The next morning brought clear skies and an open road. Vel leaned against the window, watching the landscape pass outside the stagecoach. The journey had been uneventful since leaving Everfront—no obstacles or delays, just the steady rhythm of hooves and wheels.
The cleared road was empty, as Vel expected. In this world, no settlement survived unprotected. Abandoned huts lined the roadside—broken walls and fences, some crushed, others burnt—silent testimonies to those who had tried and failed to live beyond the safety of walls and guards.
Guard outposts lined the route, with soldiers monitoring their sections of road. Watchtowers perched on hilltops, their sentinels scanning for danger. Occasionally, they encountered other carriages and trading caravans returning home from Lona.
"We should reach the capital by sundown," Mora announced from her seat across from him. "Not ideal timing with the delay, but once we're inside Lona's walls, we'll be safe enough."
Vel nodded, shifting his attention to Celia and Hileya seated beside each other. After pestering him with questions about his magic for the first hour of the journey, they'd finally released him from their interrogation and found common ground in conversation about more mundane matters.
"—and that's why the folding technique is so important," Hileya was explaining, her hands mimicking the motion of folding linens. "It creates the proper corners for presentation."
"I never thought about it that way," Celia replied, genuinely interested. "At the orphanage, we just tried to finish quickly."
Their conversation shifted between domestic topics and occasional self-defense mentions, with Celia demonstrating small movements possible in the cramped coach.
Vel watched the interaction between Celia and Hileya, a thought slowly forming in his mind. After several minutes of contemplation, he leaned forward slightly.
"Hileya, have you ever thought about wielding a weapon?" he asked abruptly.
The half-elf looked up, surprised. "A weapon? No, I've never—"
"Never learned about fighting?" Vel finished for her.
Hileya shook her head, her silver braids swaying gently. "That wasn't part of my training as a maid."
Vel nodded thoughtfully. "Back in Elnor, you were relatively safe within Lady Halen's manor. But out here..." His mind flashed to the inn incident then the behemoth, how quickly things had escalated. "It's better to be safe than sorry."
He reached for his belt and loosened the sheath of the dagger Von had given him.
"How about. From now on, you will learn self-defense with me," Vel declared, extending the weapon toward her. "I can lend you this for now."
"I can help too," Celia chimed in quickly, shifting closer to them. Her sudden interest might have stemmed from not wanting to be left out—or perhaps from not wanting to leave Hileya and Vel alone together. "Everyone should know how to defend themselves."
Hileya hesitated, her eyes moving between the dagger and Vel's face. Finally, she reached out and took it, holding it awkwardly in her slender fingers. As the stagecoach hit a bump in the road, the weapon nearly slipped from her grasp.
"We'll need to find a way for you to properly carry it without ruining your outfit's aesthetic," Vel said, watching her fumble with the sheath.
"You could wear it on your thigh, with a strap," Celia suggested practically. "I know a thing or two about blade-carrying—like how the angle should be to not cut yourself when drawing it quickly."
Hileya clutched the dagger more securely, a determined expression crossing her features. "Thank you both. I'll try my best to meet your expectations."
The stagecoach slowed at a major crossroad where several well-kept paths met. Vel's focus shifted from the conversation inside to the landscape outside. A wooden signpost at the intersection showed carved directions—one arm pointed back to Everfront, another toward Lona, with others indicating smaller settlements.
After they passed the crossroad, the transformation was immediate and striking. The previously empty road suddenly teemed with life.
"Look at that," Vel remarked, nodding toward the window.
The road gradually packed with traffic heading toward the capital. Ornate coaches dominated the center lanes, their painted crests catching sunlight as matched horses pulled them forward.
Simple wooden carts hugged the roadside, drawn by lone horses and loaded with household goods. Between them, groups of travelers trudged on foot, faces showing both determination and exhaustion.
Mounted riders wove through the slower traffic, while heavily laden donkey carts crawled along the very edge of the road.
Hileya leaned toward the window, her eyes widening. "There are so many people."
