In the sprawling kingdom of Verndor, nestled 200 miles away from the illustrious capital Lymhurst, lay the quaint city of Reinhardt.
Verndor Kingdom is famous for its contribution of precious gems and luxurious jewels and ornaments, as it has most of the continent's Gem mines, also known as Gemstones land.
Something inexpensive here might end up being costly in other parts of the continent.
Reinhardt is an Intermediate level city which is famous for the abundance of Amethyst mines. The other thing is that make it noticeable in the world map is that this beautiful city is near Chand river, which is mainly used for shipping and transportation of goods.
Reinhardt is one of the few Intermediate Cites which have waterways. It also has its own river and land cuisine.
// In this novel there are 3 levels of cities,
• Low-Level City / Normal City – Just a city on some normal trade route and scenic areas.
Connected to at least 20 towns and a minimum of 10,000 human population.
• Mid-Level City / Intermediate City – A city with a moderate military outpost, based on a special trade route, with good scenery, items exclusive to them and the home city of any Noble.
Connected to at least 20 normal cities and has a 100,000 human population.
• Top-Level City / Advanced City – A city of historical importance with advanced military outposts has its own exclusive trade route to another Top-Level City or Countries Capital.
It is connected to at least 10 Middle-level cities and has a population of more than a million.
//
This peaceful and beautiful city is under the protection of the city's Viscount Richter's family. They are vassals of the Count of Belmont County.
Adio Richter is the current viscount of the Richter family and son of Warner Richter, who earned the title of Viscount for his achievements.
The city is very clean with a good management system, and has good roads, drainage and buildings.
Almost every house in the city has its own garden with at least one yellow flower plant. Like it is important to have something for any house.
The Chand river guards the Reinhardt in the south and the small hills surrounding the city from east and west, leaving the northern swampy forest to cover the rest.
These features not only provided defense against invaders but also added a few points to the Reinhardt's picturesque qualities.
Here, amidst the picturesque hills and winding streets, stood the cherished Moonlight Inn, a sanctuary of warmth and camaraderie for travelers and locals alike.
Operated by the esteemed Berner family, the Moonlight Inn was more than just a place to rest one's weary feet—it was a haven of hospitality, where generations had gathered to share tales of adventure and friendship.
And though Reinhardt may have been a mere speck on the map compared to the grandeur of Lymhurst, its humble inn held a special place in the hearts of all who knew its name.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon cast its silver glow over the city, patrons would gather at the Moonlight Inn, drawn by the promise of good company and the tantalizing aroma of Berner chicken curry and booze.
And as they reveled in the warmth of the inn's hearth and the laughter of their companions, they couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the Berner family, whose unwavering dedication had made the Moonlight Inn a beacon of light in the vast kingdom of Verndor.
The sun is about to set, where the sky is painted in red. The streets are now filled with more and more people out to get their daily supply.
Many adventurers are heading out to get some meat and booze after fulfilling their tiring quests.
That's when Alec and his companions were headed to the Moonlight inn on their horses, trying to avoid attention instead of getting all the attention.
After handing the horses to the stables, they went to the inn.
With his hood drawn low over his brow, Alec approached the innkeeper's desk, his features partially obscured by the shadow it cast. Despite the anonymity afforded by his attire, there was a sense of purpose in his movements as he addressed the stout figure behind the counter.
"Evening," he murmured softly, his voice muffled by the fabric of his cloak," I seek lodging for myself and my companions. A room with three beds, if you would be so kind. "
The innkeeper, Ronnie (30), regarded Alec with a curious glance, noting the hint of mystery that seemed to shroud the cloaked figure before her. Nevertheless, she nodded in understanding, to his demeanor friendly and accommodating.
"A room with three beds it is," Ronnie replied with a congenial smile. " We have just the thing—a cozy chamber on the second floor, tucked away from prying eyes. It should suit your needs perfectly ."
Ronnie started to notice the Adventurers in front of him. The first, dressed in fine fabrics and armor reminiscent of a merchant and a knight, exuded an air of authority.
Following closely were two others: one draped in robes adorned with mystical symbols, unmistakably a mage, and the other, clad in sturdy armor, bearing the insignia of a knight.
Despite their hoods, it was apparent that the trio made no effort to conceal their identities.
Their confident strides and distinct attire hinted at a deliberate lack of secrecy, perhaps suggesting a certain level of assurance or even a desire to be noticed.
After getting a signal, Alec then puts his Badge in Box which is used to check its credibility and for further details fillings.
To get the better services, one needs to provide more money, or they are treated accordingly to formal citizenship badges. It shows which kingdom a person belongs to and his social status.
But the person with the badge's hierarchy is provided with better facilities than the one with money.
//
Badges hierarchy
Bronze- commoners
Iron – Officers, Adventurers
Silver – Officers, Adventurers, Merchant, Nobles, Scholars
Gold – Officers, Adventurers, Merchants, Nobles, Ministers
Platinum – Officers, , Nobles, Ministers, Adventurers, Royalty, Merchants
Diamond - Adventurers, Royalty, Merchants
It's ranking is based on birth, power and contribution in country.
//
Ronnie saw the citizenship badge which he needed for the registration process. She was surprised after looking at it.
Ronnie looked up to the silver badge, featuring a griffin sitting on piles of coins, signifying certification as a merchant in the Artesia Kingdom, representing trust, professionalism, and adherence to quality standards.
