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Chapter 27: The Inferno Spire
Kalki took his new holographic ID proof, which looked like a sleek wristband. This wristband was more than just an identity proof; it was a multifunctional device used for money transactions, communication, and even accessing various services throughout the city. The device projected a holographic interface that Kalki could interact with using simple gestures.
As he roamed through the Inferno Spire, or IS Centre, Kalki was awestruck by the grandeur and technological marvels around him. The colossal skyscraper, reaching 10,000 meters high, was the epitome of the MagiTech metropolis. The currency in this world, Union Credits (UC), was accepted everywhere, and the 10,000 UC given to him by security while getting his ID proof was enough for him to explore but not splurge.
On the first eight lower floors, Kalki found a skill card shop. The shop exuded luxury and high technology, with a fire ambiance that was 100 times more intense than outside. Each skill card was meticulously displayed, glowing with a mystical aura. However, Kalki didn't dare enter, as the minimum price of a skill was 1 million UC, and some objects were around 1 billion UC. His stomach churned with a mix of envy and determination.
Yaksha's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm, "Feeling a bit out of your league, are we? Someday, maybe you'll afford a crumb from this place."
Kalki clenched his fists and vowed, "One day, I'll buy the best skill in that shop with my own money."
Determined, Kalki continued to explore the IS Centre with the help of a holographic tour guide website on his wristband. Despite spending an entire day wandering, he had only covered one percent of the colossal skyscraper. The IS Centre was a world within a world, boasting facilities like weapon shops, skill card shops, the continent's top military center, shopping malls, 5D theaters that transported viewers to another dimension, and much more.
When Kalki reached the last page of the tour website, he stumbled upon an advertisement for Arcane Nexus University. The university claimed to be the top institution in the capital city of the Infernal Empire, and its vision was captivating:
Arcane Nexus University
Vision: At Arcane Nexus, we believe that magic and technology are not adversaries but harmonious partners. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of spellcasters, inventors, and enchantment engineers. Here, students don't just learn; they forge destiny.
Features:
Curriculum Fusion: Our courses blend ancient grimoires with quantum algorithms. From Fireball Theory to Quantum Glyphs, students explore the intersection of magic and science. Professors include retired dragons, sentient golems, and the occasional time-traveling bard.
Elemental Laboratories: Each wing of the university specializes in a magical element: Pyrology, Aeromancy, Hydrokinesis, and more. Students experiment with flame-powered nanobots, levitating inkwells, and self-replicating familiars.
MagiTech Workshops: Our state-of-the-art labs hum with energy. Here, you'll find:
Sigilmithing Stations: Craft your personalized essence sigils, infused with fire runes or lightning cores.
Crystal Computing Arrays: Code spells using binary crystals.
Cauldrons: Brew potions that defy causality.
Library of Whispers: The library's shelves ripple with magic. Ancient scrolls coexist with e-books. Librarians are spectral beings who recommend books based on your aura color.
Dual Degrees: Students can pursue both magical and technological degrees. Imagine graduating with a Master's in Elemental Engineering and a Bachelor's in Quantum Alchemy.
Firewalk Campus Tours: Prospective students cross bridges of living flames to reach their classrooms. Don't worry; the fire sprites guide them safely.
Student Organizations:
The PyroCoders: Hack firewalls with fireballs.
Quantum Quills: Write poetry in quantum verse.
Elemental Debate Club: Argue whether fire or water is the superior element.
Adventure Guild and Semi-Dimension Rifts:
Adventures Guild: Join a community of explorers and adventurers. Undertake quests to discover rare resources, train in exotic terrains, and engage in thrilling battles. Our guild provides the perfect platform to test your skills and grow your power.
Semi-Dimension Rifts: These portals allow students to enter semi-dimensional realms filled with magical beasts, rare resources, and hidden secrets. Here, you can practice your skills, gather materials for crafting, and gain experience in controlled, but challenging environments.
Specialized Facilities:
Beast Behavior Observation Chambers: 5D theaters that transport you into another dimension to observe and study beast behaviors and their unique abilities.
Battle Arenas: Advanced arenas designed for combat training, including elemental dueling grounds and tactical warfare simulations.
Elemental Essence Laboratories: Facilities dedicated to the study and manipulation of elemental essences, enhancing both magical and technological applications.
Motto: "Ignite the Mind, Illuminate the World."
Welcome to Arcane Nexus University, where the sparks of curiosity fuel our brightest futures. Enroll today, and let your magic soar!
Kalki's excitement grew as he absorbed every detail. The blend of magic and technology, the prospect of real-world adventures, and the chance to push his limits in the semi-dimension rifts made Arcane Nexus University the perfect choice for his next step. Determined, he knew this was where he would find the resources and knowledge he needed to grow stronger and achieve his goals.
Kalki immediately decided to head back to Seraphina's house to prepare for his enrollment at Arcane Nexus University. He hailed a flying car taxi and, within minutes, was soaring above the bustling streets of Inferno Spire City. The city's skyline, with its towering skyscrapers and holographic advertisements, flashed by as he sped towards his destination.
