The morning sunlight slipped through the window of their room in The Silver Lantern Inn. The air of Caelora was crisp and cool, carrying the hum of a city already awake. From the central spire, a great bell tolled six times—marking the beginning of a new day.
Elara had been up since dawn. Her hair was neatly brushed, her traveling cloak cleaned and ready. On the other side of the room, Sylveras was still asleep like a stone—his bolster had fallen to the floor, his hair was a mess, and his face was buried halfway in the pillow.
Elara sighed. "Syl… wake up."
No response—only a faint mumble."…Girls in Caelora… they're so pretty… but Elara… she's prettier than all of them…"
Elara froze. Her cheeks flushed instantly, glowing like a ripe pomegranate. "W–What did you just say?!"
She yanked the blanket off him in a burst of irritation. "Wake up, you idiot!"
"Wha—?! Why are you yelling first thing in the morning?!" Sylveras sat up, eyes half-open in panic.
"Nothing! Just get up and wash your face! We're going for breakfast!" she snapped, arms crossed.
"Alright, alright…" he muttered, yawning in defeat.
A few minutes later, Sylveras was ready—wearing a blue vest, leather belt, and his small enchanted satchel strapped across his back. Inside it, the Ardan's Legacy Box rested safely; he never allowed it to leave his side.
They stepped into the main street, now alive with merchants and morning travelers. The air smelled of baked bread, fresh flowers, and roasted coffee beans mixed with faint mana.
"The exam starts at nine, right?" Sylveras asked.
"Yes," Elara replied. "It's only seven now, but we should be there at least thirty minutes early."
Sylveras smirked. "Of course, Master of Time."
Elara rolled her eyes, hiding a small smile.
As they walked, a delicious aroma drifted through the air, making their stomachs growl. They stopped in front of a humble shop with a wooden sign swinging gently in the wind: "Riverside Bakery & Brew."
"This place looks good," said Sylveras.
"Yes, and the prices… not too bad for the capital," Elara replied after checking the menu.
They took a seat by the window. The bakery was warm and busy, yet cozy. At the table beside them sat a small girl whose legs dangled above the floor. Around her wrist shimmered a glowing circle—the mark of a Sage candidate.
Sylveras blinked in disbelief. "Wait—you're taking the exam too?"
The girl tilted her chin proudly. "Of course. Why? Do I look too young?"
"Uh… a little," Sylveras admitted.
Elara smiled politely. "May I ask your age?"
"Thirty," the girl answered casually.
"WHAT?!" Sylveras and Elara exclaimed at once.
The girl chuckled. "Hehe, don't let the face fool you. Name's Rossie, from Orpus."
Across from her sat a broad-shouldered man with a mature face and heavy voice. He turned toward them. "I'm Brant. She may look like a child, but she's my older sister. I'm only twenty-one."
Sylveras almost choked again. "Wait—you're the younger one?"
Brant nodded. "Yeah. Happens all the time. Sometimes I call her Granny—but keep that between us."
Rossie smacked his arm. "Hey!"
Elara covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. "You two are… quite the pair."
"Everyone says that," Rossie replied proudly.
Their orders soon arrived—two egg-and-cheese rolls with warm milk. The group chatted casually: about their travels to Caelora, rumors of strong contestants, and silly tales from their hometowns.
When the city bell rang again, the sound echoed through the streets—it was almost eight.
Elara stood and fixed her hair. "We should get going."
Sylveras slung his bag over his shoulder. "Right. See you around, Rossie, Brant."
Rossie raised her small hand. "Take care on your way."
Brant nodded. "See you at the arena."
Elara smiled and nodded back. "See you."
They stepped out of the bakery and followed the cobblestone road toward the Caelora Grand Colosseum.The morning sky was clear, sunlight dancing on the glass towers, and the lively hum of the city felt like the rhythm of a new beginning.
The day of the Sage Examination had begun.