Ardia is the capital city in the Cassadora region. Many consider it the central region among the four due to its successful political and economic growth. The amount of different types of foods, shopping, and overall stay within Ardia will be a peaceful one. It is home to one of the Royal Families, The Le Fleur family, with their current Princess Selene Celle Le Fleur. The Le Fleur is said to be the Trailblazers building the foundation of its current magic system.
Ardia is split into four districts: North, South, East, and West.
North is where all the nobles and notable families live. It is a high-end area with large, gated, and protected houses, as they are the closest to the royal family. One example is the Williams Family, which is known as a family of successful business owners. Another is the Grace Family, known to great scholars and politicians.
The South is where all the restaurants and ethnic foods are from the four regions. It is also where the Taverns are located, especially "The Tavern," a tavern open 24 hours, seven days a week. It provides excellent services, great meals, and one of the cleanest and nicest rooms for a tavern, three stories high.
West is the location of the Ardia Train Station and the Ardias shopping district. This district is filled with people from many different cultural backgrounds and offers luxurious pieces that can suit anyone's needs.
East is the location of Ardian Magic Academy. It is a magic school with eight of the strongest mages within the Cassadora region, one of whom is a current Heavenly Mage and Headmaster Hendrick Alexo Edlre Davenport.
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"Tavern. Tavern"
Axelle roams around the south district, admiring the foods and eateries nearby. He smells freshly made bread and hears meat grilling on a skillet. People laugh and smile while eating their hearts away at local restaurants.
"It reminds me of Mom's cooking." Axelle stops at every food stop to see what kinds of foods are available.
"Such a lively place."
"Free sample?" a man asks Axelle as he passes by. He appears to be holding a piece of meat on a toothpick.
"Sure"
Axelle takes the food and places it in his mouth he begins to chew slowly.
"Mhmm, this is pretty good," he continues to chew. "Very chuwy".
GULP
"What was that? It was very chewy but tasty."
"Boy, that was alligator meat."
"Alligator?" Axelle questions.
"You don't know, that's all right. Ardia is a city that brings in all types of foods from all four regions. Alligators are mainly eaten in the Polaris region in the east and some parts of Boriadale in the south." the man says with an earthly smile.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to come again. That's probably my new go-to meat."
"Haha, why thank you? Everyone says that initially, but there's so much food here that you don't know which one to pick. Also, correct me if I am wrong, but are you here for the Entrance Exam?"
"Yes, I am. How do you know?"
"I've seen a couple of young folks like you walking past here, some even asking for directions. Wait a minute, you look familiar." The food merchant squints his eyes. "I got it; you're that kid." He points at Axelle. " Uh. Alex. Axiom."
"Haha. It's Axelle"
"Right Axelle Alekzander. Here, lemme got you something on the house."
"You don't have to do that."
"I insist I gotta food our future savior."
"Future savior" Axelle then goes into a deep thought as thoughts spiral in his mind.
BADUMP
BADUMP
His heart races, and his hands begin to sweat.
"Here you go. You look pale. Are you okay?"
"Huff. Huff. I'm fine; I'm just a bit thirsty," Axelle says with a smile.
"Well, here you go, a water bottle. It's a new thing: water in a bottle. Who would've thought of that? We've been using these heavy jugs and metal cans."
"T-thank you. Do you know where the Tavern is?"
"Oh, it's that. Continue walking south, and you won't miss it. I believe it is the only three-story tavern here. It's the only tavern open all day. But I believe it's full if you want to book a room."
"No worries, I have a reservation placed."
"Ah, excellent. I am probably talking too long. Have a nice rest, and good luck on the exams tomorrow."
"You're fine, good sir. It was a pleasure talking to you and eating this meat."
Axelle continues to head south to the Tavern.
AHAHAHA
Axelle hears a loud commotion coming from a nearby building. From the outside, it appears rustic, cheery, and welcome. Most of the building's outside structure consists of plastered walls and marble pillars.
Seeing through the curtained windows is tough, but the excitement within can be felt outside.
"This has to be where it's the only one open right now."
Axelle approaches the tavern via the hardwood door.
CREAK
He opens the door and is greeted with excitement and the smells of roasted meats.
