Crossia, also known as the winterland republic, was one of the powerful nations that governed a part of the continent. They control the entirety of the north using the knowledge of the gods. However, they didn’t start that way.

Just like every nation, they had to claw and fight their way out. Before their expansion, they were only a small town of settlers pushed out by the aggressive expansion of the precursor of the Tribble kingdom. They were forced to live in a land inhospitable to human life for hundreds of years.

That was until they started negotiate with the denizen’s of the Frozen North. Denizens that others might have deemed monstrous and devoid of intelligence. These denizens, the trolls, the hobs, and the snow sprites. They thrived with their cooperation, and they expanded, confederating or outright dominating the rest of the tribes and clans that lived in the north.

That was the start of Crossia. From then on, they adopted policies for their expansion. It evolved into a meritocracy where anyone skilled was welcomed, it didn’t matter their race or gender.

These resulted in a technological boon, with many refugee wargears from their independent movement escaping to Crossia. Many new technologies were unearthed with their help.

Crossia had become the hub of technology and advancement. Among the different nations of the continent, they were the ones most closely resembling the old empires, from their policies to their equipment.

In other words, they were the country most closely resembling our nations on earth... or at least, pre-space earth.

I recounted what I knew about Crossia as we traveled, and by the fourth week of our travel, we finally reached the capital city of Crossia, Aslodia.

Even from afar, Aslodia seemed overwhelming. The black colors of the city belching dark gray smoke from towers contrasted with the pure white of the piling snow that surrounded it. It seemed less of a living space and more of a huge, sprawling factory.

No, the better term for Aslodia was overbearing. The city felt like a fortress against the elements outside. It was a bulwark of intelligence and tenacity against the world around them. At least, that was the feeling I got upon seeing it. Despite looking the same in the game, it felt heavier now that it was real.

As we approached the black bricks of the city, the merchant told us to strip ourselves of our winter gear, which we had equipped by the second week after we finally reached the edges of the Frozen North.

We did as he had told simply because of the temperature. Normally, we would be freezing in the cold, but as we neared, it felt more temperate. The fires of the forges and the industry of Aslodia had enough heat to stave off the colds completely, and we weren’t even inside yet.

I looked around. Just like us, there were many caravans approaching the city. The most interesting part was the difference between the wagons. They all looked distinct from each other. There was even one that resembled a primitive truck that ran on an engine.

“It’s even larger now, and much more menacing.” Madriel spoke as he fixed up his hair in a bun.

That was one thing too. Madriel kept changing his gender every day. Maybe it was due to the boredom, or something else. It was a bit hard to get used to, considering how much of his appearance changes.

“Are all cities like this within the winterland republic?” Slavos asked. He was the only one that didn’t really need to change clothes.

“Maybe the core territories of Crossia, sure. Their newly conquered territories aren’t.” I answered in place of Madriel, who seemed to be too busy fixing up his appearance.

“It is always different seeing it in real life than when I read it from a report or a book.” Slavos grumbled, but there was a glint in his eyes that he couldn’t hide. “I must confess, this is the only place I haven’t been to during my travels.” Slavos mentioned it off-hand and relaxed his back on the wagon, looking at the black smoke.

That... was news to me. I knew Slavos traveled the Allgive continent, but I did not know that he had never even once visited the place.

“Why is that?” Intense curiosity engulfed me.

“My ancestor was a frost dragon, and an incredibly cruel one at that. Since knowing this tidbit, I’ve made sure to avoid any places with snow or the cold in fear of him.” Slavos sighed.

“Cold-blooded... and daddy issues.” Nis commented and immediately returned to her blankets. She was sleeping just a while ago. She really just wanted to quip?

“I- forget it. Maybe that is the case. Still, if not now, when?” Slavos replied and turned his gaze back to the heat of the city.

I chuckled to myself. This may just be a very meaningful trip for Slavos.

~ - ~

We separated with the caravan after getting inside Aslodia. I didn’t really need the payment, so I gave my share to Nis. She needed it more than I do anyway.

Why? Because I refuse to give her any money that she didn’t work for. This was a good learning experience for her. It’s a different matter if I’m treating her, but it’s a carrot and stick situation.

To which, she happily snatched.

Well, at least she’s working on her ‘resolution’.

Still, the place really hasn’t changed, eh?

I looked around the city. Just like in the games, it was heavily borrowing from the steampunk aesthetic with a dash of victorian era architecture, with several brass tubes around the city, all interconnected with one another. All of these tubes belched out warm air all around the city.

Due to this, the citizens of Aslodia didn’t even bother wearing thick clothes, if even at all. Some of them were even wearing clothes that would be a better fit in the tropics than in the cold wastelands. Not to mention the fact that many of the people were wearing expensive clothing that nobles wore.

