The golden sun cast a warm glow upon Veilwood City as Alex stepped onto the cobblestone streets after his conversation with Eleanor. The marketplace was a lively dance of colours and sounds, a cacophony of life interwoven with threads of enchantment. The words of the maid echoed in his mind, her revelations sparking a curiosity that ignited his every step.
Suddenly drawn by a growing crowd, he meandered through the market alleys until he reached a series of stalls that seemed to shimmer with excitement. It was as if the air itself crackled with anticipation. Alex eased his way into the gathering, his eyes widening at the sight before him.
Upon the stalls lay a collection of supernatural creatures—strange and wondrous beings that he had never encountered before. His gaze flitted from one to another, taking in the intricate patterns of their otherworldly forms. There was a mix of fascination and unease as he watched skilled merchants expertly skin the creatures, preserving every valuable part for trade. The air was thick with the smell of magic and blood, an intoxicating blend that hinted at the raw power that permeated these beings.
He marvelled at the process—the careful extraction of claws, the precise removal of teeth, and the delicate preservation of bones. It was a dance of skill and knowledge, a reminder that even in a world of magic, there were practical trades that held their unique allure. The crowd bustled with eager conversations and lively exchanges, each transaction a testament to the fusion of the supernatural and the mundane.
As the scene unfolded, Alex felt a tug within him—a pull between the allure of this spectacle and the pressing concerns that needed his attention. With a reluctant step, he tore his gaze away from the marketplace and continued his journey through the city's bustling streets.
After absorbing the information from the maid's conversation and the newspaper he had read, Alex's understanding of this unfamiliar world grew more nuanced. Thoughts swirled within him as he navigated the lively streets, his mind drawn to the concept of forest tribes—an idea he had stumbled upon while perusing the pages of the local newspaper, "THE LOCAL." In the newspaper, he discovered an intriguing article detailing the migration of tribes to the cities, an arrangement struck after negotiations with the ruling nation. This newfound awareness had been further illuminated by his dialogue with the maid, who had briefly illuminated the world of tribes and even mentioned a few by name.
As he walked, the names of these tribes—once mere words—seemed to gain weight and significance. The notion that they might hold the key to his identity dilemma pulsed in the background of his thoughts. These tribes, who were making the transition from their traditional habitats to urban life, seemed to offer a potential solution.
However, there was a crucial point of caution that he held onto: he must not already be registered or pre-registered. The consequences of attempting to acquire a second identification document, when one was already registered, could be severe. Yet, Alex was confident in his situation, knowing that he had never before been a part of this world's registry due to his origins.
The only lingering concern that weighed on his mind was the issue of paperwork. Alex could listen and understand the language spoken in this world—thanks to the key's assistance—but reading the intricate script remained beyond his grasp. As he had learned from the butler, the key's magic enabled him to comprehend spoken words but didn't extend to the written word.
His musings brought to light a curious aspect of the identity system in Elsion. While the registration service was free, there had been challenges stemming from the unique tribal cultures. Certain tribes remained rooted in their natural habitats, resisting the allure of the city. Others went even further, choosing complete isolation from the outside world, shunning interactions and interventions.
To incentivize tribal members to register, the decision-makers introduced rewards for those who embraced the process. These incentives ranged from free access to the city library and eligibility for job applications to other fundamental privileges. Additionally, they enacted a rule that mandated a valid ID for starting businesses or joining organizations. Much like on Earth, nearly everyone in this world possesses an identification document, an essential aspect of life in this world.
Eventually, he arrived at his destination, The Citizen Office Building—an imposing structure that seemed to stand as both a bastion of order and a gateway to possibilities. Alex took a moment to catch his breath, the exhaustion of his long walking journey momentarily forgotten as he admired the grandeur of the building before him.
With renewed determination, he crossed the threshold, passing through the gates and security checks. The interior of the building was a blend of opulence and efficiency, a testament to Veilwood's commitment to its citizens. As he walked further, he observed the various counters, each manned by officers processing registrations and identities.
He recalled the registration process described in the books—a sequence of steps that would grant him an existence in Elsion Domain. As he approached the counter, his heart quickened, and his mind raced with anticipation.
The registration process, it turned out, was relatively straightforward. Blood, fingerprints, and a photograph were the requirements for obtaining a legal identity because blood and fingerprints confirm that you are innocent and not a criminal or a murderer or not someone who is doing fraud and seeking shelter by applying for a different identity.
Alex, however, needed a backstory to fit his purpose. He decided to pose as a tribesman from a nomadic tribe, seeking knowledge and opportunity in the city.
Before him stood an officer—a woman with red hair. Her gaze was keen as she regarded him, her posture poised and professional. "Name?" Her voice was crisp and to the point.
Alex paused for a moment, his mind already prepared for this moment. He needed a name that would fit seamlessly into Elsion's fabric. "Alexander Remington," he replied, his tone steady.
He already quite liked his name 'Alex' but didn't want to use his real name so he just went with Alexander and as for Remington, who doesn't like it. It sounds kind of cool and there's nobody to stop him.
"Age?"
"Twenty-two."
The next question was one he had anticipated, but its simplicity belied its significance. "Energy Level?"
His heart skipped a beat. "None," he replied, offering a small, apologetic smile. He knew this answer would raise eyebrows, but he had a plan.
The officer's brow furrowed, her confusion evident. "None? Are you certain?"
In response to the stranger's question, Alex nodded, the faintest hint of discomfort playing across his features. "Yes. I'm what they call 'un-awakened'," he admitted the term a result of his recent reading in the LOCAL newspaper and conversations with the maid. The concept of being "un-awakened" had piqued his interest—an unassuming term that held a deeper meaning. He'd discovered that while everyone was born with the ability to harness dark energy, there existed a subset of individuals who, due to various factors, struggled to control and perceive this enigmatic force. These "unawakened" individuals were not rare.
The officer's scepticism softened into understanding, and she noted him down as "Un-awakened." The exchange continued, with her inquiring about his tribe's name. Alex provided a name that he had concocted—an obscure tribe that fit his story of being a tribesman seeking knowledge and growth. He mentioned the "Lorien" tribe. (A fairly large tribe spread far and wide.)
"Very well," she said, gesturing for him to proceed to the next step. Room No. 3 held the tools for the necessary procedures. Alex followed her instructions, offering his blood sample, fingerprints, and a photograph. As he posed for the odd-looking camera, his thoughts raced. He was one step closer to resolving the identity issue that had loomed over him since his arrival.
As he waited for the results, the minutes seemed to stretch into an eternity. Each tick of the clock was a reminder of the potential hurdles he was overcoming. Finally, a summons to the counter shattered his reverie. With bated breath, he approached.
The officer held out a card—an official ID with what seemed to be his new name Alexander Remington in an unknown language and photograph on the front, and a cluster of enigmatic runes on the back. Alex's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and triumph as he accepted the card. He looked at the runes, their meaning still a mystery to him, and then back to the officer with a grateful smile.
Exiting the building, ID in hand, Alex felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had navigated the labyrinthine paths of bureaucracy and secured an identity that could open doors and pathways in Elsion Domain. With the card tucked safely away, he looked ahead, his gaze set on new possibilities and uncharted territories and now, Alex was ready to take the next step on this enthralling journey.
Nobody in this world, not even Alex knew that the name he chose Alexander Remington would one day echo in this world and be written in history.