The journey from the caravan camp continued smoothly, though my mind was anything but calm. The sun was just starting to rise, casting long shadows on the path ahead. The caravan leader had said we'd arrive in the city by mid-morning, and my heart thudded at the thought of what lay ahead.
This was my first time venturing into such a large place. The idea of leaving my simple, quiet life behind felt both exciting and terrifying. But I couldn't ignore the pull of the academy—what Professor Ryven had said about it stuck with me. The academy offered a real chance to grow, to become stronger. But it was also daunting, especially with its strict admissions process. What if I wasn't good enough?
I sighed softly, trying to push the thoughts aside. The road was quiet, and my companions on the caravan kept to themselves, most of them seasoned traders or mercenaries hired to protect the goods. I was just along for the ride, helping out here and there when needed. It was clear I wasn't the main protector—the mercenaries, strong and capable, held that role. I couldn't help but notice how the merchants trusted them completely.
I glanced at the trees lining the path, trying to distract myself. Here and there, I saw familiar herbs growing near the forest edge. Just small, low-ranked plants like Bluepetal Weed, useful for treating minor cuts and bruises, and Mossyroot, known for boosting energy when brewed into tea. I picked a few discreetly as we moved along, adding them to my growing collection.
---
By mid-morning, the city came into view. My breath caught in my throat. Tall, sturdy walls stretched up into the sky, with banners flapping lazily in the wind. The road leading to the gates was crowded with people—merchants, travelers, adventurers—some on foot, others in wagons, and many accompanied by their pets and beasts.
I kept my hood up as we approached the gates, the buzz of the city making my heart race. This was nothing like the quiet village I'd left behind. Everything was louder, faster, more intense.
As we neared the gates, I began noticing the tamed beasts walking alongside their tamers. Some were unlike anything I'd seen before. My system automatically appraised them, but only for the ones within its range.
A High-Silver ranked Mountain Hound lumbered past, its dark fur glistening in the sunlight. It was massive, at least as tall as a full-grown man, with sharp, intelligent eyes and powerful limbs that hinted at its strength. Its tamer, a burly man dressed in leather armor, walked confidently beside it. The Mountain Hound's deep growl sent shivers down my spine.
Further ahead, a Mid-Gold ranked Skyhawk soared through the air. Its feathers shimmered with a metallic sheen, each movement graceful and precise. The bird's wingspan was enormous, at least five meters, and the air around it seemed to ripple with energy as it glided overhead. I couldn't help but stare.
But then, something even stranger caught my eye. A beast—larger than any I'd ever seen—strolled past with its tamer, but when I tried to appraise it, the system only displayed question marks:
[Appraisal: Gladehorn Serpent, Rank:???]
I blinked, confused. The beast was covered in shimmering scales, its body rippling with strength, yet all I could see was its name. I guessed that its rank was far beyond what I could comprehend. It wasn't just about the system's limitations—I wasn't strong enough yet to see the details of such powerful creatures. It was a humbling realization.
---
We passed through the city gates without issue, and as soon as we entered, I felt like I'd stepped into an entirely different world. The streets were packed with people. Vendors shouted from their stalls, selling everything from food to trinkets to beast-related items. The smell of roasting meat and spices filled the air, mingling with the sound of haggling and laughter.
I felt a little overwhelmed. It was hard to keep track of everything happening around me. Strong tamers walked the streets with their pets in tow—some of them clearly wealthy, dressed in fine clothes and carrying themselves with an air of authority. The beasts by their sides ranged from smaller creatures like a Wind Fox, a sleek and nimble beast with pale blue fur, to massive Ironclaw Bears—hulking creatures with thick, armored hides and claws that looked like they could tear through steel.
I kept my head down, trying to blend into the crowd as much as possible. The last thing I wanted was to draw attention.
As we reached the central market, the caravan leader turned to me. "Well, this is where we part ways, lass. Thanks for your help on the road." He handed me a small pouch of coins and nodded. "Good luck with whatever it is you're after."
I thanked him quietly, then watched as the caravan disappeared into the busy streets. Now I was truly on my own.
---
I wandered through the city for a while, taking in the sights. Everywhere I looked, there were tamers and their beasts, each one more impressive than the last. The academy had to be somewhere nearby, but I had no idea where to start.
After a bit of searching, I found a small vendor selling herbs and asked him for directions. He was an older man, his hair graying at the edges, but his eyes were sharp. "Looking for the academy, are ya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "You and half the folks in this city."
I smiled sheepishly. "Do you know where it is?"
"Sure do," he said, gesturing with his hand. "It's further inside the city. You'll want to head toward the north district. Just follow the main road, and you can't miss it. The academy's huge—got big walls and everything. You planning to try your luck with the admissions?"
I hesitated before answering. "Maybe… I'm thinking about it."
The old man chuckled. "Well, good luck to you then. The academy's tough to get into. The admissions test is coming up soon, so you'll want to be prepared. They don't just let anyone in."
"Thank you," I said, nodding politely before heading in the direction he pointed.
As I walked, my mind raced. The academy was known for its rigorous admissions process—only the strongest or most talented made it in. It was a chance for me to grow, to learn, but also a massive risk. What if I failed? What if I wasn't ready?
I tried to push those thoughts aside. I'd come this far already. There was no point in turning back now.
---
By late afternoon, I found myself standing in front of the academy gates. They were massive, made of stone and reinforced with iron, with tall spires looming above the walls. There were other applicants milling about, most of them looking far more experienced than me. I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward.