77. Arrival!

An urban sprawl of golden buildings ran as far as the eye could see. They were designed to stand no more than two stories tall and were highly reminiscent of renaissance-era buildings much like the previous town.

Except these were grander. Larger, and there was far more structural diversity. Massive, almost castle-like buildings ran up to hundreds of meters alongside the black, brickwork paths. Signs illuminated with magic floated across various stores as merchant companies roamed these streets alongside Adventurers and normal everyday people, easily numbering in the tens of thousands.

The streets themselves were colossal in scale and spanned up to a hundred meters wide. Each Sector possessed at least one of these major highways which ran up all the way to the City’s walls, meeting at one major intersection known as the Diamond Square.

Caravans of differing aesthetics, whether they were made from wood, stone, metal, or thatch were tugged around by horses, giant chameleons, and wolves similar to the Scarlet Wolves. Some wagons were even dragged around by hand by muscular individuals, such as Orcs, Dragonkin and the Beastkin.

Apparently, these wagons were either one of two things. Merchandise to sell by these roaming companies, or they were the belongings of their clients. They were the equivalent of removalists from Earth. That, or they were armed guards escorting high valuable goods.

Their work according to the triplets were highly regulated by the Golden Index subsidiary: the Golden Thumb. In fact, all work was regulated by the Golden Thumb to some capacity.

They were responsible for coordinating and monitoring both businesses and the general state of the Diamond Sectors. All materialistic possessions were given a designated value by this body, and were tweaked to reflect supply and demand on a daily basis.

Frost did not understand the world of business well, and she highly doubted that would change here. Not to mention that stocks, stakes, bonds and lending firms thrived in this city of gold. How these worked were absolutely beyond her, but the triplets explained nevertheless.

“The Golden Index is exactly what their name implies. Were you thinking of the finger? Hah! Rookie mistake.” Cer belittled Frost as all eyes were glued to the world beyond the windows. “The Golden Index compiles every imaginable transaction within the entire Nex Megalopolis. Every merchant, every seller, every single buyer, and every completed quest is written down somewhere. So long as they’re within the Guild or one of their Brokers of course! If you notice the Guild receptionists writing something down, then it’s just the transaction they closed.”

“The Nex Megalopolis has a highly regulated market, huh.” Frost said, half-interested by this.

Money wasn’t something she adored to begin with, so this hardly sparked her intrigue. The prospect of the casino on the other hand? Sign her right up!

“Regulated implies control. The Golden Index don’t control it. They’re trying to keep it alive. Take the City of Spades for example. Your wealth means little to them. Power is what rules its Sectors.” Res then explained.

“Can you imagine what those Sectors are like~?” Cer then hummed. “Depending on your luck, murder becomes the norm.”

“I thought this place was supposed to be a paradise.” Frost was instantly confused by the mention of casual murder, causing Ber to shrug as if it couldn’t be helped.

“The actual cities are what you’re probably thinking of. We’re currently in the D3 Sector. An outskirt of the City of Diamonds.” She simply said.

“… Meaning they’re not obligated to help anyone beyond their walls?” Frost tried to make sense of this puzzle.

“Nope. Why should they? The Golden Index is about the only Atelier that’s hand’s on, aside from Justica Arms and Inflow Direct. But then again, Inflow Direct’s more concerned about their precious healers.” Cer sadistically grinned. “I know what you’re going to say. Why do they insist to maintain all this infrastructure? Who the fuck knows. And it doesn’t change that it’s one of the safest places in all Elysia.”

“With rampant murder in the S Sectors?” Jury had to prod. “That hardly sounds safe.”

“For normal people, well you’d be right. But us? What’s a street rat to a Moon? To one of us?” Cer painted a picture of the sheer power differential they had compared to the ordinary people of this world.

“Besides it’s only just a handful of the City of Spades’ Sectors.” Res added, speaking regretfully.

“And it’s not like those kinds of people can spill over to the Sectors of other cities. Peasants of the S Sectors can’t leave. Think of it as the slums of Nex Megalopolis.” Ber then concluded.

“… fucking hell, and here I thought this city was perfect.” Frost spat.

Cer then further clarified that people could not move freely between city sectors.

