Wade stepped out of the guest dormitory at Valoria Academy, inhaling the crisp morning air. With the academy's opening ceremony still a few days away, he had ample time to explore the city. The streets of Valoria bustled with life—vendors arranging their stalls, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with exotic spices, and magical vehicles flying around.
As he wandered through the marketplace, Wade couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Despite having read about this city in the novel from his previous life, experiencing it firsthand was completely different. Every sight, sound, and scent was more vivid than he had ever imagined.
Turning a corner, Wade noticed a commotion near a line of vendors. A group of city knights was confronting a young man selling handmade trinkets. The lead knight, a stern-faced man with a scar across his cheek, towered over the vendor.
"You don't have a permit to sell here," the knight barked. "Hand over your goods, and we'll let you off with a warning."
"Please, sir," the vendor pleaded. "I have the necessary paperwork. If you'd just allow me to show you—"
"Enough!" the knight snapped, snatching a necklace from the vendor's display. "Resisting an officer is a serious offense."
Wade's fists clenched at the blatant injustice. In his previous life, he might have hesitated to intervene, but now, reborn into a world where one person's actions could make a significant difference, he felt compelled to act. Just as he was about to step forward, someone else moved ahead of him.
A young man pushed through the crowd and approached the knights. Wade recognized him immediately—it was the guy he had bumped into in the academy hallway the day before. The memory flashed in his mind: the brief collision, a muttered apology, and a glimpse of sharp green eyes beneath tousled auburn hair.
"Is extortion part of a knight's duties these days?" the man remarked casually, folding his arms across his chest.
The lead knight turned to face him. "This is official business. Move along."
The man smirked. "Funny, I didn't realize shaking down honest vendors was considered 'official business.' Must be a new directive."
Wade studied him more closely. Clad in simple attire—a dark tunic that hinted at a lean but muscular build, sturdy boots, and fingerless gloves—the man exuded an air of reckless confidence. His tousled auburn hair framed a face with sharp features: high cheekbones, a straight nose, and a determined jawline. His eyes were a striking emerald green, filled with defiance and a hint of mischief. A slight scar above his left eyebrow added to his rugged appearance.
As Wade observed him, a realization struck. The physical features matched perfectly with a character from the novel—Alex Vandross, the berserker priest who fought on the front lines while simultaneously wielding healing magic. Alex was known for his unorthodox methods, his foul mouth, and his unwavering sense of justice.
"Could it really be him?" Wade thought, his heart pounding. "Is this Alex Vandross?"
"Watch your mouth," the knight growled. "Unless you want to join him."
Alex smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Big talk coming from a Tin can."
"That's it!" another knight growled, drawing his sword.
As the knight lunged, Alex moved with lightning speed. He sidestepped the attack and delivered a swift elbow to the knight's ribs, causing him to double over. The crowd gasped, backing away to give them space.
"You're going to regret that," the lead knight snarled.
Alex drew his own weapon—a short sword with intricate runes etched along the blade. "I've been itching for a good fight," he said, his grin widening.
Two more knights charged at him. Alex met them head-on, parrying their strikes with ease. His movements were fluid, almost dance-like, as he weaved between them. Amid the clash of steel, Wade noticed a soft glow emanating from Alex's free hand.
During the intense skirmish, the elderly vendor was struggling to gather his scattered belongings, his hands visibly bruised and cut from the earlier assault. Alex, without taking his eyes off his opponents, flicked his glowing hand subtly in the vendor's direction. A gentle light enveloped the old man's hands from a distance, and the wounds healed instantly.
The vendor looked at his healed hands in astonishment. "How...?" he whispered, eyes darting between his hands and Alex.
"Stay back," Alex called out, still fully engaged with the knights.
Wade's eyes widened. "He's healing the vendor without even touching him," he realized. "Just like in the novel."
As the fight continued, the chain around Alex's neck swung free from beneath his tunic, revealing a silver insignia depicting a radiant sun—the emblem of the Holy Church.
The lead knight noticed the insignia and hesitated. "You're a cleric?" he stammered.
Alex knocked the sword out of another knight's hand before responding. "Surprised?"
The knights exchanged uneasy glances. Attacking a member of the Holy Church could have severe repercussions.
"Stand down," the lead knight ordered reluctantly.
Alex lowered his sword slightly. "Now, apologize to the old man and return his documents."
The knight's jaw tightened. "We're sorry," he muttered toward the vendor, retrieving the scattered papers and handing them back.
"Didn't quite hear you," Alex said mockingly. "Speak up."
"We're sorry," the knight repeated louder, his face flushed with humiliation.
"That's better," Alex replied, sheathing his sword.
The knights retreated, and the tension in the air dissipated. The crowd began to disperse, whispers of the encounter buzzing among them.
Wade approached Alex as he helped the vendor secure his items back onto his cart.
"That was quite the display," Wade commented.