Mora nodded. "Academy season. The entrance exams attract hopefuls from across the region. Some will apply for scholarships like you two, others pay their way, but they all converge on Lona this time of year."
Vel observed the travelers intently. Many were his age or slightly older—teenagers with parents or guardians, their faces displaying both anticipation and anxiety. Some carried books or scrolls, studying as they walked, while others practiced simplified casting gestures.
"Those are applicants too, aren't they?" Vel asked, pointing to a group of three youths walking together, each carrying identical leather satchels.
"Most likely," Mora confirmed. "The competition gets fiercer every year."
Celia's expression tightened. "I didn't realize there would be so many."
"I suppose," Vel said, offering her a reassuring smile. "We've been preparing for years. Hopefully it was enough."
The forest thinned ahead, and through the gaps between ancient oaks, Vel caught his first glimpse of Lona's imposing walls.
The massive stone fortifications dwarfed anything he'd seen before—even Elnor's defenses looked like a child's toy in comparison. The walls stretched endlessly in both directions, their weathered gray surface rising toward the sky like a man-made mountain range.
Guards moved along the battlements in small clusters, their silhouettes barely visible from this distance. Beyond the outer wall, Vel could make out the layered structure of the capital itself—rings of districts ascending toward the center like terraced steps.
At the heart of it all, the royal palace dominated the highest ground. Most of the structure remained hidden behind inner walls and distance, but Vel recognized the distinctive spires and golden domes from memory.
A strange sensation washed over him—part nostalgia, part loss. Giri had walked those very halls during development, testing every room, every corridor, every secret passage. He'd placed each piece of furniture, designed every architectural detail with meticulous care.
Now those same halls were forbidden territory. The palace belonged to King Korivan Garnos the Seventh, not to the man who had created it.
"The Academy should be in the second ring," Vel murmured, more to himself than to his companions. "Where the noble families and major businesses operate."
The stagecoach rolled closer as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the road. That's when Vel spotted it—a structure that made his breath catch.
Rising from the city's heart like a colossal spear, a tower pierced the sky above all other buildings. At its peak, a massive crystalline device floated in perfect suspension, its faceted surface catching the dying light.
Vel's fingers tightened on the window frame. The teleportation nexus. In Aeonalus Primordial, that tower had served as the primary fast-travel hub, allowing players to instantly traverse between major cities across the continent.
But something was wrong. The crystal structure appeared dormant—no energy coursed through its channels, no ethereal glow emanated from its core. The nexus that should have pulsed with magical vitality stood silent and still.
Is teleportation no longer available? The thought struck him with uncomfortable implications. If such fundamental systems had changed or failed entirely…
"Impressive sight, isn't it?" Mora commented, following his gaze. "Though nobody remembers what that tower was originally meant for."
Vel said nothing, but his mind raced with questions he couldn't voice.
The carriage slowed to a crawl as they joined the queue of vehicles waiting to enter the city. Vel watched with interest as the guards processed each arrival with methodical efficiency—checking papers, inspecting cargo, questioning occupants.
When their turn finally came, the carriage rolled to a stop before a stone archway flanked by armored guards. A man with a weathered face and captain's insignia approached their window.
"State your business," he demanded, his tone neither friendly nor hostile—simply routine.
Mora leaned forward, retrieving a sealed document from her inner pocket. "Guild business. I'm escorting these Academy applicants, plus one attendant."
The guard took the paper, breaking the seal and scanning its contents. His eyebrows rose slightly as he read.
"Gold Rank business, I see," he remarked, looking up to study Mora more carefully.
"That's correct," Mora confirmed.
Vel glanced at her with surprise. She hadn't mentioned any separate assignment during their journey.
The guard continued examining their papers. "Security's tighter than usual—not just for Academy season. We've had increased hostility from wildlife around the outskirts, plus reports of a suspicious group operating within the city."
"Any connection to void activity?" Mora asked professionally.
The guard shook his head. "Nothing confirmed. But keep your eyes open." He handed back their documents. "You may proceed."
