The road stretched endlessly before Wads, Klyden, and Liora as the capital city of Zhero slowly rose into view. The air carried the scent of stone and metal, a mixture of bustling life and distant smoke from forges. The capital's walls were immense, rising high enough to cast long shadows over the streets below. From the highest towers, the spires of a massive castle glimmered in the sun, the emblem of the Ravenscroft family—a mark of power that ruled the continent—visible even from a distance.
Wads adjusted his glasses slightly, feeling the unfamiliar light sting his eyes. Klyden's grin widened, taking in every movement of the crowded streets, the sound of merchants hawking wares, and the sight of colorful banners fluttering from balconies and rooftops. Liora, walking beside them, moved with her usual confident poise, seemingly unbothered by the throng of people, though her eyes tracked everything with careful precision.
The three wandered through the bustling marketplace for nearly an hour, taking in the sheer scale of the capital. Stalls overflowed with exotic fruits, baked goods steaming from clay ovens, and spices that filled the air with tangy warmth. Wads examined each display meticulously, noting textures, scents, and colors. Klyden grabbed a sweet pastry without hesitation, devouring it in two bites, while Liora chose a roasted chestnut and nibbled carefully, eyes scanning the crowd.
"Not bad for the first meal in the capital," Klyden said with a mouthful of pastry, licking crumbs from his fingers.
Wads merely nodded, eyes already calculating the layout of the streets and the likely path to the registry hall for Zheno Academy. The journey took them through narrow alleyways lined with stone buildings, their walls etched with centuries of history, until the grand façade of Zheno stood before them. Large wooden doors, polished and imposing, reflected the sun's glare. A crowd of students and guardians had already gathered, waiting to register.
Hours passed slowly. Parents and students whispered impatiently, the occasional cry of frustration or excitement echoing through the hall. Wads remained calm, cataloging each detail—the flow of people, the officials' routines, the pattern of calls and directions. Klyden fidgeted beside him, clearly restless, while Liora leaned casually against a pillar, eyes alert for any disturbance.
It didn't take long before one arrived. A young noble, tall and haughty, with golden hair and a finely embroidered coat, approached the trio. His lips curled into a smug smile. "And what have we here? A ragtag bunch thinking they belong in the halls of Zheno?"
Wads tilted his head, eyes narrowing with quiet calculation. "Ragtag, perhaps. But even a ragtag bunch can outrun arrogance when it trips over its own words."
The noble's expression faltered. He opened his mouth, intending to retort, but Wads continued with a sly precision, twisting the words and exposing the noble's unpreparedness. A few officials nearby glanced over, impressed despite themselves, and the noble paled, mumbling under his breath before retreating, leaving the trio undisturbed.
At last, the registration was complete. Their names were entered, seals stamped, and official documents handed to them. A subtle sense of accomplishment passed between Wads, Klyden, and Liora as they stepped out of the hall, eager to find their dormitory.
The dormitories were grand, though organized strictly by gender. Wads followed a hallway lined with polished stone floors and ornate lanterns, noting the quiet hum of students settling in. When he reached his assigned room, he paused. The door creaked open to reveal a figure whose presence demanded attention without a word.
Red hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, framing a face of flawless symmetry, while violet eyes, calm and unyielding, met his with a gaze that seemed to measure his very being. Her posture was impeccable, the dignity of her aura unmistakable, radiating a quiet authority that drew respect effortlessly. Wads instinctively straightened, feeling the weight of her presence.
"Keiya Anastasia Zheka," the young girl said, her voice clear and melodic, yet edged with authority. "You're… in my room?"
Wads blinked, adjusting his glasses. "I… yes. That's what the assignment says."
She studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a subtle, almost imperceptible nod, she turned toward a window that offered a view of the capital below. From that vantage point, Wads could see the sprawling city, the market streets they had walked, and the grand castle of the Ravenscrofts towering in the distance—its flags rippling in the wind, a reminder of the power and politics that ruled the land.
"This city," Keiya said softly, almost to herself, "can make or break anyone who enters it unprepared. Learn quickly."
Wads swallowed, feeling both awe and determination stir within him. This was a world far beyond his village, beyond his simple calculations, yet he knew instinctively that intellect, observation, and careful planning would be his tools.
Klyden's voice came faintly from the hallway, teasing and excited, breaking Wads from his thoughts. Liora leaned against the wall outside the room, smirking. "Looks like you've got a challenge already, little moon boy."
Wads glanced at Keiya once more. Her gaze, though serene, carried a silent message: this was a place where only those who understood themselves—and their limits—would thrive. And somehow, he had the distinct feeling that his life at Zheno Academy was only just beginning.