Emil sat at the edge of his bed in the darkened inn room, the faint glow of the system window lighting his thoughtful face. The quest information floated before him and it said that
[Main Quest: Escort the Mage of Golden Flame to his rightful fate]
He raised an eyebrow as he started muttering to himself, "So, I need to take Luin somewhere? But where, exactly? We're going to the academy, but it says his 'rightful destiny.' Is there something more to Luin than why is he not telling me?" With a sigh, Emil clicked on the next choice, and another directive was revealed and then he smirked
[Sub-Quest: Get Luin safely to the academy and make him your first subordinate]
A snicker twitched at Emil's lips. "Putting him beneath me, yes? Well, I guess that's possible. I was already planning to make him my subordinate and now I can get a reward for this too. This is a win-win situation for me"
As sunrise's soft illumination filtered through the drapes, Emil and Luin awakened and got out of their beds. The air of morning was clean, and it was holding in it the assurance of fresh explorations. They sat together, and they were enjoying a plain breakfast, the clinking of eating utensils permeating the homey silence
Luin looked up, his golden eyes showing a glimmer of curiosity and he said "Emil, if you don't mind me asking, do you have any family?"
Emil's hand froze in mid-air, and a shadow started flashing across his face. He placed his fork down, his fingers started knotting as he leaned in. "No," he started softly, "I don't have any family anymore. Lost them when I was a kid. It's just been me and the world since then"
A sympathetic frown creased Luin's lips. "Sorry to hear that. It must have been hard for you right, Emil"
Emil gave a small, grateful nod "It was. But it showed me strength and it made me learn how to survive in this harsh world. What about you, Luin? What's your family life like?"
Luin's eyes fell to his plate, his cheeks flushing a faint pink. "I, I don't remember them, exactly. Hmm i just do not have any type of memories of them, well just like I said before I was brought up in an orphanage"
Emil's expression softened "Looks like we have both had our crosses to bear. But hey" he went on with a soft smile and said "we have got one another now"
A hesitant smile crept across Luin's face "Yeah, we do"
Their moment was broken by a friendly voice booming from the doorway "Alright, lads! Time to pack up and move out!" Garrick's bluster was tempered by the glint in his eyes
Emil laughed, standing up. "Right. Let's not keep our honored coachman waiting and let's head to our destination as soon as possible"
The ride to the Empire's capital was a patchwork of shifting scenery rolling hills dissolving into bustling towns, each mile was drawing them nearer to their goal. With every clatter of carriage wheels over cobblestone streets, the majesty of the city stretched out before them. Towering spires seemed to reach to the heavens, and the air vibrated with the pulse of countless lives
Alighting before the famous academy gates, Emil and Luin gazed around in wonder. The academy was a marvel of architectural genius, its stone face inscribed with detailed carvings that spoke stories of ages gone by
Garrick leaned out from his vantage point, a softness in his tone that was not often heard "This is where we go our separate ways, boys. Don't forget, the universe beyond those walls is huge and difficult. Remain true to yourselves and I hope that you guys accomplish everything which you guys want"
Emil reached out and took Garrick's hand, which gripped firmly and he shook it "Thanks for everything, Garrick. Safe journey and don't get in trouble with bandits again" Emil teased him a bit
With a final nod, Garrick flicked the reins, the carriage rolling away into the city's embrace. Emil turned to Luin, noting the apprehension etched on his friend's face
"Hey," Emil said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Luin's shoulder. "We're in this together. No matter what, I've got your back so cheer up buddy lets go and ace our schooling career"
Luin took a deep breath, nodding "Thanks, Emil. That means a lot to me"
Passing through the academy's large entrance, they were at once surrounded by a throng of students. The corridor hummed with chatter, laughter, and the occasional flash of magical ability. Several wore the crests of noble houses, their clothes dripping with wealth. Rich textiles, shining trinkets, and retinues of attendants highlighted their favored positions
Emil noticed Luin's stance harden, his eyes scanning anxiously. Hunching down, Emil spoke softly, "Don't forget, it's not where you are from, but where you are headed. We are here to forge our paths and become what we want to and achieve our goals"
Luin locked eyes with Emil, finding solace in his words "You're right. Let's do this"
Navigating through the throng, they approached a stately man stationed near the entrance to the admission hall. His robes were adorned with emblems denoting his position within the academy's administrative ranks
Presenting their letters, Emil spoke respectfully, "Sir, we're here for admission, these are our invitation letters"
The faculty member, Professor Alden of the Admissions Department, scrutinized the documents before offering a curt nod. "Welcome to the academy. Proceed to the main hall for orientation"
Thank you, Professor," Emil said, and he guided Luin in the direction that was indicated on the paper
The central hall was a cavernous space, its domed ceiling adorned with starry visions that glimmered in the soft light. Tier upon tier of seats was filled with students, the atmosphere heavy with excitement
Sitting down in two empty chairs, Emil paused to take in the mood. The size of the moment fell upon him a mixture of exhilaration and the heaviness of what lay ahead
Next to him, Luin's expression changed suddenly. His muscles stiffened, eyes bulging in horror as he stared at a person across the corridor
"Luin?" Emil's tone was tinged with alarm. "What is wrong?"
Luin opened his lips; no words. His skin washed pale and down his temple moved a line of sweat
Then Emil looked out of the other's sight towards a quiet aura of quiet dominance. A chiseled-faced young man filled the dark mane of his features, bright alert eyes gleamed with the weighing of probabilities; the badge in his cloak distinguished him for such rank among them
Emil's mind raced. Who is this person? And what connection does he have to Luin?
Before he could voice his questions, the hall's grand doors swung open, and a procession of faculty entered, signaling the commencement of the ceremony
Emil leaned in, whispering, "We'll talk after this. Stay with me and don't you worry, Luin"
Luin gave a barely perceptible nod, his eyes never leaving the enigmatic figure
As the ceremony progressed, Emil couldn't help but feel that their adventure was about to become further complicated. The past has a nasty habit of catching up, and it seemed Luin's was no different
The chapter ends, leaving readers perched on the brink of discovery, clamoring to get to the bottom of the secrets that tie Luin to the stranger in the crowd