The following morning...
Before the first rays of sunlight had fully reached the streets of Ardent Crossing...
The Guild Plaza was already crowded.
Dozens of carriages stood neatly in formation.
Veteran Wanderers inspected wagon wheels, checked supplies, and confirmed the identities of every traveler.
Unlike ordinary caravans...
This escort was organized by the Wanderer's Guild itself.
Its destination...
The Grand Academy.
---
Kieran arrived carrying nothing more than his travel pack, his plain sword, and the wooden pendant Crystal had given him.
He quietly joined the line.
Around him stood young men and women of similar age.
Some looked excited.
Others nervous.
A few wore expressions of complete confidence.
One boy loudly proclaimed,
"My father said I'll definitely become one of the Academy's Elite Students."
His companions quickly agreed.
Several applicants rolled their eyes.
---
A Guild receptionist began registering everyone.
"Name."
"Kieran."
"Age."
"Twelve."
"Place of origin?"
Kieran paused for the briefest moment.
"The western mountains of the Gardenia Empire."
The receptionist nodded and recorded it without further questions.
Crystal had warned him never to reveal the Hidden Valley.
---
Once registration ended...
A middle-aged Wanderer climbed onto a wagon.
His cloak bore two silver stars beneath the Guild emblem.
"My name is Darius."
"I'll be leading this escort."
His voice was deep and commanding.
"The journey will take approximately twenty-five days."
"We'll stop only at designated towns and safe camps."
"If you cannot follow orders..."
"You may leave now."
No one moved.
Darius nodded.
"Good."
---
Just then...
A clear voice came from the back of the crowd.
"Excuse me!"
Everyone turned.
A young girl with shoulder-length chestnut hair hurried toward them, carrying a backpack almost as large as herself.
She bowed repeatedly.
"I'm sorry!"
"I overslept!"
Several applicants chuckled.
Even Darius smiled faintly.
"You made it before departure."
"You're on time."
She sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness..."
She quickly joined the group, only to discover she had accidentally stood beside Kieran.
She smiled brightly.
"Hello!"
"I'm Mira."
"Kieran."
He replied with a polite nod.
She blinked.
"You're... quiet."
"So I've been told."
She laughed.
"I think we'll get along."
---
Nearby...
A tall young man leaned against a wagon with his arms crossed.
His black hair was tied into a short ponytail.
A long spear rested beside him.
Unlike many applicants...
He neither boasted nor sought conversation.
His eyes remained closed.
As if the surrounding noise didn't exist.
Darius glanced toward him with approval.
"Calm."
"Good."
---
Not far away...
A girl dressed in plain blue robes sat beneath a tree reading an old book.
Everything around her seemed to disappear as she turned each page.
Even when the caravan was preparing to leave...
She remained immersed in her reading.
Only after another applicant reminded her did she calmly close the book.
Kieran noticed the title before she placed it into her storage pouch.
An Introduction to Elemental Paths
His eyes lingered on it for a moment.
Interesting.
Someone else enjoyed learning.
---
A loud snort suddenly echoed through the square.
Everyone turned.
A massive brown bear lazily followed behind an elderly Beast Tamer.
The Magical Beast stood nearly three meters tall.
Despite its intimidating size...
It calmly carried several supply crates on its back.
Some applicants instinctively stepped away.
The Beast Tamer laughed.
"Easy now."
"Old Mountain is gentler than most people."
The enormous bear simply yawned.
Kieran watched with quiet fascination.
The bear's movements.
Its breathing.
Its eyes.
There was intelligence there.
Not human intelligence.
But something ancient.
Almost...
Dignified.
Hidden atop a nearby rooftop...
The Nine-Tailed White Fox also observed the bear.
Its golden eyes narrowed slightly.
The old bear suddenly lifted its head.
For a brief moment...
Its gaze met the fox's.
Neither moved.
Neither growled.
After several silent seconds...
The old bear slowly lowered its head in acknowledgement.
The fox returned the gesture.
Two Magical Beasts.
One ancient.
One mysterious.
Recognizing one another without a single word.
---
The Guild's great bell rang.
Dong...
Dong...
Dong...
Darius raised his hand.
"The escort departs!"
The heavy gates of Ardent Crossing slowly opened.
Dozens of wagons rolled forward.
Hundreds of hopeful applicants followed behind.
Some laughed.
Some dreamed.
Some silently vowed to surpass everyone around them.
Kieran simply looked ahead.
Beyond those roads lay the Grand Academy.
Beyond the Academy...
The countless mysteries of the Melika Realm.
As the caravan disappeared into the distance...
An old Wanderer standing upon the city walls quietly smiled.
"Another generation begins."
Beside him, Elena folded her arms.
"I wonder..."
"How many legends are walking in that caravan without anyone realizing it."
The old Wanderer chuckled.
"Perhaps..."
"More than we think."
Far below...
Kieran continued walking with the same calm expression he had always worn.
Unaware...
That before this journey ended, he would forge friendships, earn rivals, and take the first true step toward the destiny Crystal had patiently prepared him for over twelve long years.
End of Chapter 58