[The Adjustment period has officially concluded. We hope all Trainees utilised this time to acclimate themselves to their respective worlds. Optional side quests are now accessible on the Map tab. Individual character profiles and ability assessments have also been generated for all Trainees, which can be accessed in the Profile and Abilities tabs. Please note that all information presented is based on the data gathered during the Adjustment Period. Therefore, details will be subject to change as Trainees progress in their journeys. Finally, we would like to congratulate the seven Trainees who have succeeded in contracting a Celestial during the Adjustment period; rewards for your accomplishments have been sent to your Inventories. Trainees, we wish you all the best of luck in your missions and hope you achieve remarkable feats in the worlds you have chosen. May the Celestials shine brightly upon you.
-Mission Central.]
Valeryon carefully examined the message displayed on the notification tab to ensure she fully absorbed all its contents. Once she was confident that she grasped its essence, her gaze traveled down the neatly organised tabs on the left side of the screen. There were a total of seven tabs: Notifications, Tasks, Map, Profile, Abilities, Inventory, and Celestials. The tabs were distinct in colour—Notifications, Tasks, and Inventory gleamed in calming blue; Map, Profile, and Abilities shone with a bold red glow; and the Celestials tab, in dull grey
She was currently reading the message from Mission Central on the Notifications tab at the top, so she decided to continue her exploration by selecting the next tab below it; Tasks. Under a section labelled Active Tasks, the two main missions were displayed on screen: graduating from a magical school and dying of old age.
Next, she selected to the Map tab and its colour shifted from red to blue. The map on screen had a limited scope, only showing the castle where she lived, the school she attended, and the sections of the city she traversed while commuting between the two locations by carriage. At the top of it was an exploration percentage which currently rested at a minuscule 0.0015%. At the bottom of the map was a legend explaining the various quests that could emerge upon interacting with the world. However, no side quests were available for her to reference at this time, so Valeryon did not feel an immediate need to examine it in detail.
Afterwards, Valeryon selected the Profile tab and noticed that, just like the Map tab, its colour changed from red to blue. With some experimentation Valeryon deduced that red indicated the presence of new information in the tab, while blue denoted the standard colour for the tabs. For comparison, she selected the unremarkable grey Celestials tab at the bottom but soon realised that it was not accessible. Hence, the grey colour had to indicate the inaccessibility of a tab. With her curiosity sated, Valeryon returned to the Profile tab to scrutinise its contents.
Identity: Princess Valeryon II. Future monarch of the Valeryon Archipelago.
Age: 13
Observations: Antisocial, strong attachment to clan identity, diligent, dutiful, scholarly
The profile was less detailed than Valeryon had anticipated, given that it was meant to encompass 13 years' worth of information collected on her. While she agreed with most of the content written about her, she did feel that being labelled as antisocial was too extreme. Nevertheless, Valeryon recognised that her own viewpoint carried little significance in this regard, as the profile was constructed based on others' perceptions of her rather than her own self-perception.
Moving on to the Abilities section, she discovered two categories: physical capability and magical capabilities. Each aspect within these sections has been assigned a letter grade, which indicates an individual's proficiency in harnessing their respective powers. The grading scale ranges from the lowest grade of F to the highest level of S.
Physical Capability:
Constitution: Body's ability to resist, heal and recover from illness and injury
Grade: S
Strength: Body's physical prowess
Grade: F
Dexterity: Body's sense of balance, precision and agility
Grade: F
Magical Capability:
Resurrection: Ability to tether soul to the moral plain
Grade: Unknown
*Note: The usage of this ability will result in the failure of a main mission
Regeneration: Ability to heal oneself
Grade: Unknown
Healing: Ability to heal others
Grade: Unknown
Aquakinesis: Ability to manipulate water
Grade: F
Chlorokinesis: Ability to manipulate nature
Grade: Unknown
String Creation: Ability to create string out of magic
Grade: F
Harmonic Influence: Ability to influence emotions through music
Grade: F
Valeryon felt her heart thud in her chest as she scrolled down the list, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. It was accurate—eerily so. She had never even openly used some of the abilities listed, yet Mission Central seemed to know them all. A wave of unease washed over her. How closely was Mission Central monitoring them? Their knowledge of the intricacies of the Orcus Galaxy was unsettling, especially considering her existence was forbidden. Surely, there had to be Confidentiality Oaths in place to protect individuals like her. Surely, there was no way that-
A cold hand grasped hers, jolting her from her spiralling thoughts.
