NOVEL WEB Chapter 360: Welcome To Carthage
The sound from the crunches of the snow beneath their boots filled the air as Ren, Thorn, and Lilith made their way towards the gates of Carthage.
The snowfall had eased slightly as they got closer and closer to the city, with the temperature of the air growing warmer. Still cold, but less cold than before.
The light from the full moon was able to peek through the gray clouds, adding an illusion of serenity and beauty to the scenery in front of them. Coupled with the slight rise in temperature, it felt as if they were walking into a fairytale.
As they approached the gates, they caught sight of what was in front of it, a healthy distance away.
A small but temporary settlement had been erected, sprawled across the flat ground and made up of colorful tents and makeshift shelters.
Smoke rose from small fires scattered between them, curling into the frigid air. Dozens of hopefuls moved through the camp, sharpening weapons, meditating, or huddled around food and drink.
The atmosphere was tense, with the air filled with anticipation.
"Whoa." Thorn muttered, slowing his steps. "I thought we'd be alone."
Ren shook his head. "This is Carthage. Entry is offered once a year, and only to those strong enough to survive the exam. Everyone out here is waiting for that chance."
"They look like mercenaries." Lilith said, her eyes sweeping over the camp. "Some of them are already strong."
"They are." Ren confirmed. "But it's not about strength alone. They watch the participants and based on your performance, choose the best. So, they also look at control. Discipline. And more than anything, potential."
Thorn furrowed his brow. "So, even if you're strong, you might still get rejected?"
Ren nodded. "Carthage is surrounded by danger on all sides. Roaming beasts, the mountain range itself, and sometimes, unforgiving storms. But inside its walls? It's safe. Secure. A sanctuary in the heart of the mountains. That safety comes at a price. They only take the best."
They walked past the stream of tents, ignoring the curious stares that followed them. A few of the hopefuls sized them up, joking with one another. Some gave polite nods. Others stared with open hostility.
They didn't respond, but just kept walking.
Finally, they reached the base of the gate.
The giant iron doors stood shut before them, wide enough to let ten carriages through at once. Carved on its surface were several symbols, presumably the symbols of the council elders.
Right in front of the gate stood a dozen armored guardians, their faces hidden behind metal helms, halberds in hand. Their armor bore the sigil of Carthage, three towers inside a ring.
They did not move as Ren and the others approached, only watching, their eyes following their every move.
Ren's attention was drawn to the small wooden pavilion set off to the side.
A long table stood beneath it, ink and paper neatly arranged on its surface. Behind the table sat a thin man in thick robes, wearing circular glasses that steamed slightly with each breath he took.
He looked up at them without surprise as they approached, quill already in hand.
"You're late." He said, as if he'd been expecting them.
Ren gave a small nod. "We're here now."
He could tell that the man was not weak in any way, but could not tell what the man's exact level of strength was. The M|V|LE&MPYR team worked hard on this chapter.
The man glanced down at a list. "Team registration?"
"Yes." Ren replied. "Three members."
The clerk handed them a form, and each of them signed it in turn. Ren first, then Lilith, and finally Thorn, who scribbled his name with a flourish.
Once done, the man took the paper, rolled it up, and tucked it into a scroll case.
"You're officially registered." He said. "Exam begins at dawn."
He gestured toward a nearby post marked with a symbol. "Camp anywhere beyond that marker. Keep your distance from the walls after nightfall. The sentries won't be lenient."
"What's the exam?" Thorn asked.
The man smiled faintly. "You'll find out soon enough."
And just like that, they were dismissed.
The trio stepped away from the table, moving toward the camp's edge to find a spot to settle.
Thorn glanced at the others, his arms tucked under his armpits for warmth. "Do we bother putting up a tent?"
Ren shook his head. "It's almost dawn. By the time we get it up, we'll be taking it down."
Lilith yawned, long and silent. "Then let's at least not freeze to death while we wait."
Ren reached into his spatial pouch and pulled out a thick log, setting it down for them to sit on.
Then, he retrieved the necessary stone and firewood, building a small fire pit in front of them.
A minute later, the fire was up and crackling gently as the night slowly began to clear up.
They huddled closer to it, the warmth bleeding into their cloaks, turning their breath from clouds of mist to faint vapor.
From their position at the edge of the camp, they had a clear view of the rest.
Across the clearing, tents of varying shapes and sizes clustered together like a mismatched flock.
Most were simple, travel-worn, patched, and functional. Some bore faded crests or sigils, faintly visible beneath layers of frost. Those were from people who still had the tents they'd taken from their noble houses when they'd set out for the Search.
"Guess we're not the only lunatics trying to get in." Thorn muttered.
Ren nodded. "Makes sense. Everyone wants to live in a place where they don't have to worry about monsters in their sleep. There's heat, protection, and food. Everything you can't get without risking your life out here."
Lilith leaned forward slightly, her eyes sweeping the crowd. "These are all people who made it this far. Just getting here meant fighting through freezing winds, terrain, monsters. They're all strong."
"Doesn't matter." Thorn grunted. He cracked his knuckles. "We're getting in."
Ren didn't respond. He watched his competitors, trying to find any advantage he could use.
After all, dawn was coming fast.