For example: a person from a D sector could not move to H or S sectors without the money or a valid reason. One such reason was partaking a quest from a Guild that required them to travel across these borders. Another was status alone, such as possessing a high Adventure Rank, or just by being a healer.

However, misconducts outright banned individuals or groups from travelling at all. And that was the ‘good’ outcome.

Serious offenders were never seen again once Justica Arms had their hands on them. There weren’t any incarceration sites like prisons here. Instead, the Nex Megalopolis utilized these brutal sectors to mass dump these problematic individuals.

Luckily, or perhaps unluckily for them – they were only outright killed if they resisted capture.

These criminals were then boarded into a train similarly built to theirs, stocked with food and all the necessities to live for upwards of a decade.

Then, they were left to their own devices for days, months or even an entire year before they reached their destination. And suffice to say, the number of survivors were rarely in the double digits.

It was essentially an express train straight to hell, and it served as one of the pillars that gave birth to the One Way Ticket to Hell urban legend. Whether these two were connected or not was hard to say, but Frost took every opportunity to allow as many of her trains of thoughts to interact.

With the existence of fate-predicting objects like the Scripts, Frost would be an utter moron to believe in such coincidences.

“This city has its own share of nightmares, huh. Man… I hope we all enjoyed the last two days of peace while they lasted.” Frost grumbled as the scenery quickly changed to vast cultivation lands, growing near endless fields of bountiful harvests.

Homes built like castles sat in the center of these lands with towering spires. People of all kinds worked these fields, whether they were the normal everyday person, or an Adventurer donned in plated armor.

An onsite healer could also be seen wandering these fields alongside men dressed in green suits. They also wore a matching tie and a jade ring on their thumbs.

“Are those green suits and ties important? And the rings?” Frost pointed out this one peculiar detail, instantly causing the triplets to look up at her in confusion before they scoured the fields again.

“How the HELL do you see that!? You see the rings!? Huh. Those damned eyes are pretty good as always. Listen up. Green suits and ties means they’re from the Golden Thumb. The ring is practically the same thing. An identifier!” Cer explained, tapping on the window with a thumb.

“They must be there to seal a deal with the quest giver and those workers. You usually see a lot of Stars do the same thing undercover.” Res further added as Ignis tried to get a closer look but sadly to no avail. “They’re information brokers as much as they are guides. Stars like to get the word around. Sometimes for the worse, like what happened with ‘warped stone that eats memories’ rumor. Idiots.”

The setting while largely unknown, felt oddly familiar as a result of this fixation on business and currency. The City of Diamonds was a merchant’s paradise and was where money circulated the streets of the Nex Megalopolis like its blood.

But it was the City of Hearts was where most of the money moved. While merchants predominantly existed here, the majority of services were found in the City of Hearts and the City of Clubs.

It was here where the largest players moved their assets; sealed deals and had them written by a magical vow. If broken; then said breaker of promise disappeared without a trace.

Suffice to say, it was one hell of a strange place, but from the elated faces of the people she watched stroll those pleasant lands, she could tell that this place truly was their paradise. How people skipped with a carefree smile and seemed to genuinely belong to this place, and the sight of ecstatic children reinforced this air of serenity as they ran through fields of wheat and corn.

Frost mentally described everything she saw for Nav as they travelled onwards to the walls of the City of Diamonds, never skimping on the detail for her dearest, blind friend.

Nav. What do you think of these Sectors?

“They are interesting. Subcultures likely exist. But it is hard to tell. The world it too big to understand it from a mere train ride, wouldn’t you agree?”

Oh absolutely. We only know so much about this city. The same goes for our Moon friends. The only real way we’re going to figure things out is by digging deep into this whole charade. We’ll see what happens after we reach the City of Diamonds.

“But you already have a plan in mind, no?”

Frost grinned to herself.

Explore. Probably take quests for currency and renown. I want the name of the Black Dove to spread. That way it’ll be easier to crawl into the recesses of this world and figure out just what the hell is going on with the Corrupted, Impuritas, Dungeons – hell… everything at this point.

