Melissa turned her hand, and a massive red gemstone at the sword’s hilt began to flow with light, casting a warm radiance on the cave walls. She carefully examined the blade, softly reading the inscription on the sharp silver edge: “Goddess’s Gift, Harga’s Treasure, Warrior’s Heart.”
Until this moment, Naily was certain that this shipwreck was truly the prelude to a hidden plot. The legendary king Harga’s sword had appeared, which could only mean Melissa was incredibly lucky. After obtaining the sword, the system connection was restored. Using the map, the three quickly found a nearby village to rest, and after recuperating for a day, they set out towards Harga Castle. Along the way, Melissa was in high spirits. Naily became familiar with her battle rhythm, guiding her to do more than the mission required. Melissa’s sword skills and ability to use skills became more proficient, no longer as clumsy as before.
As for the Warrior’s Heart, it would be carefully preserved for now, to be used when her level was high enough. Karl no longer needed to intervene and remained silent. Naily didn’t speak to him and naturally didn’t bring up their unresolved conversation on the beach. Two days later, Harga Castle finally appeared on the horizon.
It was that time when the sun was about to set, the southern spring afternoon was warm and gentle, and the wind from the old imperial capital seemed more fragrant than the countryside. The winding city walls against the sunlight were like a black snake, extending to the edge of vision with no sign of ending. Further in the city, the lines of the magnificent palace glimmered in the sunlight, presumably the heart of the continental temple, Noen Palace.
Noen Palace was built on a hill in the city, reportedly with a gold-leaf roof visible even from the harbor. Once the center of a vast empire, even reduced to a county seat, Harga Castle’s silhouette possessed a grandeur that Mez’s new capital could not match. Naily’s group left the narrow country path and entered a smooth gravel road.
