The car glided through the streets, leaving the Citadel's heart behind. Daron's eyes drifted to the window as the bustling noise faded into a calmer atmosphere.
Golden towers shimmered like beacons, their slender forms reaching for the sun. Elegant mansions lined the streets, each one a masterpiece of architectural splendor. Gothic spires and Romanesque arches intermingled in a dizzying dance of dark stone and ivory columns. Angelic statues gazed down from lofty perches, their alabaster faces serene yet stern.
Daron drank in the sight, a sense of wonder momentarily eclipsing the shadows in his eyes. "I've never been to the Light District before," he murmured, more to himself than to Laurence.
Temples rose like ivory sentinels, their golden domes catching the light like miniature suns. Each one bore the symbol of the God of Light, a radiant sunburst etched into the stone. Daron's gaze lingered on the sacred emblems, a flicker of curiosity mingling with the ever-present ache in his chest.
The Light District... It's like stepping into another world.
For a moment, he allowed himself to imagine a life untouched by tragedy, where the beauty surrounding him was more than just a fleeting glimpse of an unattainable dream. He quickly shook his head.
It's too late for that now.
Laurence leaned back in his seat with a casual, relaxed posture. A smile played at the corners of his mouth as he watched Daron's expression.
"Impressive, isn't it," he said with a smooth voice. "But there's more to the Light District than meets the eye."
Daron turned to face him, curiosity sparking in his green eyes. "What do you mean?"
"This district is the last bastion of civilization before the wasteland begins." Laurence gestured towards the horizon, where the opulent mansions gave way to the high and mighty city wall that circled the Citadel.
Daron's brow furrowed as he considered Laurence's words. "But why make it so luxurious and expensive? Shouldn't everything be more… practical?"
Laurence nodded.
"Exactly. But consider this: The mansions, the pompous temples... they're there for the sole reason to display wealth and power. To make the general population feel safe, protected by the mighty Apostles of the God of Light."
It's just to show absolute might and confidence. If the Breach never occurs, then why worry about the risk? Luxury becomes more important when one feels safe and secure. In the past, the monsters never actually entered the city… because of people like Laurence.
"So do only rich people live here?"
"Not quite," Laurence explained, "The Light District is a mix of rich and influential people, politicians, stars, but also the most powerful magicians and military are strategically positioned here--like us. In case of emergency. Imagine you'd have to travel all the way from the Sea District over here in case of another breach!"
Laurence laughed, like it was the most hilarious thing he had heard all day. Daron raised an eyebrow in response but chose not to say anything.***After a few minutes, the car slowed down, aiming for an old looking building.
Daron's brow furrowed as he struggled to focus on the Victorian mansion in front of them, his mind grappling with an inexplicable sense of confusion. The building seemed to evade his attention, its presence slipping from his grasp like water through his fingers. He blinked, trying to clear his vision, but the mansion remained elusive, blending into the opulent surroundings with an uncanny ease.
"How..." Daron's voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing as he fought against the strange sensation. "It's like my mind doesn't want to acknowledge it's there."
Laurence's gaze shifted to Daron, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "It's a spell, and a damn good one at that."
"A spell?" Daron's curiosity piqued, momentarily overriding his confusion. "What kind of spell can make a building disappear?"
"Not disappear, exactly." Laurence's tone was patient, almost teacher-like. "It's a spell that diverts attention, makes the mind gloss over the mansion as if it were just another unremarkable building. That's our headquarters for you."
Daron tried to understand the implications of Laurence's words. The idea of a spell that could manipulate perception, even for those with magical abilities, was both thrilling and terrifying. He couldn't help but wonder what other secrets the building held, what other wonders and horrors lay hidden behind the unassuming facade of the Victorian mansion.
The iron gates swung open with a gentle creak, welcoming the sleek car into the driveway. Gravel crunched beneath the tires as the vehicle glided to a stop, the engine purring before falling silent.
Laurence stepped out of the car with a fluid grace, his movements exuding an effortless confidence. He straightened his jacket, a faint smile playing on his lips as he turned to face Daron.
"Welcome to the SMF Headquarters. Here's where the real stuff happens. " He made a lavish gesture towards the Victorian mansion. Daron's gaze followed Laurence's movement. "Let's get closer."
Daron nodded, following Laurence's confident stride.
With each step towards the building, the power of the attention-diverting spell lessened, until it completely disappeared, unveiling the grandeur of the building's exterior.
The gravel path gave way to smooth stone steps, leading up to the mansion's ornate wooden doors. Intricate carvings adorned the dark surface.
"It's incredible."
A smile tugged at the corners of Laurence's mouth. "It is, isn't it? But it's more than just a building. It's a symbol of our purpose, our legacy."
He placed a hand on Daron's shoulder, his gloved grip firm and reassuring. "The SMF was born in the aftermath of the Descent, when humanity stood on the brink of annihilation. They needed a guardian angel. We rose from the ashes, united by a common goal: to protect the innocent and maintain the balance between order and chaos."
Daron listened intently as he absorbed Laurence's words. The weight of the organization's history settled upon his shoulders, a mix of awe and responsibility.
And now I'm a part of it... can I really do this?
Laurence seemed to sense Daron's inner turmoil. He gave the young man's shoulder another reassuring squeeze. "I know it's a lot to take in, but you're not alone in this. We're a team, a family. We'll guide you, train you, and stand by your side as you grow into the magician you were meant to be."
Daron met Laurence's gaze, finding solace in the unwavering confidence he saw there. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I... I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Laurence replied with a warm smile. "Now, how about we go in? There's so much more to see, and I have a feeling you're going to enjoy every moment of it."