Frost was already detailing her future endeavors. While it not a terrible idea to go along with the whims and motions of the world, she needed to be more proactive in her approach if she truly wished to help people. That’s why she heavily considered the prospect of Adventuring. If she wanted to spearhead her questions, then she needed to head directly into the fray herself.

4 months was a long time in this world. It was likely that the 4 months period the triplets were given was because that was how long it would take to repair the Hyperlink Network. Until then, they had virtually no access into the Nexus, and Frost opted to further increase her strength until then.

That way she could speak the language of these Beholders with absolution when it was time to return to the Nexus.

* * *

Only hours separated them from reaching the grand reception of the City of Diamonds.

Frost took this opportunity to cook one last meal for them all. She went around the train with Jury, collecting the meal suggestions from each person. Afterwards, a plethora of steaming plates of delicious food left the kitchen one by one, reaching a lavish dining table that had everyone happy dine.

Between laughter, clinks of silverware and glass; Frost wholeheartedly cherished that these women were doing fine and adapting well to their new environment. She sincerely hoped the Golden Index would treat them well, else they’d be put on her kill list, right up there next to Iscario and the higher ups at Scarlet Logic.

Personal stories were shared by the women. It turns out that a few of them knew each other before they were enslaved, hence why they seemed so close from the start. Others were not so lucky and didn’t know the feeling of warmth until much later on in life.

It was heart wrenching, but they gladly expressed that they were thankful that it was at least over. Moving on was a hopeful prospect, although that did not mean they could forget it all like it never occurred.

They hoped to at least one day be able to look back at it as a distant memory that made them into who they are, rather than to chain them into who the were.

It was empowering to hear it directly from them, and Frost couldn’t be happier.

The scenery shifted every passing hour as they neared their destination. From a plainlands, to farmlands, to even a circus-like location that saw many Adventurers flood into with brandished weaponry.

Eventually, they arrived at a colossal cluster of urban sprawls and accommodated countless finely dressed individuals. They numbered significantly less than those closer to the outer wall. However, these people seemed to be of a higher society, reflected by their apparel.

Men and women dressed in suits and fabulous, sharp wear of all kinds of colors roamed these parts, as did women wearing…

“No… it can’t be.”

It was not skimpy bikini armor, but an arguably more suggestive piece of wear.

The bunny suit… black pantyhose, a nylon one-piece, and a black bowtie.

These were unsurprisingly worn by bunny-eared Demi-Humans. And amongst them were other Demi-humans wearing a similar piece of attire, like bear Demi-Human girls wearing giant fluffy paws to go along with their get up.

It was a source of spiritual anguish for Frost. She gruelingly winced as Usa and the other bunny-eared woman squirmed with excitement.

Maybe I just don’t get it. Yeah, that has to be it. No… fuck no. Who am I kidding? Why the hell does it exist in this world!?

Frost was unaware that this was the occupation Usa was referring to all along. Although she did say dealer, so perhaps it wasn’t exactly this. Still, she could not believe that this even this existed in Elysia.

“Maybe you’re too hypercritical, Frost.”

Alright Nav, then explain why bunny suits are important in this society. Frost demanded, her mind nearly broken by this as she tried to grasp for something – anything to justify their existence.

“Advertisement. People want to feel like they’re winning in these establishments, no? These women likely help with that. They also signify Golden Index-ran casinos. The main one resides within their city. The Golden Index offers them immense protection, much like the rest of their personnel.”

This was reassuring to hear, but at the same time…

Sorry, but that doesn’t justify anything. Put them in a suit. They look better like that.

“Better off in a suit. How putrid.” Cer similarly winced, adoring the women sharply dressed in those fine suits.

Frost found solace in the fact that Cer had a similar mindset. Or tastes? Preference? Frost did not know what to call this. But…

She was oddly happy that these people could wear things like these here in a world with so much darkness. It put into perspective just how safe the Nex Megalopolis was compared to the lands of Grandis.

And just as she broke into an accepting smile –

“Jury says otherwise.”

Frost instantly entered a choking fit.

* * *

The Train Conductor announced their impending stop and to brace themselves. The massive hunk of steel slowed down at a rapid pace, causing various fixtures to slide around as if they were aboard the lounge of a tilting ship.

