Alan nodded in acknowledgment, gaining a clearer understanding of Alice's terrifying talent and strength.
While others her age were studying at academies, diligently learning under the guidance of mentors, Alice had skipped all of that and become a mentor herself!
It was one of those moments that made Alan think, Comparisons are truly maddening.
Despite being awestruck, Alan quickly composed himself and asked, "Head, I've heard that Lioncrest Academy has the best doctors and pharmacists in the Plantagenet Kingdom. Is that true?"
Harris nodded. "Indeed, that's true. The doctors and pharmacists of Lioncrest Academy are so skilled that no other organization, no matter how much gold they offer, can lure them away. Even the royal physicians consult with them on occasion."
"There's a saying in the Imperial Capital: If the doctors of Lioncrest Academy cannot cure you, then there is truly no hope left."
Hearing this, Alan felt a surge of excitement, clenching his fists with determination.
Lioncrest Academy—it was a place he had to get into.
Not just for himself, but for his sister.
Suddenly, the whistle of Charlie No. 1 broke through the air, interrupting their thoughts. The train began to slow its pace.
"We are now thirty minutes away from the Imperial Capital. Passengers, please prepare accordingly!"
The announcement echoed through the carriage. Alan turned his gaze forward. In the distance, at the edge of his vision, a grand and ancient city began to come into view.
This was it—the Imperial Capital.
After taking in the sight for a moment, Alan redirected his attention to Harris, asking a few more questions about Lioncrest Academy.
Shortly after, Harris excused himself, taking Carter along to prepare their belongings. They would meet Alan and Isabella before disembarking.
Once they were gone, Alan turned to Isabella.
Her unusual illness seemed to be acting up again—the essence stone's effects were wearing off.
Isabella looked fatigued, yawning frequently, her eyelids heavy with drowsiness.
Alan gently patted her back, soothing her until she gradually fell asleep.
Sleep was one of the few ways to help her recover her energy.
Once Isabella was peacefully asleep, Alan began packing their belongings.
They didn't have much with them; most of their essentials were stored in Isabella's storage ring.
...
At the Gates of the Imperial Capital
As Charlie No. 1 finally pulled into the station near the city gates, Alan stepped off the train, carrying his sleeping sister on his back. His eyes widened in amazement as he took in the intricate network of railway tracks sprawling in every direction.
The Imperial Capital, the heart of the Plantagenet Kingdom, lived up to its reputation. The sheer number of intersecting rail lines and the constant flow of trains in and out hinted at the city's prosperity and bustling activity.
"This is an ancient city, a crossroads of countless factions," Harris said gravely as they approached the gates. "Once inside, be cautious and avoid unnecessary trouble."
Even as the Head of the Light Guild, Harris didn't dare act carelessly in a place like this, teeming with powerful individuals and influential groups.
Provoking the wrong person in this city could have fatal consequences.
Although this was Alan's first trip far from home, he wasn't naive.
He understood that the capital of any kingdom was its most vital and volatile area, where the covert struggles of various factions were most intense.
As a relative unknown, he knew that being caught in the crossfire could mean complete annihilation.
"Of course," Harris continued, "there's no need to be overly anxious. If you meet like-minded individuals, it's worth building connections. It could benefit you both now and in the future."
Alan nodded in agreement.
In a strange place, aside from relying on oneself, having allies could make all the difference.
Under Harris' guidance, the group disembarked and entered the city at a steady pace.
...
First Impressions of the Imperial Capital
Alan's first impression of the Imperial Capital was its vastness, followed by its vibrancy.
Standing at the imposing city gates, he gazed into the city, unable to see its end.
The streets were wide—easily dozens of meters across—and bustling with vendors and merchants.
The air was filled with the hum of conversations, the clamor of footsteps, and the cries of hawkers selling their wares.
Compared to the Northern District's aristocratic commercial streets, the Imperial Capital was far more diverse and comprehensive, offering a dizzying array of goods and services.
There were countless unfamiliar and fascinating things that Alan had never seen before.
The lively commotion eventually roused Isabella from her sleep.
She blinked her eyes open, gazing around in awe at the bustling streets. Her cheeks flushed slightly with excitement at the lively atmosphere.
Throughout their walk, Harris enthusiastically introduced Alan and Isabella to various sights, answering their questions with patience.
Carter, on the other hand, dove headfirst into the shopping frenzy.
Anything that caught his eye, he bought immediately, even picking out small gifts for Alan and Isabella. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of his purchases consisted of food items.
---
Inquiry About Lioncrest Academy
"Head, where is Lioncrest Academy located? I'd like to see it for myself," Alan asked after they had toured the city for a while.
"It's still seven days until the enrollment ceremony," Harris replied. "The academy isn't open to visitors yet. I suggest you rest at my manor in the meantime."
"By the way, I've heard that the number of applicants this year is extraordinarily high. The competition will be much tougher."
Alan nodded in understanding and followed Harris to his manor, carrying Isabella on his back.
...
Harris' Manor
The manor was situated in the heart of the Imperial Capital, in one of the most coveted and expensive districts.
The luxurious estate was vast, its opulence apparent at a glance.
Upon arrival, a butler came forward to greet them, and three maids guided Alan to the guest quarters.
Alan carried Isabella into their room, noting how the space was both spacious and tastefully decorated.
However, his concern for Isabella grew as he noticed her once again struggling to stay awake.
Her excessive drowsiness... the illness seems to be worsening.
Lioncrest Academy—it wasn't just his dream; it was a necessity. Alan had to gain entry as quickly as possible.
After tucking Isabella into bed and ensuring she was comfortable, Alan returned to his room, closed the door tightly, and entered the infernal realm once more.
Time to train!
...
The Pressure to Level Up
Alan dove headfirst into intense training. The pressure to grow stronger was palpable, especially after Harris had shared troubling news.
This year's competition for Lioncrest Academy would be fiercer than ever.
Although the entry requirement remained tier-iron level 9, many tier-bronze mages were expected to apply, making it significantly harder to stand out.
Reaching tier-bronze—it was an urgent goal.
While Alan's combat abilities were already exceptional, he knew that without a higher tier, the academy elders, who had seen countless prodigies, might overlook him entirely.
Harris had explained that a student's tier reflected their mentor's prestige. For Alan to be taken seriously, he had to meet or exceed expectations.
However, reaching tier-bronze required a superior staff.
Either he would need to replace his current staff or allow it to absorb and evolve using another powerful weapon.
Both options required immense resources.
Although Alan had a modest reserve of gold coins and mana stones, they were far from sufficient to purchase a top-tier staff.
Moreover, Isabella's treatment was still pending, and Alan needed to reserve part of his funds for emergencies.
Despite appearances, his resources were stretched thin.
...
An Unexpected Invitation
After five days of relentless training in the infernal realm, Alan returned to the manor at dusk, where Harris greeted him with a smile.
"Alan, how have you found the accommodations? Are you comfortable here?"
Alan nodded. "Head, everything has been arranged perfectly. This is the first time I've experienced such luxury and comfort."
Harris chuckled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. Tonight, the second prince is hosting a banquet for students who are set to take the Lioncrest Academy entrance exams. I'd like you to accompany me. What do you think?"
Alan hesitated. "Since I haven't been invited, wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to attend?"
Harris shook his head. "The second prince's banquet is primarily for the top candidates—those practically guaranteed to join Lioncrest Academy.
Most of them are from prominent families or possess exceptional talent. The banquet is a means for the prince to gather their support."
"You're soon to be one of them, Alan. It's only fitting that you attend."