After informing the commandant of his departure and handing over the keys to his room, Elion left the gray dormitory and headed straight down the street.
The sun was shining brightly, so he raised his head slightly to catch its warm rays. His expression softened, and he walked leisurely toward the heart of the city in such a pleasant atmosphere.
From almost anywhere in the capital, one could see the beautiful, long palace, which seemed to be carved out of rock and hidden by it. It was a noble white color, located on higher ground than the city's usual areas. Next to the palace were other houses, as well as beautiful ponds and lush greenery. This was the royal district where the highest authorities of the capital and kingdom lived. Above the palace, tightly sheltered by the rock, rose a dark, round tower that almost reached the clouds and looked majestic. Elion did not remember why the tower was needed, but he noted that its impressive appearance could not fail to inspire admiration.
The young man walked straight down the street, using the majestic buildings as landmarks. Elion did not need to go to the palace or the royal district, although the professional educational institution was relatively close to this area.
If you're going to die, you might as well die in comfort. They have to call them something. He thought cynically.
The kingdom would, of course, allocate a lot of money to promote the heroic and revered image of the brave 'Explorers of Mysteries' and 'Defenders of Mysteries' to the masses in every way possible. After all, humanity's immediate safety and prosperity depended on these people. Still, only a few attended these institutions to become 'Seeker,' 'Knight,' or the like. No one wanted to die.
Elion didn't blame people for their ordinary fears. He found it a bit amusing, but unfortunately, he couldn't smile.
Just another downside of depression or whatever it's called... I must remember to add it to the list. He said ironically to himself.
Having read many interesting books and studies about the human mind, he had a rough understanding of his condition. In addition, he kept a diary in which he analyzed his condition, like a patient. He enjoyed doing this.
Thinking about strange things, Elion walked under the sun as usual. It was an important part of his life. Only under the sunlight did he feel slightly relieved from the burden of horror and tragedy branded on him. He allowed himself to relax then. Of course, he understood that all these problems were in his head, so he did his best to find different ways to relax.
After all, it's not easy to live without going crazy... He would have smiled at himself now, but he couldn't.
Deciding not to think about unpleasant things anymore since maintaining a balance of negativity was important to him, he immersed himself in the most pleasant thing he had: memories.
The guy in a dark blue coat that reflected light like thousands of tiny blue stars and a dark top hat that suited him well strolled peacefully down a wide street.
Carriages scurried back and forth. People rushed about in different directions, each going about their own business and pursuing their own dreams and aspirations.
Houses stood side by side, each with someone living in it who wanted something. They built their lives as they built themselves.
Everyone occupied their own place in the world, in the city, in the lives of others, and in their own lives.
The guy in the dark blue coat passed through countless lives. He did not turn around or look ahead; his gaze was fixed upward toward the light.
No one could tell from his face that he couldn't smile.
...
Elion was approaching his destination when he suddenly remembered something.
There's going to be some kind of initiation ceremony... I don't want to go... Indeed, there would be a general ceremony where all the departments and groups would gather, as well as a solemn speech from the institution's director.
To Elion, it seemed like a waste of time—not just a waste of time, but an unpleasant one. Therefore, his reluctance was quite justified.
What should I do? Would it be okay if I went straight to the dormitory? I'll say that there were too many things and that I had to take them there. Yes, that's what I'll do. He thought.
With these thoughts, Elion veered slightly off his path and headed for his new residence.
As he approached, he noticed the building.
The four-story white building exuded nobility and modernity. The courtyard was full of benches and green spaces where students spent their free time. The students were of all ages, but most were men in their twenties, apparently victims of propaganda. There were also women and girls, but fewer of them, perhaps because the men were hunting for them. The dormitory was intended only for the 'Expeditions' faculty, and access to activities that improved knowledge of the profession was included in the package. Elion was looking forward to exploring the local library. No matter how hard he searched, he could not find any comprehensive information about the 'Mysteries' in ordinary libraries. Where else would it be, if not here? This was one of the reasons why he decided to enroll in the first place. The second reason was access to mystical artifacts, but he was still a long way from them.
Heading for the entrance to the dormitory, he decided not to linger any longer.
Tall, elegant, transparent doors greeted him. Pushing them open, he found himself in a spacious hall with many sofas and armchairs, as well as a small library and a dark brown table. Apparently, this was a place where guests were received or where one could relax. However, Elion had no visitors, so he stopped paying attention to the recreation area and went to the reception desk.
A woman in her thirties with dull blond hair and a few gray strands sat behind the desk, busily writing something.
Not wanting to bother her, he stepped on the floor a little harder, and she looked up at him.
"Oh... You're a new student, right?"
Elion nodded and handed her his enrollment documents.
"Thank you... Wait a minute, okay?"
He didn't answer her rhetorical question, but instead stared silently into space, tilting his head back slightly as he thought about his own business.
"So, Elion Efistion... You have a very interesting first and last name... I seem to remember a scientist with that last name who investigated 'Mysteries.' Are you related by any chance? Your hair is similar, too..." The woman said thoughtfully, smiling sweetly.
Elion snapped out of his reverie and looked into the woman's eyes. Forcing himself to answer, he said in a neutral tone,
"Yes, I am his son. His body was blown up along with his house. Any more questions?"
*Thud*
The woman's fountain pen fell, and she froze in an awkward position. She muttered something under her breath, picked up the pen, and started writing again.
A minute passed, and the woman handed Elion an envelope and a key with a number on it.
"H-here you go... Your room is '366,' and the envelope contains your ID..." The woman said apologetically.
Elion silently took the items and turned away. The woman wanted to say something else, but the young man had already left without looking back.
"Good luck with your expeditions, young hero..." The worker whispered, reciting the standard phrase.