After spending the night in the teleportation tower, a privilege granted only after Ryan presented his adventurer card, Leo and Ryan awoke at the first light of dawn. The golden rays of the rising sun filtered through the narrow windows, casting elongated shadows across the polished stone floors.
They wasted no time. Stepping into the glowing teleportation circle, they felt a familiar sensation—an instant pull, as if space itself folded around them. In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the next tower, greeted by the murmur of voices and the shifting movements of a crowd.
Stepping out of the massive teleportation chamber, Leo and Ryan found themselves atop a high plateau, where the tower stood like a watchful guardian over the sprawling city below. The view was breathtaking.
The city stretched out in perfect symmetry, its streets forming a precise circular pattern. Unlike the organic growth of most cities, this one had a deliberate design—almost as if someone had drawn it on paper first before bringing it to life. Six wide main roads, paved with shimmering stone, radiated outward from the center, splitting the city into six equal sections.
At the heart of it all stood a strange, hollow tower. It wasn't the tallest structure, but it was the most intriguing. Its base and top were solid, constructed from the same pristine stone as the rest of the city, but its middle was entirely open, as if someone had carved a perfect void right through it. From this distance, Leo couldn't make out the finer details, but there was an unmistakable glow pulsing from its center, flickering like a heartbeat.
Surrounding this enigmatic structure were three towering spires, each far taller than the surrounding buildings. They were positioned in a perfect triangle, their sleek, needle-like peaks piercing the sky. Intricate golden runes lined their surfaces, gleaming under the morning sun. These towers were clearly important, their design far more elaborate than the rest of the city's architecture.
Beyond them, hundreds of smaller towers filled the skyline, their pointed roofs rising in elegant spirals. Unlike the rigid, square buildings of other cities, these structures embraced a graceful verticality, their walls adorned with elaborate carvings that shimmered faintly with residual magic. Bridges and walkways connected many of the buildings, creating a layered cityscape where people moved not just along the streets but also above them.
From this vantage point, the city's orderly beauty was mesmerizing—every structure seemed to have a purpose, every street flowed seamlessly into the next. The architecture was a blend of artistry and function, with delicate glass windows, ornately carved facades, and shimmering crystal lamps that lined the pathways.
But none of that was what truly excited Leo. He tilted his head upward, his breath catching in his throat. There it was.
Almost above the clouds, an inverted mountain served as the foundation of the floating city. Unlike a natural landmass, this colossal formation defied logic, its jagged, craggy peak pointing downward, glowing like a miniature sun. The radiant light pulsed from its very tip, casting golden illumination over the city below, piercing through the swirling mist and breaking the darkness that its massive shadow created over the ground-bound city.
The city itself was nestled above the mountain's flat underside, hidden partially by the clouds that drifted around it. Even from this distance, Leo could see its walls, a vast perimeter encircling the entire skyborne metropolis. Along these imposing, white-gold barriers, evenly spaced watchtowers jutted outward, each adorned with glowing crystals that pulsed faintly, likely serving as both beacons and defensive mechanisms. The walls had an otherworldly sheen, as if woven with magic, reflecting the golden glow from the inverted peak beneath it.
Inside the city, the buildings rose like an ascending staircase, their height increasing as they neared the center. The architecture was unlike anything Leo had ever seen—graceful yet overwhelming, intricate yet powerful. The outermost buildings were tall, but as they reached deeper into the city, they grew into massive towers, their spires stretching skyward like divine fingers reaching for the heavens. The entire city seemed to have been designed with perfect symmetry, with each sector leading toward its undeniable heart—the castle.
At the city's core, a monolithic castle loomed, dwarfing even the grandest cathedrals Leo had encountered. Its enormity was impossible to measure, making even the Grand Cathedral of Flesa seem small by comparison. Unlike traditional castles that relied on stone and mortar, this one was built from a radiant white-gold material, shimmering with an inner light, as if infused with divine magic.