"Val, are you okay?" Laurel's voice broke through the fog in her mind. "Your hands are shaking."
She took a deep, shuddering breath and closed her eyes tightly, trying to steady her racing heart. "I'm alright. I was just feeling a bit cold."
"Cold? Really? Your hand's usually warm enough to start a fire, but if you insist—may I?" He teased, but his eyes were full of concern.
She opened her eyes slowly, glancing down at him. He was still lounging with his head in her lap, a playful smile lighting up his face. "Okay," she replied hesitantly.
With a gentle touch, Laurel peeled off her gloves and took her trembling hands into his icy ones, rubbing them in a futile attempt to warm them up.
"I see your Celestial Receiver has activated," he said, casually gliding a finger over its smooth, luminous blue surface. A shiver raced up Valeryon's spine at the unexpected contact. Although the Receiver not being a physical extension of their bodies—lacking nerves and sensation—the touch felt startlingly intimate.
"Val?" Laurel's voice was soft, bringing her back to the moment.
"Hm? Yes. It seems we were right about it activating closer to the main mission. Yours should activate around your birthday as well."
"You mean you were right. I wasn't the one who suggested it," he corrected her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "And look, mine activated today. It's what woke me up."
Valeryon frowned, scrutinising the radiant blue glow of Laurel's Celestial Receiver, snugly nestled on his wrist. "How? You haven't received your letter yet, so what could have triggered it?"
Laurel shrugged, his fingers still absently playing with hers. "Maybe it's our partnership?"
That seemed plausible. Valeryon nodded slowly. "Most likely."
Laurel's fingers curled through hers. "Now, will you tell me what had you so upset before?"
Her body tensed. Of course, Laurel would see through her. He always did. She had been foolish to think her lie about the cold would fool him.
"You saw something on there, didn't you? Something that upset you." His gaze was steady, probing.
Valeryon's grip on Laurel's hands tightened unintentionally.
Laurel's smile faded slightly, "Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"
Valeryon shook her head, feeling the weight of his gaze.
Seeing the frown appear on his face, she hurriedly explained, "You don't need to. I feel better now."
Laurel clearly wasn't fully convinced, but he flashed her a reassuring smile. "Alright. But let's close that window, yeah? There's no sense in starting the day by stressing yourself out."
Valeryon obediently tapped on her Receiver to close the window and then handed Laurel the piece of parchment that had been resting beside her.
The paper crinkled in his hands as he pushed himself upright, shuffling to sit beside her. Once settled, he scanned the letter with a serious expression. "Did you see the items list at the back?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"No," Valeryon admitted. She had been too eager to access her Celestial Receiver, tossing the letter aside once she grasped the gist of its contents.
"I'll let someone know to pick the things up for us then."
Valeryon shook her head. "That will not be necessary. I would like to shop for them myself."
Laurel's head shot up, his eyes wide. "You want to go out? As in, into the city?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes." Valeryon longed to expand her map's range and improve her odds of unlocking side quests. The precise requirements for triggering these quests remained unclear, but exploring new areas seemed promising considering they were found in the Map tab of the interface. Side quests were optional but completing them would enhance her final evaluation, and Valeryon was determined to attempt at least a few while she had the chance.
"Then I'm coming with you," Laurel said, his excitement barely contained. "Even if I don't have my letter yet, I'll still need the same supplies."
Valeryon felt a wave of relief. The idea of venturing out alone was daunting, but with Laurel by her side, it didn't seem as overwhelming. "Okay," she agreed, her heart racing with anticipation.
Their plan was interrupted when Lady Daphne, Laurel's mother, appeared at the doorway. Her wavy white hair was pinned up elegantly, though a few strands fell around her face. "I heard you two talking about going into the city," she said with a soft smile. "I'll arrange for some guards to accompany you."
Before Valeryon could respond, Laurel stood up quickly. "Mother, that won't be necessary. I know the city well, and Val would prefer it if we didn't make a big scene. We don't want to draw too much attention."
Valeryon hadn't even considered that aspect. She was grateful for Laurel's thoughtfulness in handling the situation.
Lady Daphne, however, wasn't convinced. She narrowed her eyes slightly at her son. "Laurel, please be mindful of how you address Her Highness. It's inappropriate to speak so casually in public settings."