It's a prestigious emblem denoting the bearer's commitment to excellence in commerce within the kingdom.
After confirming the authenticity of the badge, Ronnie exclaimed, "oh" as it was not common for foreign merchant to come there.
He gave him keys to his room and gave instructions to a waiter to escort them to their lodging.
Alec nodded in approval, his gratitude evident beneath the shadow of his hood. Retrieving the necessary payment from beneath his cloak, he passed the coins to the Innkeeper with a silent nod of thanks.
With the key to their room in hand, Alec turned to join his companions, the hood of his cloak concealing the hint of a smile as he looked forward to the comfort and sanctuary that awaited them within the walls of the Moonlight Inn.
Ascending a creaky staircase, they reached their chosen chamber tucked away on the upper floor. The door, weathered with age, opened to reveal a cozy retreat.
Soft lamplight cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the simple furnishings—three sturdy oak beds adorned with a patchwork quilt, a worn writing desk nestled by the window overlooking the tranquil picturesque hills, and a crackling fireplace ready to ward off the evening chill.
The air was filled with the faint scent of lavender, hinting at the innkeeper's attention to detail in preparing a serene atmosphere. With a contented sigh, they settled in, ready to unwind in the peace and quiet of their new surroundings.
After checking his surroundings, as Alec removes his hood, his features are unveiled, showcasing his striking brown hair and captivating black pupils, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to his presence.
With a snap of Alec's fingers, the solemn demeanor of the knight and mage melted away, revealing instead two lively twins as they have undone the transformation magic.
Transformation magic only added in their height and build. With the petite build of girl's appearance was nowhere close to a knight and same with boy who was like a bulky mage.
A boy named Harry Grey and a girl named Sasha Grey, both with striking blue hair that seemed to shimmer in the faint light of the inn.
Their transformation was swift, yet the change in atmosphere was palpable. Gone was the tension that had gripped the room moments before, replaced now by an air of playful energy.
The twins grinned mischievously at Alec, their eyes sparkling with newfound vivacity. With a shared glance between them, they burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the walls of the room.
Alec couldn't help but smile at their exuberance, feeling the weight of their mission momentarily lift from his shoulders.
In this world where magic held sway over reality, transformations such as these were not uncommon. And as Alec watched the twins.
He knew that their journey ahead would be filled with both danger and delight, with the bonds of friendship and the power of magic guiding their way.
With renewed spirits and a newfound sense of camaraderie, they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that, together, they were unstoppable.
After freshening up, they talked about their plan to enter the Royal Academy. Which is located in Lymhurst, capital of Verndor.
On the outskirts of Lymhurst, the Elite Academy of Verndor Kingdom rises proudly, its grandeur echoing the realm's commitment to martial prowess and arcane mastery.
Within its walls, aspiring knights and mages converge to refine their skills under the guidance of revered mentors.
State-of-the-art training grounds echo with the clang of swords and the crackle of magic, as students hone their craft with unwavering determination.
Enchanted libraries house ancient tomes brimming with knowledge, offering seekers the keys to unlock the mysteries of combat and spell craft.
That's how the Elite Academy is.
The trio on the cusp of joining their dream academy likely feel a whirlwind of emotions—nervousness stemming from the anticipation of the unknown, coupled with excitement bubbling from the prospect of fulfilling their aspirations.
Amidst this excitement, however, lies a deep-seated desire for retribution against the enemy who tore them from their homeland and caused the loss of their family.
Beneath the surface of their anticipation, there brews a potent mixture of determination, anger, and a hunger for justice, propelling them forward on their journey to both academic success and personal vindication.
But the party, which was already exhausted, started to organize themselves, creating a plan map for their next adventure, but soon they felt drowsy.
Sleeping with an empty stomach was more of a problem, so they started heading to the mess.
That's when they saw a waiter going down. Alec asked him to bring enough food for four in their room, and they went back to their room.
The waiter brought their food, which included booze, curry, bread, rice and salad divided into four portions each.
The smell coming from the curry was mouth watering, the trio took a gulp of water which had filled their mouths.
These dishes were not unaffordable for them on the hectic journey they were on. Eating a single well-made meal was a luxury. As they were in a hurry to get out of the Kingdom of Atresia.
All three sat on the table with one portion of food for each, with addition of one more portion, there were two portions of food for Sasha.
Sasha, at 5'2 feet, possesses a compact yet powerful frame, exuding strength in every movement. Her petite stature belies her formidable combat skills, as she maneuvers with agility and precision on the battlefield.
Despite her size, Sasha is a heavy eater, consuming meals with gusto to fuel her relentless energy and fierce determination in battle.
The booze distribution was easiest as Harry the nerdy guy, is a non-drinker. A jug goes to Alec and the rest of three go to Sasha.
After dinner, they embraced their bed like it was their long-lost friend. Within minutes, they fell into deep sleep.
It's midnight, everybody is sleeping soundly. But the night of no moon was growing more and more darker.
The sweet dreams about the Royal Academy turned into a nightmare for Alec when he found himself being accused as the son of a maniac who massacred many innocents and brought a curse to the land.
While defending his foster father against the faceless mob mocking him. Alec's dream transitioned into a memory of his childhood.
In it, he was accompanying his sick mother with his father, who had lost her consciousness due to an unknown disease.
They are currently passing through a gloomy forest, Narnak.