Everyone locked themselves inside of their rooms just to be safe as Snap and the Innocent made their rounds to make sure everyone was alright.

The little her rode its back, issuing directional prompts above its head which Snap ignored and went along its way, causing the Innocent to pout at every turned corner.

The world beyond the windows instantly became black as they entered a long tunnel, finally passing through the walls of the City of Diamonds. Frost was under the impression that they would be greeted outside of the city itself, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

The reception was actually inside much to her surprise. But this thought was short lived. As she sat at the side of a double bed, sharing a room with her companions and the Moon triplets – a prompt suddenly flashed before her eyes.

< Leaving – Entering – D – Leaving D2 – Approaching Epiderma D-J | 1 minute >

“… what just happened?” Frost had to ask.

The prompt was heavily fragmented. Or rather, it seemed confused as if they had simultaneously entered and left an area

“A minor hiccup~ Kind of scary, isn’t it?” Cer hummed, bemused by this.

“That doesn’t explain anything. What do you mean?” Frost questioned as the woman laid herself across the bed, sliding around to the whims of the train.

“We entered a minor spatial distortion. Nothing too major, but you can sense something went awry for just a split second.” Res answered briskly, as if somewhat shaken by this. She quickly grabbed the still slipping Cer by the collar and sat her upright like a child.

“Ahem… that was a close one.” Ber cracked her knuckles. “It would’ve been like those twins all over again.”

“Please do not be alarmed. We are on track to the reception of the City of Diamonds. Thank you for travelling with Caldera Industries. I hope you find an Atelier of your liking. Endorse Attachment.”

The Train Conductor spoke through a magical intercom after a musical tune, concluding with his Atelier’s motto. From where his voice came from was a mystery.

And thankfully in the end, nothing serious came out of this abnormal phenomenon. But it did raise a few hairs on Frost’s back… well, if she had any to begin with.

The train eventually arrived at a complete stop as light flooded back into the windows once again. One by one, they all gathered at the ground floor.

Frost thoroughly counted the people present and healed the injured, thankfully most being bruises and small cuts. Only after ensuring that everyone was here did the Train Conductor then bid them farewell.

“Good luck and do avoid these trains for a while if you can. Just my few copper coins.” He warned as Cara escorted them all towards the exit.

“Looks like Justica Arms isn’t the only one experiencing failures with their technology.” Cer stated, stretching her arms far and wide. “C’mon. Let’s go drown in the city lights already.”

Once the metal doors were twisted and pried open – the golden lights and the warm air of floral perfume instantly enraptured them. When their eyesight adjusted to the surge of countless lights; everyone’s jaws dropped.

Frost’s heart was instantly swept away by the breathtaking sights of towering, golden spires that reached up as far as the eye could see. There were a total of five towers, each representing a finger. The building representing the index finger was the largest and by far the most pronounced, making up almost an entire fifth of the city itself from what she could see.

The spires were built with marvelous golden stone and countless windows, appearing almost like a modern concrete megastructure, rising upwards to around 400 meters.

And to think all of that was dedicated to a fucking casino.

The lights here were enough to dispel every shadow imaginable. The darkness itself was non-existent even in the cusps of night. These blinding lights replaced the stars of the night sky.

The suits of playing cards were inscribed into its masterful architecture, beginning at clubs, and ending at what appeared to be a diamond at the highest peak. Her eyes were far too focused on these monumental structures to notice that people gathered around them to give gifts to the recently collected women, offering food, coins, and beautiful leather satchels filled with sweets.

“… Frost. This is unbelievable… I read a book about your world and this reminds me of it.” Jury couldn’t help but to utter as Ignis froze in awe.

“You’re telling me. Shit… it looks nothing like our buildings from Earth, but I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t at least resemble them.” Frost was entirely taken aback by this, her shoulder drooping as she fell into a mesmerized trance.

The angle of the train’s approach made it impossible to see these building in the first place. This was the very first time she was seeing the city for what it was worth.

And it was utterly gorgeous.

“Hmhm! There it is! The Golden Index!” Cer cried out at the top of her lungs, and with it, came the elated cries of the others.

They were finally here.

< Entering the City of Diamonds for the First Time >

< Welcome to the City of Diamonds >