Welcome to the Vermillion Territory!!!

   More than a thousand years ago, this world was torn apart by a devastating war—one that drew in every intelligent race. It wasn’t a conflict born of ideology or revenge; it was a brutal scramble for territory, and it dragged on for decades. Millions lost their lives, and entire civilizations collapsed under the weight of endless bloodshed. And yet, despite how long the war lasted and how widespread its destruction was, no one knows how it truly ended. No historian, no scholar, no ancient survivor from any race has ever managed to piece together the final chapter of that war. All records simply stop, as if the conclusion itself vanished from history.

   Even so, two undeniable results followed that war. First, the rise of the four dominant races: Demons, Beastmen, Elves, and Mystics—each uniquely gifted in their own right, forming the backbone of modern civilization. Second, the division of the known world into thirteen territories, each ruled by a powerful clan responsible for governance and balance within their respective borders.

   Among those thirteen clans was the Naberius clan, renowned for their technological breakthroughs. Yet their territory was poor in natural resources, making it difficult to mass-produce or sustain their inventions. And then we have Vermillion clan, whose land overflowed with resources. However, they lacked the advanced technology to make the most of what they had.

   It didn’t take long for a mutually beneficial relationship to form. The Naberius clan provided cutting-edge tools, city infrastructure, and magical tech. In return, the Vermillion clan supplied food, materials, and raw resources. Over generations, their cooperation turned into something more than a business alliance—it became a partnership built on mutual reliance.

   Now, Zephyra was taking us there—to the Vermillion territory. Not only was it the place where an old acquaintance of hers lived, but also place where Zephyra grew up.

   As we drove into the capital city, I could already tell this was going to be a memorable stop. The expressions on Bel and Luna’s faces said it all.

   “Wow, amazing!” 

   Bel shouted, his crimson eyes practically sparkling as he mashed his face against the car window. His dog ears twitched rapidly, reacting to every new sight—every passing tower, every strange glowing sign.

   “Magnificent indeed.”

   Luna, sitting beside him with her hands folded neatly in her lap, tried her best to maintain an air of elegance. But even then, her long, elven ears betrayed her true emotions—bouncing ever so slightly as her eyes flitted from one spectacular view to another.

   Meanwhile, I stayed relatively quiet. Not because I wasn’t impressed, but because I’d seen big cities before. Well... in my world I mean of course. But for both Bel and Luna, this is their first time in a big city. No wonder they’re so fascinated.

   I turned my attention to the city itself. The streets were wide, clean, and bustling with life. Skyscrapers made of glass and metal reached high into the sky, reflecting the sunlight like giant mirrors. Despite the towering buildings, greenery was everywhere—trees lining the streets, flowerbeds blooming with vibrant colors, and parks scattered throughout the city. Even the public transport was integrated seamlessly with the environment, with sleek vehicles running on tracks that floated a few feet above the ground.

   It was clear that Vermillion's capital was a masterpiece of urban design, striking a perfect balance between technological advancement and the preservation of nature. As someone who grew up in a world without magic, I couldn’t help but notice the differences between this place and the cities back on Earth. Magic energy seemed to be the backbone of everything. The use of magic as the primary energy source had made the city not only more advanced but also incredibly eco-friendly. No choking smog, no blaring car horns—just the soft hum of magical energy resonating throughout.

   The car eventually came to a stop in front of a large building with sharp, clean architecture and a wide, open plaza leading up to it. The crest of the Vermillion clan gleamed proudly above the entrance.

   Zephyra turned off the engine and threw a look over her shoulder. Her usual smirk tugged at her lips. “Well, here we are. Welcome to the Vermillion Police Headquarters.”

   Bel’s eyes widened with excitement, and Luna subtly straightened her posture. As for me, I raised an eyebrow, wondering what kind of reception we were about to get.

   The building was tall, angular, and made of a sleek mix of black stone and reinforced steel. The moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Officers in uniform moved with purpose, their boots clacking against the tiled floor as voices buzzed around us in constant motion.

   Zephyra, now dressed in a sharp business outfit—a tailored blazer paired with a skirt and boots that clicked with authority—walked in like she owned the place. And judging by how people reacted when they noticed her, she might as well have.

   We followed her to the reception desk, where a young man was scribbling something down, completely absorbed in his paperwork. But Zephyra didn't really care about that. 

   “Hey.” 

   The poor guy jumped like someone had zapped him. 

   “L-Lady Zephyra?!” 

   His voice cracked halfway through her name, drawing stares from a few nearby officers. His face drained of color. 

   “M-my deepest apologies! To our chief, as I understand it? He’s waiting for you in his office. Would you like me to show you—?”

   “There’s no need. I know the way.”

   “O-of course! Please go ahead! Have a great—uh, productive visit!”

   The receptionist nodded so fast it was a wonder his neck didn’t snap.

   Zephyra turned back to us, eyes calm and unreadable. “Let’s go.”

   I exchanged a glance with Luna, who gave a small nod, her expression composed but curious. Bel was still too distracted by everything around him to notice the tension in the air. As we followed Zephyra down the corridor, I couldn't help but feel a low buzz of anticipation creeping in.

   Whoever that chief was, one thing was certain: 

   This was going to be more than just a social call.

   With that thought in mind, we followed Zephyra deeper into the headquarters.