The journey to the capital, Auralis, took five days by caravan. Rei and Lyria traveled with a group of merchants, their wagon rattling along the stone-paved roads of Eldoria. Lyria spent the trip practicing minor spells, conjuring tiny flames that danced in her palms, while Rei read his herb book or chatted with the merchants, his demeanor as unassuming as ever. No one suspected the boy in the faded cloak could crush mountains or rewrite reality if he chose.
Auralis was a marvel—a sprawling city of white stone towers, floating lanterns, and bustling streets lined with shops selling everything from enchanted swords to rare alchemical ingredients. Arcane Crest Academy loomed at the city's heart, its spires gleaming with runes that pulsed with magic. It was a place where the best and brightest of Eldoria came to train—mages, warriors, alchemists, and adventurers, all hoping to carve their names into history.
Rei enrolled as a general studies student, claiming only basic knowledge of magic and survival skills. His entrance exam was carefully mediocre—he cast a simple light spell, swung a training sword with average skill, and answered questions with just enough insight to pass as a promising but unremarkable candidate. Lyria, meanwhile, dazzled the examiners with her fire magic, earning a spot in the advanced mage track.
As they walked through the academy's grand gates, Lyria grabbed Rei's arm, her excitement infectious. "This is it, Rei! We're going to learn so much here. And maybe I'll finally track down Shadow."
Rei smiled, his heart giving that familiar lurch. "Maybe. But let's focus on surviving our first week, yeah?"
Inside, the academy buzzed with students—some haughty nobles, others scrappy commoners like Rei pretended to be. He blended in effortlessly, his aura suppressed to nothing, his demeanor polite and unassuming. No one gave the quiet boy in the green cloak a second glance.
But that night, as Rei stood on the academy's rooftop, gazing at the city's glowing skyline, he felt the familiar pull of duty. Rumors of Crimson Veil activity had followed them to Auralis, and Shadow would be needed soon. He donned his mask, his cloak shifting to black, and slipped into the night, his presence as undetectable as ever.
Below, Lyria stood at her dorm window, watching the city. She didn't see Shadow, but she felt a strange certainty—that wherever he was, he wasn't far. And somehow, that thought made her smile.