Upon arriving at Seraphina's house, Kalki found a neatly folded piece of paper on the table. Next to it was an application form made of solid glass. The letter attached to it bore Seraphina's elegant handwriting:
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**Dear Kalki,**
I have seen great potential in you and believe you have the strength and wisdom to thrive at Arcane Nexus University. I have taken the liberty of filling out the guardian's portion of the application. You merely need to complete your personal information.
Remember Kalki, I have saved your life so I need to show you a way. Let your journey at Arcane Nexus illuminate your path.
With noble intentions,
**Seraphina**
---
Kalki's eyes welled up with tears as he read Seraphina's words. The respect and trust she had shown him moved him deeply. "Thank you, Seraphina," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. He carefully lifted the Emberheart Gem, which was left next to the letter, feeling its warmth and the surge of power it promised.
" Is tears for 2 days journey" Yaksha teases him in this moment also.
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The application form itself was a marvel. It was crafted from a solid, transparent glass-like material, with the necessary information appearing as holographic text. The most striking feature was the official stamp at the bottom, which shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow, symbolizing the magical diversity and prestige of the university.
Kalki quickly filled in his details, the glass form responding to his touch as the holographic text flowed seamlessly under his fingers. The application was now complete, ready to be submitted to the university.
With determination burning in his eyes, Kalki left Seraphina's house, the completed application and the Emberheart Gem is kept in that letter. His heart swelled with gratitude and resolve.
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Kalki stood before Arcane Nexus University, a magnificent fusion of high technology and ancient architectural grandeur. The university sprawled across an area as vast as an entire city from his previous world, its towering structures made of shimmering glass and pulsating with magical energies. The buildings rose like crystalline monoliths, interconnected by bridges of light, and the whole campus was set amidst a forest of greenery mixed with patches of fiery red foliage, giving the landscape an otherworldly beauty.
As Kalki approached, he noticed a long line of applicants stretching out from the university entrance. The institution was located on the outskirts of Inferno Spire City, nestled in this peculiar forest. Yaksha, sensing the importance of the moment, released some of the seals on Kalki's powers, although he warned that removing the seals completely could be dangerous for him.
At the entrance, security was informing the person at the front of the line that applications were closed for normal applicants. Kalki, however, didn't retreat. He had noticed that his application was different from the others. When his turn came, he handed his application to the security guard, who eyed him suspiciously and then stared at his application with a mix of confusion and respect.
The guard whispered something to another security officer, who then hurried into an office. Moments later, he returned with an officer who greeted Kalki with a polite nod and escorted him inside the university. Yaksha's voice rang in Kalki's mind, dripping with sarcasm, "Look at you, Mr. Noble, getting the royal treatment without lifting a finger."
The officer explained that despite the special nature of his application, Kalki would still need to take the entrance exam. Kalki nodded, understanding the necessity of proving himself. The officer then led him to a grand chamber where other applicants, dressed in luxurious royal suits made from the hides of high-tier elemental beasts, were waiting. The room was filled with the elite, their overconfidence palpable.
Kalki scanned the room, noting the extravagant styles of these 17-year-olds, each exuding an air of nobility and wealth. Amidst the crowd, he spotted Leslie sitting next to a boy of her age, both emitting a powerful aura. Flint and Ember were also present. Ember's presence was particularly intense, and the boy beside Leslie exuded a fierce, uncaring demeanor that seemed to radiate pure power. Both Ember and the boy glanced at Kalki briefly, their glares piercing.
Quietly, Kalki handed his application to an officer in the chamber, a man with an aura so intense that it was clear he could kill an epic-tier beast with ease. The pressure around him was almost tangible. After submitting his form, the officer who had brought him in led Kalki to the residential area for students.
The student accommodations were like a city within a city, each building a marvel of luxury and advanced technology. The officer, however, took Kalki further into a highly secured sector, where the guards exuded the pressure of rare-tier beasts. They arrived at the noble residential area, and the officer showed Kalki to room #21.
The room was the epitome of luxury and high technology. It featured automated systems for almost everything, from lighting to climate control. The bed was made of the finest materials, and the walls were adorned with magical runes that provided both aesthetic beauty and practical enchantments. The bathroom was equally extravagant, with self-cleaning surfaces, a shower that adjusted to the perfect temperature, and a mirror that could display any information or even project holograms.
The officer turned to Kalki and said, "This room requires a monthly rent of 1 million UC."
Kalki's initial happiness at the thought of living in such opulence turned to horror. "A million UC per month?" he stammered, feeling as if he had just received a mini heart attack. Yaksha's voice chimed in, "Looks like your dreams of luxury come with a hefty price tag, buddy."
Despite the shock, Kalki knew he had to find a way to afford this. With determination, he resolved to make the most of his time at Arcane Nexus University and find a way to secure the funds. This was just another challenge on his journey, and he was ready to face it head-on.
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Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for reading my novel, **Aethereal Chronicles Volume-1: The Winds of Zephyr**. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. I hope you enjoyed the journey so far and are as excited as I am for the adventures to come.
Please continue to show your support by reading the upcoming **Volume-2**, where the story delves deeper into new mysteries and thrilling escapades. Your feedback and enthusiasm drive me to keep writing and improving.
I will be taking a day off to recharge and come back even stronger for the next part of our epic tale.
Thank you once again for being amazing readers!
Warm regards,
elementals08