The morning arrived, and the group headed down for their breakfast.
Finishing swiftly, Bjorn paid for the group's expenses. They were a day's journey away from the nearest city, and their destination, Millwind.
The Bear Merchants had a task to deliver something there within a day, barely fitting within the arrival time. And so, they had to leave quickly.
With everyone in their places, they set off.
The wheels of the carriages creaked softly as they rolled out of the trading post.
Inside the carriage, William found himself gazing out the window, his thoughts drifting from topic to topic.
Cassandra, sitting across from William and Julie, broke the silence. "Millwind is quite a city," she remarked, shifting her gaze to William, "You'll enjoy it. It's known for its 'Scroll' shop, having quite the number of amateur spells."
William nodded, listening intently. He knew they would reach Millwind soon, and every piece of information could prove invaluable. "What kind of place is it, exactly? I've read about it, but I've never seen anything like a proper city before."
Cassandra smiled slightly, replying, "Millwind isn't one of the most popular cities in Criweth Kingdom, mostly due to its location—at the western most corner—however it has its own unique charm nonetheless."
Bjorn, leading the way in the carriage ahead, called out as they approached a fork in the road. "We'll take the left path here. It's the shorter route, and it's more dangerous—but Leon will take care of any bandits or wild beasts."
Goldfield, leading the Hunter family's carriage, nodded in agreement, adjusting his monocle. "We can't afford any delays. The client in Millwind won't wait, and we've got our reputation to maintain."
The journey continued, the carriages winding through stretches of dense forest and open plains. William's thoughts kept returning to his experiments with magic so far.
The book he read only detailed the basic concepts and overview of the three basic spells, Fireball, Barrier, and Heal.
With those central ideas in mind, he was able to cast the spells—but he felt that something was missing.
The spells had been through a lot of refining, over the centuries since their inception, however their concepts relied on very primitive ideas.
Fireball was simply centered on 'A destructive ball of flames', that's it. One can imagine the cost inefficiency from such a concept, with no backing in real science to lessen the mana cost.
Barrier was just that, a 'barrier of magic'. It too, carried the same cost inefficiency problem.
Heal was a bit better, with it being 'rapid recovery'.
That was closer to the science behind 'healing', however due to the complex nature of the spell (it tackled the concept of living bodies and how recovery worked, versus something like 'ball of fire') it was still mana expensive.
All in all, William promised himself to better understand the laws behind mana and create better 'basic spells' as soon as possible.
And so, the last few weeks had been a whirlwind of learning.
William felt the weight of the recommendation letter from Rheala tucked safely in his belongings.
The Criweth Royal Academy was surely a prestigious place, and he knew he would have to prove himself to even step through its gates.
He glanced at his parents, who were quietly taking in the scenery, their expressions contemplative.
They had come a long way since that first harrowing day in the desert, but the journey ahead was still uncertain.
For now, they would focus on reaching Millwind, hoping that the city would offer them some much-needed answers.
As they continued, the road ahead grew narrower, and the trees around them thickened, their branches arching overhead like a natural canopy.
The morning suns flickered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the path.
"Keep your eyes open," Bjorn warned. "This part of the forest is known for its Shadeprowlers. They usually keep to themselves, but it doesn't hurt to be cautious."
"Shadeprowlers?" James voiced his confusion.
Cassandra swiftly replied, "They're wolf like creatures, though don't think low of them. They've adapted to dark environments, and will use magic to hide themselves until the last second."
She then said, after a moment of thought, "Did your home not have such beasts?"
James replied, "No. We only had the basic wildlife and that's about it. We hadn't even heard of magic or traits until that beast sent us here."
Surprise and intrigue covered the lady's face, though she didn't question him further.
As the conversation lulled, the forest around them grew thicker, the light dimming slightly as the Shadeprowlers' territory loomed.
The silence between the trees was unsettling; even the usual sounds of birds and insects seemed to have been swallowed by the dense canopy.
Goldfield kept his eyes on the road ahead, his expression serious. "Shadeprowlers usually avoid confrontations, but it's their unpredictability that makes them dangerous. If you see a flicker in the shadows or feel something's off, alert Leon immediately."
Julie, ever attentive, watched the tree line with unease. "Are they hard to fight off?"
Leon, having moved his carriage to the front, responded without looking back. "Not particularly, but they attack in packs, and their camouflage magic makes them hard to pin down. The key is to stay calm and focus—panicking will only make things worse."
William began to wonder how effective the basic spells could be in this situation, if worst were to come.
As they traveled deeper, the forest's atmosphere became heavier, almost suffocating.
A faint rustle to their right caught William's attention, but when he turned, nothing was there—just more shadows and trees.
A low growl broke the silence, echoing through the trees.
The horses stirred, but Goldfield kept them steady, his grip on the reins tightening. Leon's hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning the darkness.
"There," Leon whispered, nodding toward a flicker of movement—a brief glint of yellow eyes that vanished almost instantly. "They're close. Everyone, stay alert."
