Around ten minutes passed by as Regulus gathered information from people passing by. Although he would often receive strange looks they would all eventually answer.
The city he was currently in was known as Ornare City, the capital of the Jack Kingdom, the largest and most powerful kingdom.
The Jack Kingdom was a predominantly human-occupied kingdom ruled by King Lucien, yet other races were often seen due to the opportunities provided.
As Regulus had previously guessed, the world he was currently in was completely different. The name of the world he was in was called Imissio, known casually to many as the world of cards.
Accepting the reality that he would never see the Kingdom of Leo again, Regulus could only shake his head and steel his resolve as he shared one last thought for the people he left behind.
'Those cranky old men will surely be able to manage the Kingdom.'
Regulus recalled his advisors who constantly tried to lessen his influence throughout Leo to no avail. Although Regulus knew they never had the best relations, their love for the Kingdom was second to none.
Although this world was foreign to him, his excitement was set ablaze as he learnt of the commonplace card magic throughout Immisso.
In his former world, celestial energy was borrowed from the constellations and stored within the body. This resulted in reinforcement and enhancements, allowing the human body to reach impossible heights.
In contrast, in Immisso, power seemed to come from the growth of card energy everyone was born with.
This inherited card energy stored within the body is cultivated until the first card of power manifests.
The first card of power was known as the 'Ace' card, the foundation of card cultivation and the most important card.
'The 'Ace' card that decides fate'
Regulus recalled a saying someone told him was prominent throughout Immisso.
It is when the 'Ace' card manifests you can tell your talent level, which heavily influences your treatment within society.
(A.N. Although it will be explained in full eventually, the power system is available to check out in Volume 0 of the novel for those who want to understand the system more.)
A faint 'Ace' card would make you no better than trash in the eyes of certain people due to the limit of your potential.
In contrast, a gold-encrusted 'Ace' card could bring a former farmer to a status only below the King himself.
The true face of Immisso had finally revealed itself to Regulus. A dog-eat-dog world where the talented rise and the claws of fate trap the talentless.
Yet Regulus could not care less about the will of fate; if it attempted to bind him, he would climb the mountain of cultivation with a different weight on his back than others.
Feeling the warm sun of a new world on his face, Regulus smiled, picturing the future heights he could climb in this world.
"I swear to myself on my pride as King of Leo that I will reach the peak of this world no matter what stands in my way."
The mysterious card energy of Immisso provided unusual magic and a profound aura rivalling his former world's celestial power.
Yet Regulus would not settle for one or the other; instead, he would forge a new path to the top with the powers of both worlds.
Walking through the streets of Ornare city people would often ask him if he was heading to Karta Academy.
Despite looking like a tramp, Regulus commanded a regal aura, which made anyone assume he was a noble.
Connections and wealth were the most secure methods to enter the highlight of Ornare City, Karta Academy.
Whilst Regulus didn't fully understand the benefits of entering Karta Academy, he assumed the gold medallion could provide entry.
'All directions point to Karta Academy; it would be rude not to follow the signs.'
'And yet I'm not sure if they will accept me if I head there looking like this.'
Regulus frowned as he looked down at the dirty rags he wore.
Although Regulus was used to dirt and filth from his life on the battlefield, as a former King he also understood the power of presentation.
"Seeing the state I'm in, I wonder why those people even entertained my questioning."
Regulus muttered to himself as he walked to the nearest storefront.
As he stared into the glass of the store, Regulus could see his new face staring back at him.
Blonde hair that appeared made of gold threads as it danced in the sun and vibrant orange eyes that seemed to glow like torch flames.
'Ah, so that's why.'
Despite having features similar to his past life, the difference in his charm was like night and day. Even Regulus was shocked as he observed the bouncy skin as white as snow that led to even his dirtied state being charming.
Despite Regulus being distracted by the prideful feeling of a newly enhanced appearance, the store owner was less than amused by the resident tramp.
"Oy pretty boy, either you show me some money or get out of the way and stop dirtying my storefront", the chubby owner with slicked back hair squawked.
Regulus felt his face sting at the fact that the once great King of Leo was now being treated like a common beggar who would deter customers.
"Hmph, you should feel honoured that this King graced your humble store with his presence", he looked down on the owner and replied.
"And which King might that be? Because I know damn well that King Lucien doesn't walk around the street looking homeless." The chubby man spoke back with venom, shocked at the arrogance of this beggar.
Realising that the squawking boar in front of him was indeed correct, Regulus resolved to fix his bad habit of referring to himself as 'this King' as he glanced around the clothing apparel.
Despite the humble appearance of the storefront, Regulus had to admit the merchandise was unique and seemingly of high quality.
A three-piece set of gold-encrusted black trousers, a shirt, and a white waistcoat caught his eye.
"That outfit there, can it be tailored today?" Regulus pointed at the three-piece as he knew the pull from the Academy medallion would be unavoidable by the end of the day.
Slightly shocked at the beggar pointing at one of their more high-end formal attires, the owner began reassessing him. To his surprise, he noted that the handsome young man's clothes were indeed those of nobility despite the rags they were now reduced to.
This, combined with the regal aura he gave off, resulted in an attitude change akin to a lightbulb as he identified the young man as a potential customer.
"But of course, young master, our tailors are quick and efficient and can have you out of the store in an hour. The entire attire goes for just twenty gold pieces and thirty if you want the complementing jewellery."
Sneering at the owner's transformation, Regulus decided to go in for the kill.
"Thirty gold pieces, hmmm. Can I take it without paying now? I give you my word that I will pay you back."
Like being splashed in the face by cold water, the peaks of the owner's smile began to drop. 'your word is worth about the same as a copper coin to me, you beggar,' he thought but didn't say aloud.
Judging by the owner's reaction, Regulus realised that, unlike in the past, his word was truly worth nothing in Ornare.
Reaching inside his pocket, he brought out his sole remaining possession, the Karta Academy medallion.
"Is this enough proof that you will get your money back?" Regulus spoke as he let his Regal Aura descend on the store.
Feeling pressured and inferior to the man in front of him and recognising the token's value, which showed his position as an elite amongst the nobility, the owner quickly conceded.
"But, of course, I can trust such a respectable young master."
The chubby man rubbed his hands together as sweat beads began to form.
Despite Regulus' understanding that he was the air to low nobility, most likely a Baron, the ability to attain a golden medallion to enter the academy shows a higher level of connections.
Although Regulus didn't know it, Bronze medallions were the most commonly seen in his bracket of nobility. The golden medallion he was holding proved connections to at least a Ducal house within the Jack Kingdom.
Regulus eventually emerged from the store looking practically radiant compared to when he first entered. Not only did he obtain the outfit, but he also got additional jewellery for free, sporting an orange topaz cufflinks and locket.
Although Regulus couldn't understand the extremity of the change in attitude, a gleaming smile was plastered from ear to ear as he looked at himself. Cleaned up and in a different outfit, he felt he had undergone a metamorphosis.
'Finally, I can wear some respectable attire for a man of my status.'
Turning towards the direction the man had pointed him in whilst sweating, Regulus began placing one foot after another.
'Now it's time to see what this 'Karta Academy' has in store for me.'
Without a complete knowledge of the world of Immisso, Regulus couldn't wholly understand the sheer extent of the challenge he was about to face to earn his spot at the academy.
-Author's Note-
Adding this story to your library would make my day :)