The days following Varvatos' grand projection were filled with an electric anticipation that swept across the Cardinal World. From the grand halls of kings to the dusty paths of wandering merchants, all spoke of a single name with reverence and curiosity:
Nyvaris.
As dawn broke across the continents, a mysterious hum of magic began to resonate in the air. In every major capital, near the town squares, outside palaces, and at every major junction in even the most remote villages, magical carriages shimmered into existence.
These were no ordinary carriages. Crafted from unknown metals that glowed faintly with runes, each bore the crest of Nyvaris—a brilliant silver dragon coiled around a crystal tower.
From within each carriage stepped a guard—each clad in elegant black-and-silver armor, helmets etched with golden veins, their eyes glowing faintly with blue light. These soldiers were not human, demon, or monster, but something more—golemic constructs forged from the Divine Essence of Varvatos himself.
"This is for all who wish to journey to Nyvaris. You are welcome, regardless of nation or race," said each soldier in perfect synchronization across the world.
Lines quickly formed. Peasants, merchants, adventurers, nobles, and entire families stood in awe.
Luminous Valentine, clad in an elegant white gown with golden threads, stood atop her cathedral balcony alongside Hinata Sakaguchi, watching the carriages.
"He thought of everything," Luminous murmured. "Even the common folk... no, especially them."
Hinata nodded, arms crossed. "He's sending a message—not just of power, but of unity. This festival… it's a test, and an opportunity."
Down in the streets, clergy and knights were helping organize the crowd. Citizens of Ruberios, used to the rigid structure of the holy city, were giddy with excitement.
"Even we get to go to Nyvaris?! The Holy Capital has never allowed such things!"
"Do you think we'll see Demon Lords there? Or the Labyrinth?"
Milim, bouncing excitedly atop a massive wyvern, grinned as her luxurious, mansion-sized carriage arrived.
"Finally! I was starting to get bored!" she said, grabbing a large sack of snacks. "Midray, you're in charge while I'm gone!"
Midray saluted.
"Try not to destroy anything, my Lady."
"No promises!"
Her carriage's interior was a dream—floors of velvet, walls of enchanted crystal, and food that regenerated itself after every bite. Even Milim blinked twice.
"Oooooh... I might never leave this thing!"
King Gazel Dwargo, the stoic dwarf monarch, approached the carriage with folded arms, flanked by General Vesta and several ministers.
"I've been to Nyvaris. But this... this is new."
The soldiers guarding the carriage bowed deeply.
"Welcome, King of the Forge. Nyvaris awaits."
Once inside, Gazel's eyes widened at the luxurious spread, his thick brows rising.
"Hmph. The bastard went all out this time," he said, sitting back as a mechanical servant poured him ancient dwarven ale.
Vesta chuckled. "You almost sound impressed, Your Majesty."
"Almost? I am impressed."
Beast King Carrion, in his lion form, sniffed the interior of his massive carriage with suspicion.
"It doesn't smell like a trap."
Frey chuckled from the next carriage over. "It smells like roasted pheasant. I think he has chefs inside."
"Chefs?" Carrion opened the next door, and indeed, a well-dressed chef bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, would you like the seven-layered meat roast now, or before your bath?"
"...This Varvatos guy is dangerous."
Leon Cromwell, elegant and composed, sat with Claude and Elphina, discussing matters of state. His golden-haired head rested against the plush seat as he sipped elven wine.
"The construction of this carriage alone defies logic," Claude said, examining a glowing rune.
Elphina looked out at the stars through the enchanted glass ceiling. "It's... beautiful. Peaceful."
Leon nodded. "Nyvaris was a myth for so long. But now, it may change everything."
Across every kingdom—from the frigid reaches of Ballachia to the flower-laced hills of Filtwood, from the golden dunes of Coleus to the high mountains of Ulgracia—magical carriages shimmered into reality.
Forged of radiant silver, infused with mana runes that pulsed gently like a heartbeat, each carriage stood silently in every major city, town, and village square. Some were modest and elegant, others vast and regal.
At their helm stood armored guardians. Towering constructs clad in black and silver, etched with radiant sigils. Each one bore the crest of Nyvaris—a crystal tower coiled by a silver dragon. Their eyes glowed a soft sapphire, and their voices echoed with celestial clarity:
"All who wish to witness the Festival of Unity in Nyvaris are welcome. Step forward."
Crowds gathered. Word spread like wildfire. In Blumund, farmers left their fields and children ran barefoot through the mud to see the spectacle.
"Are we allowed to go too?!" one child asked, tugging at her mother's cloak.
"Everyone is," said the construct. "Even you."
In the bustling metropolis of Ingrasia, guild leaders, nobles, and merchant lords gathered in disbelief.
