It was still morning by the time Akira defeated the boar. His arms ached, his uniform clung to him with dust and sweat, but his mind buzzed with urgency. He wanted to head straight back to the library — there was still so much he needed to learn, and every moment felt like precious time slipping away.
a familiar voice stopped him.
Sebastian stood waiting, cloak perfectly neat despite the chaos of training.
"You have another appointment today," he announced. "We are going to the Magic Tower to meet the kingdom's archmage."
Akira blinked. "Magic… already?"
Sebastian's gaze sharpened, as if cutting straight through him.
"Physical strength has limits. When you reach them, only magic will push you further. If you're to be of value to Valoria, you must learn it."
The words were blunt — not encouragement, but expectation.
Akira said nothing, but his fists clenched at his sides. Value. Usefulness. He knew what that implied… what he was to them.
Still — if power was the path forward, then he would take it without hesitation.
Sebastian motioned for him to follow.
Outside the castle gates, a sleek carriage awaited — its frame carved from darkwood and reinforced with silver streaks of runic metal. The horses weren't ordinary either as it's feet were on fire.
Akira climbed in cautiously.
As the carriage rolled forward, sunlight spilled over the outskirts of Valoria. Stone houses lined the cobbled roads, runic lanterns hanging from doorposts even in daylight, humming softly with stored mana. Carriages rolled past, wheels reinforced with metallic enchantments to prevent wear.
Carriages passed in the opposite lane, wheels enchanted to glide smoothly. In the market plazas, traders in embroidered coats advertised potions, enchanted fabrics, and mana-charged weapons.
Akira pressed his palm to the carriage window.
Street performers conjured harmless sparks for crowds. A baker handed fresh bread to a women holding her child's arm. A group of mages argued over spell-ink prices while a bored apprentice levitated crates behind them.
It felt… alive.
Yet beneath the liveliness, there was caution.
Lines of soldiers patrolled the streets, armor polished to a silver sheen. Their formations were sharp, disciplined — each warrior carrying both sword and a short-range magic launcher strapped at the hip, a device that shot condensed mana bolts through a spell cartridge. Shields bore glowing runes that pulsed with defensive spells.
Beyond the rows of shops and busy workshops, the city stretched farther than he ever imagined. Towers rose high, etched with glowing lines of magic that pulsed softly in the daylight. Some rooftops held magical amplifiers, rotating slowly as they hummed with stored energy. The walls in the distance shone faintly with protective runes covering the entire city.
By the time the carriage slowed, the Magic Tower rose into full view — a colossal spire of silver stone wrapped in shimmering runes that throbbed like a heartbeat. The closer they approached, the colder the air became, threads of mana swirling unseen yet heavy enough to press against Akira's mind.
He swallowed. "That's… magic?"
Sebastian stepped out first, answering only with a nod.
Massive constructs guarded the entrance,runic eyes tracking their every movement — judging whether they were a threat
A smooth click echoed as the doors opened on their own.
Inside, the walls glittered with arcane script floating freely in the air. Crystals embedded into the floors hummed gently. Mages in dark robes passed by without sparing Akira a single glance, their faces buried in scrolls or glowing tomes.
Akira felt small here.
Power thrummed in every breath of this place — ancient, intellectual, unquestionable.
Sebastian paused at a spiraling staircase and glanced back.
"Remember this, Akira…" he said quietly. "Magic is a means to an end. Do not let it consume you."
Without waiting, he ascended.
Akira stared at his hands — trembling, excited, afraid — then followed.
The higher they climbed, the thicker the air grew with mana. At the top, a large door shimmered with violet light, its pulse almost alive.
Sebastian knocked once.
No voice answered.
The door simply opened, inviting them into the domain of Valoria's strongest mage.