This was thanks to the industry that supported Aslodia. There were a lot of jobs provided to keep the war machine that was Crossia to keep going without problems, and so many people were employed and happy.

This wasn’t limited to humans either. Trolls, that were considered monsters by most countries, walked the streets wearing the finest clothes. A hob was window shopping with a human butler by his side. Snow sprites hovered lazily above the streets, sometimes being mischievous by peeping into a window, sometimes helping lost strangers find their way.

“You seem to be farlanders, I take it?”

And, just like every big city, there were people like these. Shifty eyes, fine clothes, and a gun to their waist. His blonde hair slicked back and a perfect smile. Yes, the city truly hasn’t changed.

“Go away, we don’t need your help.” I coldly informed him and quickly pushed the others away.

“Oh, you really do! The city is a nefarious place, and a labyrinth at that! You will be lost without my help. There are gangs amok in Aslodia. Without help from a local, you will be targeted.”

“Oh yeah? Spill it, you from the ‘Booters’ or the ‘Pistol Whippers’? Or hell, maybe even from the ‘Miners League’?” I said and pointed at his boots tipped with black iron that melded deeply into the dark leather, and to his pistol engraved with a small insignia that was hard to see. Then, to the man’s small pick behind his waist hidden by his coat save for the small handle.

The man was hiding all these marks quite well, but his attempt couldn’t really escape me. Was it my attributes, or just my general experience in life? At this point, who knows. Was he playing for all the factions? Honestly, this guy is suicidal.

The man’s smiling face stiffened, and gradually turned into a scowl. He clicked his tongue and turned back.

“Should’ve told me you were local... fucking waste of time.” The man spat out and left.

I turned to my companions. “Well, that’s that. Don’t trust anyone in Aslodia, no matter how nice they look.”

“Noted.”

“Ah... I suppose this would happen.”

“Aye!”

And so, what would’ve been the worst first impression was turned into a lesson... at least, for Nis.

“Anyway, we must report to the lodge first.” Madriel spoke. “While I would guide us to the branch, I fear the city has changed too much and my memory will lead us astray.”

“It’s fine. I know how to get there.” I replied and immediately guided them.

~ ??? ~

Shit, damn, this is the worst!

Just when I finally found an idiot to dupe, turns out they were locals. Ugh, don’t look so damn oblivious then. This is annoying.

I clicked my tongue and turned to an alley. It was dark, dry, and incredibly hot. This place is never comfortable, why was there even pipes in the alleys? Ugh.

Whatever, let’s get this over with.

I leaned back on the wall and took out a small, shattered mirror and stared at my face. My brown eyes turning into a bluish-white like the snow sprites. Then, my face started to morph into a different person.

Someone I knew, someone I killed.

Uh, who was this person again? Hrm, ah yeah, the gangster from the Booters. I think he was Amster Goldwickle. He was the punk that terrorized Grammy street. He deserved the kicking from me. Not that, heh, I’m any better.

Seriously, this is such a convenient power. If people knew, they would probably start humping with the snow sprites. How the hell did my father even manage to breed with a snow sprite in the first place? I heard it was impossible.

I craned my neck to look at the sky, though it was obscured by the smog of Aslodia. Can’t even enjoy the damn sky these days.

I sighed and returned the mirror to my coat. I am Amster Goldwickle. I am 25 years old, and a member of the Booters. That’s right. That’s how it should be. Let’s go with this one today.

~ Sed ~

After our visit with the lodge, I looked at Nis who was currently smiling ear to ear. She looked at me, smugness on her face.

“How was it?” Nis asked, her smile deepened.

Why was she so uppity? Well, that was because as we turned to report our change of base, there came a surprising report about the money Nis was owed by the lodge. It was a number in the six digits.

Apparently, during the siege, she claimed several hundred chimera corpses in the battlefield. It took a long time for the lodge to sell all the materials and she was just now paid for it.

Ahh, now I regret giving her my share of the cash. But, a great and amazing adult like me can’t go back on my actions. That would be disgraceful.

“With this, I can enjoy all the fun things in Aslodia.” She laughed as she looked around the city, her eyes tinged with a madness.

I have a feeling she’ll blow her entire fortune within a month. Eh, I won’t stop her. It’ll be a good learning experience.

I shrugged my shoulders and looked at all of them.

“Well then, let’s go to my house.” I announced and took out a small key from my pouch.

The fact that this is in here means that it actually exists... at least, I hope so.

“You live here?” Madriel raised an eyebrow.

“It’s complicated.” Was the only thing I could reply.