The children got off the carriages with their belongings, excitement etched all over their faces. All of them huddled at the academy's entrance, impatient to get in.
However, the three Magi who had been traveling with them stood in front of the group of children. Alex, who was standing at the center solemnly spoke, "Over the last three months, you all have endured great difficulty, overcome life-threatening challenges, and finally made it to Moon City. Good job!"
The children were overwhelmed by emotions and cheered loudly. For these kids who were born with a silver spoon, the last three months were truly hellish. Most of them standing here right now couldn't help but cry tears of joy.
"However!" Alex interrupted their happy moment and doused them with a bucket of cold water. "All of you are still not students of Clover Academy, and thus, cannot enter the campus grounds."
"What?!"
"How can that be?"
"What do you mean?"
"Where are we supposed to go?!"
At once, there was a loud clamor amongst the children. Some of them even started sobbing and screaming about how life was unfair.
"Silence!" Ivan instantly shut everyone up.
Alex continued, "The academy examination is seven days away. Until then, all of you are to stay at Sherman's Inn." He pointed at the tall building in the distance that was enclosing an even taller tree in the middle.
"The inn is the property of Clover Academy and since you all are prospective students of the academy, you will be given a large discount," Alex added.
"What?!"
"We still have to pay?!"
"Injustice!"
"This is bullying!"
The children protested with tearful eyes but the three Magi couldn't care less. The kids could only helplessly nod their heads and silently shed tears.
Jeffrey and a few other kids wore extremely ugly expressions. All their money had already been extorted by Adam!
Where were they supposed to stay for the next week? On the streets?
Adam, realizing this, looked at Jeffrey and the few other children with a mocking grin. At the same time, he even dangled his bulging money pouch and showed it to them, as if provoking, 'What are you gonna do about it?'
Jeffrey and the few kids around him gritted their teeth and clenched their fists as they hatefully stared at the youth. In their minds, they were vehemently cursing Adam and his ancestors.
After teasing them a bit more, Adam turned his attention back to Alex.
"The city is completely safe. However, you all should still make it a habit to not wander around on the streets after sunset. You may do whatever you like, but make sure to arrive at this place seven days from now at sunrise. That is all, you are dismissed."
Alex then turned around and went inside the campus with Ivan and Kelley, they still had to report the completion of their mission.
The mercenaries who were still standing with the group of children, bade their farewells and left as well. The children formed into smaller groups and started exploring the city.
"Jeffrey, what do we do?"
"That demon took all our money, we have nowhere to go."
"I heard the academy entrance fee is ten platinum pieces. Where am I supposed to get that much money?"
"Yes! Yes! Jeffrey, we're all in this mess because of you. You must help us!"
Listening to these kids complaining, Jeffrey flew into a rage. "You idiots! How is this my fault?!"
Seeing his peers remain anxious, he couldn't help but soften his tone a little. "There's a Mercantile Guild here in Moon City. We can go there and pawn off our gems and other ornaments."
The children's eyes lit up and they all agreed. They should be able to borrow just enough money for the entrance fees after pawning off their belongings.
Jeffrey's hatred for Adam increased even more. He tried to look for Adam but the youth was nowhere to be seen.
For all the trouble you've caused me… I'll make you wish you were dead! Jeffrey gnashed his teeth in fury. He then led his small group to the Mercantile Guild.
…
The entire campus of Clover Academy covered the majority of the South Ward. The rest of the ward housed taverns, inns, a bustling market, and houses that catered to the students of the academy.
One could argue that the Clover Academy encompassed the whole of South Ward. This was a testament to the prestige of the academy as they were able to occupy such a large area in the capital city of the Nightingale Kingdom.
The market district was situated on the banks of River Aurei, right next to the docks. Many ships were docked at the harbor and the sailors could be seen carrying items to and fro.
Seeing the lively harbor and the market, Adam was speechless. Such a level of human activity was definitely not seen in his hometown. Hell, it probably wasn't even seen in the capital of Cormier Kingdom. He looked at everything with amazement.
After admiring the bustling docks for a few more minutes, he gradually made his way through the crowd and went to the deeper parts of the market. He also made sure to tightly grab onto his money pouch.
If someone stole his 'hard-earned' money, he wouldn't know what to do.
All sorts of items could be found in the market. From fresh produce harvested by humans to weapons forged by dwarves. There were roadside stalls as well as proper brick-and-mortar stores.
Adam looked at the bustling crowd with fascination. He could see people haggling with one another, little children playing hide and seek as they ran through the alleys, old people laughing and telling stories to others, and bards singing and entertaining people.
"It truly is the Jewel of the South," Adam muttered with a smile. Although he hadn't visited any other cities, he had a feeling that no other city in the southern part of the continent could outshine the splendor of Moon City.
After exploring most of the market district, he finally found what he was looking for. He stood in front of a store, the entrance of which was decorated with beautiful flowers and exotic plants.
There was a wooden plaque on top of the store's entrance, and on it was carved the name of the store.
Adam read it out aloud, "Herbs & More."
He gently stroked his injured and bandaged left arm as he walked inside the store. He had been meaning to take care of his injury for a while now, it was becoming really unbearable.
Adam opened the door and walked in, however, the moment he stepped foot inside, his eyes widened in shock.
A large two-headed vulture screeched menacingly and immediately pounced on him!