Sol accepted Algar's invitation and went outside. For the first time, Sol saw the city from the inside. The roads were made of stone and houses were either made of brick or wood. The smell of dew and fried eggs invaded the air. Children ran around and played each other.
Algar lead the boy to the market district. The streets were cluttered with rags and stalls. Different spices and cuisines permeated the air. Various trinkets and bobbles were scattered in various rags. Vendors shouted in different languages and coaxed children and residents into buying, and before Sol noticed, they were already at a plaza.
At the center of the plaza, stood a giant sculpture of a man holding a familiar golden scale on one hand and a battle axe on the other.
"This is the Plaza of the Keeper," Algar said out of nowhere. He sat at a bench and stared at Sol with suspicion. "I know you're hiding something kid. It's alright if you don't tell me, but if it's something I can help you with. Remember to ask for help."
Solomon sat down on the bench and said, "I'm sorry, but I don't think anyone can help. I don't even know what I got myself into."
"Look on the brighter side kid, you're alive and you have some money," Algar said, placing his hand on Sol's shoulder. "Why don't we find something to spend that money on."
"Sure."
The duo toured the whole city. Algar acquainted Sol with the city and his surroundings. According to him, Sol was on Kor'riel, a world where magic exists and currently, they were in the city of Emre.
Emre was one of the countless port cities on the Atherum. Unlike most countries in this world, Atherum was run by mages and not by nobles. Seeing the abundance of confusion on Sol's face, Algar explained how their government came to be.
"This country was once ruled by a "king", more of tyrant really. He was a power-hungry and a warmonger." Algar said his voice was shaking with anger. "I was only a child back then. The king was kind and just, but everything changed one day. No one knew what happened, but the king started wars with the surrounding countries. He-." Algar cleared his throat. Teary-eyed he spoke once more, "Thankfully, the council intervened before everything was too late."
Seeing how the topic unearthed a trauma on Algar, the boy apologized, "Sorry. I didn't mean too ."
"It's nothing." The man puffed up his chest and smiled. "Let's get you to The Thunder Spires before its too late."
Hearing those words once more, Solomon beamed up and replied, "Sure!"
—
The duo traversed a less crowded path and arrived at the spires within a couple of minutes. Algar knocked on the door and shouted, "Theodore! It's me ALGAR! Open up!"
With a creak, the door became ajar. "What do you want? I told you already I won't make that potion for free." An annoyed voice resounded on the other side of the door.
Algar pushed the door with more force than it needed to and with a bang the door flew off the hinges. "Oh. I know, but this time, this time. I think you'll make it for me."
A figure of a young man descended from the stairs and said, "Why do you think I'll do it now? After all, you still owe me some money, don't you?"
"I found you an apprentice."
The young man's blue eyes widened and hastened his steps. With a few breaths, the young man appeared in front of Solomon.
Upon closer inspection, the man's hair seemed to crackle with faint arcs of lightning. Although his height was not that different from Sol, he had an air of authority with him.
"Interesting," Theodore said as he eyed Solomon like a science experiment. "You've got yourself a deal, my friend." A vial of violet solution appeared on the man's hand. He tossed it to Algar and focused his attention on Solomon once more.
With a triumphant hurrah, Algar caught the vial and cast a look of pity to Sol. Without waiting for any replies, the large man ran with unnatural speed. As Algar turned into a blur, Sol was left there on the porch, dumbstruck and unmoving.
"Come. Come in." The young man stopped studying Sol and gestured for him to enter the tower. With a clap, the tower illuminated. The clutter of books and paper rearranged themselves. "I apologize for the mess. It has been a while since someone visited."
"Algar told me that I can learn magic here," Solomon asked his voice full of uncertainty and confusion. "Is this a mage academy?"
Theodore laughed out loud and said, "By the gods! A mage Academy! Do you not see this pitiful country is in! We don't have enough mages for that fantasy." After the laughing-wheezing of the mage, he introduced himself, "Apologies for the late introductions. I am Theodore Uldor, head mage of the Thunder Spires."
"…"
Seeing how unimpressed Solomon was, Theo made a few hand gestures and said something under his breath. After the last "words" left his lips, lightning appeared out of thin air and enveloped the mage. The mage pointed towards the ceiling.
BOOM!
The lightning arced and impacted some sort of barrier. The small explosion reverberated throughout the room. Sol clapped awkwardly, unsure whether or not to be amazed or to be scared.
"So you want to learn magic?"