Walking through the gigantic entrance of Dragonwood, Sol was greeted with faces of all kinds. People walked to their next destination, buying food or eating at food stalls. There were merchants with their wares on the floor, calling out for buyers. The air was filled with music from nearby pubs or street performers. Children ran by him, playing with each other, adding warmth to the atmosphere.
The city felt alive, Sol was finding it harder to believe this is all fake. Was it some sort of twisted dream or an alternate reality? He pondered the possibility of being trapped in a coma, where this place served as a temporary escape until he woke up.
In the distance, he looked up and noticed the towering third layer of Dragonwood above the rest.
"That's amazing, what a sight... I wouldn't be able to see this back at home, that's for sure," Sol muttered to himself.
Siegfried nudged him and grinned. "Come on, lad, the Blue Moon inn is further up."
As they made their way up, Sol couldn't help but notice the curious glances from the locals. Perhaps it was his unfamiliarity or the mysterious aura that surrounded Siegfried. Either way, he felt like an outsider in this strange land.
Walking closer to the city center, they encountered a massive staircase, wide enough to fit 30-40 people side by side. Multiple guards stood on duty, their eyes shifting from Siegfried to the young man trailing behind him.
Observing that Siegfried was unperturbed by Sol's presence and noting the purple cloak he wore, the guards decided not to cause any trouble. Instead, they struck up a conversation.
"New apprentice, Siegfried?" one of the guards asked, raising an eyebrow.
Siegfried nodded. "Indeed!"
The stairs they were ascending led to the second layer of Dragonwood. The first layer appeared well-maintained, devoid of the usual slums found in most cities. Sol wondered if this was simply a facade, as he had not yet explored the entirety of Dragonwood. After walking for a while, they reached their destination—the Blue Moon inn.
Siegfried practically drooled upon entering the inn, enticed by the mouthwatering aroma of the food being served inside.
"Best steak in Dragonwood," he exclaimed with enthusiasm.
They found a table, and the scent of the food made Sol's stomach growl in anticipation.
"Well, Sol, why don't we have a proper introduction? I'll go first," Siegfried suggested, clearing his throat.
"I go by many names, but you can call me Siegfried. I am one of Dragonwood's grand wizards, and no, 'grand' does not mean old. This title is only bestowed upon the strong, you see," Siegfried said proudly, peering at Sol, awaiting his response.
"My name is Sol Everborn," Sol replied, pausing for a moment. "I don't have a title, but umm... yeah."
Siegfried chuckled and erupted into a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! You are very interesting, Sol. There's something about you—"
Before he could finish his sentence, a lady of the same age as Siegfried abruptly joined their table, fixing an intense gaze upon Sol.
Siegfried clasped his hands together and smiled. "Doris! You made it, glad you got my message. It's nice seeing you after so long!"
The lady turned to him, scoffing. "Quiet down, and what do you mean? We talked a week ago."
Siegfried scratched his head, then turned to Sol. "This is Doris, you may call her Headmaster Doris. Depending on how this meal goes, I'll have you enrolled in her academy. If what you say is true, and you don't know how to control or use your magic, then there's no better place to learn than the Academy of New Dawn. It's Dragonwood's best school, you know," Siegfried said with pride.
A waiter arrived, placing cups of water on the table and taking their order. Siegfried gulped down some water before continuing.
"But before we go any further, Doris here would like to ask you a few questions."
He turned to Doris, who placed a spherical object on the table. With a touch of her finger, the orb glowed a yellow hue and then faded. Instantly, a translucent bubble formed around their table, ensuring privacy.
"I would have brought a lie detector with me, but against power like yours, I assume it would be useless," Doris explained. "This sphere will make sure no noise gets in or out, so feel free to speak openly. Siegfried has mentioned what you are, and it is an honor to be in your presence, but to what does Dragonwood owe you the pleasure?"
Sol, feeling somewhat tired of explaining his situation, kept his reply brief. "You can drop the formalities. I'm not what you think I am."
He recalled the galaxy-like scales of the dragon he encountered before it burned into his skin—or his very soul, it felt like.
'Or at least I think?' he thought.
Doris intertwined her fingers and leaned closer. "You have the tattoo, do you not?"
Sol glanced at Siegfried, who nodded with a smile.
"The scar that looks like a dragon? It's on my right arm. I—"
Doris interrupted him, asking another question. "How did you get it? When did you get it?"
Sol stared at her for a moment, then sighed. "Yesterday, or maybe it was days ago. I don't know. I saw this enormous... creature, okay, maybe it was a dragon. Before I even realized what was happening, it burned me, and I blacked out. The next thing I know, I'm here in this strange land where people claim to be wizards," he explained, throwing another glance at Siegfried.
Doris's eyes widened, and even Siegfried seemed taken aback. Finally, Doris spoke.
"You... you aren't from here, are you? You come from the modern world?" she asked, placing her hands on her temples.
"Oh my, this complicates things very much," Doris muttered.
Siegfried pondered for a moment, then looked at Doris. "This must mean..."
Doris nodded. "After many centuries, the 7th has finally returned."