"This is impossible... No one can teleport objects this massive across the continent... not without draining their life!"
"Then it means this Varvatos fellow isn't just powerful. He's... divine."
Guildmaster Johann Leystar paced with a glass of wine in hand, watching the carriages from a balcony.
"If he can move armies this way... he could change the world overnight."
"And yet, he's inviting us? Merchants? Peasants? Nobles?" one noblewoman gasped.
"We're not guests," Johann said. "We're witnesses."
Still reeling from political upheaval and reform, the people of Falmouth hesitated at first.
"A trap?" one general muttered.
"An invitation," said Queen Yulia, eyes shining with curiosity. "If a god wishes peace, we should not answer with suspicion."
The citizens, some in patched clothes, others with hopeful eyes, stood in long lines. Their carriages hummed warmly, a comforting aura emanating from within.
A farmer spoke softly as he helped his daughter inside:
"Maybe... maybe this is our second chance."
The merchant princes of Coleus marveled at the opulence of the carriages.
"The cushions are woven from mana threads!"
"There are chefs inside! With floating fire elementals cooking lamb over spirit wood!"
"This rivals the Sultan's tent of stars!"
In Siltrosso, gladiators, mystics, and nobles all eyed the carriages like precious artifacts.
"He is inviting us all to a new arena... not for battle, but for glory," said a blind monk.
The elven archduchess of Filtwood, serene and elegant, touched the silver frame of the carriage and felt the life energy woven into it.
"This magic... is older than the world."
In Raja, the mountain priests declared the day sacred.
"When the divine calls, we must answer."
In Ulgracia, dragon knights and highlanders boarded in silence, respectful and curious.
"Even our legends never spoke of such craftsmanship."
Even in Angelus, where angelic beings walked among men and divine law ruled supreme, the carriages stirred awe.
"He has bridged the divine and the mortal. We must go. Not just as rulers, but as pilgrims."
Each carriage passed into a magical corridor, arriving before the Gates of Nyvaris.
The gates opened, revealing the impossible.
Towering spires of crystal, floating gardens, streets paved with liquid starlight, and the gentle hum of mana in the air like a celestial song. Canals of luminous blue weaved through neighborhoods of elegant homes. Floating markets sold fruit that glowed and instruments that played on their own.
"By the gods... it's heaven," whispered a noble from Ballachia.
"No... it's Nyvaris."
Queen Marielle of Ulgracia:
"My palace is an inn compared to this lodging..."
Duke Halvern of Ingrasia:
"I've spent a lifetime seeking the pinnacle of luxury. I now realize I've lived in the mud."
General Kael of Falmouth:
"The air heals old wounds... I can feel it."
A farmer from Blumund:
"I thought I was dreaming. But the bread here tastes better than my dreams."
Elven children from Filtwood ran barefoot through the magical gardens, laughing as butterflies made of light danced around them.
Merchants of Coleus began taking notes:
"We must open trade. Immediately. Do you see those silk robes? They breathe with the wind."
Knights of Raja fell to one knee in reverence.
The angelic emissaries from Angelus stood in stunned silence. One whispered:
"Is this the domain of a god... or a vision of what the world should be?"
And in the heart of it all, watching from his silver citadel...
Varvatos smiled.
Each royal and noble was escorted by a personal envoy to their lodging—each a mansion that matched or surpassed their own palaces.
Guy Crimson, arriving next, stood in silence, Misery and Rain behind him.
"...He's showing off," he said softly.
Rain grinned. "But my Lord, it is impressive."
Guy smirked. "Oh, I'm not mad. I'm just very, very intrigued."
A dwarven-style mansion with high ceilings, ancient relics, and a blacksmith forge powered by magicule steam awaited him.
"This... this is better than my royal forge!" Gazel exclaimed.
"The veins of magicule flow into the furnace naturally, no need for bellows," his blacksmith whispered in awe.
Throughout the city, thousands of visitors—citizens, merchants, adventurers—wandered in stunned awe. Street performers played music infused with magic, illusion artists painted with light, and food stalls offered dishes that sparked with elemental flavors.
"I've tasted heaven!" cried a young man, tears in his eyes after eating a spicy crystalfruit dumpling.
That night, many of the Demon Lords gathered in a private lounge overlooking the city. The air was silent for a moment.
"I didn't think such thing was possible," Leon said calmly. "But this is... beyond."
"It's not a city. It's a statement," Luminous added. "He's showing us his domain. His strength."
"I LOVE IT!" Milim roared, drinking from a floating crystal mug. "I wanna make my kingdom float too!"
Guy smiled quietly, sipping wine. "He didn't just open Nyvaris. He opened a door to a new era."