After walking for an hour Fae finally arrived at his destination, along with the setting sun. A giant sign next to the gate read 'Town of Levings' In bold and strong letters with a soft 'city of dreams' written under it.
In the books Fae had read this town was known for attracting dreamers, it had anything someone would need to be great, from a prestigious school, to an S+ Ranked guild. If someone in the Kingdom of Strenx wanted to be something, they went to Levings.
As Fae walked up to the gate he was stopped by a guard. "Is this your first visit?" The guard asked as he stood in front of Fae, his body radiating an aura of power. "Yes." Fae said as he stared up at the guard. "State your name, age, and purpose for entering."
As Fae heard this he knew exactly what he needed to do, it was time for him to make a change, to become stronger, to become more educated, and for that; he needed to intend a real school. "My name is Effy Limpervil, I'm 16, and I'm here to attend 'Levings Academy'." Fae said with a look of conviction. He decided not to use his real name in case Ms. Phantom for some reason decided to try and finish the job. He used "Effy" because it was a common name and sounded a lot like his real name with an E at the start so it wasn't to unusual, and the last name "Limpervil" came from a famous line of scientists that emerged when Bloodlines first awakened. They revolutionized Mythic Energy and found tons of ways to use it, such as capsules and formations.
The guard handed Fae a card and a blade. The blade was so that Fae could bond his blood to the card, it was similar to a fingerprint but a lot more secure, since some people could shapeshift. "Safe travels." The guard said as he opened the gate allowing for Fae to pass.
Fae took in a deep breath after passing through, even the air here felt better. "City of dreams huh." Fae whispered as he stared off into the distance, seeing the giant and renown school 'Levings Academy'.
***
Somewhere inside the academy an important meeting was taking place. "Are we sure we're going to let him be a teacher this year?" A man with dark red hair and fiery eyes asked as he stared at the 5 other men at the table. "He's too unhinged, we can't risk it!" Another man shrouded in a cloak screamed out. "Silence!" The man at the head of the table yelled as he stood up and slammed his hand on the table. The man had short blonde hair that was slicked back, revealing a golden mark in the shape of an S engraved into his forehead. "This is my school, do not forget I am merely taking some suggestions. He is one of the greatest Mythics this realm has birthed recently, so if he says he wants to help the youth, I'm going to let him." He said as he slammed his hand into the table again turning it into dust.
***
Fae was walking along the streets, making his way to the school, when a voice sounded behind him. "New in town?" The voice called, leading Fae to snap his head around looking for the source. His eyes soon rested as he saw a man dressed in all red leaning on a wall staring back at him. "You're new to town, correct?" The man once again asked as he got off the wall and began to walk towards Fae. "Yea, what about it?" Fae asked as he tightened his fists, getting ready to fight.
"Relax, I'm not looking for a fight, I call myself somewhat of a.... guide for new people." The man said as he held his hand out. Fae took his hand with a bit of caution, preparing for a fight at any moment. "You seem to be walking towards the school, are you looking to enter as a student?" He said with a grin. "Yes, I am Mr...?" Fae said leaving a space after hoping the man would fill in with his name. "Oh my, excuse my manners, how could I forget introductions. "My name's Red." The man said with a bow. "I'm Effy-" Fae's words were cut short as Red began to speak. "No need to Lie to me Fae, I'm just a guide."
As soon as Fae heard this he clenched his fist and turned around, getting ready to run, suddenly Red appeared in front of him and spoke "Can you please just relax!" He said as a red aura shot from his body hitting Fae and freezing him. "I hold no ill intent, I simply want to help you. Understand?" Red asked with a blank expression on his face as he released Fae and allowed him to move. "How did you know my name?" Fae asked as he realized trying to run would be futile. " I know everything that goes on in Levings." Red said with a slight laugh. "Now, do you have the money you need to get into the academy tryouts? It's one gold per person." Red said staring into Fae's eyes. Fae almost exploded at this "ONE GOLD!" Fae screamed out, that was an insane amount of money to simply try out, one gold was enough for a man to live off of for a year, assuming he only bought the bare necessities.
"Levings academy is the most renown school in the kingdom, people from the capital, and even royals, send their kids to this school. Did you think it'd be free?" Red asked with an amused expression on his face. "I didn't think one would have to pay so much just to try out. Isn't this supposed to be a place where people are molded into something great? Why does the cost assume that we're already established?" Fae said with a sad expression, there was no way he'd make enough money in time. 'Guess that's the end of that goal.' Fae thought to himself as he prepared to tell Red he would no longer try to attend the academy.
"I like your answer kid, we need more people like you running things. If it were up to me the entrance exam would be free." Red said as he reached into his pockets. Fae looked up at him and his entire expression changed. No longer did he wear a mischievous and sly expression, he now looked serious, sure of himself.
"Take this." Red said as he pulled a gold coin out of his pocket and handed it to Fae. "I'm giving you somewhat of a scholarship, I think you'll cause the school to be a lot more.... interesting." Red said as he quickly shifted back to his goofy and sly persona. "I can't take this sir, this is simply too much." Fae said as he decided not to take the mans money. "This is simply a loan, I fully expect you to pay it back once you gain the ability too." Red said as he pushed the coin onto Fae's hand
"The entrance exam is tomorrow at noon, if you're not their, I'll hunt you down and end you." Red said his smile widening even further at that last bit. Suddenly he vanished from Fae's vision and Fae was once again alone in the alley.
***
Red suddenly appeared on a mountain looking over the town of Levings. "This year will be interesting." He said with a smile. "Maybe teaching wasn't such a bad idea."
***
As Fae began to walk towards the academy again he thought over everything that had just happened. He didn't know much about Red, and honestly he creeped him out, but he also felt grateful to Red for helping him with the entrance fee. Fae was broken out of his thoughts when the familiar sound of a notification popped into his head.
{System upgrade complete.} {System level 2.}