The wagon caravans came to a stop in a neat line.

However, the passengers didn't disembark just yet.

Raizel stood up and observed from the back of his caravan.

Ahead of him, five or six caravans were undergoing routine inspections and paying entrance fees to the city guards.

Towering above them loomed a massive, 20-meter-high iron wall—thick, imposing, and proud, like an unbreakable shield that had weathered countless wars and invasions.

The scratches and dents on the wall told the prideful history it carried.

How did they build such a marvel? The answer could only be magic—mages must have played a crucial role in its creation.

The city wall stretched seemingly endlessly in both directions, making the caravans look like mere ants before its grandeur.

From his position, Raizel could see several guard posts stationed along the top of the wall, with patrols casually moving about.

Very soon, it was Raizel's group's turn.

Their caravan rolled to a stop before the massive iron gate.

The driver seemed to be discussing something with the guards.

Just then, one of the guards walked toward the back of the caravan.

"Who is Raizel Ashblade among you all?" he asked firmly, carrying the air of a seasoned warrior.

All the passengers at the front turned their eyes toward the white-haired young man with fear and respect.

The burly guard followed their gaze and immediately understood that he was the one.

While Lam looked slightly nervous, Raizel calmly stepped forward and confirmed,

"Yes, I am Raizel Ashblade. Is there a problem?"

The guard scanned him from head to toe, clearly surprised. It was hard to believe that someone so young had single-handedly taken down a notorious bandit group.

He shook his head. "No, there's no problem. I just came to thank you on behalf of the Ruben City Law Enforcement. Also, to inform you that you'll be receiving a reward for your achievement. It will be sent to you shortly."

"Oh? I'm glad to hear that," Raizel replied with a slight smile, clearly pleased by the mention of a reward.

With the message delivered, the guard gave one last glance at Raizel's calm smile before turning away.

Moments later, the carriage began moving again, signaled by the crack of a whip slicing through the air.

Several guards watched the silhouette of the caravan disappear into the city, their gazes lingering with curiosity and wonder.

"Is he that young man?" one guard murmured, still taking in the memory of Raizel's striking appearance.

"Yes," the guard who had spoken to Raizel confirmed.

"He's seriously strong, it seems. According to the witnesses, he took down three One-Leaf mages... and even a Two-Leaf mage bandit leader," another chimed in.

"You think they're exaggerating?"

"No. Too many people saw it. It can't be wrong. Commoners, mercenaries, even the two adventurers had seen it. He saved their lives," someone replied firmly.

"Then he must be a high-ranking noble's son in disguise," another guard concluded with certainty.

---

On the other hand, Raizel's caravan continued down a well-crafted, stone-paved path, moving steadily as the city of Ruben unfolded before them.

The moment they passed through the towering iron gates, the atmosphere changed dramatically.

On both sides of the wide main road, a vibrant city life bustled to the rhythm of early morning.

Shops, stalls, bakeries, and various merchant establishments stood neatly aligned like soldiers of commerce. Colorful banners flapped in the gentle breeze, while hand-painted signs boasted names of alchemists, blacksmiths, tailors, and potion sellers.

The air was heavy with the aroma of fresh bread, roasted meat, and fragrant herbs.

Ordinary people bustled about near the shops.

Some in a hurry, others bartering with shopkeepers, their voices mixing into the background like the hum of a busy hive. Children darted between stalls, chasing each other, while street performers captivated small crowds with songs and magic performance.

Among the crowd, Raizel's crimson eyes scanned his surroundings with interest. A few places instantly caught his attention. Particularly the arcane shops that shimmered faintly with enchantments. He could sense magical artifacts and hidden treasures resting quietly behind ornate display windows, waiting for someone like him to come claim them.

But now wasn't the time for shopping.

He needed to find a place to settle down in somewhere secure, and more importantly, somewhere Lam could stay comfortably and safely.

Eventually, their caravan rolled to a halt in a designated clearing just off the main road, an open space reserved for transport vehicles and arriving travelers. The horses neighed softly, grateful for the rest, while the drivers climbed down and stretched their weary limbs.

Raizel jumped down from the caravan with a soft thud, his boots landing lightly on the paved ground.

Then without hesitation, he turned and extended a hand toward Lam.

To him, it was nothing more than a casual gesture for helping her down.

But as Lam's fingers slipped into his, her cheeks flushed faintly. The simple contact made her heart skip a beat, though she quickly lowered her gaze to hide her reaction.

Once she was safely on the ground, Raizel released her hand and looked around at the unfamiliar streets, filled with the hum of Ancient city life.

"So, where should we go next?" he said, scanning their surroundings.

Lam hesitated and then shook her head gently. "I don't know, Sir Raizel… I'll follow wherever you go. I don't even have a single coin on me, but I promise—I'll find work and repay you in full." Her voice carried sincerity, eyes gleaming with quiet determination.

Raizel let out a soft sigh. It wasn't frustration, just acceptance. He turned, spotting the driver who had been preparing to unload a few crates from the rear.

Without warning, Raizel reached out and stopped the man by grabbing him by the collar.

The driver's eyes widened in alarm, feeling the unshakable strength behind the grip, like cold iron wrapped around his neck.

"Y-yes, Sir?! D-do you need the money back?" he asked, trembling, completely misunderstanding the intent behind the move.

Raizel's crimson eyes calmly met his.

"No. I just need directions to a decent inn or hotel where we can stay."

With that the grip loosened.

The driver coughed once, relieved. "Ah—yes, yes! There's a tavern called Sleepy Fox just down this street. Five minutes on foot. It is mostly quiet, clean, and fair with prices. You'll see a signboard shaped like a sleeping fox there."

Raizel gave him a nod of thanks and turned to Lam. "Come. Let's get you a roof first."

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