The castle was surrounded by two concentric walls, each one housing a multitude of towers, halls, and grand structures. The outer wall alone was larger than most fortresses, and between the two barriers, countless structures rose, forming a maze of towers and pathways. Despite its fortified appearance, the city wasn't designed solely for defense—it was a beacon, a symbol of unparalleled power and prestige.
But there was one feature that truly left Leo speechless.
On the far end of the floating city, where the walls met the edge of the inverted mountain, a colossal waterfall cascaded from the sky. The sheer scale of it was beyond comprehension—a river of crystal-clear water poured down from the floating city, crashing into a massive pond nestled in the mountain below. The water sparkled with an ethereal glow, and as it hit the bottom, it split into smaller streams, forming rivulets that carved paths through the rugged terrain before merging into the rivers that nourished the land-bound city.
It wasn't just a waterfall—it was a spectacle, a natural wonder intertwined with arcane forces, as if the very heavens had chosen this city as their throne.
Leo couldn't tear his gaze away. His jaw hung open, eyes drinking in the sight with pure awe and exhilaration. This was no ordinary city. This was a masterpiece of magic, architecture, and divine engineering.
"This view never gets old," Ryan said, crossing his arms as he gazed at the floating city above. The golden glow of the inverted mountain reflected in his eyes, as if he'd seen it a hundred times yet still admired its majesty.
Leo, still in awe, turned to him. "How many times have you been here?"
Ryan shrugged. "A few times. This is the only city that even comes close to the Kingdom of Light's capital."
Leo's head snapped toward him, his disbelief evident. "What?" He gestured toward the breathtaking metropolis before them. "You're telling me there's a city even grander than this?!"
Ryan smirked, a knowing gleam in his eye. "Oh yeah. Just wait until you see the Golden City."
Leo stared at him, unable to comprehend the thought. This city—this masterpiece of magic and architecture—wasn't even the most magnificent one? His mind struggled to picture anything more stunning, more awe-inspiring. And yet, Ryan spoke with certainty.
His eyes locked onto Ryan's, searching for any sign of exaggeration. But the man was serious.
Leo exhaled slowly, turning back to the view before him. If there truly was a city more incredible than this, then he couldn't wait to see it.
After a few more minutes of taking in the breathtaking view, they finally started walking toward the city. With every step, the towering skyline loomed larger, its grand architecture becoming more imposing. The sheer scale of the city was overwhelming, far surpassing anything Leo had seen in Flesa. In fact, it reminded him—just a little—of the sprawling metropolises from his previous world.
The road leading to the city's entrance was astonishingly wide, easily able to accommodate the massive crowd moving toward the gates. Merchants pulling carts, adventurers clad in armor, scholars in flowing robes, and travelers walking alongside one another. The hum of countless voices blended into a lively symphony, the sounds of trade, chatter, and distant music filling the air.
As they neared the entrance, the city's outer walls loomed above them—massive, reinforced with glowing runes, and seemingly impenetrable. The gate itself was an awe-inspiring sight, an enormous structure crafted from enchanted metal and engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. It was wide enough for several carriages to pass through side by side without ever touching.
Beneath the gate, a host of guards stood watch, their presence undeniable. Some wore shining plate armor, their weapons gleaming at their sides, while others were clad in deep-colored robes, their eyes scanning the crowd with quiet intensity. Atop the gate, a fortified watchtower stood, with stationed sentries keeping an ever-vigilant eye on the incoming travelers.
Leo felt small standing before such an entrance, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. This was a city of power, wealth, and deep-rooted history—unlike any Leo had seen until now.
As they neared the gate, a guard halted them, his gaze scrutinizing. Only after Ryan presented his adventurer card did the guards step aside, allowing them through the massive gates.
"What's our destination?" Leo asked as they walked forward.
"We're heading to my teacher's house," Ryan replied, raising a hand to wave down a passing carriage. "Once we're there, you'll need to prove yourself so she'll take you as her student."
The carriage came to a slow stop in front of them.
"What?" Leo's eyebrows shot up. "You couldn't have told me that sooner?"
"And have you stressing over it the whole way here?" Ryan smirked, climbing inside.
