Maxxob
The Overseer
Gwen_Temi
| Demeter → Relax/Improve magic
Rev IX
| Aureus → Relax/Improve magic
Spoiled Bread
| Aqua → Relax/Work on her social skills/Improve magic
TheTimePiece
| Scarlett → Relax/Get to know the Adelhein's summons/Improve magic
Maxxob
| Adelhein → Relax/Formally start his magical faction/school /Improve magicNARRATIVE POST
With the entrance exam at the Ethereal Luminary Academy behind them, the group indulged in the luxuries of its grand ballroom. The soft strains of elegant music mingled with the hum of lighthearted chatter, while trays of decadent treats circulated, each as tempting as the elusive "crème puff" that had become the talk of the evening. However, all too soon, it was time to leave.
Stepping outside the academy grounds, they entered the bustling streets of Aslan, capital of the Grand Duchy—a city brimming with magic. Aslan's skyline soared with towering buildings, their structures ancient yet marvelously infused with enchantments. Above, magical aircraft zipped past, as common in this city of spellcraft as flying broomsticks.
Their path led them toward one of the city’s legendary portals—a magical gateway capable of transporting travelers across vast distances in a heartbeat. These devices, invaluable and powerful, were carefully guarded. Approaching the portal, a young Fae mage awaited them, accompanied by a cadre of gleaming golems. With precise gestures, he extended a shimmering obsidian orb to each traveler, verifying their identities with an ethereal scan. Demeter, Aureus, Scarlett, Aqua, Adelhein, Gilgamesh, and Artoria passed without issue, none bearing any criminal or monstrous marks.
Once their destination, Ryken, was confirmed, the mage strode to a terminal, inputting their information. Unknown to the group, a synchronized relay of data was transmitted directly to Ryken, preparing for their arrival. Moments later, a radiant blue light filled the portal’s center, crackling with mana, and the group stepped into its glow, emerging moments later in familiar territory.
In Ryken, the portal station was equally fortified, albeit by a diverse array of guards in heavy, ornate armor. A guard approached them, presenting the same black orb for verification. Once cleared, the group was granted entry into Ryken, capital of the mercantile realm.
The city's bustling streets reflected its reputation as a cultural melting pot. Beings of all races and creeds moved in apparent harmony, engaged in the steady hum of commerce and daily life. Leading the group, Adelhein took an unexpected route away from the familiar inn where he had been staying. They wove through the city until a large, imposing estate came into view.
The estate’s outer walls loomed fifteen feet high, concealing much of what lay inside, save glimpses of the upper floors of an impressive manor. Pedestrians on the sidewalk seemed to instinctively divert around it, sometimes casting puzzled glances at the estate before continuing. As they drew closer, those with even the faintest grasp of magic could sense an intense prana emanating from the estate—a multilayered boundary field that encased the grounds. The walls bore a network of wards, woven directly into the stone columns, each thrumming with potent energy. This formidable barrier was unmistakably crafted to be noticed, its maker unbothered by subtlety.
Finally, they reached the gates, allowing a view into the estate’s courtyard. The entrance was expansive, with a meticulously paved path of polished stone leading toward the manor. A fountain bubbled at the center, surrounded by trimmed hedges and elegantly arranged flora, all hinting at the grandeur and precision beyond.