The bartender is a girl with straight, dark hair cut into a bob that goes beyond her chin and bangs. Her eyes are magenta. She wears a black corset dress with a sheer neck and arms, a ruffled skirt, and shoes. She is buried with orders carrying multiple plates and cups.
"H-hello, welcome in," she greets Axelle from the outside, holding multiple things in her hand.
It's as attractive inside as it is outside. The upper floor is supported by rounded wooden beams with rows of miniature candles connected to them. Aside from the illumination, the walls are entirely barren, most likely because clients frequently bump into the walls and knock off anything on them.
The tavern itself is complete.
Several long tables are packed with locals, tourists, foreigners, and anyone else who wants to participate. Smaller tables are also occupied by individuals enjoying fantastic food and drinks. However, some attempt to strike up a conversation, while others can barely speak a word while devouring what must be delicious food. Even though most bar stools are taken, no one appears to mind having additional people.
Axelle continues to walk in, and he's met with a couple of stares from some customers while others are just enjoying their food and telling stories.
He arrives near the bar area.
"I'll be with you in one second. Wooah," the girl slips.
The plates and cups then get stopped before they hit the ground as they levitate nearly inches from it.
"Celeste, I told you have to be more careful. Don't try to do too much." A lovely young woman with light skin and shoulder-length black hair has light violet eyes. She is wearing a black crop top, a small skirt with a white belt, and a white bracelet.
The cups and plates get carefully levitated back into the sink area.
"But Miss Danica"
"I also told you to please remove the Miss from my name." She grabs Celeste on her shoulder and massages her. "Just relax. I don't want my best bartender to be overworked. "Hmm, what's this?"
Danica walks over to Axelle. "You here for the entrance exam?"
"Yeah, I have a reservation."
"Yeah we know Axelle Alekzander. Its pleasure to met our future savior.
Axelle gives a little smile.
"How was your trip here?"
"Alright, I was met with some monsters along the railway, but that's about it. No biggie."
"Great, that's good. Oh, pardon me, my name is Danica. I partially own half of this tavern. Let me get my other half. He'll help you out."
"Ervine, he's here! Stop flirting with our guests and help out!"
"Yes, my dearest," said a tall, thin man with lovely skin, brown eyes, and Unkempt black hair. Answers as he rushes to the bar. He wears the arbiter uniform: a white long-sleeved button shirt covered with a black vest and a red bowtie.
"Understand I wasn't talking to them, just helping. Plus, why would I talk to them? When I have you." Ervine goes in for a smooch but is blocked by hand.
"Yeah, yeah, you can tell me all about that later; help him out. He'll help you out. Thank you for coming, and enjoy your stay."
"Mr. Alekzander, it's finally good to meet you." Ervine extends his hand.
"Good to meet you too, Ervine."
"Now, there has been a change of plans here. At first, you would have to share a room with Ambrose Rossi, but Roxanne Pierce won't be staying here tonight, so you can have her room."
"Rossi and Pierce. Those last names sound familiar.
"Okay, that's fine."
"Alright, your room will be in suite two on the third floor. Only three suites are up there, so it should be easy to find."
"Ok, thank you."
"And whenever you are ready, we'll be pleased to serve you any food or drinks on the house."
"Thank you so much," Axelle says as he heads upstairs.
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Back tables in "The Tavern"
"Three of a kind"
"Dammit"
"I told you, Vi- COUGH Vayne, you would lose that," said a young man smoking a cigarette at a table with a silver neck chocker.
"Man, it's alright. We were playing for fun. Besides, you even paid attention to who walked in?" a young man with a scar on his cheekbone asks.
"Yeah, one of the Heavenly Mage Candidates."
"Seems like this entrance exam is full of stars."
"Rumors of more than two Heavenly Mages Candidates will be in it."
"Why don't you consider yourself one?" the smoking man asks.
"Am not worthy to be called that."
"You gotta stop putting yourself down. Listen, man, we did our best to save her-"
"THERE WAS SOMETHING!" the boy with a scar stands up and yells.
Stopping all the commotion within the bar and turning it into dead silence. Eyes locked on him.
"Sorry, everyone. This guy had a little too much to drink," the young man, smoking nonchalantly, says as he puts the young man's arms on his shoulders.
The smoking man leans over. "C'mon, let's go back to our rooms and not blow our cover."