As they prepared to move forward, Vel noticed posters on the guardhouse wall. Some featured sketched faces of wanted criminals, while others warned of dangerous creatures near the city. One poster stood out: a crudely drawn symbol resembling a stylized eye crossed by a jagged line.
"What's that?" Vel asked, pointing toward the symbol.
The guard followed his gaze. "Criminal group causing trouble lately. Been showing up at crime scenes." He gave Vel an appraising look. "Keep to the proper districts, and you won't need to worry about such things."
With a wave of his hand, the guard signaled for them to proceed through the gate.
As they drew through the outermost layer of the capital, the streets surprisingly narrowed—not because of limited space, but the sheer volume of people. Crowds flowed along both sides of the road, leaving just enough room for carriages to pass safely. Vel stared at the buildings crowding in from either side, their upper stories extending outward with fabric awnings that nearly transformed the street into an indoor passage.
"This is what we call the Labor Quarter," Mora explained, gesturing toward the mass of people. "Most who work the docks, factories, and service positions live in this layer."
Vel pressed closer to the window, taking in the sights. Children darted between adults, street vendors called out their wares, and workers in various uniforms moved with purpose through the throngs. Despite the cramped conditions, everyone seemed to have established an unspoken choreography—nobody collided, everyone found their path.
"It's so crowded," Hileya remarked, her voice barely audible above the street noise filtering into their carriage.
Vel nodded. He'd known about the kingdom's overpopulation problems from his memories and studies, but witnessing it firsthand was entirely different. The theoretical knowledge didn't capture the energy, the sounds, or the organized chaos of thousands of lives intersecting in such confined spaces.
Yet despite the crowding, the streets themselves were immaculately maintained—paved with stone tiles arranged in decorative patterns that created swirling designs beneath the wheels of their carriage. Lamp posts rose at regular intervals, but instead of flames, they emitted a steady glow from mana-infused crystals housed in glass casings.
"Those lights..." Vel murmured, pointing to one particularly bright example.
Mora followed his gaze. "Mana lamps. They last for months between charges and don't risk fires like oil lamps do."
Vel studied them with fascination. A perfect marriage of magic and practical technology—something that wouldn't have seemed out of place in the most advanced cities of Aeonalus.
Their carriage moved steadily past bustling taverns, welcoming inns, and shops offering everything from spices to weaponry. They also passed a coal workshop, its chimneys releasing dark smoke that drifted over the crowded streets, where dark matter spilled onto the surface.
Gradually, the density of people began to thin, the buildings grew more spacious, and the omnipresent noise receded. Ahead, another wall appeared—smaller than the outer wall but still imposing, with guards posted at regular intervals.
"Second layer," Mora announced, straightening her uniform. "The noble quarter, high merchants, and major businesses. Also where we'll find the Academy."
The carriage turned onto a broader avenue, and Vel instantly noticed the shift in atmosphere. The street maintained the same width as those in the outer layer, but without the pressing crowds, it felt vastly more spacious. Even the air seemed different here—cleaner, carries faint notes of perfume rather than the mingled odors of bodies and coal smoke.
The residents' attire changed dramatically. Gone were the simple clothes of laborers; here, men and women wore finely tailored outfits with subtle embroidery and glints of jewelry. Their movements were more measured, their postures straighter, as if aware of being observed.
They arrived at a spacious square where several avenues met at a central fountain. The carriage slowed, making a quarter turn around the plaza before continuing down one of the radiating streets.
"You'll have time to get to know the place," Mora commented, noticing Vel's attentive gaze. "Your lodging is this way, near the merchants' district."
Merchants conjured images of Nema and Khaz—Lady Halen's associates who arranged their lodging. Vel pondered the nature of the accommodations and any potential strings beyond his expectations.
Both Celia and Hileya had abandoned any pretense of decorum, their faces practically pressed against the windows as they absorbed the sights. They pointed excitedly at various buildings and displays that caught their attention.
"Look at those accessories!" Hileya gasped, indicating a shop with displays of jewelry and ornaments that would cost a village guard's annual salary.
