In the days following the ritual, Mr Caloi visited the residence of Aira and Aria. There was an important message he had nearly forgotten to convey before the young lady embarked on her journey to the Capital of Pearl.
To his awe, he encountered a breathtakingly beautiful young woman radiating an air of elegance. Yet, intriguingly, certain features of her face bore a striking resemblance to the twins.
A knowing smile played upon Mr Caloi's lips as if he had anticipated the very sight that greeted him.
"How do you find yourself?" he inquired.
"Though I am still acclimating to my newfound form," she replied, "overall, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of well-being. My spirit has lightened, and it seems as if I now possess a more profound understanding of the world around me."
"That is heartening to hear," Mr. Caloi responded, his voice tinged with gentle caution. "Familiarize yourself with this new self of yours. Above all, remember the necessity of concealing your true identity from everyone."
The young lady harboured lingering questions about her true nature, yet from the limited information at her disposal, she discerned the existence of a deeply held secret. It was this very enigma that compelled her to seek admission to the POSA.
She also harboured a curiosity about Mr Caloi's true identity, but her restraint kept her from voicing her inquiries. She recognized the potential harm in divulging too many secrets to those ill-equipped to safeguard them.
Mr. Caloi continued, his words laden with gravitas, "You shall dedicate the next three years to laying the foundation for your transformation into a fully-fledged Mystic. In three years, a grand awakening shall transpire across every Empire. Rumour has it that the venue shall be none other than the Pearl of the Orient Sea Academy. Anticipation runs high, and preparations are underway throughout the Empire, along with various mystical institutions and schools."
His voice momentarily fell silent before he concluded, "Araia, Exercise caution."
"Roger that," the young lady replied with a confident smile, embracing the elder man.
As she prepared to depart, Mr Caloi extended a small envelope towards her. "Before you go, I have a gift from an old friend," he said, his tone imbued with a sense of trust. "Should you encounter any difficulties on your journey, seek solace in him. He possesses the knowledge of what needs to be done."
"Thank you, Mr. Caloi," she responded with genuine gratitude.
***
"Take a breather, girls, because the next round of the exam is just around the corner. I've got a quick errand to run," Araia announced, not waiting for her companions' replies before she sprang to her feet
As there were still numerous takers completing their exam, Araia promptly ventured forth in pursuit of the individual referenced by Mr. Caloi
While a good number had met their match in the Physical test, the streets remained a bustling mess. Vendors had popped up stalls left and right, creating a maze of commerce.
Amid this chaotic dance, airships and majestic creatures soared above, ferrying arrivals from far-off empires.
Amidst the relentless tide of bodies, Araia found herself swept away, an unwitting passenger on this human river. She shut her eyes, expecting a tumble that never came. When she dared to open them, her cheeks had painted themselves a vibrant shade of crimson.
Mere moments had passed when the conversation regarding the man who had come to Araia's aid ensued. Araia was caught off guard, swiftly rising to her feet and extending an apology.
"I apologize, Celestial Prince, I was not attentive."
"Are you unharmed?"
"Yes, thank you."
Araia bowed her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Ever since her arrival at the Academy's entrance earlier that morning, the topic of discussion had revolved incessantly around the Celestial Prince, Adrian. This preoccupation stemmed from his striking physical allure and his exceptional intellect. Regardless of gender, everyone fervently engaged in conversations about him. Despite the arrival of other princes and princesses from diverse Empires, he alone commanded such unwavering attention.
Out of sheer curiosity, Araia cast a glance around the area where the crowd had gathered most densely. There, she identified the prince in question. Indeed, the accounts she had heard held true; the members of the Celestial Vanguard possessed an unparalleled charisma.
From that point onward, the prince's countenance remained indelibly etched in Araia's memory—his expressive, luminous eyes, well-defined eyebrows, and impeccably contoured lips. This was precisely why she blushed so profoundly when Rachelle playfully teased her.
"Do not apologize," the Prince reassured her, his voice carrying warmth amid the commotion of the crowd. "With such a multitude present, it was inevitable that you would become ensnared."
As Araia accepted the Prince's assistance, many onlookers couldn't suppress their envy.
"That young lady is extraordinarily fortunate; she had the privilege of contact with the prince."
"Eww! Just another commoner."
"Hahaha, ambitious indeed. She is clearly attempting to capture the prince's attention."
"Absolutely! Leveraging the prince's benevolence!"
Araia discerned the varied reactions of the bystanders and promptly conveyed her gratitude before bidding farewell to the prince. Unfortunately, due to their respective haste, Araia found herself unable to engage in any further conversation with him.
As Araia strolled along a narrow alleyway, she encountered a few individuals who couldn't help but engage in conversation, causing her to pause involuntarily. The young woman discreetly listened to their discussion.
"Do you know the gossip?"
"About what?"
"There are exemptions for the ongoing examination. POSA stated that only 1,000 people will pass, but the truth is there are only 500 slots left!"
"You're just making that up! How would you know?"
"Don't believe me? Just a while ago, I overheard accidentally that the royal family of the Zephyrith Imperium was complaining because they only got 10 slots. Also, if you notice, there are only a few Royal Families here. The Celestial Vanguard, Ombra Regency, Pearl Empire, and the Zephyrith Imperium."
"Now that you mention it, I also noticed that the institutions and organizations present are the actual sponsors."
"You've got a point!"
Araia suddenly realized why she couldn't locate the Prince earlier. It must have been because of that. She decided not to worry about it anymore.
"But why is Lady Ciara among the takers?"
Araia couldn't help but voice her thoughts, which the conversing group overheard.
"Miss, perhaps she's here more for appearances than anything else!" They shared a chuckle.
"Lower your voices, or the folks from Ombra Regency and Celestial Vanguard might overhear us!"