As Zar approached Ironveil City, the sight before him was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The city was encircled by a colossal wall of iron and stone, standing as a towering sentinel that stretched for miles. Its grandeur was evident even from a distance. The wall, etched with intricate designs and reinforced with massive battlements, seemed to radiate an aura of both security and intimidation.
The road leading to the city was wide and well-paved, flanked by lush greenery that gave way to the imposing walls. Zar, with his modest carriage, felt an increasing sense of unease. He had already decided to leave the carriage a mile away from the city, wary of drawing unwanted attention with his somewhat inconspicuous transport. His anxiety was palpable as he approached the checkpoint at the city's edge.
At the checkpoint, a sturdy stone structure with a heavy wooden gate, Zar saw two carriages waiting in line. The toll booth was manned by official-looking individuals clad in lower-body armor and armed with swords. Their presence made Zar keenly aware of the technological advancements and the formality of the city's security measures.
Zar approached the booth with cautious steps. An official, a tall man with a stern demeanor, greeted him with a curt nod. "State your business, traveler."
"I'm here for the academy," Zar replied, attempting to keep his voice steady. "I'm from a small rural city and, well, I've never been to Ironveil before."
The official's expression softened slightly. "Ah, a new student. Since you're here for the academy, you qualify for a discount on the identification fee. Follow me."
Zar followed the official to a nearby station where another man prepared a crystal device. "Place your hand here," the man instructed, gesturing to a shimmering crystal embedded in a metal stand. Zar complied and placed his hand on it, and the crystal glowed softly as the man worked. A paper materialized to Zar's right, filled with his details:
Name: Zar ( Human )
Age: 14
Physical Condition: 1.0
Cultivation: 0.4
Mental: 2.3
Agility: 0.7
Strength: 0.5
The burly knight's eyes widened as he reviewed the data. "Well, I'll be," he said, his voice laced with surprise. "A mere boy with such impressive numbers. You've got the physical condition of a seasoned warrior, and your mental aptitude—remarkable. It's rare to see such potential in someone so young."
The second knight, younger but equally intrigued, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Your cultivation score and mental acuity are quite extraordinary. You're already on par with some of the grown men we've seen. It's clear you've got talent."
The burly knight extended a gloved hand. "I'm Poly, Initiate 4-star. And this is George," he said, gesturing to the younger knight. "He's a Valor 2-star. We keep an eye out for exceptional individuals like yourself."
George gave Zar a friendly nod. "Nice to meet you. Poly and I have seen our share of promising recruits, but your numbers are truly impressive. Ironveil's a place where talent like yours can truly shine."
Zar, though taken aback by the knights' reaction, managed a composed smile. "Thank you," he replied, trying to mask his unease with gratitude.
Poly clapped Zar on the shoulder, his gaze earnest. "Well, don't let us keep you. Best of luck at the academy. If you need any advice or assistance while you're here, don't hesitate to ask."
After receiving his identification papers, Zar ventured through the city gates. The atmosphere of Ironveil was a sensory overload. To the west, the city was a vibrant and bustling hub. The streets were lined with an array of vendors selling everything from exotic goods to local delicacies. The air was filled with the lively chatter of merchants and shoppers, and the streets stretched for miles, forming a sprawling, circular marketplace.
In stark contrast, the eastern part of the city appeared more subdued. Though it maintained a sense of order, the buildings were less ornate, and the atmosphere became slightly more average the further he ventured in. The city's elegance seemed to wane as he moved away from the heart of Ironveil.
As Zar wandered through the streets, he noticed the variety of carriages and the sophistication of the locals' attire. His tattered clothes, which had served him well on his journey, now seemed woefully out of place. He spotted a girl, likely around his age, lost amidst the bustling crowd. Her rich dress and confused expression caught Zar's attention.
"Are you lost?" Zar asked, approaching her.
The girl looked up, eyes wide with relief. "Yes, I'm trying to find my way to the academy. Can you help me?"
Zar nodded, offering his assistance. "No, but ill help you look and im pretty sure its the big castle like building above us in the middle of the city."
As they walked, Zar learned that the girl was named Lila and was from a baron family in a branch city nearby.
After parting ways with Lila near the academy, Zar realized the urgency of his situation. His attire was now a glaring contrast to the sophisticated clothing of the city's residents. He needed to purchase new clothes to blend in better and make a proper impression.
Zar made his way to a tailor shop recommended by Lila, where he procured a set of more suitable garments. The transformation from his worn travel clothes to the new attire was striking. With his appearance now more fitting for Ironveil's standards, he felt a renewed sense of confidence.
Zar's footsteps echoed on the cobblestone streets of Ironveil as he made his way to a nearby inn he had spotted during his wanderings. The inn, named "The Silver Star," was nestled between two bustling shops in the eastern part of the city. Its exterior, though modest compared to the grandeur of the city's central districts, was adorned with intricate carvings and a welcoming sign that promised comfort and hospitality.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Zar entered the inn's common room. The interior was cozy, with warm tones and a crackling fireplace that gave off a pleasant, inviting glow. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee. Several patrons were seated at wooden tables, enjoying their breakfast and engaging in lively conversation. The workers behind the bar moved efficiently, serving food and drinks with practiced ease.
Zar approached the bar where a middle-aged woman with a friendly demeanor was polishing glasses. Her name tag read "Mara." She looked up with a welcoming smile.
"Good afternoon" Zar greeted. "I'm looking for a room. How much for a night?"
Mara's eyes briefly assessed Zar's appearance before she responded, "For a room, it's ten silver pieces a night. We offer breakfast included in the price. If you're staying for a few nights, we can offer a discount."
Zar nodded, relieved to find the price manageable. "I'll take the room for three nights. I need to be here for the academy."
Mara handed him a key with a warm smile. "Welcome to Ironveil. We'll make sure you're comfortable. Breakfast is served until noon. If you need anything, just let us know."
Zar thanked her and made his way to his room. The room was modest but clean, with a comfortable bed, a small window, and a wooden desk.