Laurel sighed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "Mother, Val's fine with how I speak to her."
Daphne sighed, gently pushing aside a few stray strands of her white hair that had fallen onto her face. As she frowned, her youthful countenance revealed the slightest hint of wrinkles. "My darling son, while Her Highness may have no issue regarding your casual address, others may not see it that way. They may either think you are too audacious or look down on Het Highness for allowing such disrespect. Regardless, it does not reflect well on either of you to be heard speaking so informally in public settings. Do you understand?"
Laurel clenched his jaw but nodded. "Yes, Mother."
"Good boy." Lady Daphne leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Laurel's forehead. Valeryon turned her gaze away and pursed her lips.
"Regarding your preference, I shall refrain from accompanying you, Your Highness," Lady Daphne continued, her tone shifting. "Nevertheless, I suggest you take at least two guards with you for ease of transport and safety. Would that be acceptable?"
Valeryon inclined her head in agreement. "I understand. Please arrange for two guards to accompany us tomorrow morning, Lady Daphne."
"As you wish, Your Highness," she replied, her expression softening.
The journey to the Plaza felt like a nostalgic return to the past for Valeryon, echoing the countless trips she had taken to the Academy years ago. As the carriage rolled along, the air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers, mingling harmoniously with the distant calls of birds flitting through the trees. Outside her window, the landscape unfolded like a vivid painting brought to life, captivating her senses anew with its vibrancy.
Lush forests stretched toward the horizon, their emerald canopies shimmering under the gentle morning sun. Sunbeams danced playfully through the leaves, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. Fields of wildflowers erupted in a riot of colours—brilliant blues, soft pinks, and sunny yellows—swaying gently in the breeze. In the distance, a grand lake mirrored the azure sky, its surface glistening like a polished sapphire, while quaint houses dotted the landscape, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys. Each home hinted at warmth and life within, creating an idyllic scene that felt almost surreal, like a moment plucked from a historical holo-movie capturing a bygone era.
However, as they approached the heart of Vinora, the tranquil countryside gave way to a bustling city alive with the sounds of commerce and vibrant life. The streets became a tapestry woven with merchants enthusiastically hawking their wares, children laughing and playing, and the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves against cobblestones creating a lively symphony. The buildings, crafted from sturdy brick and smooth stone, exuded timeless elegance, each adorned with intricate carvings and ornamental details that spoke of the city's rich culture and craftsmanship.
Their carriage, a simple black vehicle devoid of royal insignia, glided through the streets almost unnoticed. She wore the plainest robes from her closet, but they still held the iridescent sheen of her magic-infused silk garments. Though she would have preferred to wear something less conspicuous, ordinary clothing, even when woven with protective runes, could not provide the same sense of security as her clan attire.
Laurel dozed lightly against her shoulder.His snow-white hair, usually tied back with a black ribbon, had loosened slightly, framing his face with a softness that contrasted with the dark circles under his eyes. Today, he wore the beautiful iridescent rose-colored robes that Valeryon had crafted for him for the Ostara spring festival a few weeks prior. She had been surprised to see him dressed so boldly for their outing, especially when he had insisted on helping her avoid attention just the day before. Valeryon suspected that he had chosen such bright attire intentionally to draw the gaze away from her. Regardless, the robes looked lovely on him.
Across from them sat Sir Lowell and Dame Fray, two of the royal knights chosen to accompany them. Valeryon recognised their faces from her days at the Junior Academy. They had always preferred to blend into the background, maintaining a low profile unless directly engaged. Their quiet demeanour had provided her with a sense of comfort, deftly helping her navigate the social labyrinth of her school days. Even now, years later, their presence offered reassurance as they sat before her, a protective barrier against the world beyond.
As the carriage rolled deeper into the city, Valeryon felt the familiar twinge of anxiety that accompanied crowded places. Social interactions had never been her strong suit; the noise and bustle around her were overwhelming. Yet, Laurel's gentle presence beside her eased her nerves, grounding her amidst the chaos.
Vinora Plaza was more than just a marketplace; it was the heart and soul of Vesperia, a vibrant hub drawing visitors from every corner of the Archipelago and beyond. As the crown jewel of the island, it was a lively blend of culture, commerce, and community.