Alex glanced at him, recognition flickering in his eyes. "You again—the shithead who bumped into me yesterday."
Wade chuckled. "I prefer Wade, but sure."
"Didn't expect to see you here," Alex remarked, his tone less hostile but still guarded.
"Couldn't resist the charm of the marketplace," Wade replied. "You're full of surprises. Healing the vendor without even touching him—that's impressive."
Alex shrugged, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "Just a simple trick."
"Not many can pull off simultaneous combat and remote healing," Wade noted.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You've got a keen eye. Most people don't catch that."
"Well, it's hard to miss when someone takes on knights single-handedly," Wade remarked.
As they finished assisting the vendor, the old man bowed deeply towards Alex. "Thank you . I don't know how to repay your kindness."
"No need," Alex said, waving off the gratitude. "Just stay safe."
As the vendor wheeled his cart away, Wade took the opportunity to study Alex more closely. The physical resemblance to the novel's description was uncanny—the same auburn hair that seemed perpetually untamed, the sharp features, and those piercing green eyes that held a mix of defiance and warmth.
"You're staring," Alex noted, breaking Wade's train of thought.
"Sorry," Wade said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "It's just—you look familiar."
"Do I?" Alex asked, his gaze scrutinizing.
"Yeah, it's like I've met you before," Wade lied, unwilling to reveal his knowledge of the novel.
Alex chuckled. "Must have one of those faces."
"Maybe," Wade conceded. "So, are you joining the academy as well?"
Alex sighed. "Against my better judgment, yeah. Got convinced that some 'formal training' might do me good."
Wade smirked. "I can't wait to see how that goes."
Alex shot him a sideways glance. "Oh, you think it's funny? Wait until they start droning on about 'proper conduct' and 'respect for authority.' Makes me want to shove their rulebooks where the sun doesn't shine."
"Sounds like you and the instructors will get along splendidly," Wade chuckled.
"More like a damn nightmare," Alex grumbled. "But who knows? Maybe I'll learn a thing or two before they kick me out."
"Or before you set something on fire," Wade quipped.
Alex snorted. "Now that's an idea. Might liven the place up."
They continued walking, the grand spires of the academy looming ahead. The streets grew busier with students and faculty preparing for the new term.
"By the way," Wade ventured, "that insignia—it's from the Holy Church, right?"
Alex glanced down at the emblem, now tucked back under his tunic. "Yeah. Didn't mean to flash it around, but sometimes it helps."
"Must be a story there," Wade prompted.
Alex shrugged. "Nothing too exciting. Trained with the church for a while, but we didn't see eye to eye on some things."
"Like fighting with bare hands on frontline?" Wade guessed.
A grin spread across Alex's face. "Exactly. They prefer their clerics to stay behind the scenes, healing and praying. Not really my style."
"I admire that you stick to your convictions," Wade said earnestly.
"Thanks," Alex replied. "Most people think I'm just reckless."
"Well, maybe a bit," Wade teased.
Alex laughed. "Fair enough."
They continued walking back toward the provisional hall. The streets grew busier with students and faculty preparing for the new term.
"Orientation is next week," Wade mentioned.
Alex rolled his eyes. "So smart that you figured that out from the letter they gave to all of us," he said sarcastically.
Wade chuckled. "Just trying to make conversation."
"Well, you're doing a bang-up job," Alex retorted, though a hint of a smile played on his lips.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Wade replied dryly.
They reached the guest dormitory building, a modest structure compared to the grand architecture of the main academy. Students milled about, some carrying luggage, others chatting excitedly.
"Looks like we'll be stuck here for a while," Wade observed.
"Brilliant deduction," Alex said, smirking. "Did you piece that together all on your own?"
"Actually, I had help from a very sarcastic acquaintance," Wade shot back.
Alex chuckled. "Alright, point taken."
They headed toward their respective temporary rooms.
"Catch you later, Wade," Alex called over his shoulder.
"See you soon," Wade replied.
Entering his room, Wade set his belongings down and sat on the edge of the bed, reflecting on the day's events. Meeting Alex had been unexpected but invigorating. The man was exactly as the novel described—bold, brash, and unorthodox, yet with a strong sense of justice.
Wade couldn't help but feel that their meeting was significant. If this world followed the same narrative as the novel, then Alex would play a pivotal role in the events to come. Perhaps by befriending him now, Wade could influence the future in positive ways.
He lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "So, orientation is next week," he mused. "That gives me some time to prepare."
The weight of his situation settled over him. He was in a world he once thought was fiction, interacting with characters he'd only read about. The possibilities were thrilling yet daunting.He considered his conversation with Alex. The man's sharp wit and rebellious spirit were just as he'd imagined. Wade felt a genuine connection forming, one that could prove invaluable.A sense of determination welled up inside him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them head-on.
"One thing's for sure," Wade thought with a small smile. "Life here won't be boring."