Chapter 22: Toward the Academy! (No, there won’t be any academic arc, don’t worry, just read!)

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Toward the Academy! (No, there won’t be any academic arc, don’t worry, just read!)The sky above Dustwall was a pale pink, streaked with golden hues that heralded the dawn. Lian wore new clothes. His leather armor had become useless; the resilience of his body was now sufficient. "Lian! Wait!" A familiar voice halted him. Roland was running toward him, his sword swinging at his side. "You did not think you could leave without a final goodbye, did you?" Roland said, stopping in front of Lian. Lian laughed, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder. "I thought you were still in bed, lazy as always." "Lazy? Me?" Roland feigned offense. "Maybe before, but I have changed. Ever since I discovered my talent, I have been training hard. And I will train even harder now that I know you are a Mage!" "Oh?" Lian eyed him up and down, pretending superiority. "We shall see... When we meet again and I defeat you, I want no excuses. Watch yourself!" "Who do you take me for? I will wipe the floor with your ass!" The two laughed like children before exchanging a big hug, their bond a warmth that lingered in the cool morning air. "Make a name for yourself, Lian." "You too, Roland." Lian turned back, only to see his entire family waving at him. He returned their affectionate gestures before turning forward again. The meeting point with the others was just outside Dustwall’s gate. --- After a few minutes of walking, buzzing with excitement for the new journey, Lian met Patrick, Sera, and the three Knights. "Good morning, Lian. Are you ready to depart?" Patrick’s warm, reassuring voice was as steady as ever. But Lian did not respond immediately—not out of reluctance, but because he was stunned by the sight before him. A grand carriage stood majestically at the edge of the path to Grimreach, its polished wood gleaming like a beacon of prestige. Though beautiful, with intricate details, Lian barely noticed it. His eyes were drawn solely to the two beasts pulling the carriage. They were majestic, radiating an energy that marked them as Iron 5, far stronger than Lian himself. Noticing his gaze, Patrick chuckled lightly. "Do you like them? They are Cloud Horses, a variant suited for pulling carriages. They are the best beasts for travel—quiet, smooth, and they eat little. Oh, and of course, they are quite charming." Lian nodded simply. It was his first time seeing a beast other than Stone Bulls. Well, technically the second, counting the Shadow Wolves. Observing the scene, Sera could not help but roll her eyes. She no longer called him "peasant"—after all, she could not keep using that term forever. It was getting boring. She needed a new nickname. The three Knights merely nodded at the sight of the boy. And so, with everything ready, Lian climbed into the carriage. It was spacious, easily accommodating them all without issue. One of the Knights, the captain of the trio, sat at the front, guiding the Cloud Horses. With a nod from Patrick, the captain signaled the start of the journey. They had spent considerable time in Dustwall; it was finally time for them to return home. Lian watched Dustwall fade behind him, excitement filling his face for this new adventure. --- Time passed, and the carriage finally reached its destination. The journey had taken two full days, despite the speed of the beasts. During those days, Lian had not wasted time. He continued to meditate, though he could not do so in front of everyone. He feared others might notice something unusual about his meditation technique, so he cultivated only during breaks and at night. Moreover, he did not dare use his Geometric Meditation. He worried that the mana emitted from creating those lines might draw too much attention. After all, it was absorbed instantly, making him stronger. It was not yet time to stand out. The area they traveled through was teeming with various monsters, and their preferred hunting time was at night. Of course, with Mage Patrick in charge, there was nothing to fear, but it was better to avoid trouble. Besides, it was uncomfortable to spend 24 hours on the carriage bench, the hard wood a constant reminder of the journey’s demands. "We have arrived. Behold Grimreach!" The Knight captain’s voice radiated joy as he saw his city again. The massive gate and imposing walls were far more magnificent and formidable than those of Dustwall. In comparison, Dustwall’s walls seemed like mere decoration. "Magnificent!" Lian’s eyes sparkled as he took it all in. He could not wait to enter the city and explore. "Welcome back!" The guards at the gate bowed slightly at the sight of the carriage. Its emblem spoke clearly—it was one of the Astralis Academy’s carriages. The Cloud Horses were also distinctive to the academy, their sleek forms a symbol of