The land dragons carried them through the city carefully, moving in a strict and careful formation, and riding at a very comfortable speed for everyone.
When they arrived at the center of the city, they didn’t need to be told which house was that of the leader. They could see it. A beautiful mansion made of white marble, crafted with a blend of fantasy and modern architecture.
The metal gates opened into a marvelous brick-paved road to the house, with flowers of all assortments at the sides, framing it. Green trees stood inside the grass-covered spaces in the wide compound, making the air beautiful.
A few black knights stood everywhere here and there, giving the place a sense of security. They saluted Selene when she passed, and she returned that with a calm nod.
The mansion itself was a work of art, with white stone walls and dark slate roofs. Built in pure classical style, showing elegance and authority at the same time. Tall columns framed the entrance that led to the front door.
The mansion easily gave off power and authority. It was easy to tell that whoever was inside here had high standing.
The land dragons stopped at the front, and they all got off. Immediately, the land dragons left, heading back to their stable as per their training.
Selene looked at the door and then turned to look at the group. "When you walk inside there, you’ll be faced with immense pressure. You are no longer awakened, you are people that have survived the trials and will survive more. You are assets to humanity, a tool for the survival of the race.
"Because of all of that, the pressure will be immense. I remember mine, and I’ll warn you, do not make any decision under high pressure. Learn to breathe before taking a decision." She said, her eyes then drifting to Sofia and Elena.
"I know both of you hail from powerful families. I believe your fathers even have organizations under them inside the domain, but you must be cautious at the start and try not to use their influence for your survival. Such things could cause you a quick death."
After giving them a proper warning, she turned to face the door. She walked in and they followed her. She pushed the door and went in.
The inside of the mansion was far more stunning than the outside could hope to be. Polished marble floors led the way, with certain parts designed with golden epoxy, creating a very unique swirly pattern. It led its way to a grand stair.
Standing on the stair was Gordon, clad in full armor, a calm look on his face and his hands behind his back.
When Aren looked at this man, he couldn’t help but feel immense pressure from him. It was like he was staring at a mountain.
’I wonder what level he is at,’ Aren thought.
"Lord Gordon, these five are the first to leave the trials," Selene said.
Gordon stood there, his gaze slowly scanning their faces as if carrying out a full inspection, then he let out a soft smile.
"Welcome, kids. No, I shouldn’t call you kids. Considering what you have been through, I’m sure all of you have reached new levels of maturity," he said as he started coming down the stairs.
"You five are the first awakened from under Elton. Congratulations," he said.
"I am Gordon Blackwind, the Regulator of Raven City," he said, speaking with authority and calm.
"Regulator?" Kira asked.
"Yes, many refer to me as a ruler, but I am not. I am the awakened in charge of ensuring the balance of Raven City as a human city," Gordon said. "Come with me." He said and turned around, heading for the stairs. They all followed while Selene walked behind them.
"This is God’s Domain, the place that hosts the God’s Trial. A land of infinite possibilities and massive dangers," he said while climbing the stairs.
"I am sure you all witnessed hell inside the trials, but the domain has hell that is larger than hell. Nearly everything is out to kill you beyond the trial," he said and then paused for long.
"Haha, but I shouldn’t be telling you things like this. You just got out of the first trial. And the domain is not all bad, like the city for instance."
As they spoke, they arrived at a door. He pushed it open to reveal a cozy lounge with long couches and cool air scented with flowers and citrus.
"Come in," he said before walking in. He took off his chest and shoulder armor, placing it in his inventory, revealing his body covered with a tank top, and it was godly, built like he was carved of stone.
’It’s a shocker none of us knew him before entering,’ Raze thought, and as if reading his mind, Gordon spoke. "Most of you might not know me because I’m one of the few that hardly ever leaves the domain. I’ve been here for the last five years without leaving, and before that, it was ten years," he said while walking to the couch and sitting down.
"You all should sit down," he said, and they all did.
"I’m sure you are all craving a little taste of home by now," he said, and then looked at Selene.
"Selene, do me a favor and ask the chefs to have some food prepared. Fries, chicken, and whatever comes to mind."
She nodded and walked out. Gordon leaned back into the chair. "What we will discuss is pretty much a lot, so you’ll have to at least have your stomachs filled before I start," he said.
Hearing that, they all became a little anxious about what he had to say. They hoped it didn’t have to do with when the second trial was coming, because if he somehow knew the days and told them now, it would crumble their spirits right now. They wanted to be far from it for a while.