"What do you mean?" Sorin shouted sharply.

"I've already given you a chance twice before, hoping you'd realize your mistakes!"

"I never thought you'd dare to escalate it! Do you want to taste what it's like in Dalton Town's magic-nullification prison?!"

"Take him away! Teach him a lesson first, then throw him into the dungeon to await trial!"

Before the Four-Eyed Clan leader could react, he was forcefully pinned to the ground.

In the next moment, a barrage of fists and kicks rained down on him.

Sorin even personally stepped forward and kicked him twice.

Damned bastard!

Trying to harm me again!

He even suspected that this Four-Eyed Clan leader might be a competitor within the guard system, deliberately trying to frame him!

In the end, the Four-Eyed Clan leader, bruised and bloodied, was dragged away by two guards.

Sorin stood coldly, watching the leader disappear around the corner, then straightened his back and firmly declared,

"From now on, integrity and fairness will be my guiding principles, Sorin!"

With that, he adjusted his slightly disheveled uniform, stood tall, and walked back inside.

Unnoticed, a few sharp eyes in the shadows had silently observed everything, recording Sorin's declaration word for word.

Dalton, Outer District

In a stylish hotel that had once been Lupotin's property but was later sold off, the atmosphere was lively with numerous patrons. Most were listening to some experienced individuals discussing their travels and boasting about their encounters.

At a seat near the window, two familiar elderly figures sat facing each other, quietly enjoying their tea.

"Old friend, I hear you've completely stepped away from family affairs?" Lupotin took a sip of tea and looked at Otto.

Time had passed, and the two of them were no longer as bold as they had been during their days in the Vidor dimension.

Dalton's rapid development had left these older men somewhat out of sync with the times. However, they both accepted this with grace. As long as they could still live peacefully in this miraculous city, they were content.

Otto had long ceased to involve himself in the empire or family matters. After the death of his brother, the Emperor of Crossbridge Empire, he handed everything over to the younger generation and began enjoying a quiet life in his later years.

"Let the younger folks take care of the family matters. As for my old bones, I'll just stay in peace and watch," Otto said slowly.

Lupotin shook his head upon hearing this, a complex smile crossing his face.

So many things had changed over the years. Sometimes, he wondered if this overly peaceful life lacked something.

Looking out the window, he gazed at the sky covered by a magical barrier.

His thoughts flowed like waves. So many years had passed since he first entered Dalton, and while he had experienced and witnessed so much, he had also missed many opportunities.

His gaze grew more determined as he thought about it.

"Old friend," he turned to Otto, his voice serious, "I think it's time for me to go out, see the world outside the city..."

Many things had changed, but the desire to not live a life of mediocrity still burned in his heart. Dalton was stepping firmly into a grander world, and he didn't want to stand still.

Alpha Starfield, New Dalton Town

This was Dalton's true first step into the depths of the Starsea.

The massive city that appeared out of nowhere on the edge of the starfield had already caught the attention of nearby beings. It was only a matter of time before someone discovered this city, radiating immense energy.

After all, the city had made no effort to hide its existence.

What stunned and confused the explorers, however, was that no matter what methods they used, they couldn't break through the shimmering, powerful law barrier surrounding the city.

They could only peer through the barrier, catching glimpses of a sacred, otherworldly glow emanating from within.

In an instant, this mysterious and enigmatic city became the biggest unsolved mystery of the Alpha Starfield.

Inside the city

Lilith lay idly in the central garden, staring at the sky. The street around her was eerily silent, with not a single figure in sight.

Yet, she knew all too well that despite the emptiness now, if she even tried to approach the city gates, a whole crowd of people would suddenly appear from seemingly nowhere, eagerly trying to persuade her to stay inside!

This was too much!

"Ugh..." she muttered under her breath.

"I just want to go out and take a walk!"

"Don't they know what 'work and rest balance' means? Staying cooped up inside all day long—don't they fear driving me mad?!"

At this moment, she deeply regretted her decision to come here.

Originally, she had wanted a change of scenery and a new environment, but now?

Ha, what kind of life did she have now? She felt as if she were being kept under lock and key!

Everyone in the city was obsessively focused on advancing—either meditating or training in the Mage Tower—almost like robots!

Although Lilith understood their desire for revenge, she wasn't a direct participant, so she couldn't truly empathize.

The only thing she could do was not disturb them.

If it weren't for Fiona occasionally keeping her company, she would truly feel like she was imprisoned!

However, Fiona would always fall into a long, deep sleep after eating, and right now, she hadn't yet woken up.

Just when Lilith was feeling utterly dejected, something unexpected happened: the massive city gates… moved!

Startled by the sight, Lilith jumped up from the ground.

Her eyes widened as she gazed toward the city gates.

She saw the large door, engraved with countless arcane runes, slowly opening inward!

Someone was opening the gates!

But hadn't her father sealed the city with powerful enchantments?

How could anyone break in?

Could it be… her father had returned?

But no way would her father enter through the main gates!

As she pondered, a clear and melodious female voice came from the slightly opened door.

"Is anyone inside the city?"

Before Lilith could answer, a curious face peeked through the gap in the door.

It was a girl who looked around fifteen or sixteen, with smooth flaxen hair and bright green eyes.

Seeing the girl suddenly entering the city, Lilith was momentarily stunned.

"Who are you?" she asked.

Seeing someone inside, the girl's face lit up with excitement. She eagerly walked forward, her eyes wide, taking in the dreamlike environment of the city.

Her eyes seemed to sparkle, as if stars were flickering in them.

"Wow! This city is... amazing!" she exclaimed, filled with wonder and joy.

The girl was now standing a few steps away from Lilith.

"Do you live here?" she asked, smiling at Lilith.

Lilith nodded but eyed the girl warily, sizing her up.

"How did you get in?" Lilith asked, the question she was most concerned about.

This city had been sealed with her father's powerful barrier. How could anyone get in so easily?

Could this girl… be her father's estranged daughter?

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