"And that!" Celia added, pointing toward a dressing shop with elaborate gowns displayed in the window.
Vel stayed quiet, memorizing each turn and landmark. He observed the larger intersections, distinctive corner buildings, and guard patrol patterns, preparing himself for potential navigation.
The carriage stopped before a modest building with sturdy brick walls. Despite its unassuming exterior, Vel saw multiple wings extending from the main structure, hinting at its true size.
"Here we are," Mora announced, gathering her belongings.
As Vel shifted to exit, he suddenly felt the peculiar numbness in his legs from sitting too long. When he finally stepped down onto the cobblestone street, his brain still registered the swaying motion of the carriage, making his first few steps awkwardly unbalanced.
Vel stretched, trying to work feeling back into his limbs while scanning their surroundings. The immediate area appeared well-maintained but lacked the ostentatious displays of wealth evident in other parts of this district.
"They probably didn't expect us to arrive at this hour," Mora remarked, looking toward the entrance door with a slight frown.
Before Vel could respond, the main door swung open, and an older man in a neat uniform stepped out. His posture was impeccable as he approached their group with measured steps.
"Welcome to Merchant Nema's residence," the gatekeeper greeted them with a slight bow. "We've been expecting you, though perhaps not quite this timing. Please, allow me to lead you to master Nema."
While the others gathered their belongings, Vel noticed a smaller gate in the wall. People passed through it with ease—a young woman with books, an older man with a walking stick, two laughing teenagers—entering and exiting without acknowledging the gatekeeper or seeking permission.
Vel frowned. The steady flow of residents indicated this was more shared lodgings than a private residence. He had anticipated the merchants would secure private accommodations, like a small house or suite, but this building obviously housed many occupants.
"Are we... sharing the building?" Vel asked, turning toward Mora.
The gatekeeper smiled faintly at Vel's question. "Ah, that depends on the contract that you will sign with Master Nema. You can still have your private quarter, on a different wing. The west wing, however, is a shared lodging, for people that came to Lona—students, workers, mostly young people that Master Nema took interest in."
Vel nodded, mentally adjusting his expectations. A shared building with separate quarters wasn't ideal, but it made more sense than the merchants providing completely private accommodations.
"As for this young servant," the gatekeeper continued, glancing at Hileya, "it's the master's choice to let her stay with you or stay in the servant quarters along with others. For today, rooms have been prepared as Lady Halen instructed."
Mora stepped forward, addressing the carriage driver. "You can have your rest now. I'll find you again next day for other business."
The driver nodded, securing the reins before climbing down from his seat.
A realization struck Vel—this marked the end of their guided journey. Mora had safely delivered them to Lona, and now he would have to navigate this world alone. The thought felt overwhelmingly familiar, echoing his old life.
Despite all his knowledge, despite everything he'd learned in Elnor, he was still fundamentally an outsider stepping into a new chapter. The Academy, the city, the politics—all of it waited to be discovered and mastered.
"Thank you," Vel said to Mora, genuinely appreciative of her protection during their journey.
He grabbed his belongings, observing Celia and Hileya do the same.
"No worry," Mora said, sensing Vel's hesitation. "I probably stay in Lona for a week for guild business, and I cannot take my exit yet until we meet Nema."
Vel nodded, relieved that their guide wouldn't disappear immediately. Despite his determination to adapt quickly, having Mora's experienced presence during their first days in Lona would be invaluable.
The gatekeeper led them through the main entrance into a spacious foyer. As they crossed the threshold, Vel noticed several people lounging on benches positioned against the walls. The other tenants looked up from their conversations and books, studying the newcomers with undisguised curiosity. One young woman whispered something to her companion, who nodded while maintaining eye contact with Vel.
He kept his face neutral despite the scrutiny, mentally cataloging the observers. Most appeared to be close to his age or slightly older—likely students or apprentices, based on the books and scrolls some held.
They stepped into a large foyer centered around a grand staircase. The polished wooden steps climbed halfway up before splitting left and right—probably leading to the separate wings the gatekeeper had mentioned.
