Alex and company landed before a large human-dominated city that spanned hundreds of kilometres.
He chose this particular settlement because, unlike the other human settlements in the region, this one had few to no advanced technological innovations around, besides the mode of transport.
This was a result of the city being mainly populated by awakened humans. The style of architecture was a blend of modern with fantasy-medieval, modernity being the most significant.
Standing at the edge of the city, Drakor waited for Alex and Andrew to take in the sight. Alex looked up at the sky and stretched his right palm out.
'Gravity is far heavier than one would expect.' Alex noted calmly. 'And who knew atmospheres could go on for several thousands of kilometres?'
It was an absurd observation. Everything felt so heavy and dense that Alex was sure a human from his universe would be crushed into paste the moment they approached the atmosphere of this universe.
'Haha, I doubt they would even survive in a mid-level universe. Even first first-level Venerable awakened can hardly remain airborne for long!' That was how ridiculously powerful the universe was.
His observations were shared by Andrew as well. This was also his first time coming to Universe Prime, and he had to admit, everything was so much different. Yet, this was the norm for beings living here.
A couple of kilometres behind them was one of the many entrances into a magical forest filled with magical creatures and vast amounts of resources, at least for normal people.
The forest was home to beasts who could grow and evolve into mythical creatures with the potential to reach the same heights as the other races. Moreover, these creatures had an easier time climbing the ranks of power.
"This is Freulac City; home to billions of people, organisations, and sects." Drakmor stepped forward and explained. "It's a small part of the nation of Reanix with a territory stretching for quintillions of kilometres."
"You don't say…" Alex muttered with a sigh. "Are all the countries, nations or kingdoms this large?"
While he knew the answers to that, Draakmor didn't. Moreover, his host couldn't just stand aside with nothing to say about their exploration.
"You'd be surprised." Drakmor smiled briefly. "This is one of the smaller ones. The more powerful rulers have territories twice or thrice as large as this one."
While powerful was an understatement, the truly powerful beings above the Immortal stage focused on their cultivation instead of ruling. In most cases, they had vassals to rule in their stead.
"Come on, the city awaits."
The dragon began walking, prompting Alex and Andrew to follow. With their presence minimised to appear as normal humans, they could blend in seamlessly.
"Halt!"
Reaching the city borders, guards dressed in sleekly designed armour of black and deep blue stopped Drakmor and his party. Because they all reduced their heights to normal and appeared human, these guards treated them as such.
"Your pass."
One of the guards said with a straight face, showing his dedication to his work. These guards and the ones around were all at the first stage of the Venerable level.
'These guys would be considered powerhouses anywhere in the lower and mid-level universes. But here… They're simply guards.' Alex thought, looking at Drakmor to see how he would respond. 'We could easily avoid all this, but it seems he's sticking to my MO'
Alex desired to explore and experience life in this settlement like a normal person. As such, the dragon figured he'd do exactly that. There was no reason to make a fuss or cause trouble.
"Here,"
The dragon retrieved three passes out of nowhere. It didn't come as a shock to the guards because storage artefacts were a thing. Moreover, while their senses told them the three people standing before them were normal, they didn't buy it.
They've seen their fair share of real powerhouses hiding their strength in order to blend in. It wasn't against the rules as long as no laws were broken.
"All clear!"
The guard roared and returned the pass to Drakmor, wishing them a safe stay.
Alex and Andrew followed behind Drakmor, one with a shining and curious light in his eyes while the other had an amusing grin on his lips. And under the gaze of the guards, Alex winked with a chuckle.
"..."
Of course, the guards remained silent. They knew their guess was right and didn't dare do anything to offend them. From the very start, none of them had attempted to use their senses to probe them.
'I like their discipline.' Alex noted, nodding his head in satisfaction. 'They know where they stand and treat everyone equally.'
"Wow…"
Andrew muttered in awe, snapping Alex out of his thoughts. While he had seen a small part of the city through his senses, standing right in the heart of it felt different.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Drakmor stated coolly. "Despite being called a city, there are many districts that belong to private forces like the sects and organisations I mentioned. Right now, we're in the part of the city that is open to everyone."
People, mostly humans with a few other races here and there, moved about the streets minding their business. Above were moving vehicles and trains that served as a quick method of transport around the city.
Some of the designs were a first for Alex, but he could see the principles behind them. Drakmor noticed Alex and Andrew looking up at the transport vessels and explained.
"Flying through the city without permission is not allowed. Everyone is required to commute through those vessels. For long-distance travel, they make use of wormhole technology."
"I see…" Alex muttered in understanding. "Are these things the creation of the gods or the innovation of the people?"
"They're the creation of the people themselves." The dragon replied. "Gods don't really interfere with the affairs of mortals."
"Then how do you explain the temples around?" Alex asked a follow-up. Naturally, he knew the answers.
"Ah, those…" Drakmor wasn't surprised. "While the gods achieved their own strength, they aren't like us veilwalkers. The power of belief from the masses plays a major role in their divinities as others with the same concept could dethrone them…"