Chapter 28: Three zones
"Maiden, come."
Bama spoke excitedly as Selak carried them down from the creature, using its massive trunks almost like swings to lower them toward the ground.
"Thank you," Selak said with a smile.
The old man nodded before the huge creature turned around and left.
They weren’t the only ones.
Several other Bambis were also dropping off their passengers, who hurried toward the long queue at the entrance.
It was only now that Ronan got a proper look at the three different groups of people entering the city.
The first group consisted of commoners, refugees, and people seeking a new life in the Destal Kingdom.
They made up the majority.
A long queue stretched before them, and most of the guards at the gate were assigned to processing them. From what Ronan could see, it took several minutes for each person to be questioned and cleared before they were allowed to enter.
The second group consisted of merchants and wealthy families.
They were briefly questioned before being allowed through.
The last group was made up of nobles.
They arrived with convoys and guards, their elegant and luxurious clothing making their status obvious.
The guards merely bowed to them before allowing them to pass.
Seeing this, Ronan couldn’t help but feel stunned.
So this was what human society looked like in this world.
From the corner of his eye, Bama noticed Ronan’s reaction and immediately stepped forward with a smile.
"I’m sure the Maiden is confused about why things are arranged this way."
Selak simply clasped his hands behind his back and waited.
Giving Bama a minute or two to explain everything to Ronan wasn’t a bad idea.
By now, Selak already had a vague idea that the Maiden wasn’t from the surrounding region.
Perhaps she wasn’t even from this continent.
She seemed surprised by almost everything in their kingdom, but at the same time, there was an obvious curiosity in her eyes.
"To make things simple and straightforward, anyone entering the Destal Kingdom through the borders is divided into three zones," Bama began.
"These zones also correspond to the cities they are permitted to enter."
"The first is Zone One. It is primarily for commoners, refugees, and those seeking a new life."
"Some may want to become adventurers. Others may wish to become alchemists or healers."
"Some simply want a place to live."
Bama explained as Ronan glanced at the humans around them.
Some carried their belongings.
Others held the hands of their children or stayed close to their families.
Some had eyes shining with excitement.
Others looked nervous about what awaited them.
For many of them, entering the Destal Kingdom could very well determine where they would be in the next five or ten years—or even for the rest of their lives.
And that wasn’t an exaggeration.
"At Zone One, they will still be questioned before being allowed to proceed," Bama continued.
"Their backgrounds will be checked, and they will be asked some basic questions along with other important things."
"This is necessary because this isn’t the first time we’ve caught spies, enemy soldiers attempting to sneak into the kingdom, or assassins trying to infiltrate our cities."
Bama paused.
His gaze briefly shifted toward Yen as he emphasized the final word.
Ronan noticed it.
He simply nodded.
Wasn’t this basically the same as an immigration checkpoint back on Earth?
"Once they’re cleared, they’ll be assigned to cities categorized under Zone One," Bama continued.
"These cities are the closest to our borders. They’re also the least developed cities in the kingdom, with fewer resources and poorer living conditions."
"They are where most of the lower-class population lives."
"In the event of war, the people living in these regions can also be recruited as emergency soldiers."
Bama chuckled lightly.
Ronan nodded again.
Bama’s smile widened.
It seemed the Maiden understood what he was trying to say without him having to explain everything.
After all, they were still outside, surrounded by countless people.
Perhaps others weren’t paying attention to their conversation, but that didn’t mean the walls had no ears.
They had to be careful.
Meanwhile, Selak smiled faintly.
Only someone from a high-ranking noble family would immediately understand the deeper meaning behind Bama’s words.
Those people were essentially another layer of manpower for the kingdom.
They could be used to reinforce the army, slow down an invading force, or even serve as cannon fodder when necessary.
But could they really complain?
The kingdom had given them shelter.
A secure place to live.
A chance to pursue their dreams.
A chance to build a better life.
And in return, when war came, the kingdom expected them to defend the very place that had given them that opportunity.
Wasn’t that a fair trade?
At least, that was how Selak saw it.
