Meylir, the sparkling capital of the Astros Empire, throbbed with contagious energy, a whirlwind of intertwined lives where politics and commerce blended into an intoxicating spectacle. Beyond its role as the neuralgic center, its bubbling economy—fueled by bold trade and magical innovations—made it a beacon envied by all kingdoms. The paved streets of the city's heart pulsed like living arteries, lined with shops boasting shimmering displays of enchanted artifacts, exotic spices from distant lands, and iridescent fabrics spun by elven artisans. A motley crowd strolled by: curious humans, stout dwarves weighed down by hammers forged in subterranean flames, all lingering to browse, their excited murmurs mingling with the clink of gold coins changing hands.
The ambient mana, that vital essence floating in the air like a soothing mist, enveloped everything in an almost tangible comfort, soothing the souls of humans and the fiercest creatures daring to venture there. It boosted magical crops, causing luminous vines to climb ancient facades and infusing the hanging gardens with a supernatural vitality. The scent of sun-warmed stone and time-worn wood blended with the rhythmic cadence of footsteps on worn slabs, punctuated by the cries of merchants hawking healing potions and protective amulets.
In the distance, the slender towers of the imperial palace pierced the sky, guarded by vigilant sentinels, a reminder that Meylir was not just a prosperous paradise, but a bastion where magic and reality intertwined in an eternal dance.
"Wow, I knew this city was lively, but not to this extent!" exclaimed Nico, his eyes sparkling as he scanned every nook and cranny with childlike wonder.
"Yeah, you're right. Meylir is one of the safest, thanks to experienced knights, but also to the alchemy and mages concentrated here in droves," replied Karla in a detached tone, as if reciting a lesson learned by heart.
"You're a knight too, right? How do your ranks work?" asked Raysley, curiosity tinging her voice.
"Hmm... The highest is Sacred Knight. But to get there, you have to climb five ranks of basic knight: from 5, the lowest, to 1, the highest."
"And you, what's your rank? And the others?"
Karla flashed an arrogant smile. "I'm at rank 1, like Rayzo. Estris is at 2, and Hiyro at 3."
"Hmm, I see," murmured Nico, a hint of doubt in his voice.
All along the way, they chatted about this and that, laughing over trivial nonsense, until they arrived before a stern building.
At the heart of Meylir, the Hall of Eternal Records stood like a massive giant, its walls engraved with luminescent runes fusing bureaucracy and the arcane. Here, citizens were registered via enchanted parchments: name, lineage, birth certificate, and most importantly, mana classification. From dawn, lines snaked under vaulted arches, soothed by floating crystals. Scribes in silver robes noted the details to issue magical identity cards—holographic crystals.
A ritual analyzed blood or essence via an orb, detecting any anomaly. The air was perfumed with alchemical ink and hot wax, with preservation spells humming in the background. The counters handled births—revealing nascent mana—marriages—merging auras—and tests of purity or density for guilds and imperial posts. Despite its austerity, ancestral illusions and elemental guardians added a touch of wonder, guarding against fraud. This hall safeguarded magical identities, making every citizen a pillar of the empire.
"Wow! It's huge in here! And there's already a crazy crowd, even though the sun just rose... Did they camp out or something?" Serenith wondered, her eyes wide.
"No, but if we had come earlier, we would have avoided the throng," Karla retorted, shooting a sidelong glance at Serenith, who had lazed in bed and slowed them down.
Serenith blushed and averted her eyes. "Yeah, well, okay..."
Karla sighed wearily, pushing her fiery brown hair back. "Follow me."
Without a word, Nico took Raysley's hand to help her navigate the crowd. Serenith walked ahead, patiently following Karla who cleared the path.
Even though it was still morning, the sun's rays were already beating down hard, like in the middle of the afternoon, caressing Nico's warm brown skin as he squinted against the blinding glare.
"It's this way," Karla indicated.
She guided them towards a side entrance of the building, guarded by two knights in simple armor, seated near a polished wooden door.
"Oh, Karla! You don't look like you're in top form," one of them called out.
"Hiyro told me your last mission was a real ordeal..."
Karla grimaced, sighing inwardly. "Just thinking about it makes my joints ache."
"Oh, and who are these kids behind you?"
With a friendly gesture, he greeted Nico, Serenith, and Raysley. Nico responded with a nod, Serenith with a polite smile.
"Friends. They're not registered, so I'm here to help them."
"No problem. You've worked here before, you know the drill. But I suggest you go see Veil directly, she'll speed up the procedure."
At the mention of that name, Karla stiffened, anxious. "Are you sure...?"
Before she could finish, the door swung wide open, banging into the second guard with a clatter of wood against metal. A feminine figure emerged.
"Hey everyone! I heard my name and came right over!"
It was an elegant woman with a mysterious aura. Her mid-length, straight hair shifted from a dark purple at the roots to a pale blond at the tips, framing a finely featured face with delicate traits, a calm gaze, and a discreet smile. She wore a long, dark, structured coat, almost military, over a light shirt tied with a wide ribbon at the neck, with a violet belt for subtle contrast. She exuded calm, mastery, and distinction, a blend of classic elegance and modernity.
This was Veil.
"Karla! My love!" She threw herself at her, hugging her so tightly Karla lost her breath.
"Yes... me too, glad to see you... You're suffocating me..."
"I was sure it was your voice! My instinct never fails me."
Their hug drew all eyes. Nico couldn't help but snicker, finding the scene both hilarious and touching.
His laugh caught Veil's attention, who turned towards them. "Oh, who are these young folks? They're adorable! Especially the girl with her eyes closed!" Raysley blushed, shy, and murmured, "Thank you!"
Karla took back the thread: "They're friends. Nico, Serenith, and Raysley. They need to be registered."
"Oh, I see! No problem, I'll take care of it in a blink. Count on me, cuties!"
Nico and Serenith exchanged an evasive, embarrassed look.
Veil pivoted back to Karla, hands on her shoulders. "And besides, what wouldn't I do for my beloved wife?" She planted a kiss on her cheek with disconcerting naturalness.
Nico froze, shocked, and he wasn't alone: Serenith and Raysley were left speechless. It was both comical and astonishing.