Chapter 151: Welcome Back, Old Friend

Another hour passed before we finally reached the gates of the Holy City.

By then, the afternoon sun had begun descending toward the western horizon, bathing the enormous white walls in a warm golden glow. The heat had softened considerably, and a pleasant breeze carried the faint scent of incense and flowers from somewhere beyond the gates.

Solareth. The Holy City of the Sun. What an unnecessarily magnificent name.

Then again, considering the Light Temple’s obsession with radiance, purity, and everything remotely associated with the sun.

I lifted my gaze toward the towering walls.

Solareth had been built around the ancient Temple of the First Dawn, a massive structure whose golden spires dominated the skyline. According to historical records, the city had originally been a small settlement surrounding a sacred spring. Over the centuries, the Light Temple had transformed it into the religious heart of the kingdom. And naturally, when an institution accumulated enough wealth, influence, and devoted followers, it eventually developed a taste for expensive architecture.

The outer walls alone were impressive, constructed from polished white stone reinforced with Light Mana. Golden inscriptions decorated the upper sections, while enormous statues of armored angels stood beside the main entrance. Each statue held a sword pointed toward the ground. A symbol of protection and intimidation.

The six Holy Guardians approached the gates in their usual formation. Unlike their behavior during the journey, their expressions had become considerably more serious.

Apparently, entering the Holy City had activated their professional personalities.

As for me? I was still riding my floating staff. Although I’d changed my position. Instead of lounging across it like a particularly lazy nobleman, I stood with one foot ahead of the other. The staff hovered roughly a meter above the road. The wind beneath the staff responded immediately, carrying me smoothly alongside the horses.

Now this brought back memories.

Back when I was Evan Veyr, I’d occasionally ridden a skateboard during my younger years. I wasn’t some professional athlete capable of performing ridiculous tricks while flying through the air. But I knew how to balance.

The guards stationed at Solareth’s main entrance immediately recognized the Light Temple’s insignia. After a brief inspection, they stepped aside and allowed us through.

The moment we passed through the gates, the familiar streets of Solareth spread before me. Wide avenues paved with pale marble stretched between elegant buildings decorated with golden balconies and stained-glass windows. White stone fountains stood at major intersections, their waters sparkling beneath the fading sunlight.

Flowering trees lined the sidewalks, their branches adorned with tiny enchanted crystals that would begin glowing after sunset.

Above us, golden banners bearing the symbol of the rising sun fluttered between buildings.

Priests in white robes walked beside merchants and travelers, while armored Temple soldiers patrolled the streets in pairs.

Somewhere in the distance, temple bells began ringing. Their deep, melodious tones rolled across the city, echoing between the towers.

As we continued along the main avenue, I began noticing people turning toward our procession. At first, their attention naturally settled on the six Holy Guardians. But gradually, their gazes shifted toward me.

A few people looked amused. Others appeared confused. Then someone recognized my face.

"Wait... isn’t that...?"

"That man?"

"Rey Valen?"

I maintained my relaxed expression.

More heads turned. Some of the older residents stared at me with unmistakable recognition. They’d seen me before. A few years ago, when the five heroes had returned victorious after defeating the Dark Lord. Back then, Solareth had welcomed us with flowers, celebrations, and enough public speeches. I remembered the crowds, the cheering, the children running alongside our procession, and the people who’d called us their saviors.

How quickly things changed.

"That’s the Royal Magus, isn’t it?"

"I thought he’d disappeared."

"Didn’t they say he went mad?"

"Shh! He might hear you!"

I had to admit, their reactions were rather entertaining. Some looked genuinely pleased. Others appeared frightened. A few seemed disappointed. Perhaps they’d expected me to arrive with black veins covering my face, and an army of undead marching behind me.

Sorry to disappoint.

An elderly woman standing outside a flower shop pressed a hand against her mouth when she recognized me. Her expression softened. "Lord Rey..."

I glanced toward her. She smiled. A small, trembling smile. I returned it with a polite nod. Her eyes grew moist. So some people still remembered. I turned my attention back toward the street and then I saw her... A small figure standing among the pedestrians near a flower stall.

A dark cloak covered her slender body, and a hood concealed most of her golden-green hair. Her fairy wings were hidden. But I recognized her immediately.

Lily.

She stood among several women browsing flowers, pretending to examine a basket of white blossoms. Her disguise was simple, but effective.

Our eyes met. For the briefest moment, her expression softened. Her lips moved. No sound came, but I understood perfectly.

"Darius is here."

I didn’t nod. Any obvious acknowledgment might draw attention to her location, and the last thing I wanted was for some overly enthusiastic Temple spy to notice that the infamous Royal Magus had exchanged secret signals with a hooded woman in the crowd. So I simply continued forward.

Lily had been keeping an eye on the Temple’s movements while I dealt with the missing brides in Lumenford.

A few streets later, another familiar presence caught my attention.

Nia.

Unlike Lily, she wasn’t wearing a hood. In fact, she wasn’t even using her real face. Her fluffy fox tail was concealed beneath her clothing, while a subtle illusion altered her facial features. To everyone else, she appeared to be an attractive young merchant woman with ordinary human ears and light brown hair. But I knew better. After all, she’d shown me that exact disguise before leaving our estate.

She stood among a group of young women near a jewelry shop, chatting animatedly. Suddenly, she gestured toward our procession. Several women turned. One gasped. Another whispered something to her companion. Within moments, more pedestrians began looking in my direction.

She’d spent the past several days spreading carefully selected information about me. Especially the events surrounding the last royal banquet. The increasingly uncomfortable questions surrounding the Light Temple’s treatment of one of its former heroes. Nothing that could easily be traced back to her. Just enough truth, speculation, and public curiosity to make the Temple nervous.

Our eyes met.

Nia smirked. She then silently mouthed a single word.

"Done."