Meanwhile, Ronan just wanted Bama to hurry up and finish explaining.
His body was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
He could feel several terrifying auras in the sanju city—auras powerful enough to turn him into meat paste in an instant.
For the first time, Ronan sensed beings who were stronger than Selak.
And Selak was already at the Peak Sovereign Realm.
That meant...
King Realm experts?
Ronan’s expression became slightly stiff.
Terrifying.
"Zone Two is much easier," Bama continued.
"This zone is primarily for merchants, traders, and wealthy families who are either moving here permanently or coming for business."
"Likewise, they’re directed toward cities classified under Zone Two."
"These are developed cities with proper infrastructure, better accommodations, and much more prosperous environments."
"Many residents from Zone One eventually try to move into Zone Two because the jobs there pay better and the living conditions are better "
"Zone Two is also where much of the kingdom’s trade takes place. It’s one of the major commercial hubs of the Destal Kingdom, and it’s heavily protected."
"Even during wartime, these cities are among the safest places to remain."
Bama’s explanation caused Ronan’s eyes to widen slightly.
The more he listened, the more familiar this world became.
It wasn’t actually that different from modern human society.
Zone One was basically the equivalent of villages and developing towns.
Limited opportunities.
Fewer resources.
Less security.
A place where dreams could easily die before they ever had the chance to grow.
Zone Two, on the other hand...
Those were the metropolitan cities.
The places where people went to pursue bigger dreams.
Better jobs.
Better living conditions.
More opportunities.
There were also proper armed forces, emergency services, healers, alchemists, and other professionals.
Of course, things were more expensive there.
But in exchange, people received a much better quality of life.
It was a trade-off.
Pay more, but live better.
Pursue greater opportunities and perhaps achieve the dreams that had once seemed impossible.
Then...
Ronan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Zone Three.
That should be the elite area, right?
The places where billionaires and the most powerful people in society lived?
Ronan pondered this as Bama continued speaking.
"And lastly... Zone Three."
Bama smiled as he walked forward, with Ronan and the others following behind him.
"Zone Three consists of the cities where the nobility resides. From minor nobles such as Barons and Viscounts to powerful Counts and Marquesses, every noble family has territories and residences within these cities.
"However, above them all stands the Duke—the highest-ranking noble in the kingdom, second only to the Royal Family.
"A Duke possesses not only enormous authority, but also tremendous wealth, vast territories, and immense military power. Some Dukes are powerful enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Royal Family in terms of influence."
"And above all the Zone Three cities stands the capital-the heart of the kingdom, where the Royal Family, the Duke, and the kingdom’s ministers reside.
Bama finished speaking just as they reached the gate.
Selak reached into his pocket and pulled out a small golden token.
The instant the guards saw it, their expressions changed.
"Welcome! Please follow us, sir!"
The sudden change in the guards’ attitude caught the attention of those nearby, and murmurs quickly spread through the crowd.
"Who is that?"
"Who knows? But he’s definitely someone important."
Just as Bama had explained, Ronan could now see the three zones clearly.
In Zone One, countless people were being questioned as they entered, undergoing background checks before being issued temporary residence permits.
Meanwhile, Bama and the others were directed toward a far more exquisite area.
The guards here were stronger, their patrols more organized, and the environment was noticeably cleaner and more luxurious.
Bama noticed Ronan staring at the token Selak had put away and immediately began explaining with a proud smile.
"Maiden, that is the Duke’s Seal."
"It’s a special token bearing the crest of the Duke’s Mansion—a golden beast surrounded by intricate designs and runes."
"Anyone who possesses it is recognized as a member of the Duke’s faction and, depending on the level of the seal, may even be granted authority directly connected to the Duke’s Mansion."
Bama’s voice carried a hint of pride as he explained it.
Ronan glanced at the pocket where Selak had stored the Duke’s Seal.
Damn...
That thing was basically a crazy VIP pass.
If Ronan had one, could he move around the capital freely?
Would that mean...
His crimson eyes suddenly lit up.
"I can finally capture five sacrifices and perform the ritual?"