In the early morning hours, the Plaza exuded a serene charm. Locals ambled along winding pathways, cradling steaming mugs of aromatic drinks from the quaint cafés scattered about. The sweet scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with rich coffee, creating an inviting atmosphere. During these tranquil moments, Vinora Plaza was a haven for its residents. They greeted one another with warm nods and genuine smiles, their laughter softly echoing through the quiet air.
As midday approached, the Plaza transformed dramatically. The serene atmosphere gave way to a lively buzz, with merchants vocally beckoning passersby to explore their wares. The air thickened with the delightful scents of sizzling street food, while people strolled leisurely, drawn to the myriad of sights and sounds. Some sought rare enchanted items, others hunted for unique luxury goods that could only be found in the Archipelago, and many simply came to bask in the beauty of their surroundings. Every corner of the Plaza offered a new delight—handmade jewellery, novelty potions, and vibrant textiles.
Amidst this vibrant chaos towered the Eternal Rosette Blooms, majestic trees adorned with radiant pink petals that glowed softly in the daylight. Originally hailing from Fiore, these magnificent trees had become synonymous with Vinora Plaza, their ethereal beauty casting a gentle, magical light over the bustling scene.
Among the throng of people, Valeryon walked closely behind her friend Laurel, her dark veil fluttering lightly in the breeze. "This way," he urged, pointing toward an impressive building at the heart of the Plaza. Its polished stone façade and towering arches gleamed in the sunlight, inviting them inside. "The best shops are in there."
As they entered, Valeryon took in the sights, feeling a strange nostalgia. "It looks like an old mall," she mused, recalling holo-programs she'd seen depicting ancient 21st-century shopping centres.
Laurel chuckled. "It does. I thought the same when I first saw it."
Inside, the Plaza was alive with energy. Customers drifted from shop to shop, their footsteps echoing off polished marble floors. As they wandered, Laurel often paused to point out items he thought Valeryon might like, and she was often pleasantly surprised by his choices. Shiny feather quills, shimmering bottles of ink, leather-bound journals studded with crystals—Valeryon found herself getting fixated, drawn to every brightly coloured and sparkly trinket and knickknack she encountered.
Laurel, then gently steered her toward more practical items, ensuring they also purchased standard supplies for their studies. "Just in case," he reminded her with a warm smile, "our future instructors might not share your love for pretty stationery."
As the day wore on, the plaza became increasingly crowded. Whispers began to follow Valeryon as people took notice of her presence. Valeryon's dark veil and the unmistakable plain-clothed knights trailing behind her gave her identity away easily. Shoppers would glance her way, but no one dared approach. The royal knights, ever watchful, held their staves close, their intimidating presence keeping any curiosity at bay.
Vinora Plaza enforced strict regulations regarding weapons, particularly magical ones. Security personnel patrolled diligently, their detection devices ensuring that no one broke the rules. The consequences for smuggling in illegal items were severe—steep fines or imprisonment. However the royal knights, with their special permits, were exempt from this rule.
Among the many shops in the Plaza, Valeryon's favourite was the Crystal Emporium. It sold everything from raw magical ores to enchanted jewellery. Valeryon admired crystals, not just for their magical properties but for their sheer beauty. She lingered by a display of sparkling earrings, her fingers brushing lightly against the gems.
Laurel leaned in closer, noticing her interest. "I could make you something even better," he whispered with a teasing grin.
She hesitated for a moment, but then allowed him to steer her away from the jewellery section and back toward the practical crystals she needed for her studies.
As they navigated through the vibrant Plaza, Valeryon couldn't help but reflect on the prosperity enveloping her. The Archipelago, and by extension the larger realm of Fiore, thrived largely due to the wealth generated by Varic Island—a stunning landmass forged by the magical prowess of her ancestor, King Varic Valeryon.
King Varic hadn't merely conjured an island from the earth; he had engineered an entire economy. His mastery of magic created an endless source of mineral wealth, with mines brimming with rare metals and exquisite crystals. This bounty fuelled the Archipelago's economy for generations, establishing its significance in the broader political landscape of Fiore.
However, this prosperity was born from a complex history of conflict and rivalry. The origins of the tension lay between the Arthas family of the Archipelago and the Asztalos family of the Mainland, who controlled the world's magical banks. The enmity sprouted when Lord Arthas Asztalos chose to sever ties with his lineage, pledging loyalty to Valeryon the First. Over the centuries, the feud intensified, leading the Arthas family to establish their banking institutions as a means to break the Asztalos' stranglehold on the Archipelago's economy.
