There we were, getting closer and closer to the gigantic walls that surrounded that nation. Along the way, however, I couldn’t help but notice several people, often injured, dressed in ragged clothes and with exhausted expressions, heading toward the gates as well.

  — They are refugees. The wars across all territories force people to seek a neutral place, somewhere peaceful. Even with the tortuous path to get here, they prefer to take the risk rather than continue living in endless conflict — Catherine says, noticing a certain sadness in me as I watched them.

  When we reached the foot of the wall, it was impossible to see its end. Out of curiosity, I touched it and realized how impenetrable those walls were; perhaps not even that Archbishop’s hammer would be able to leave a single scratch. But what truly astonished me was the number of refugees forming lines and gathering at the entrance of the city-nation. I had arrived in this world only a few days ago and already felt how much more miserable it was than I could have imagined.

  So we had to spend several long hours in line until we finally reached the gate, which shaped itself like a gigantic arch in the middle of that rocky structure. Beneath it stood several guards with large shields, forming a barrier whose only opening was the space where we were interrogated before being allowed to enter the city. With a serious, piercing gaze andin a commanding tone, the guard stopped our group and began questioning us:

  — Good afternoon, travelers. How many are you, what is your purpose in Surum, and how long do you plan to stay?

  — Good afternoon. We are a group of three people seeking refuge in the city for an indefinite period, probably a long stay — Catherine replies, stepping forward.

  — Everyone is welcome to enter in search of refuge. However, residence is only provisional in the first district, Lower Surum. If you seek a longer stay in the nation, you must go to the Order’s building and, upon passing the academy tests, you will receive your citizen badges and then be able to move freely to the other districts. I only need your full names and ages for the entry record.

  — Catherine Deshayes, ninteen years old.

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

  — John, hm… eighteen.

  — And that big one with you? — The guard says, pointing at Finder, who was wearing a large hooded cloak, making it impossible to notice his metallic appearance.

  — Finder, he is eighteen as well — I hurried to answer and complete the record before raising any suspicion.

  With that, we received our registration paper with a record number and were told not to lose it under any circumstances and to present it whenever necessary. We passed through the entrance and soon arrived at Lower Surum.

  The atmosphere there was simple and even somewhat lively. There was a large number of people moving through the streets and several guard patrols circulating with the objective of maintaining order. Even though that population consisted of refugees, often in precarious situations, everyone behaved properly. The streets were relatively clean, and even amid the commotion people were constantly corrected by the guards to walk in rows and lines, all organized and respecting personal space. It was as if even there the ranks of an army were already being arranged. Those who broke the order too abruptly were immediately corrected and, in extreme cases, even punished in the middle of the street, becoming an example to the others.

  The three of us stopped in the middle of a square to decide what our plans would be from now on.

  — So, I’m very grateful for the help, but we part ways here, boys. Good luck with your goals from now on.

  — What do you mean, Catherine? You’re leaving just like that, without anything else? — I replied, indignant at such detachment from our short journey.

  — Of course. Did you expect us to stay together forever, my dear? — She turns and begins to walk away into the crowd — Maybe our paths will cross again — And just like that, she disappears.

  Finder and I ended up feeling abandoned. We stopped for a while to talk and decided to continue together while our objectives were still aligned. After everything that had happened, I felt we were two lonely souls wandering, and our meeting had been a beneficial accident for both of us. Even though he was a bit strange and lacked strong emotions, it was possible to sense friendship in our relationship, and that allowed us to continue together in our search for answers.

  We wandered through the city until we found a modest inn. It would be enough to shelter us until I registered with the Order and received my first salary as a recruit. However, when we sat in that tiny room that barely fit the two of us, we realized it would be impossible for Finder to attend the academy without his metallic form being discovered. So I committed myself to enlist alone and try to gather information about how we could proceed in the future. Those matters would be left for the next day.

  We turned off the light and, after many nights sleeping in the forest surrounded by dangers and being hunted by the Church, we were finally able to sleep in a minimally comfortable and quiet room — a feeling of comfort that warmed my heart.