The journey stretched on over the next few days, marked by a rhythmic blend of hoofbeats and the quiet hum of conversation. The rolling hills began to even out, giving way to vast plains dotted with clusters of trees and the occasional glint of a distant river. For Rynar, every mile further from Whisperwood felt like another step into a world he was struggling to understand.
---
One evening, as the group stopped to rest near a shallow stream, Rynar sat apart from the others, staring into the gently flowing water. The soft gurgle and occasional ripple calmed his restless thoughts, though not enough to quiet them entirely.
Lyra approached, her steps cautious. "You've been quiet," she said, settling onto the grass beside him.
Rynar shrugged, his green eyes still fixed on the stream. "Just thinking."
Lyra pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "About what?"
"The system. The evaluations. All of this." He gestured vaguely at the horizon. "It's... big."
Lyra chuckled softly. "That's putting it lightly. But it's not just big—it's different. Bigger than Whisperwood, bigger than anything we've known."
Rynar finally turned to look at her. "Aren't you scared?"
Lyra hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. A little. But I think that's okay."
They sat in silence for a while, the distant murmurs of the knights blending with the rustling of leaves. For the first time in days, Rynar felt a small sense of peace—not because he understood everything, but because he wasn't facing it alone.
---
On the final day of the journey, the landscape shifted again. The open plains began to give way to signs of civilization—well-trodden paths, distant farms, and eventually, towering spires visible on the horizon.
Ferrin slowed his horse, allowing Rynar and Lyra to ride alongside him. He pointed toward the rising structures, his hazel eyes glinting with anticipation. "There it is. The evaluation center."
Rynar squinted, trying to make out the details. The spires rose high into the sky, their gleaming surfaces reflecting the afternoon sun. Surrounding them was a sprawling complex of buildings, training grounds, and walls that seemed to hum faintly with the energy of mana.
"It's massive," Lyra murmured, her brown eyes wide with awe.
"It's the heart of the Dominion's efforts to cultivate talent," Ferrin explained. "Knights, scholars, adventurers—this is where it all begins for those with potential."
As they drew closer, the hum of activity grew louder. Voices carried on the wind, mingling with the clang of metal on metal and the distant roar of beasts. The gates loomed large before them, etched with intricate runes that shimmered faintly.
---
Kaelith rode ahead, signaling to the guards at the gate. The heavy doors creaked open, revealing a bustling courtyard filled with people. Children of all ages moved about in groups, some practicing their abilities under the watchful eyes of instructors, while others carried supplies or worked on tasks assigned to them.
The knights dismounted, their presence drawing curious glances. Ferrin helped Rynar down from his horse, his usual grin replaced with a look of quiet encouragement. "Welcome to the first step," he said.
Lyra stepped closer to Rynar, her fingers gripping the strap of her pack. "This is... a lot."
"Yeah," Rynar agreed, his voice low.
Kaelith turned to them, her expression sharp but not unkind. "You'll be shown to your quarters soon. The evaluations begin tomorrow. Rest while you can."
---
As they were led deeper into the complex, Rynar and Lyra couldn't help but take in the sights around them. The training grounds buzzed with activity, children practicing everything from swordsmanship to elemental manipulation. One boy conjured a stream of water from his palms, while another girl guided a boulder twice her size across the yard with a flick of her hand.
Rynar's jaw tightened as he watched. What am I doing here? he thought. I don't belong with them.
Lyra seemed to sense his unease. "You'll find your place," she said quietly, her tone more certain than her expression.
Rynar didn't reply, his green eyes scanning the grounds. For now, all he could do was move forward, one step at a time.
The day ended with the pair settling into shared quarters with a few other newcomers. The air buzzed with anticipation as they prepared for what the evaluations would bring. For Rynar, the world felt bigger than ever—but so did the questions lingering in his mind.