A hallway ran straight ahead between the two branches. The gatekeeper led them down this corridor, past landscape paintings hanging along the walls.
"Master Nema's office is just ahead," the gatekeeper explained as they walked. "He's been expecting you."
The corridor ended at double doors with brass handles shaped like twisting vines. The gatekeeper knocked once and pushed the doors open without waiting for a response.
They entered a spacious office with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on two walls and large windows on the third. Outside, the garden was growing dark, fading into shadowy shapes.
Behind a substantial wooden desk sat Merchant Nema, whom Vel recognized from Lady Halen's party, his attire impeccably tailored.
"Ah, our anticipated guests," Nema said, rising from his chair. His gaze swept over them, assessing. "Welcome to my humble establishment."
He gestured toward a plush sofa and accompanying chairs arranged around a low table near the windows.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable. We have much to discuss about your accommodations and, of course, your upcoming endeavors at the Academy."
Vel exchanged glances with Celia before moving toward the offered seating, wondering what conditions would be attached to the merchant's hospitality.
Vel took a seat on the plush sofa, his muscles still stiff from the journey. He studied Nema carefully as the merchant gestured to an attendant who had materialized silently at his side.
"Tea for our guests," Nema instructed. The attendant bowed and disappeared through a side door.
Nema settled into his chair, hands folding over his belly. "I trust your journey was pleasant? Lady Halen informed me you'd be arriving today, though perhaps a bit earlier than this."
"It was mostly uneventful," Vel replied diplomatically.
Mora cleared her throat. "We encountered a Voidtainted behemoth near Everfront. Destroyed a merchant caravan."
"Another one?" Nema sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"That's the third attack this month. My merchant partners have been reporting lost shipments all along the northern routes. Caravans just... disappearing."
Nema took a sip from his cup, his fingers drumming against the desk.
"I've been wondering when one of my own deliveries would get hit. Seems like it's only a matter of time now."
"Voidtainted creatures appearing closer to major cities... the Guild will want a full report, I'm sure."
"Already submitted at Everfront," Mora confirmed.
Nema nodded, then set his cup down with a gentle clink. "Now then, regarding your accommodations—we can address the specifics of our arrangement now, or if you're fatigued from your journey, perhaps tomorrow would be better?"
Vel didn't hesitate. "I'd prefer to discuss the conditions now, if you don't mind."
Something flickered across Nema's face—surprise, perhaps, or approval. "Very well. Direct and efficient—qualities that will serve you well at the Academy."
He reached into his desk drawer and withdrew several papers, placing them on the low table between them.
"Lady Halen has arranged for your scholarship fees, as promised. What we're discussing today is simply your living arrangements while you study."
Vel carefully scanned the contract Nema had placed before them, his eyes methodically moving from clause to clause. Nothing jumped out as overtly suspicious or concerning. The terms seemed standard enough—fair, even, given their circumstances. He glanced at Celia beside him, who was similarly absorbed in reading through her copy.
When they'd finished, Nema leaned forward, clasping his hands.
"To summarize the most important points," he said, tapping the document. "This contract is valid only as long as you pass the entrance examination and maintain good academic standing within the Academy. Lady Halen's scholarship for young Vel here will be managed through my colleague Khaz, who will handle all communications with the Academy's financial office."
Vel nodded, finding the arrangement reasonable.
"As for Miss Celia," Nema continued, turning his attention to her, "since your sponsorship comes through the guild rather than Lady Halen, you'll need to handle those arrangements directly. Regarding accommodations, you'll be staying in our west wing, which houses our shared lodgings."
"Shared?" Vel interjected, frowning. "Why can't Celia have private quarters like me?"
Nema's expression remained politely neutral. "The guild's arrangement with us specified standard accommodations, which means the west wing. I assure you, the facilities are quite comfortable and secure. We maintain strict separation by gender, and access is monitored at all times."
"That's not the point," Vel persisted. "If we're both sponsored students, we should receive equal treatment."