William's heart grew calmer, his mind shifting through the spells he had practiced.
Fireball would be too conspicuous and might set the forest ablaze. Barrier could protect them but would drain him fast without refinement. Heal was useless unless someone was injured.
They rode in tense silence, the growls growing more frequent, echoing from different directions as if the Shadeprowlers were testing their resolve.
The forest seemed alive with unseen eyes, watching every movement, every breath.
Out of nowhere, one of the creatures lunged from the shadows, targeting the lead carriage.
Leon reacted instantly, drawing his sword and meeting the beast mid-air.
The Shadeprowler snarled, a dark mass of fur and glowing eyes, but in a blur the beast was beheaded.
It's body fell limp, the head rolling on the bloodied ground. The forest erupted in a chorus of howls—an ominous warning that they were far from safe.
"Keep moving!" Bjorn shouted, urging the horses faster. "Don't stop for anything!"
The carriages sped up, bumping and jolting as the forest floor grew uneven.
More Shadeprowlers appeared, darting between the trees, their eyes glowing menacingly in the dim light.
Leon was living up to his role, surprising even Bjorn.
He seemed to not move from his spot atop his carriage, but clear blurs could be seen tracing their source to him, followed by several beheadings.
William noticed a shadow jumping from behind Bjorn, just as Leon was distracted by a barrage of a dozen others at his front.
Focusing, he recalled the principles behind the Barrier spell, adjusting it mentally to create a brief but powerful shield behind Bjorn.
"Barrier!" he shouted, pushing his mana outward.
A shimmering wall of energy materialized just as another Shadeprowler leapt, slamming into the shield and bouncing off with a pained yelp.
William panted, the effort draining him, but it worked.
The group pushed through the ambush, the Shadeprowlers slowly losing interest as they realized their prey was more trouble than it was worth.
Finally, the forest began to thin, and the howls faded into the distance. The carriages slowed, and everyone took a moment to catch their breath.
"Well done," Leon said, nodding to William. "You handled that spell like a natural."
William managed a tired smile. "Thanks. Still a lot to learn, though."
Bjorn glanced back, his expression a mix of relief and approval. "We're almost out of Shadeprowler territory. Just a bit further, and we'll be back on safer ground."
As the carriages pressed on, the dense forest gradually gave way to more open terrain, with patches of sunlight breaking through the foliage.
The atmosphere lightened, and the tension that had gripped the group began to ease.
William leaned back against the carriage seat, feeling the fatigue settle in.
Using magic in real-life situations was far more draining than any practice session, and his thoughts circled back to how he could refine his spells.
It was becoming clear that he couldn't rely solely on the basics, not in a world filled with creatures like Shadeprowlers.
"Do you think they'll follow us?" Julie asked, glancing nervously at the retreating tree line.
Bjorn shook his head, his bear coat ruffling as he turned to address the group. "Not likely. Shadeprowlers are territorial; they won't stray far from their hunting grounds. We've made it past the worst of it."
Goldfield, wiping his monocle with a cloth, added, "They're opportunists, not relentless hunters. We disrupted their ambush, so they'll move on to easier prey."
The group rode on, the road widening into a clear path that hinted at more civilized lands ahead.
Wildflowers began to appear by the roadside, and the distant chirping of birds returned, a welcome sign of normalcy.
William's thoughts drifted back to his earlier resolve to improve his spells.
The Shadeprowler encounter had been a wake-up call, showing him just how crucial it was to refine his understanding of magic beyond the basic spells.
He needed to dig deeper, to understand the underlying principles that governed mana and its interaction with the world around him.
The afternoon wore on, and the group stopped briefly by a clear stream to let the horses drink and stretch their legs.
The break was a chance for everyone to catch their breath, the calm water and gentle rustling of leaves providing a stark contrast to the earlier chaos.
The suns remained still in the sky, despite the brightness of the day disappearing.
Continuing forward, the landscape slowly shifted from wild forests to cultivated fields and scattered farmhouses.
It was a sign that they were nearing civilization once more. The thought of reaching Millwind brought a sense of anticipation; it would be their first real glimpse of a city in this new world.
As the first distant outlines of the city walls came into view, Bjorn raised his hand, signaling the group to slow down.
Millwind's silhouette was a blend of towering structures and winding streets, the city sprawling beneath the setting suns.
"There it is," Bjorn said with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Millwind City. We'll reach the gates before nightfall if we keep this pace."
The sight of the city filled William with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Various expectations and goals formulating within him.
As the carriages rolled closer to the city, the walls of Millwind loomed larger, the stonework weathered yet sturdy, a testament to the city's resilience.
The gates were open, welcoming traders, travelers, and the occasional adventurer. Guards stood watch, eyeing the incoming traffic but not interfering unless necessary.
The carriages passed through the city gates, the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoing off the stone walls.
Millwind was alive with activity; vendors called out to passersby, hawking everything from fresh produce to trinkets and the latest news.
The streets were bustling with a mix of locals, traders, and travelers, each going about their business amidst the constant murmur of the city.
