Lean entered the city of Luminastra, a place renowned for its celestial beauty, peaceful ambiance, and abundant mana. As one of the five surviving cities in the Kingdom of Vornithar, Luminastra held a special place in his heart. Originally, the kingdom boasted six cities, but one had been overtaken by the Fallens, who now used it as their base. This loss was a grim reminder of the ever-present threat looming over Vornithar.
Walking through the main gates, Lean was immediately struck by the sights and sounds around him. The streets were alive with activity, filled with people of all ages and backgrounds. Each individual wielded their unique magical powers as if they were second nature.
Vendors lined the busy thoroughfares, shouting out to potential customers. Meat sellers used fire magic to roast their products on the spot, releasing savory aromas that wafted through the air. While other carried crates of goods through the sky with a flick of their hands, creating a surreal, otherworldly marketplace. It was as if each person was a living embodiment of magic, adding to the city's vibrant energy.
The real spectacle, however, was the towering statue of the twelve archons, the legendary heros of Vornithar. Crafted with intricate detail, each figure was carved from enchanted stone, giving the statue a lifelike quality. It shimmered as if it were alive, and Lean could almost feel the weight of its gaze as he passed by. The statue had stood for centuries, ever since the first Fallen descent. It was both a symbol of hope and a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before.
For Lean, the experience was surreal. He had read about Luminastra countless times, but witnessing it in person was a different matter entirely. He took a deep breath, letting the city's unique blend of aromas and mana fill his senses. This was a place of legends, and he was finally here, a part of it. But his journey was just beginning, and he knew he needed to find a place to stay.
"If I remember correctly, there should be an inn down this street," he murmured, making his way through the bustling crowd.
After a short walk, he found a modest inn nestled between two grander buildings. It looked unassuming compared to its neighbors, with weathered wood and simple decor, yet it had a certain charm. Inside, behind a wooden counter, stood a man with a welcoming smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he spotted Lean.
"Welcome, young man! How can I help you?" the innkeeper asked, his voice warm and inviting.
"H-Hi," Lean replied, a little nervous. "I'd like to get a room, please."
"That'll be two silver," the man replied with a practiced smile. Lean's face fell as he realized his predicament. He didn't have any money on him, a detail he had completely overlooked.
"Damn, I forgot I don't have any money," he muttered, trying not to panic.
[Notice!]
[Magic Crystals can be used as currency in this world]
[Magic Crystals owned: Sufficient for room rental]
A wave of relief washed over him as he saw the system's message. 'Oh, that's right! I can use magic crystals,' he thought, feeling a surge of confidence.
"Would it be alright if I paid with magic crystals?" he asked, a tentative smile spreading across his face.
The innkeeper's eyes widened. "Magic Crystals? By all means! We don't see many folks paying with those anymore," he replied, clearly intrigued. The man leaned forward, watching closely as Lean prepared to make the exchange.
Lean knew he couldn't let the man see how he would get the crystal, so he turned away from the counter, and brought them out from the system's inventory. He marveled at the sensation; the act of summoning something from nothing was exhilarating. He turned back, presenting the crystals to the innkeeper, who stared in amazement.
'Where did he get those?' the innkeeper wondered in his thought. 'He didn't have anything when he walked in… So—'
"Is there a problem?" Lean asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he noticed the man's bewilderment.
"Oh, no! Not at all," the innkeeper replied, snapping out of his daze. "Here's your room key. Room 205, just to the left after you go up the stairs." He handed over the key with a courteous nod, still eyeing Lean curiously, as if trying to unravel a mystery.
"Thank you!" Lean said, his excitement renewed as he headed for the stairs.
However, before getting to the staircase, a notice board caught his eye. A flier pinned to the board, with writings on. It read: Registration for the Academy Examination Starts in Two Days. His heart skipped a beat.
"The academy hasn't started yet!" Lean exclaimed, drawing the innkeeper's attention.
"Is there a problem, young man?" the innkeeper asked, genuine concern in his tone.
"No, not really. How long has that flier been up?"
"Two days. Strange that it's here, though. Most folks in this part of the city aren't interested in joining an academy," the innkeeper replied, his brow furrowing.
Lean's mind raced. "If the poster arrived two days ago, then the registration must be starting soon. And if it's today…" A wave of excitement washed over him. He was in the world of one of his favorite novel, and he knew what was coming next.
"I didn't know I was this early in the story," he muttered, grinning as he turned to head back down the stairs.
"Old man, I'll be back!" he called out, dashing out of the inn with a renewed sense of purpose.
The innkeeper frowned, watching him go. "Old man? I'm only thirty-four!" he muttered, shaking his head with a bemused smile.
..
Lean made his way to the academy's registration center. It was bustling with people, young and old, all waiting eagerly for their chance to join. He moved through the crowd, his heart racing as he took in the scene. This was where the journey truly began.
"Please form a proper line! Registration will begin shortly!" a man in a green robe called out, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd.
Lean joined the line, as he was filled with excitement. Just then, a loud voice echoed. "Hey! Get behind me! I have to go first!"
"It's about to happen," Lean muttered, his eyes brightening.
A young man with black red hair and white eye; about 6'4 tall, strode through the crowd, his expression a mix of arrogance and entitlement.
His name, Brian FlamesWorth, heir to the noble house of FlamesWorth and a descendant of one of the Twelve Archons.
After the fight against the First Fallens, the Archons were regarded as nobles. And it is said, their descendants inherited tremendous magic power.
"Some things never change," Lean thought, amused by the familiar arrogance. He knew that Brian's noble lineage granted him immense power, but it also fueled his insufferable attitude. This scene was unfolding exactly as he remembered, right down to the way Brian bullied his way to the front of the line.
Just as Brian reached the front, he stopped short. Standing in his path was a young man with brown hair and piercing blue eyes, the same height as Brian, dressed in simple clothes but radiating quiet confidence. Lean's breath caught as he realized who it was.
'it's him.'
The young man before Brian was none other than Alon Chase, the protagonist of the novel.