The Gates of Astranova

The grandeur of Astranova finally loomed before them.

Unlike other empires divided into sprawling regions, Astranova stood proud and unified—a singular jewel of a city, a monument to the highest level of progress in its time. Everything about it was meticulously arranged, beautiful, and nearly perfect.

But before reaching the heart of the empire, they had to pass through a series of layered territories: dense jungle at the first gate, sweeping plantations at the second, endless farmland at the third, and finally, peaceful villages surrounding the fourth. It took nearly four full days before they could even glimpse the center of civilization—the heart of a new world.

Yet even at the city's towering gates—guarded by soldiers in gleaming armor—there was a rule that could not be bypassed: entry was permitted only to those holding a special plate of admission.

The entrance gate rose at least sixty feet high, flanked by an army of watchful eyes and drawn blades. Some travelers were turned away without a second glance. There were no negotiations. No sympathy.

"So... how do we get in?" Rene asked nervously.

No one answered. They stood in silence, staring at the steel gates that felt more like the wall of fate itself. Impossible.

They had nowhere to stay outside the city. The villagers wandered past, their lives humming along as if nothing was amiss. But for Felix and his companions—there was no money, no food, no resources.

"What do we do now, Your Highness?" Relio asked, looking at Lumina.

Lumina sighed, shaking her head. "I told you this wasn't a good idea," she muttered, then shot a sharp look at Felix. "But you insisted. So now, you find us a way in."

The group fell quiet, all thinking hard as they watched people pass through—or be rejected—at the gates.

"We could... sell the carriage," Hendo suddenly suggested, half-joking, half-serious.

"WHAT?!" they all shouted in unison.

It was a brilliant idea... but it hurt. Especially for Hendo, who immediately regretted saying it. That carriage had been his pride—his favorite companion through the streets of Zaratugha.

"Alright! It's a great idea. Let's sell it," Rene said quickly, too hungry to hesitate.

Felix's face lit up. "Genius, Hendo. Let's find a buyer."

Even Lumina couldn't hide her enthusiasm. "Let's split up and look for a wealthy merchant nearby!"

"Wait, wait—do we even know the currency value here?" Rene asked, snapping back to reality.

They all deflated again.

Felix, however, sparked to life. "I'll find out!"

With confident strides, he walked to the nearest shop. Ever since his time in Pafilia, Felix had proven himself a natural-born trader. Charismatic. Precise.

Within minutes, he was face to face with a wealthy-looking older merchant with a thick mustache.

"As you know," Felix began smoothly, "a regular carriage sells for about a hundred gold coins. A horse? Twenty. But as you can see, this—this is no ordinary horse. A massive black steed, rare and unmatched anywhere in Astranova. And the carvings on the carriage? Regal. Exclusive."

The merchant raised an eyebrow. "Where did you get this?"

Felix leaned in. "Sir… I know you're a collector of rare things. This horse comes from the edge of the world. And the wood of this carriage? Impossible to find here. That's all I can say."

Back at a distance, the others—including Lumina and Rene—watched in awe. Felix, normally quiet and reserved, was now a master of persuasion.

"How much do you want for it?" the merchant asked, intrigued but cautious.

"Very cheap," Felix said, with a smile. "I'll give you a 25% discount. But on one condition—you lend us five entrance plates to Astranova."

"WHAT?!" the merchant shouted. "One plate is worth more than the entire carriage!"

Felix remained composed. "Just a loan, sir. I've already lowered the price. If you're unwilling, I'll find another buyer."

The merchant scowled. "And what guarantee do I have? Who even are you?"

Felix stepped closer and whispered, "Sir, see that man in the white cloak? He's a prince." He nodded at Hendo, who always wore a white robe to shield himself from direct sunlight. "And the young lady? A royal princess. We were robbed on the way here. If word of this gets out—and we're caught—who do you think they'll suspect? Those who knew our secret."

The merchant blanched.

"Fine! Five plates and a 25% discount. What's the total?" he grunted.

"Seventy gold coins... and five hundred Rom," Felix said, not missing a beat.

"WHAT?!" his friends shouted behind him.

"Are you blackmailing me?!" the merchant demanded.

"If you had agreed before hearing our secret... it would've been cheaper," Felix replied with a calm smile. "But now? It's too late."

"Ugh! Fine! Just take it—and get out of my life. The plates are on loan. Three days!"

With trembling hands, the merchant paid and stormed off. Felix returned to the group, holding up five gleaming entrance plates.

The others? Still speechless.

"Felix…" Rene whispered, "Since when were you a master merchant?"

Felix just chuckled. "Come on. Astranova is waiting."

Hendo looked back one last time at the carriage—his beloved companion. He sighed.

