Rylan awoke the next morning with a renewed sense of purpose. The bustling city of Eldoria surrounded him, a whirlwind of sights and sounds that promised adventure and opportunity. With the entrance exam at the Aether Academy still three days away, he decided to explore the city and immerse himself in its vibrant culture.
As he stepped out into the sunlit streets, Rylan was taken aback by the sheer size of the capital. Towering spires reached toward the sky, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing crystals that shimmered in the daylight. The cobblestone streets were alive with merchants hawking their wares, street performers dazzling crowds with magic, and townsfolk bustling about their daily lives. The air was thick with the scents of spices, baked goods, and the unmistakable aroma of adventure.
"Where do I even begin?" Rylan murmured to himself, his heart racing with excitement. He had spent his entire life in Veldrin, a village where every corner was familiar and every face known. Here, in Eldoria, he was just another face in the crowd, and for the first time, he felt the exhilarating taste of freedom.
He wandered through the marketplace, captivated by the colorful stalls that lined the streets. A vendor called out, showcasing shimmering fabrics that caught the light like rainbows, while another offered intricate trinkets that glimmered with enchantment. Rylan felt a sense of awe wash over him; it was a world filled with possibilities, each stall a doorway to a new experience.
As he made his way deeper into the city, Rylan noticed a group of noblemen clad in fine garments, their laughter ringing through the air. He felt a pang of envy as he observed their carefree demeanor, their lives seemingly untouched by the struggles faced by commoners like him. Yet, he quickly reminded himself that he was here for a reason—to pursue his dreams and prove that anyone, regardless of their background, could rise to greatness.
Suddenly, a commotion drew Rylan's attention. He turned to see a small crowd gathering near a fountain adorned with a majestic statue of a phoenix. Curious, he edged closer, straining to catch a glimpse of what was happening. As he pushed through the throng, his heart skipped a beat when he spotted a young woman at the center of it all.
She was unlike anyone he had ever seen. With flowing silver hair that glimmered like moonlight and piercing blue eyes that held an air of authority, she exuded a presence that captivated everyone around her. Even though Rylan had only been in the city for a few days, he recognized her immediately; she was Lirien Silvermist from the illustrious Silvermist family, a lineage known for generations of mech pilots.
"Wow! Lady Lirien is so beautiful! I heard that she will be applying for the Academy this year!" one person in the crowd exclaimed.
"Seriously? That's so lucky! I wish I had half the talent! If Lady Lirien's not here, not everyone is gifted with a Nexus Core," another chimed in.
"Hmm, that news is outdated! I heard that Lady Lirien awakened the rare Ice Code. It is said her potential is limitless!" someone else added, their voice laced with envy.
Rylan stood frozen, captivated not only by her beauty but also by the coldness in her demeanor. He felt a surge of passion; it couldn't be blamed on him, as he was still a young man filled with dreams. What caught his attention most was the discussion of the crowd concerning the rare Ice Core. *As expected from a noble family with generations of pilots,* he thought to himself.
As the crowd began to dissipate, Rylan felt a growing anticipation about what type of Nexus Core he would awaken. Would he, a commoner, possess anything even close to the rare potential that Lirien Silvermist had?
With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Rylan made his way away from the fountain, his mind racing with possibilities. The entrance exam loomed closer, and each passing moment only fueled his determination to forge his own path in this world of magic and mechs.