Ray had arrived in Decoron City a week ahead of the academy entrance exams. With the funds Zen had provided and seeing his inventory packed with herbs, books, and various weapons everything that's essential for one's survival, he felt prepared for this next phase. Wrapped carefully in a special enchanted cloth that kept them perpetually warm were the dragon eggs, now part of his every moment.
Dressed in a black jacket and jeans paired with sturdy black boots, handcrafted by Zen with layered defensive enchantments, he also donned a long, hooded coat in hues of black and white. The garment concealed his hair and partially covered his face, giving him an enigmatic air that would have easily drawn attention, and the fun fact is he wore them to avoid getting attention over his appearance, yet Ray wore it with natural ease.
He entered a nearby inn and rented a room for the week. The innkeeper, accustomed to a variety of travelers, raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Ray paid and made his way to his room. Once inside, he collapsed onto the bed, feeling the tension of recent days settling into a dull ache. Luna's voice filled the quiet.
[Are you nervous, perchance?]
Ray nodded with a faint smile. The idea made him chuckle.
"I've seen both heaven and hell, Luna. What's left that could make me anxious?" The irony was a comfort.
But rest wasn't on his mind for long. He knew he had to explore Decoron City, a place that thrived with life and carried whispers of the academy's prestige and rumors. He wanted to gather any information that might aid him in the days ahead.
At the same time, far from Ray's room but in the heart of the city, the air shimmered as a powerful spell activated at the spatial gate.
Five figures stepped through, each cloaked and exuding an aura that made onlookers instinctively avert their gazes. Four were young, one of them hooded, completely concealing herself, their presence sharp and keen, while the fifth was an older elf whose age was indeterminable but whose eyes held millennia of wisdom. They walked in formation, the hooded figure at the center surrounded by her entourage. Each step released a quiet pulse of pressure.
Arriving at the very inn where Ray was staying, they secured the entire top floor. As they settled in, one of them, a boy with a sharp gaze and pointed ears, scanned the building with his 'All Seeing Eyes'. His eyes, bright with the keen sight of his lineage, landed briefly on Ray's room.
"Strange," he murmured.
"There's no mana disturbance, even though he looks like someone with a mana core."
The boy was Xavier Livia, the youngest prince of the Elven Kingdom and twin brother to Katherine Livia, the kingdom's esteemed princess. He brushed aside his curiosity and turned to his sister.
"Mina cast the barrier and keep your guard up," he instructed.
A soft, serene voice answered,
"You worry too much, Xavi." A gentle glow surrounded everyone. The moment was interrupted by a high-pitched, playful voice.
[Of course, of course! When the great Mimi is here, nothing will get past me, especially not near Katty!]
The tiny green figure of a fairy appeared, wings shimmering like dew-kissed leaves. The others laughed as Mimi puffed her tiny chest out with exaggerated pride.
Katherine Livia, one of the heir to the elven throne, smiled softly. Even here, in a foreign city, surrounded by tension, Mimi's antics brought light to their group. Sara, Katherine's personal guard, and Beside her stood Mina, another trusted guard, and Sir Morris Olong, a royal protector assigned to accompany them until the academy's entrance exams were complete.
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Meanwhile, Ray awoke from a short nap, stretching before deciding to roam the city. The sights and sounds were a blend of vibrant street performances, shopkeepers calling out their wares, and the aroma of food wafting from the many eateries. He finally found a restaurant that caught his eye and walked in, ready to taste the best food, the city had to offer.
As plates of food piled in front of him, Ray began to eat with an enthusiasm that drew a few curious glances. For the first time, he was tasting flavors that sparked joy. The restaurant buzzed around him, but he focused solely on the meal until he felt eyes on him. He looked up briefly and met the gaze of a young woman seated across the room, her expression one of cautious curiosity.
Unbeknownst to him, Katherine and Sara had entered the restaurant earlier. While Katherine was going through the menu, Mimi flitted forward, drawn inexplicably to the boy in black. Before she could reach him, she bounced back with a yelp, colliding with an invisible barrier.
"What's wrong, Mimi?" Katherine's tone sharpened with concern.
Mimi rubbed her tiny head, tears welling up.
[I don't know! I was just drawn to him. He has a strong spirit scent, but I don't see any spirit with him. Uwahh!]
Katherine exchanged a glance with Sara. They both watched Ray, whose appetite was as intriguing as the barrier that surrounded him. He looked up once, eyes like crystals catching the light, and Katherine felt a strange flutter of awe before he returned to his food. To her surprise, he stood and walked directly toward their table. But just as she braced herself, he passed by without so much as a glance, stepping out into the evening.
Katherine's curiosity lingered.
"Who is he?" she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else.
Back at the inn, Ray fed the dragon eggs as Luna advised and let exhaustion sweep over him. As he drifted off, the city hummed around him, and for now, all was still.