And just like that, they crossed the gates of the most luxurious empire in the world… with flair—and a little threat. But the important thing was: they made it.

As they entered Astranova, the overwhelming sights and sounds hit them like a tidal wave. Magic thrummed through the air. Crowds bustled, lights sparkled, and everything felt alive.

"So… where to next?" Lumina asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"Straight to the center. The Imperial Palace of Astranova," Felix answered without hesitation.

Without much delay, the five of them stepped into the bustling heart of a sleepless city. Their destination was clear: the beating heart of the empire, the center of the world—Astranova Palace.

Everything in this city felt like a living miracle. Magic ran through its veins, powering everything from the glow of the streetlamps to the gliding of carriages that moved in perfect harmony. Even the marketplace bustled in impeccable order, as though an invisible orchestra conducted every movement. No chaos. No clutter. Only a mesmerizing rhythm of perfection.

Imperial guards patrolled the streets in full uniform, moving with military precision. Their presence didn't just ensure safety—it preserved the image that this was the capital of the world's greatest civilization.

"This place is insanely strict... but wow, what a city," Rene murmured in awe.

"Magnificent... luxurious... unbelievable," Hendo agreed, his eyes sweeping across the grand architecture.

Relio, who had never set foot in a real city before, could only gape—his mouth slightly open, his eyes wide and unblinking.

Lumina, on the other hand, remained composed. She'd been to Astranova many times. The grandeur here no longer amazed her.

As for Felix… his gaze cut sharply through every detail, not simply admiring—but studying.

When they finally reached the city center, they stood before the towering gates of the Imperial Palace. But just as they proudly presented their hard-earned entrance plates, their hopes were dashed.

"These plates are not sufficient," the gate captain declared firmly. "Only imperial family plates grant access to the inner palace."

Felix let out a long breath. "After all this… is it for nothing?"

Rene, growing impatient, stepped forward. "But these are high-level plates! We're wealthy merchants—we've brought valuable items to offer the royal family!"

The guard captain sneered. "You dare suggest your goods are worth more than royal lives? You insult our honor! Arrest him!"

The guards surged forward. Rene resisted. Hendo jumped in. Felix remained still, his gaze sharpening.

Meanwhile, Lumina and Relio sat calmly on a bench near the palace garden, watching the chaos unfold.

"You know, Relio," Lumina sighed, sipping coolly, "men often prefer showing off arrogance rather than using their brains."

Relio blinked. "So… what do we do, Your Highness?"

"Let them be. Sometimes foolish boldness works better than logic," Lumina said with a sly smile.

"So... you're supporting this mess, in your own way?" Relio chuckled.

"They're not thinking strategy—it's just ego with flair," she replied with a quiet laugh.

Suddenly, the earth trembled beneath the thunder of hooves. A cavalry unit of ten thousand riders approached in majestic formation, their armor gleaming beneath banners of Astranova. At the head of the legion rode a noble figure, poised and commanding.

Prince Magnar Tarrion, third prince of Astranova.

The cavalry halted right in front of the garden where Lumina and Relio sat.

"Lumina da Lucia?!" the prince called out, eyes lighting up with recognition.

Lumina turned, startled. She didn't recognize the voice at first.

But when the man lifted the visor of his helmet—her eyes widened.

"Magnar?" she whispered in disbelief.

The prince dismounted, removing his helm to reveal a familiar face—older, more regal, but unmistakable.

"I'm glad you've returned to Astranova," he said warmly. "Come. Let's talk inside the palace."

Relio looked at her, puzzled. "You know him, Princess?"

"I… didn't even recognize him. I didn't realize he was the prince of Astranova," Lumina admitted, a little awkwardly.

Magnar quickly gave an order. "Soldiers, dismiss!"

The cavalry dispersed in neat formation.

"Who are they, Lumina?" Magnar asked, gesturing to Rene, Hendo, and Felix—still caught in the grip of palace guards.

"They're my friends. They were just trying to get into the palace," she replied.

Magnar's tone turned sharp. "Release them!"

"Yes, Your Highness!" the gate captain barked, quickly signaling for Rene and Hendo to be let go.

Felix, Hendo, and Rene stood there, stunned.

"So… all that noise we made, and there was an easier way in," Rene muttered.

"We almost ended up brawling with the royal guard," Hendo sighed, palm to forehead.

"Lumina… seems awfully close with that prince," Rene added slyly.

"Ssst," Hendo hushed him, elbowing his side and glancing at Felix—whose face had gone still and unreadable.

Lumina turned to Magnar. "They're with me. May they come inside as well?"

"Of course," he replied, smiling warmly.

And just like that, they walked through the gates—Lumina and Magnar side by side, followed by Relio... and three silent young men trailing behind, their hearts stirring with questions they didn't dare ask out loud.