The city of Velanthrial was a marvel that defied Caspian's imagination.
Its towering crystal spires glistened under the sun, casting shimmering reflections over streets.
Caspian stood at the foot of the massive Human Association Office, his heart thudding in his chest.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed through the automatic doors.
Inside, the office was a whirlwind of activity. Elves in sleek uniforms moved efficiently, guiding humans and other non-elven visitors to various counters.
The environment was polished yet welcoming, with enchanted plants decorating every corner.
Caspian approached the front desk, his hood pulled low over his white hair.
Behind the desk sat a woman with vivid green hair and piercing green eyes.
Her gaze fell on him, softening instantly as she took in his small figure and worn appearance.
"Hello there," she said warmly. "Are you lost, little one?"
Caspian shook his head, keeping his voice steady.
"No, ma'am. I'm here to apply for a passport. I need to return to the human continent."
The woman's brows furrowed slightly as she leaned closer, her tone laced with concern.
"Are you alone?" She asked.
"Yes," he replied, his crimson eyes meeting hers briefly before looking away.
Her frown deepened, but her voice remained gentle.
"I see. Since you're a minor and unaccompanied, the process will take about two weeks. We'll need to verify your identity and ensure everything is in order."
'Two weeks?' Caspian's thought.
"That's fine," he said quickly. "Just… please process it as soon as you can."
The woman's eyes softened even more, a hint of sadness in her expression.
"Of course. But do you have somewhere to stay during this time?"She asked.
Caspian hesitated, unsure how to answer.
"I thought so," she said with a kind smile. "We have accommodations for special cases like yours. You can stay here until your documents are ready."
His eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes, but there's one condition," she said, her tone firm but kind. "You can't leave the premises without my permission. Velanthrial is a beautiful city, but it's not without danger—especially for a child. Do you understand?"
Caspian nodded, though a flicker of annoyance crossed his face.
He hated being treated like a helpless kid,but he was kid afterall.
The woman smiled warmly and gestured toward a side door.
"Come on, let's get you settled in."
The room she led him to was small but cozy, with a single bed, a desk, and faintly glowing runes on the walls that emitted a soothing light.
It was more comfort than he had experienced in previous week.
She handed him a fresh set of clothes.
"There's a cafeteria downstairs. I'll get you something to eat. Just rest for now." She said.
Caspian muttered a quiet "thank you" as she left.
He sat on the bed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
But his mind was far from at peace.
Two weeks in this city?
That was time he didn't want to waste.
What can he do in this city? Caspian thought.
His thoughts drifted to the legendary ponds Velanthrial was famous for: the Renewal Pond and the Iron Lotus Pond.
He turned onto his side.
They're reserved for the royals, of course.
Untouchable. Unreachable.
But there was another pond… one hidden deep in the jungle outside the city.
CLICK
"Ta-Da here's your meal,"
.
Later that day Caspian lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
His mind raced, each thought a step closer to a decision he couldn't ignore.
"Two weeks," he muttered under his breath, the words bitter on his tongue.
"I can't just sit here doing nothing."
His crimson eyes flicked toward the small window above the bed.
Outside, Velanthrial shimmered like a dream, but beneath its beauty lay secrets—and opportunities.
The hidden pond was one of them.
The story of the Third Pond wasn't something just anyone knew.
He only remembered it because the protagonist of the novel stumbled upon it by chance, buried in the overgrown jungle at the city's eastern edge.
A pond untouched by the royals, offering power to anyone brave—or foolish—enough to claim it.
Caspian sat up, gripping the edge of the bed.
"This could be my chance," he whispered.
But the risks were just as clear in his mind: Velanthrial's jungles were no place for the weak.
Magical beasts.
Traps.
The unknown.
His eyes narrowed.
"Power comes to those wh—"
{Hey, Child}
"Shut up you shitty sword, I was at the good part..."
'Again,'
"Power comes to those who seize it, not those who wait for it."
{Lunatic}
.
The clock on the wall showed it was just past eleven.
The soft hum of activity in the building had dwindled as night settled in.
Caspian moved quietly, slipping into the fresh clothes the green-haired woman had given him.
They were simple but comfortable, and more importantly.
He stepped to the door, pressing his ear against it.
Silence.
Perfect.
Sliding it open just enough to peek outside, he scanned the empty corridor.
The air felt still.
"Midnight," he muttered, glancing at the clock one last time. "That's when I'll go."
He retreated to the bed, sitting cross-legged and focusing his breathing.
If he was going to face the dangers of the jungle, he couldn't afford to make mistakes.
As he sat in the quiet room, his thoughts wandered to the potential of the hidden pond.
The Renewal Pond could heal injuries.
The Iron Lotus Pond could make one's body unbreakable.
But the hidden pond? Its power was less defined, rumored to awaken dormant abilities or strengthen one's very soul.
A treasure no one had claimed… yet.
He clenched his fists, determination hardening in his chest.
"I'll be the first."
The faint sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, drawing his attention.
He tensed, waiting for them to pass. When the quiet returned, he exhaled slowly.
.
Midnight finally arrived, the city outside quieting as Velanthrial's citizens retreated into their homes.
Caspian slipped his shoes on and grabbed the small pouch he had tucked away under the bed—his meager belongings and the small amount of currency he carried.
Standing by the window, he pushed it open as quietly as he could.
The cool night air brushed against his face, carrying the faint scent of flowers.
"This is it," he murmured, steeling himself.
"Time to move."
He climbed through the window and dropped silently onto the street below, his small frame easily hidden in the shadows of the towering buildings.
His heart raced as he slipped through the alleyways, the distant glow of the jungle at the city's edge guiding him like a beacon.
Every step was a gamble, but the rewards waiting at that pond were worth every risk...
______