William's eyes darted around, taking in the sight of a proper city for the first time since arriving in this world.
The architecture was a blend of old stone buildings, wooden shops, and narrow alleyways that twisted unpredictably between them.
Banners fluttered in the wind, displaying the symbols of various guilds and businesses.
"This place is busier than I expected," James commented, his gaze following a group of armored soldiers patrolling the main road.
"It's the only city in the western area," Goldfield explained from the driver's seat, adjusting his monocle as he scanned the streets.
"Millwind thrives on that fact, especially with its proximity to the various villages and towns in the area. You'll find all sorts here—merchants, craftsmen, mages, even the occasional noble seeking to expand their influence."
The carriages made their way through the crowded streets, eventually stopping in front of a modest inn near the city center.
The sign above the entrance depicted a roaring bear, fitting given the company they were in.
"This is where we'll stay the night," Bjorn announced, hopping down from his carriage. "It's safe, and the food's decent enough. I'll deliver the package now, you guys check yourselves in."
The group disembarked, stretching their legs after the long journey.
William looked around, taking in the vibrant scene around him.
The city felt alive in a way that the village had not—a sense of constant motion, of people chasing after their own ambitions and dreams.
"Stay together," Bjorn reminded, waving them inside. "It's easy to get lost here, and I'd rather not spend the evening searching for any of you."
The inn's interior was cozy, with a warm fire crackling in the hearth and the smell of hearty stew wafting from the kitchen.
The innkeeper, a burly man with a bushy beard, greeted them with a nod and directed them to a table near the back.
James and Julie sat with Goldfield and Harold, quickly immersing themselves in a conversation.
Leon took care of registering their rooms, and packing their stuff in.
With the table full, William and Cassandra took a smaller table near by.
As they settled in, Cassandra glanced at William. "This is a good opportunity to explore a bit, if you're up for it. Millwind has a lot to offer, especially for someone interested in magic."
William nodded, though a question had plagued his mind since first setting forth on this trip.
"If you don't mind me asking, why is it that you guys are doing this much for us?"
Cassandra smiled, though William continued. "I mean, you've paid for us, you brought us here, and you shared knowledge with us—despite only knowing that Rheala suggested us to come with you."
With William finishing, Cassandra responded. "We have nothing better to do. Besides, we've been repeating the same stuff for years now, and it's these little things that make it all worth it."
William, though not fully understanding, thanked Cassandra regardless. "I hope you know that we'll do our best to repay this favor."
With a small chuckle, the noble born said, "And we do it for that too, doesn't do us any harm to forge connections, now does it?"
William returned a smile, and Cassandra shifted the discussion.
"So, would you like to explore the area?" She asked.
William thought for a moment, before shrugging, "Why not. Though I still have to ask my parents."
After finishing their quick meal, the group dispersed to their rooms.
William, however, couldn't sit still. With a quick word to his parents, he set off with Cassandra, eager to see more of the city.
They wandered through the winding streets, passing by stalls that sold various ordinary things, though a few oddities stood out—such as small enchanted trinkets.
William stopped at the famous scroll shop, eyeing the racks filled with various spells.
Most were basic—amateur spells meant for beginners—but there were a few that caught his attention, each bearing unfamiliar symbols and strange diagrams.
William was fascinated by this. He was very much surprised after first learning that this world's inhabitants spoke and wrote in English, and so the unusual symbols were—strangely enough—a welcome surprise.
Cassandra watched him carefully, offering insight when needed. "These are cheap spells, good for practice but not much else. If you're looking to refine your understanding, this is a good place to start."
William nodded, absorbing her advice. The spells here weren't powerful, but they were a window into the possibilities of magic—different approaches, techniques, and styles that could help him build a more refined foundation.
As they continued exploring, William's mind buzzed with ideas.
Millwind wasn't just a city; it was a stepping stone, a place where he could gather the knowledge and resources he needed to push his magic further.
The scrolls, the trinkets, the bustling energy of the market—it all served as a reminder of the vast world he had only just begun to explore.
Cassandra guided him to the city's central plaza, where a large fountain dominated the space, surrounded by vendors and performers.
The water sparkled in the light of the two suns, casting shimmering reflections that danced on the cobblestones.
"Here's the heart of Millwind," she said with a smile. "Everything converges here. Information, trade, gossip—you name it."
William stared at the fountain, deep in thought.
"Thank you for showing me around," William said earnestly. "This place is incredible."
Cassandra nodded, her expression thoughtful.
As they made their way back to the inn, William's thoughts were filled with possibilities.
Millwind was only the first step, but it was a crucial one. He had much to learn and even more to prove, not just to others but to himself.
And as a golden glow cast over the city, the two retreated to the inn—finding that Bjorn had also just returned.
The group settled into their rooms, and watched the last lights of day.
William had learned a lot in that short outing. He overheard various conversations, and got a better outlook on the world.
Plans flashed through his mind.
Tomorrow would be a significant day.