章節 24: Hope

The city of Fein came into view, Sergey called out to Atlas, his voice a low whisper. "Boy, we're close. I can distract the guards, but you'll need to be quick. Here, take this." Sergey tossed a necklace to Atlas. "It can hide your Neba, letting you slip past the barrier. But hurry, they might still notice."

Atlas nodded, clutching the necklace tightly. He jumped out of the carriage. As the carriage approached the city gates, guards stopped them and greeted Sergey.

Sergey was a familiar face, coming to Fein almost every week to buy food and sell his wood carvings. The guards barely glanced at him but insisted on checking the carriage. Atlas held his breath and slowly approached the entrance of Fein behind the guards, hidden by the enchanted necklace.

The guards, seeing nothing, quickly moved away and bowed to Sergey. But then, one guard hesitated. "I feel something," he muttered. Sergey feigned ignorance. "Sir, is everything alright?"