A few minutes later Iain entered the city center for the first time. His eyes feasted on the opulent buildings. His ears overheard the pious believers praying before the temple.
He was in awe as he observed the majestic statue of the God of Light from up close.
Following the wide streets Iain soon reached a famous manor district. Belittling looks mustered his simple clothing. The occupants of the luxurious central district were used to poorer folk seeking for favors, but this didn't mean that they were happy about it.
Iain perceived their gazes, but he didn't think much about it. The young man didn't have a strong concept of social classes. So far, he never received any discrimination. Therefore, he didn't hold back as he let his eyes roam around the colorful, revealing clothing of others.
Iain was shocked at how much skin the higher-ups were showing. Since members of the church word wide robes, the foreign man couldn't piece together that among high society it was thought as sacrilegious to block out light from reaching one's skin. At the same time the number of runes weaved into little clothing could be used to boast about the craftsman's skill during gatherings.
Iain was confused for a while, but soon reminded himself that it was impolite to stare at strangers. Thus, he focused his eyes on the floor until he finally arrived at the address Nua wrote down for the siblings.
In front of him a massive metallic gate blocked the way. As Iain raised his head, he first noticed the gorgeous, wide stone path. A mystical greenish light reflecting from gorgeous helii trees formed a special atmosphere. Artistical statues lined the path.
Next to it, varying flowers created colorful patterns, as they slowly swayed despite the lack of wind.
Although he had already seen a lot of luxury today, the manor still left Iain in awe. He was convinced that the perfect garden alone would even turn the dumbest brute into a respectful visitor.
Burying his thoughts for now, Iain reminded himself what he was here for. He pressed a button next to the gate. A small green light lit up. It took a second before an elderly voice sounded from a speaker.
"Kid, who are you? We don't accept beggars."
Iain was slightly taken aback. Normally it was unwise to judge by appearance. On all of Hex this manor was probably one of the few places where they would never expect repercussions.
Knowing the Inquisitor's importance, Iain didn't feel offended as he answered calmly:
"My name is Iain. I came to ask a favor from my patron."
A short moment passed. The other side seemed to be contemplating, before the voice answered in a slightly less unfriendly tone:
"My master is eating. Why don't y…
It seems master is in a good mood. Come in kid. And don't touch anything on the way!"
Having passed the first hurdle, Iain felt confident about his goal. In a brisk pace he passed the stone path before arriving in front of the beautiful, opulent manor. An old man in white uniform was already awaiting him here. His straight body and stern gaze showed that this man saw himself as a soldier rather than an official.
Without saying a word, the man simply nodded at Iain before turning around. The young man hastily followed him. In silence they walked down a tacky hallway decorated with pictures of historical figures. The Church of Light's symbol hung above the door they soon entered.
An unexpectedly simple room greeted Iain. Next to a few gorgeous glass windows stood a long but unadorned dark wooden table. Green velvet hung from the ceiling, devouring a lot of noise.
A quiet, dreamlike melody played in the room. But all of this didn't register in Iain's eyes as the man behind the table instantly caught the young smith's attention.
Surrounded by a mysterious aura the Inquisitor gracefully ate some delicious enchanted food. His bearing was elegant as he directed a smile towards Iain.
A voice suddenly sounded next to the young man without Linus' lips moving:
"You must be Nua's successor, right? I'm finally getting to know you."
Iain was surprised, but he strongly kept the information Nua prepared in mind. He bowed as elegantly as possible.
"It is my honor, inquisitor."
A slight chuckle left Imrini's mouth.
"I guess you still have to train those.
Come, sit for now.
Ohnisim, bring some food for our guest!"
"Yes, master."
As the butler left, Iain thanked the inquisitor before sitting opposite him.
He didn't dare to speak as Linus mustered him.
A lot of pressure built on Iain while one of the strongest beings on Hex stared at him. Luckily the inquisitor ended the oppressive atmosphere after a few seconds.
"So?", sounded the man's soothing voice.
"What brought you here?"
Iain took a deep breath. He figured that lying to such a strong mage would only bring him into trouble, so he decided to be straightforward:
"Sir. I would like to join the army."
"No problem. You can do so during the next recruitment."
A wry smile formed on Iain's face.
"I would like to do so as fast as possible.
My sister is lost in the Frozen Hell and the army is my best bet to find her.
If you could help me, I would be forever in your debt!"
Silence embraced the room for a few seconds. Sweat formed on Iain's face, but he didn't dare to wipe it away.
"This is not a small thing you ask of me. My political enemies would surely hold it against me if I admitted you through the backdoor."
"Please. I do whatever it takes."
The inquisitor closed his eyes in contemplation for a while. If Nua hadn't always given him a mysterious feeling, he wouldn't even think about this issue.
Suddenly Linus' eyebrow rose slightly. He seemed to have received a message somehow. His eyes opened as he stared at Iain.
"I can recommend you for the war academy."
Iain's eyes lit up. The war academy would have been his next goal. This was the place which trained strong individuals instead of strong soldiers. Future officers, generals, and commanders usually stemmed from the academy.
"But… you have to show some talent.
Break through within the next two weeks and I can help you. Although a 19-year-old expert is still not too special, as a smith you are highly sought after. It wouldn't reflect too badly on me then."
More than happy with the chance he received, Iain solemnly nodded.
"Thank you! I won't let you down, Inquisitor!"
After this exchange somewhere in Iomor's Grace a piano's music gradually stopped.
***
A few days ago, just as Iain began his crazy training regime, Emantarel had returned to his daily life in the base camp. Right now, the recruits were training in formation. They alternately defended and attacked, mixing some magic within.
A stern looking captain shouted at them from time to time, urging them to work together. Only then could they be called an army.
After a few hours of exhausting training the captain pulled a few recruits to the side. As Emantarel heard his name from the captain, he quickly noticed that a small team was formed. It wasn't hard to recognize that these where his team members during the last mission.
Not explaining anything to the recruits, the captain simple bellowed:
"Follow me!"
Having the army's discipline imprinted in their mind, the team followed without any hesitation. Moloan walked next to Emantarel, but both strictly kept their gazes towards the front.
After a few minutes the team arrived before a slightly bigger metallic building. The guarding soldier's and obvious defenses revealed the building's importance. This was the army's base of operations.
The recruits couldn't suppress their surprise. Even for them it was the first time they came so close to this building. Normally this was a restricted zone. Entering it would mean instant apprehension without questions.
Obviously, the captain didn't care for the recruits' feelings. He led them into the building. A big hall welcomed them. Although it looked inviting in reality this hall was a death trap for potential intruders. Hidden weapons and mechanisms could quickly turn this hall into hell.
Not thinking so far, the recruits innocently followed the captain. They climbed some stairs before entering a central door.
An intimidating atmosphere instantly assaulted the recruits. Emantarel's eyes narrowed as he recognized the people in this room. This was obviously the instructor's office.
The dreaded Instructor Tihd-Estem stared at the recruits from behind his desk. He was surrounded by multiple screens, leading most of the army's operations outside the city.
His uniforms only barely held on as muscles threatened to tear it apart. Paired with his buzz cut and stern face, he was the prime example of a fierce military lieutenant. He was flanked by the desks of his right- and left-hand man, who were continuing to do their work without acknowledging the recruits.