GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 17.1 - Class::Quarter

The stagecoach rolled closer as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the road. That's when Vel spotted it—a structure that made his breath catch.

Rising from the city's heart like a colossal spear, a tower pierced the sky above all other buildings. At its peak, a massive crystalline device floated in perfect suspension, its faceted surface catching the dying light.

Vel's fingers tightened on the window frame. The teleportation nexus. In Aeonalus Primordial, that tower had served as the primary fast-travel hub, allowing players to instantly traverse between major cities across the continent.

But something was wrong. The crystal structure appeared dormant—no energy coursed through its channels, no ethereal glow emanated from its core. The nexus that should have pulsed with magical vitality stood silent and still.

Is teleportation no longer available? The thought struck him with uncomfortable implications. If such fundamental systems had changed or failed entirely...

"Impressive sight, isn't it?" Mora commented, following his gaze. "Though nobody remembers what that tower was originally meant for."

Vel said nothing, but his mind raced with questions he couldn't voice.

The carriage slowed to a crawl as they joined the queue of vehicles waiting to enter the city. Vel watched with interest as the guards processed each arrival with methodical efficiency—checking papers, inspecting cargo, questioning occupants.

When their turn finally came, the carriage rolled to a stop before a stone archway flanked by armored guards. A man with a weathered face and captain's insignia approached their window.

"State your business," he demanded, his tone neither friendly nor hostile—simply routine.

Mora leaned forward, retrieving a sealed document from her inner pocket. "Guild business. I'm escorting these Academy applicants, plus one attendant."

The guard took the paper, breaking the seal and scanning its contents. His eyebrows rose slightly as he read.

"Gold Rank business, I see," he remarked, looking up to study Mora more carefully.

"That's correct," Mora confirmed.

Vel glanced at her with surprise. She hadn't mentioned any separate assignment during their journey.

The guard continued examining their papers. "Security's tighter than usual—not just for Academy season. We've had increased hostility from wildlife around the outskirts, plus reports of a suspicious group operating within the city."

"Any connection to void activity?" Mora asked professionally.

The guard shook his head. "Nothing confirmed. But keep your eyes open." He handed back their documents. "You may proceed."

As they prepared to move forward, Vel noticed posters on the guardhouse wall. Some featured sketched faces of wanted criminals, while others warned of dangerous creatures near the city. One poster stood out: a crudely drawn symbol resembling a stylized eye crossed by a jagged line.

"What's that?" Vel asked, pointing toward the symbol.

The guard followed his gaze. "Criminal group causing trouble lately. Been showing up at crime scenes." He gave Vel an appraising look. "Keep to the proper districts, and you won't need to worry about such things."

With a wave of his hand, the guard signaled for them to proceed through the gate.

As they drew through the outermost layer of the capital, the streets surprisingly narrowed—not because of limited space, but the sheer volume of people. Crowds flowed along both sides of the road, leaving just enough room for carriages to pass safely. Vel stared at the buildings crowding in from either side, their upper stories extending outward with fabric awnings that nearly transformed the street into an indoor passage.