Chapter 2
I quickly finished the food in front of me and stood up, ready to head out the door. Just as I was about to step outside, my sister’s voice called out behind me.
“Wait, Caelith!”
I turned back to see her holding the door
“What’s wrong?” I asked, tilting my head.
She hesitated for a second, then stepped forward and pressed a small pendant into my hand—a silver feather on a thin cord.
“It’s nothing fancy,” she said. “Just figured you could use a little extra luck.”
I looked down at the charm, then back up at her, before stuffing it in my pocket. It’s just like her to do something like this.
I smiled and waved goodbye.
“Thanks sis. Well I’m heading off now, for real this time. I’m going to bring you back some good news.”
She smiled.
“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you then.”
Eldreth. A city nestled in the heart of the Empire of Ascalon. It’s where I spent most of my childhood—the place I’ll probably always call home.
I moved through the winding streets, passing the familiar shouts of vendors setting up for the day. Children darted between carts, and old stone buildings loomed above like silent watchers. The morning air was brisk, the city already stirring with life.
Stalls crowded the market square, their wooden frames draped in faded cloth banners. Trinkets glinted in the morning light—beads, simple jewelry, and polished stones—while handmade goods were laid out with care: woven baskets, carved figurines, roughspun cloaks, and dyed fabrics stacked in neat piles. The air was alive with the scent of baked bread and cured meats.
In the distance, I could already see Academy instructors preparing the examination ground. Beyond them, the city gates bustled with movement as carriages rolled in and finely dressed nobles from across the empire made their way into Eldreth.
One of them barked at the crowd to clear the way as his chariot barreled through the street. Pedestrians scrambled aside, some cursing under their breath, but none dared to protest.
Another chariot followed close behind, its wheels kicking up dust as it barreled through the street. The insignia on its side was unmistakable—a silver crescent moon against a deep blue field.
Huh, so even House Evermoon, one of the most prestigious dukedoms in the northern part of the empire, has come for the exam, I thought to myself.
I watched as the duke’s chariot slowly overtook the one in front. The blonde-haired noble leaned out, his sharp features twisting into a scornful sneer. His icy blue eyes glinted with arrogance as he shot a sharp glare
“Who do you think you ar—”
But his words caught in his throat as his eyes landed on the insignia on the chariot he was passing. His face instantly turned ugly, a cold sweat breaking out across his brow.
The knight riding beside the chariot glanced sharply at him, eyes narrowing—a silent challenge daring him to continue.
A smooth, composed voice came from within the chariot.
“What’s the matter?”
The knight glanced back at the blonde noble, then turned to the lady inside with a calm tone,
“Just someone eager to make trouble, My Lady. Nothing worth our concern.”
The blonde noble was now sweating buckets, silently cursing his luck.
“H-Hah, hah… If it isn’t Lady Lyra. I apologize for my transgression—please, go ahead.”
The words seemed to pass her by. From inside, the lady’s voice asked instead,
“How far are we from the governor’s manor?”
“Just a few more minutes, My Lady,” the knight replied.
With the tension finally passing, I watched as the duke’s chariot continued on its way toward the governor’s manor.
I sighed. Must be nice, being born into a duke’s family—having everything you could ever want handed to you from birth. No… I shouldn’t think like that. I should be grateful for what I have right now.
Shaking those thoughts away, I made my way toward the outskirts of the city, where the dense forest loomed in the distance.
Since there were still a few hours before the examination officially started, I figured I might as well take the time to visit that old man.
Recently, I’d been helping out an old man—a retired mage who had just moved to the outskirts of the city. I first met him when he saved me from a pack of goblins.
These days, I mostly sort his paperwork and handle odd jobs. Once, he even made me strip down for a strange ritual, claiming it was necessary to channel the magic properly. It was awkward, sure—but the pay was good, so I didn’t complain.
In the distance, I finally spotted a solitary cabin. I pushed open the creaking door and saw the old man with white hair sitting at his desk, absorbed in what seemed to be a dusty, boring book.
“What do you want, kid?” He asked without looking up from his book
“Come on, gramps, can’t I visit you?”
He grunted, finally setting the book aside with a sigh.
“Hey old man, today’s the day for my Academy exam. Why not give this youngling some help?” I grinned.
“In your dreams, brat. Use your own abilities to get into the Academy,” he retorted
I cursed inwardly at him for being cheap, but it felt like he could read my mind.
“You just cursed at me, didn’t you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied, trying to sound innocent.
He sighed
“Alright , how about a deal? If you pass the first phase of the examination I will teach you the basics.”
My eyes lit up at the offer.
“For real?!”
“Yes, yes. Now come here and help me sort these herbs out.”
I helped the old man and chatted with him about a few things before it was finally time to leave.
“See ya, gramps. Wish me luck on the exam. And don’t forget your promise!”
“Tch. Who do you think I am?”
I waved goodbye and made my way to the examination.
The old man closed the door, then slowly returned to his chair and picked up his book. After a moment, he glanced out the window, his eyes lingering on my retreating figure as if deep in thought. A heavy sigh escaped him, his expression darkening with concern.
“Is it really the right choice to expose him to the world of magic…”
