After several days of travel, the tall white walls of the Holy Capital finally came into view — rising like a silent fortress above the dense forests of eastern Elarith. The closer their carriage drew, the heavier the air felt. Not suffocating — but charged, as if the mana itself stood at attention.
Noel leaned slightly out the window, eyes narrowing. Thin threads of shimmering light wrapped around the outer walls in slow, circular motions, shifting like a living web.
"…Huh," he muttered. "That's new."
Charlotte glanced up from her seat. "What is?"
"Barrier magic," Noel said. "Powerful. And woven in layers." He clicked his tongue softly. "Last time I came here, none of that was up."
Charlotte's brows rose. "Orthran must have strengthened the defenses recently."
"Yeah," Noel murmured. "Or someone made him nervous."