King Varic's creation of Varic Island had altered the balance of power permanently. The abundant resources allowed the Arthas family to flood the market with high-quality magical crystals, diminishing the Asztalos family's dominance. In retaliation, the Asztalos family resorted to deceit, exploiting legal loopholes to ensnare their rivals in financial traps and shady contracts. Though Valeryon's predecessors had navigated these treacherous waters with remarkable cunning, the growing ruthlessness of the Asztalos family loomed like a dark cloud over the Valeryon lineage.
Despite their schemes failing repeatedly, the Asztalos family grew bolder, eventually resorting to violent measures. Abductions and even murders marked their desperate attempts to destabilise the Valeryon lineage, all while crafting elaborate alibis that shielded them from accountability. Their wealth and influence made it easy for them to evade justice, leaving behind a trail of fear and suspicion.
Eventually, the Asztalos family abandoned subterfuge and boldly declared an official Blood Feud against the Valeryon lineage, a declaration that deepened the chasm between the two factions. In the midst of this turmoil, Valeryon found herself unwittingly thrust into the role of heir to the blood feud. Though she had yet to take the clan's sacred Oath of Healing, the burden of her ancestors' choices weighed heavily on her.
The Valeryon clan prided itself on its restraint, choosing not to retaliate against their enemies even when provoked. Valeryon was determined to uphold this legacy, even without the Oath binding her to it. However, the threat posed by the Asztalos family weighed heavily on her mind. She feared how their machinations could hinder her efforts to fulfil her missions, especially her second mission: to live until old age. Though she possessed the rare ability of Resurrection, a powerful skill ensuring her survival after death, using it would mean failing her mission.
Lost in these thoughts, Valeryon nearly missed Laurel's concerned voice breaking through her reverie. "Your Highness, you've been quiet for a while," he said, his brow furrowed with worry. Cold fingers brushed against the back of her hand, "Are you alright, Val?"
"Hm? What is it?" Valeryon blinked, realising she had been lost in thought for quite some time.
"You've been unresponsive for a good ten minutes," Laurel said softly. "Should we head back home?"
Valeryon adjusted her veil, pushing aside her troubling thoughts. "I'm fine, just thinking. We still have a few more things to get, don't we?"
Laurel hesitated, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Yes, but there's a slight problem." He handed her a parchment—a formal letter from Forester Academy. "Look at this. They're telling us where we need to purchase our uniforms and staves, but the store is on the Mainland."
Valeryon frowned as she glanced at the letter. "Why can't we just buy everything here?"
"I thought the same thing, but I haven't seen any stores selling what we need. It's strange, really." He gestured toward the two guards standing watch behind them. "Are there really no stores that sell these things here or anywhere else in the Archipelago?"
Dame Fray, the more outspoken of the two guards, placed a hand over her chest in a gesture of respect. "Permission to speak, heir Vesalius."
"Granted," Laurel replied, nodding for her to continue.
"The items you seek are not sold in the Archipelago due to strict regulations and licensing imposed by the Mainland," Dame Fray explained, her voice steady.
Valeryon's frown deepened. "So no one in the Archipelago has managed to get a license?"
"I agree. It is quite strange for these services not to be provided here," Laurel said, crossing his arms. "Even if regulating the sale of staves makes some sense, what's the point of doing so with the academy uniforms?"
Dame Fray nodded, maintaining her professionalism. "Many believe the regulations are designed to limit the Archipelago's ability to compete with the Mainland. Some suspect that by enforcing these rules, the Mainland draws talent and resources away from us and back to their cities. It also forces residents to travel to the Mainland, increasing their spending there. In short, it's an economic strategy—one that ensures we remain dependent on their goods and services."
Laurel scoffed, a his lips curling in a sardonic smile. "They're afraid of competition. They know there would be no chance for them otherwise." He turned back to Valeryon, his tone shifting to seriousness. "So, Your Highness, what's the plan? Do we head to the Mainland today to finish our shopping, or should we leave it for another time?"
"I would prefer if we could get our shopping done today," Valeryon replied. The afternoon sun still hung high in the sky, and she still had not managed to trigger any quests. So it was worth a try expanding her scope.
"Great. Let's get going then."