Jason proved to be a skillful driver, guiding the carriage as it came to a stop before the town's main gate just before the sun could drown completely beneath the horizon.

Everyone in the human Domain was well aware of the threats posed by the Creatures of Darkness. Because of that, even smaller settlements like this town were always built with fortress-like walls, sometimes made from ordinary stone or reinforced wood but sturdy enough to provide a sense of safety.

What truly mattered wasn't the material, but the light. As long as the darkness could be kept at bay, the town would survive.

Lanterns and lamps illuminated every street corner, every rooftop, and even alleyways. Only a few dim patches remained unlit.

The larger cities, such as the capital of the Moonrise Kingdom, were different as they had Rune Formations carved on various parts of the city to repel the darkness.

Smaller towns, however, relied entirely on light to chase it away.

'So, as long as there is light, the chances of encountering Creatures of Darkness are incredibly low,' Aegon recalled the words he had once read in a book as he stared at the forest they had emerged from.

Darkness had already begun to envelope the woods behind them, swallowing the trees in a creeping black veil. It made him wonder if those strange creatures were already starting to manifest within that growing shadow.

'They really are weird,' Aegon thought. 'But they all share one thing in common, they crave human Essence. The greater the Essence pool, the more they're drawn to it. That's why smaller towns are never targeted by anything truly powerful.'

While he was lost in thought, Jason paid a few coins to the gate guard and guided the carriage through the entrance, bringing them into the warmly lit town. Only then did Aegon shift his gaze to the scenery around him.

The houses were built from a mix of clay bricks and dark-brown timber, with lanterns hung on every doorway and window, illuminating the streets with a soft, golden glow.

People bustled about with smiles on their tanned faces, moving through the narrow lanes as they finished their evening chores. They wore simple one-piece robes in plain colors...brown, grey, and faded blue.

'Wearing one-piece garments is a long-standing tradition among many groups in the Moonrise Kingdom and its border territories,' Aegon recalled from a history book. 'Other regions still wear them occasionally, but it's not mandatory.'

The capital didn't follow this tradition, so this was the first time Aegon had seen it in person.

Their carriage drew some attention but not too much, travelers and adventurers often arrived from neighboring regions around dusk, so the townsfolk were used to such sights.

"Where do we stay?" Xavier asked, glancing around. "It's a small town, so I doubt they have any proper inns."

"They probably do. And if they don't, well… it wouldn't be the first time we sleep outside." He replied and then turned to Jason. "Look around for an inn. We'll explore the town until then."

"As you wish, Boss!" Jason said respectfully, flicking the reins.

When the carriage slowed near the market district, Aegon and Xavier jumped down, landing easily on the padded dirt road. Their entrance drew a few glances, mostly because they were both taller and better-built than the average townsfolk.

"Changing clothes was a good idea," Xavier muttered with a smirk, waving casually at a few vendors who eagerly called out to them.

Along with their appearance, they had also changed clothes. Aegon now wore a loose white shirt with rolled sleeves, dark trousers, and leather boots, while Xavier dressed similarly.

Aegon took a deep breath, savoring the air thick with the aroma of food, spices, and burning oil. There was an underlying stench of sweat and livestock, but he ignored it in favor of the experience.

His eyes caught sight of a food vendor selling red, round balls skewered on thin wooden sticks. As a food enthusiastic, his curiosity was instantly piqurd he walked over and bought four sticks, handing one to Xavier and keeping the rest for himself.

"Oii! Gimme one more!" Xavier demanded.

"Nah!" Aegon said flatly, taking a bite from one of the red balls. It crunched under his teeth, releasing a wave of spicy flavor.

"Hmm, tastes like potato balls," Aegon said after a few chews. "Feels like he used a homemade sauce too."

"It's definitely homemade," Xavier said after taking a bite. "They're really good. Come on, give me one more."

"Fuck off!"

"Just one."

"Nah uh!"

"One!"

"Zero!"

The two bickered childishly, earning amused looks from nearby vendors who found their playful argument entertaining.

They continued strolling through the market, buying random trinkets — small wooden statues, spiced nuts, and other knick-knacks.

Even though they were rich due to their background, both of them weren't the type to spend frivolously. This was one of the rare times they allowed themselves to loose free.

Some of the food they tried was downright awful... enough to make Xavier gag...but others were surprisingly delicious. Every new thing they tried added to the memory of the day for Aegon.

'This is the best start.'

They were walking down the main street when a young boy suddenly rushed out from a side alley and crashed into Xavier.

"Ahh!" the boy yelped as he stumbled, but Xavier caught him easily by the shoulder and helped him stand upright.

"Hey, don't be in such a rush," Xavier said with a chuckle.

"Ah! Sorry, sorry!" the boy apologized quickly, his voice high-pitched.

Aegon immediately recognized the accent. Many rural folk from the Moonrise Kingdom spoke Astrus with a naturally higher tone, making them easy to identify.

"It's fine," Aegon said. "But why are you in such a hurry?"

He had noticed that the entire town seemed to be buzzing with excitement. The sellers were packing up quickly, and the townsfolk all wore bright smiles, as if something special was about to happen.

"You're from outside, right?" the boy asked, his eyes lighting up. Without waiting for an answer, he said, "The Flame Dance is about to start soon! I'm heading there!"

And with that, he dashed off again.

"Flame Dance?" Aegon grinned. "I wanna dance too. Let's go!"

"Flame Dance, huh," Xavier said, licking his lips with a grin spreading from ear to ear. "That's something worth seeing."

Aegon found his expression a little strange but didn't think much of it. They followed the direction the boy had run off to, easily identifying the destination as nearly everyone in town was heading the same way.

The place turned out to be the eastern outskirts of the town. When they arrived, they found a wide clearing with large wooden planks and other combustible materials stacked high, clearly meant for a massive bonfire.

Aegon's lips curved into a smile.

"Let's follow some tradition," he said, stepping forward, the glow of the rising flames flickering in his golden eyes.

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