"I could've made a plan."
"She's not going to make you fight her."
"Then what kind of test is it?" Leo asked as he stepped in, closing the carriage door behind him.
Ryan hesitated. For a brief moment, something like unease flickered across his face. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a fair trial," he said finally. "Besides…" He exhaled sharply. "She'd kill me."
Leo frowned. "Why is it impossible for me to have a normal teacher?"
Ryan leaned back against the cushioned seat. "I was normal."
"Not really."
The carriage set off, and for the next ten minutes, Leo found himself glued to the window. The city looked nothing like Flesa. The streets were pristine, the wide roads paved with a smooth stone that gleamed under the sunlight. The towering buildings were made of ivory-colored material, their walls smooth and polished, free of the pipes and exposed metalwork that cluttered the cities he had seen before.
Even the people were different. Men and women strolled through the streets in elegant clothing, their outfits adorned with gold and silver embroidery, making it look as though the entire district was filled with nobles.
"Everyone here looks rich," Leo muttered.
"That's because they are," Ryan replied, glancing at him before smirking. "Oh… and your clothes are different too."
Leo sighed. "See? I told you, you're not normal. How did you not notice that sooner?"
"I don't really pay attention to those things."
The carriage slowed before coming to a smooth stop.
Ryan stepped out first, and Leo followed. They stood before one of the taller buildings in the district. Its pointed rooftop made it stand out among the rest, the structure exuding an air of authority. Ryan walked up to the large wooden door and knocked firmly. A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman standing in the entrance.
"Hello, Ms. Estelle," Ryan greeted with a polite nod.
The elderly woman studied him for a moment, her sharp gaze softened by familiarity. Then, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Ryan, you're back. Come in."
She stepped aside slowly, allowing them to enter. The interior was warm and well-lit, the scent of old parchment and dried herbs lingering in the air.
"And who is this young lad?" she asked, her piercing eyes shifting toward Leo.
"He's here to become Master's student."
"Really? My condolences."
Leo blinked. He wasn't sure how to respond to that, so he settled for an awkward smile.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Victor Black," he introduced himself.
"Estelle Gentry," she replied with a knowing smirk. "Just call me Estelle."
With a small gesture, Estelle led them down a long corridor lined with wooden panels. The hallway ended at a pair of large doors, which she pushed open, revealing a spacious room. The walls were lined with towering bookshelves packed with thick tomes. In the center, a polished wooden table surrounded by plush chairs gave the space an air of academia.
Ryan motioned toward one of the chairs. "Sit there and wait. I need to summon her from the upper city."
Leo barely had time to process what he said before Ryan turned on his heel and disappeared.
'Upper city? She's in that floating city?' he thought, glancing toward the ceiling as if expecting to see something beyond it.
While waiting, he wandered over to the bookshelves, his fingers trailing along the spines of various tomes until he pulled out one titled Magic in Your Palm. Intrigued, he flipped it open and began reading.
His quiet moment was shattered when the door suddenly exploded open with a deafening crack. Ryan flew through the air like a ragdoll, landing hard on the wooden floor. Before he could even groan, his body was yanked into the air as if caught by an invisible force.
A woman strode into the room.
She was as tall as Edmond, her presence dominating the space. Her features were striking—beautiful yet sharp, with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and thick dark brows that framed piercing green eyes. A faint scar ran beneath her left eye, like a dagger's trace from an old battle. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, untamed.
She wore a short-sleeved robe with a low-cut front, revealing a muscular physique that radiated both strength and discipline.
"How many times," she said, her voice low but heavy with authority, "have I told you to stop calling me without ten days' notice?"
Ryan, still dangling mid-air, struggled to breathe. "It was… an emergency," he rasped.
"It always is."
With a flick of her wrist, she let him go. Ryan crashed to the floor, coughing as he pushed himself up. After dusting off his clothes, he turned to Leo, his usual smirk returning—though slightly pained.
"Victor," Ryan said, straightening up. "Meet my master, Alexia Clayden, the most powerful illusionist in the world."