The Anumay River flowed from north to south, splitting the city into eastern and western halves.
The northernmost part of the city sat at the highest elevation, and as one traveled south, the ground gradually sloped downward. As a result, social standing within the city closely followed elevation as well.
High Ward was the northernmost district within the city. It was the seat of governance and power, housing the Union’s council halls, embassies, and lavish estates. This was where the decisions affecting the whole of the Sovereign Union were made.
The Riverward was built along both banks of the Anumay. One could find canals, watermills, bathhouses, and river markets in these districts. This district was vital to the city’s food supply, sanitation, and daily life.
Trade Ward was the hub of comrce, located on the east bank, south of High Ward. It was the ho to markets, guildhalls, financial institutions, and caravan yards. It had easy access to roads, gates, and docks. Moreover, it was the largest district within the city.
The Scholar Ward was the center of magic and learning. Located on the western banks, just below High Ward, one could see Magus Towers, academies, archives, and education halls here. It was ho to many Magi and arcane researchers.
Forge Ward was the crafting and industry district. Located on the west bank, towards the south, this region was always covered in dense smoke, and the sound of hamring echoed through its streets at all tis of the day. It was a hub of Artificers.
Last but not least, Low Ward was the oldest and poorest district in the city. It was located in the southwestern edge of the city, at the lowest elevation. One could consider this region a separate world altogether, one consisting of crowded housing, narrow streets, taverns, and back-alley businesses.
Cri and vile activities often took root here. This district had the lowest guard presence but the highest population density.
"...So these are the six wards of Springdale," Pang explained casually as he munched on smoked river fish.
The three young Magi were currently sitting at a restaurant in the River Ward. With the money provided by Lebu, Kori and Pang had helped Kenny buy a few clothes. The rest of the money was used to buy groceries and other supplies for the apartnt.
Kenny loosened the strings at the neck of his tunic and said, "It’s a little too hot here, isn’t it? I already miss the cool weather back ho."
Kori chuckled, enjoying the artisan bread and spiced pork roast. "You’ll get used to it."
He then pointed at the river and said, "It is said that the source of the Anumay is a fire elental. That’s why its waters are always so warm, and why this beautiful city never experiences winter."
"Oh?" Kenny was intrigued. "Is that so?"
"Well, that’s what they say anyway." Pang shrugged. "I an, why else would they call this place Springdale, the City of Everlasting Warmth?"
"I guess so." Kenny nodded lightly.
He ate the fish stew absentmindedly and mumbled, "By the way, how am I supposed to earn money for food? You said I can’t hunt for beasts here. And I don’t want to depend on others for food. I do not wish to be a burden. A hunter has to be self-reliant."
"Don’t worry about that." Pang waved his hand nonchalantly.
anwhile, Kori said with an approving smile. "It’s good that you think this way. Captain, uh, I an Magus Potts has only offered you a little money to help you get settled. After this, you’d have to earn your keep. As for how to do that... Magus Potts will tell you in ti."
"Why do you call him Captain?" Kenny asked curiously. "What does it even an?"
"I wonder." Kori smiled mysteriously.
"...Fine." Kenny pursed his lips.
After the three finished dinner, they headed towards their apartnt in Trade Ward. Although this district was a hub of comrce, it also housed many residential buildings and apartnts.
It was one of the most economical places to live, as the Scholar Ward and High Ward were simply too expensive, while the Forge Ward was nearly uninhabitable due to its many industries.
As for the Low Ward... no one wished to live there unless they had no option but to.
***
Their apartnt sat on the fourth floor of a narrow building in Trade Ward.
Outside, the streets below were still alive, although it was past ten at night. rchants were calling out their last sales, carts were rolling over stone, and the steady chatter of people never truly faded away in this part of the city.
Inside, the apartnt space was modest but orderly. Three small rooms opened off a tiny hallway, each just big enough for a bed, a chest, and a narrow table. The walls were plain, the floors were smooth from years of use, but everything was clean and functional.
A shared bath occupied the end of the hall. It was cramped but well-maintained, with warm water that stead faintly even at night. A narrow stair led to a tiled roof terrace with direct access from their floor.
After bidding good night to his new flatmates, Adam entered his room and locked the door behind him. He looked around at the small space with a faint smile etched on a face that wasn’t his own.
A new city, a new face, a new life, he thought to himself.
The youth put away the bag of new clothes inside the wooden chest. He then opened the window quietly and slipped through it like an agile monkey. Gripping the ledge, he climbed up and onto the tiled roof, barely making a sound as his feet found balance.
Adam moved to the edge and sat down, legs hanging over the side. From his vantage point, the city sprawled out before him, rows of buildings packed tightly together, their rooftops uneven and worn.
Thin trails of smoke curled from chimneys across the skyline, drifting upward and blending into the night.
He looked northward, his gaze sweeping over the Magus towers, the tall spires, and the opulent structures. He turned around and faced south, looking at the cloud of smoke that engulfed the pain and misery of the lowest district.
Adam knew what he was here for, and he knew what he had to do.
He looked up at the twin moons and smiled.
It was ti to infiltrate the Twilight Brotherhood.
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