Chereads / THE PHYSICAL OMNYOJI / Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: “Arrival in Kazan”

Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: “Arrival in Kazan”

Leaving the mountain temple behind after recovering mystical knowledge of his ancestor Van, Kai set off towards the fabled city of Kazan along with his trusted lupine companion. As a center of magical learning and esoteric secrets, Kai hoped to further develop his talents as a Physical Omnyoji under the guidance of Kazan's most skilled sorcerers.

Walking the forest road for many days, Kai and the wolf finally crested a hilltop and spotted Kazan sprawled across the lush valley below. Beyond the vibrant patchwork farmlands encircling the metropolis glimmered towering ivory spires inset with gleaming gemstones and gold filigree. Even from this distance, supernatural energy pulsed through the splendid architecture.

Descending the grassy slope, Kai and his hairy friend passed refugee caravans and merchant wagons heading towards the magnificent city. Some travelers whispered excitedly about Kazan's wonders while others debated metaphysical mysteries, but all shared a common awe. Such bustling traffic reminded Kai how isolated and provincial his childhood village seemed by comparison.

Reaching the splendid outer ramparts guarded by sentinel statues radiating magical wards, Kai's eyes darted eagerly across new sights. Down tidy cobbled boulevards decorated with otherworldly flora lining glittering shops and inns, crowds representing exotic races and dress milled about cheerily. Spell-powered mechanisms hoisted platforms overhead as magical servants swept the streets. The atmosphere surged with vibrant energy.

While the sprawling scale intimidated the humble country wizard at first, his lupine ally's earlier worries about losing their way soon faded once Kai attuned his arcane senses to locate city landmarks. Passing through artisan guild halls, charming cafes and even hidden sites only detectable by psychic echoes, he marveled at this dynamic nexus where magic openly thrived rather than languished dismissed as superstition. What fortune that he should journey here now, with so much to learn!

By inquiries with locals both mundane and mystical, Kai found lodging and arranged to begin sorcerous tuition on the morrow. Finally a hot bath, warm meal and long rest awaited after his long travels. Lazing upon plush cushions and drifting off by the hearth fire with bellies full, onmyoji and companion alike dreamed excitedly about discovering deeper magic tomorrow within this city of miracles!