Celia placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's fine, Vel. I've shared rooms my whole life at the orphanage. Having only a few roommates will feel luxurious by comparison."
Nema spread his hands in a gesture of finality. "I'm afraid the accommodations are determined by the terms of your respective sponsorships. I have no authority to modify those arrangements without approval from Lady Halen or the Guild."
Vel pressed his lips together, frustrated but recognizing they had no leverage to demand changes. The contracts before them were generous compared to what most students received, even with the disparity between their housing situations.
"Fine," he conceded reluctantly. "But I'd like to know more about these shared quarters and who Celia will be rooming with."
Nema nodded, seemingly pleased with the question. "Each room in the west wing typically houses two or sometimes three occupants. The living quality is just as good as the private quarters—comfortable beds, study desks, adequate storage for personal items. Your roommates will primarily be apprentices or students just like yourselves. There's nothing to worry about."
Vel wanted to ask more questions, but Nema had already shifted his attention.
"Regarding this young lady here..." Nema gestured toward Hileya, who had been standing quietly behind Vel's chair throughout the discussion. "We still need to decide where she'll stay—the servant quarters or with you in your private room."
The thought of sleeping with Hileya every night stirred something uncomfortable in Vel's stomach. He'd barely constrained himself during their first night together at Lady Halen's manor. There was no guarantee he wouldn't eventually slip up and give in to his instincts. The old saying came to mind: he who lingers by the wine will soon drink it.
Vel realized this decision shouldn't be his alone. It would affect Hileya too, and for some reason, he found himself thinking about Celia while considering the options. He glanced at Celia, noticing her carefully neutral expression that didn't quite mask the tension in her shoulders.
"Hileya will spend her nights at the servant quarters," Vel decided firmly.
He looked at Hileya, whose eyes briefly reflected disappointment before she nodded in agreement. Vel didn't miss the subtle relaxation of Celia's posture—a flash of relief crossing her features before she composed herself again.
"Very well," Nema acknowledged, making a note on one of the documents. "The servant quarters are quite comfortable as well. She'll have her own space while remaining available for her duties during the day."
Celia turned to Vel, offering a small smile that eased some of the tension in the room. "On the bright side, we're practically neighbors now, closer than we were back in Elnor."
Her attempt to find the positive in the situation lightened Vel's mood slightly. She was right—even with different living arrangements, they would be within the same building, able to see each other daily. It was a far cry from when their homes in Elnor had been separated by the entire marketplace and several blocks of houses.
Nema cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to the contracts before them. "That concludes our discussion. Please sign here." He indicated the blank spaces at the bottom of each document.
Vel picked up the quill, dipped it carefully in the inkwell, and signed his name with deliberate strokes. As he finished the final letter, the ink glowed with a faint golden light before settling back to black. The contract was sealed—magically binding in a way that paper agreements in his old world never were.
Celia followed suit, her own signature triggering the same magical confirmation.
"Excellent," Nema said, collecting the signed documents. "The caretakers will show you to your quarters whenever you're ready."
They made their way back to the foyer where Mora stood waiting. The huntress adjusted her cloak and nodded toward Vel and Celia.
"This is where I leave you," she said practically. "Lona isn't like Elnor. Stay sharp."
With that cryptic advice, Mora exited, leaving Vel to ponder her meaning. Her warning was clear—Lona had different rules than the small town they knew.
The caretakers appeared, ready to guide them to their respective wings. Vel and Celia stood facing each other in momentary silence.
"See you tomorrow?" Celia asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Vel nodded. "Definitely. We should explore the city together."
They parted ways, Celia following one caretaker toward the west wing while Vel and Hileya were led in the opposite direction by another.
As Vel walked along the corridor with Hileya following quietly behind, the reality of his situation settled over him. It was official—he was now alone. From here, every action and decision would be his independently. No more Von and Mari. No more guidance from the familiar figures who had become his family.
He had graduated from the tutorial area of his new life. Now he needed to figure everything out by himself, navigate this complex city and its Academy without the safety net he'd grown accustomed to in Elnor.