when I’ll come back.

Leave the Lord of the Tower seat vacant. Whether it takes 100 years, 200 years, or even a thousand… If you promise to return, I’ll keep this seat for you forever. Will you swear to come back?

I will.

Right. What you’ve abandoned, we’ll keep burning brightly… Go now and return safely.

And finally.

After 250 years, the time had come to fulfill his promise.

Louis gazed up at the tower for a moment before taking a step forward.

Thump-thump.

The two guards stationed at the tower’s entrance blocked Louis’s path.

“Who are you? This area is restricted to authorized personnel only. If you wish to visit, please follow the proper procedures and return tomorrow.”

“Tell them…” Louis cut short his sentence, meeting the guards’ wary gazes.

“The Lord of the Tower has returned.”

The corners of the returning owner’s lips curved slightly upward.