The four siblings and Ella were only able to reach Lagash the following morning.

  The city, set beside a massive river, was surrounded by red walls, and the temples and palaces rising above them were lavishly adorned with expensive lapis lazuli, making them look like blue jewels from afar.

  In the large canal connecting the river and the city, numerous merchant ships were gathered.

  Eridu had been a large city as well, but it could not compare to the splendor of Lagash.

  As they approached the city gate, the entrance walls were densely decorated with antique reliefs made from a mixture of lapis lazuli and granite, displaying the height of beauty and extravagance.

  The people passing by were all well-to-do, dressed in elegant clothing, making the dust-covered group look like country bumpkins.

  When Azael approached a sentry wearing polished bronze armor and presented a pass, they were granted entry.

  As Ella stepped inside the walls, memories of Eridu surfaced, and she shrank back instinctively.

  Azael gently reassured her with a soft expression.

  “This isn’t a city ruled by Nephilim. It’s free, and safety is guaranteed. Don’t be tense, Ella.”

  Upon entering the city, the scent of spices filled the air.

  A massive marketplace soon came into view.

  Ella had never seen such a large market in her life.

  Endless crowds and a dazzling array of goods meant to entice customers.

  The voices of merchants bargaining and calling out echoed everywhere.

  There were vendors selling gleaming jewelry, others selling spices and sweeteners, and even stalls offering silk and fine fabrics brought from the distant East.

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  As the delicious aromas filled the air, the group suddenly felt ravenous.

  Tamar spoke excitedly.

  “Hey! Let’s fill our stomachs before sightseeing. I’m starving.”

  When the group blindly entered a restaurant that looked expensive, Ella followed without thinking.

  As Elaton ordered food indiscriminately, Ella began to feel uneasy.

  “You… you do have money, right?”

  Elaton scratched his forehead and replied,

  “Well, since we hunt monsters and the like… we don’t usually turn down rewards.”

  Soon, a feast of mountains and seas was laid out on the table.

  The large lamb stew carried the subtle aroma of sesame oil, and pomegranate seeds and finely chopped dates were sprinkled over arm-thick grilled fish.

  Dates and figs preserved in honey were served on golden plates.

  For Ella, who had lived on barley porridge and fish gruel, it was a banquet unlike anything she had ever seen.

  “Eat a lot. You’re too small and skinny.”

  Eshiel said this; indeed, he was the tallest among the siblings.

  “Come to think of it, how old are you? You don’t sound like a kid when you talk.”

  At Tamar’s words, Ella’s face flushed.

  She was small for her age.

  “Fourteen. I’m still growing.”

  Tamar continued talking while smacking her lips over her food.

  “You’re four years younger than me. From now on, speak more humbly, got it?”

  Ella did not respond and slowly began eating.

  As she ate, she examined the group.

  It was her first time properly observing the people she was traveling with.

  Elaton, blond and large-framed, looked the gentlest among them.

  Eshiel was tall, with black hair and sharp features.

  Tamar was tall for a woman, with long brown hair and a tomboyish face.

  Azael was of average height, with chestnut hair and a refined appearance.

  Including Tamar, all of them were tall.

  By contrast, Ella was small and thin, and her reddish-orange hair looked plain.

  Thinking that she needed to grow quickly, Ella began eating more eagerly.

  For someone who had never tasted spices before, it was like a whole new world of flavor.

  As she ate hurriedly, her thoughts suddenly turned to her family.

  Her mother and father. Her grandmother. And her younger brother, Noah…

  They had been killed without ever tasting a feast like this.

  Ella barely held back her tears.

  Then she looked at the group and spoke.

  “Could you… teach me how to fight?”

  The siblings’ gazes converged.

  Ella grew anxious, fearing rejection.

  “That’s a fair point. Even if Riana is protecting her, being completely defenseless would just make her a burden.”

  “But she’s really small… hmm. For now, Azael, you take charge. You’ve got the best fundamentals.”

  “True. Azael’s the right choice.”

  Azael smiled faintly and said,

  “Alright. With your build, a dagger or a short sword would suit you. Let’s look for one at the market after we’re done eating.”