prestige. Lian observed the two gate guards, his jaw dropping at what he sensed. "Steel? These guards have the same power as the monster Patrick defeated in the Gate?!" As he processed this, the carriage moved forward. Moments later, they passed through the towering gates, the threshold to a new world. The air in Grimreach was thick, charged with mana, vastly different from the air in his small hometown. "Close your mouth—you look like a frog in a well," Sera said, leaning against the bench opposite Lian, her arms crossed. Her tone was sharp, but a corner of her mouth twitched in a suppressed smile. "Froggy, I have found a new nickname for you!" she thought, pleased with herself as she watched Lian’s reaction. Lian ignored her, too captivated by the city’s sights. "It is... incredible," he murmured, his eyes following the people in the streets parting to stare at the carriage with interest. "I did not think a city could have so many people... It feels so alive!" Patrick merely smiled while Sera shook her head, muttering "froggy" under her breath. The onlookers parted for the carriage, animatedly discussing its occupants. "Is that not one of the Astralis Academy’s carriages?" "Yes, it is true—I recognize the symbol. A circle with an eight-pointed star at the center!" "Hey, is that not Mage Patrick Dawnstrike? He left days ago to close a Gate near a nearby city—" "City? More like a village. If they do not have enough strength to defend against Steel-rank monsters, they cannot be called a city." The voices continued without pause, and though Lian caught only snippets, it was enough. "They treat us like country bumpkins... So it is not just Sera who is arrogant—everyone here is a bit like that..." he thought, stealing a glance at the girl across from him. Her beauty was truly irresistible. As if sensing his stare, Sera pressed, "Froggy, what are you gawking at?" Despite her words, the smile on her face was not hidden. She enjoyed the attention—it made her feel appreciated. Lian did not respond, simply turning his head to look out the window. After several hours of slowly traversing the city, Lian, who had not stopped marveling at its beauty, stood from the bench. "We have arrived at our destination. Behold the Astralis Academy, Lian," Patrick said with a solemn air. "Do not stare too much—you look like a froggy," Sera said, stepping out of the carriage with fluid grace. Her white robe with bronze veins gleamed in the light, drawing the gazes of passersby. "And stop looking so... enthusiastic. It is embarrassing," she muttered under her breath. Lian blushed, suppressing a smile. "Sorry, it is just... I have never seen anything like this." Suddenly, one of the guards in front of the academy approached the group. He was not an ordinary guard but a Mage, and judging by his robe, he appeared to be a Bronze 3. "Welcome back, Mage Patrick. How was the journey?" he said politely. "It went well—our mission was a success," Patrick replied courteously. Though he was stronger, the guard’s faction was not to be underestimated. The guard nodded. Then, turning his gaze to Lian, he said, "Is this the new Mage you mentioned in your message?" "Yes, his name is Lian. He needs to integrate into the environment. Can I count on you?" "Certainly, leave it to me." "Excellent, then..." Patrick turned back to Lian, a mischievous smirk on his face. "Lian, someone will come to introduce you to the academy. Do not worry about anything—if you behave well, no one will want you dead... After all, killing in the open is forbidden." Lian listened absently, his eyes still fixed on the academy before him. The structure was an immense spiral of white marble, with crystal towers that seemed to capture sunlight and transform it into mana. Small runes, glowing rhythmically with blue light, were etched into the marble, making the scene epic. "Lian, are you there?" Patrick placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently. "Huh? Yes, yes, I understand..." "Good, then. We are going to report the mission and collect the reward. Do not worry—you will receive a share. After all, you contributed too." Lian gave a small nod. The three Knights left to park the carriage. Their role was merely as escorts, and they received a different compensation. Their services were, after all, affordable. Patrick headed toward the academy, leaving Lian behind. "See you, froggy!" Sera winked at the boy before catching up with Patrick. As his apprentice, they had completed the mission together. "Why is she calling me froggy now?" Lian muttered, his brows furrowed as he was left alone with the guard. "Lian, right? I am Kael, pleased to meet you. Did you know Patrick spoke highly of you?" The two began chatting casually as they waited for the person who would introduce Lian to the academy. --- Author’s Note! I do not really like Academy Arcs... so, something special will happen! Enjoy and welcome to Volume 2!!