Las Misiones was a fifteen-minute walk from our hotel (it isn't really a hotel by the way), and by the time we got there, it was already dark.
That didn't make the town any less beautiful. The main street, the one we went through when we got here, was brightly lit with lights, signs and decorations, nothing too staggering. In the midst of the bustling street, wherein stood the obelisk, a gorgeous fountain steals the spotlight with dynamic jets of water. Its vibrant hues cast playful shadows on the pavement, creating a captivating scene that transformed the town into a lively, enchanting space.
As if to match the vibe, along the main road were several bars and restaurants, each with their own vibe, cuisine and music, each one filled with people from all ages.
All in all, it gave the feeling of a cozy, yet festive place. I was sure we would find other spots with more relaxing vibes, but I was sure my parents would enjoy the small city.
We found a table on a romanesque restaurant, where we enjoyed a nice, immersive evening.
Mom and dad were freaking out at the beginning, but by the time we were back at our room, they were probably settling in. I wasn't worried about them, not anymore.
We all went to sleep early for some due rest.
...
The next morning we were directed to a breakfast hall at the 22nd floor. There were some people there, all on their golden age. Given its size, the floor could accommodate many more, but perhaps due to our earliness for the meal it was quite empty.
We took a break for the rest of the morning, so we decided to just leave directly for lunch. Despite it being available on the 22nd floor, mom insisted we went to the city again, so me and dad were dragged there after her.
We went for a pay-per-weight restaurant this time, on the northeast corner of the town. After our meal (I had a paella, the house's special), my mother managed to strike some conversation with the waiter.
"...how long have you been living here for?"
"All my life, actually."
"Really? How do you find it here?"
"Oh I love it." The young man responded as he cleaned our table. "My family has lived here for a couple generations now, so I ain't planning on leaving any time soon, for sure."
"One of them was a mage, perhaps?" Mom tried.
"I heard my great-great-grandmother was a powerful mage back in Mansul, but we moved here since there were some policy changes or something... now we simply live here in town. But life's good here, I'll tell you that."
"Why is that? What do you like so much about this place?" In my head, living in a small town had many drawbacks. Especially when you couldn't leave.
"Oh, for many reasons." He stood up, finished with his work here, and continued: "This place gathers the brightest, richest and, trust me when I say this, the most beautiful people in the country. There's lots of events happening all the time, the majority coming from mages looking to build their fortunes or influence. Besides, you won't find a place as safe as Misiones on this side of the world. I've been to Idaikuni, Sonnestadt, and some other countries, but nothing compares to Misiones."
Huh.
"Guys, can I offer you something else?"
"No, I think we're good. Can I ask for the check?" My father said in perfect timing.
"Right on."
"Wait, I thought people living here couldn't leave town?" Mother mumbled.
...
On the afternoon, we walked around the city, getting to know what stores, novelties and attractions it held. We hadn't seen much, when our mother's telephone rang. Their new house was ready to receive them, and we weren't too far from there.
Ten minutes later, we arrived at the address on the southeastern quadrant of the city. Like the majority of Las Misiones, their place was an apartment, not a house. The exterior facade of the modern building, adorned with colorful hues, mirrored the lively spirit of the community.
A truck was parked on the street, and there were men carrying our furniture up the stairs to the first floor. It seems we showed up right on time.
When we stepped into apartment 105 of the 'Hurdleburrow' (that's how the building was called), my mother gasped.
"Oh my god, it's so cozy!"
Large windows with wooden shutters were everywhere, allowing a gentle breeze to flow through the space and providing glimpses of the lively street life below.
The kitchen, although compact, was connected to the living room, radiating a homey atmosphere. Further inside, we saw the balcony, already decorated with greenery and lots of plants.
"So it was true, after all." My father sighed in relief, at last believing what was happening.
"Honey, what do you think of the place?" Mom turned to him.
"I like it." He nodded. He was a man of few words.
"I like it, too! Well, we're gonna have to change the wallpapers in the kitchen, the tiles in the living room, and probably do some gardening to the foliage, but all in all, it's a great place. It even has a room for Leaf!"
"Excuse me, are you Mrs. and Mr. Westernham?" A burly man wearing a jumpsuit asked.
"That's us."
"Great. Your furniture is being placed according to predictive analysis based on your previous apartment's data. You are free to stay here and ask for any changes you deem fit. I was also asked to inform you that your previous apartment will be hereby locked for anyone, even the owner, until you make a last visit to retrieve anything we might have missed. Of course, your rent contract's terms are still valid, so please visit before the contract ends." He read from his PScreen.
"What if we renew the rent?"
"I suppose that's up to you, but I can't see why you would."
"I see. Thank you for helping us."
"No problem."
The rest of the day was spent refurnishing the place, cleaning it up and doing some groceries. By evening, we had made our official moving to Las Misiones.
...
After dinner, I checked my phone (which by the way, was one of the functions of the PScreen), and there were lots of missed calls and messages.
I had already explained my sudden moving to all my friends this morning, promising to visit soon, but I hadn't been able to contact Anna at all, since she was away for the weekend visiting her grandmother. However, it seems she's finally read what I sent her yesterday. I immediately called her.
The rest of my night was spent talking to her. We eventually decided to break up, on the grounds that a long-distance relationship wouldn't work out, and I had no prediction of when I could return. I couldn't even tell her where I was, so it was a miracle she even believed the excuse I gave her.
Although it pained me to see her cry, I still wouldn't risk my path as a mage for her, especially after what I had seen here in the Academy (everything inside the walls was considered Academy Grounds).
I went to sleep with conflicting thoughts.
...
The next morning, I was directed through email to show up at the principal's office in Huygen's Zenith.