As for the gods' chosens below, their energy readings were manageable, so there was no rush to engage them.
Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City
Within a grand hall in the Citadel, decorated with beautiful murals and paintings depicting the history of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City, a high-domed ceiling stretched above, forged from magically reinforced steel and glass.
Sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a shimmering glow on the white tiles and illuminating the massive circular table, which had been crafted from an ancient oak-steel tree. Surrounding the table were ten high-backed chairs, each designated for the inner circle members—the leaders of the various sections of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City responsible for every significant decision affecting the city and its inhabitants.
At this moment, all eight chairs were occupied by various individuals, each waiting in silence for the arrival of the Queen, the supreme leader and ruler of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City.
"Commander Sy'ra, do you know why the Queen has suddenly called for such an abrupt meeting? Has the 1st Unit Vanguard Team made it through the Vylkr Veil phenomenon and discovered anything yet?" asked a man with piercing blue eyes and short black hair, his figure cloaked in black.
He was Lord Asher, Master of Espionage and Intelligence, responsible for operations deep within the shell. His gaze was fixed on the tall, imposing woman with grey-green skin, sharp fangs, and a powerful, muscular build clad in skin-tight leather and metal armour. She wore a thick devourer's bracelet on her right wrist, marking her as one of the gods' chosen.
"Lord Asher, I thought you would have figured out the reason by now; after all, that is your speciality," Commander Sy'ra responded with a light smile. Inwardly, her mind raced, pondering the Queen's decision after witnessing the 1st Unit's discovery.
As the Commander of the god's chosens and Chief of Security of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City, overseeing all four sections of the legs and the city above, she had received a significant mission since her Queen had accepted a task from a grade 2 Runaway City to capture a Divine artifact from Patriarch Rylan, the former ruler of the Four-eared Lone Rabbit Runaway City, which had been taken over by the Sleeping Fox Runaway City.
The mission promised immense rewards and resources upon completion. Despite the potential conflict with the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, she had readily accepted the mission—not only for the resources that would greatly benefit the security of their runaway city but also for the chance to foster connections with a grade 2 Runaway City and to witness the appearance and might of a Divine artifact.
She felt no remorse or pity even though they had once traded with the Four-eared Lone Rabbit Runaway City and fostered close connections with them.
This was the harsh reality of life in this ruined world: where the journey of one Runaway City ends, another rises to greater heights.
However, her focus shifted after the Captain of the 1st Unit of the Vanguard team returned with news of a massive deposit of Vylkr alloys. Ensuring the task's completion became secondary to addressing this new development.
A massive Vylkr deposit was beyond what their forces could handle alone, and she couldn't help but wonder how the Queen would handle this situation. One wrong move could destabilize or even lead to the destruction of their entire Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City.
Lord Asher frowned at Commander Sy'ra's reply. He knew her tone and character well, understanding that she knew what was happening. Also, his spy network, scattered throughout the Runaway city to uncover and eliminate any threats, had informed him about the Captain of the 1st Unit sneaking into the Citadel.
This made him even more suspicious about the nature of their actions.
'Have they already found Patriarch Rylan's whereabouts and secretly returned with the Divine Artefact?' Lord Asher pondered before swiftly dismissing the thought.
If they had truly uncovered the Divine Artefact, the entire 1st Unit of the Vanguard would have returned at once with Patriarch Rylan and any surviving Four-eared Elves. Alternatively, they would have engaged in an all-out clash with the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, alerting everyone to the discovery. None of this had occurred, so he remained doubtful about the situation.
"The Queen will be arriving any second now, so let's refrain from starting any arguments. We'll understand the purpose of this meeting once she arrives," advised Lord Bronn, a tall man clad in a sophisticated black suit with long auburn hair and piercing blue eyes.
As the Master of Commerce and Trade for the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City, he oversaw the operations of the Bazaar. Given the potential conflict with the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, he had implemented strict measures, such as shutting down businesses, to prevent unnecessary complications during the impending clash.
Although he was concerned about the Queen's summons, especially considering their precarious situation involving a Divine Artefact and a grade 2 Runaway City, he hoped it wouldn't escalate into a more dire scenario.
Lord Asher sighed, showing his displeasure at engaging in fruitless conversation. He decided to remain silent, focusing instead on analyzing every detail to uncover the reason behind their summons and ensure he hadn't overlooked anything important.
Commander Sy'ra nodded in agreement, her attention shifting toward a woman across from her. This woman stood out in a flamboyant long green dress, her long, curly brown hair poured around her mischievous green eyes. She exuded a charismatic and lively aura, meeting Commander Sy'ra's gaze with a playful expression.
Her name was Mistress Sylvana, Mistress of Ceremonies and Entertainment. Mistress Sylvana was responsible for the Red Light District situated in the city's neck and upper shell.
Mistress Sylvana pulled a mirror from her dress and examined herself with furrowed brows. Suddenly, her expression shifted to one of realization as she met Commander Sy'ra's gaze again.
"Ahem! Commander Sy'ra, I know I'm attractive, so you do not need to stare at me like that suddenly."