Situated at the heart of the Crimson Kingdom, the Verdant Dragon Academy was a center of study and development. Its enormous campus, its entire gown of gardens and lakes, attracted scholars and martial pupils from far and wide. Yet even in this peaceful setting, shadows of danger loomed.
The Crimson Kingdom, known for its beautiful natural landscapes, was not free from the threat of the outside world. Being a crossroads for travelers and traders had also made it an inviting target for bandits and ne'er-do-wells.
These criminal factions tended to lay at the outskirts of the kingdom, ambushing unsuspecting caravans and innocent travelers. Conversely, the imperial forces of the Crimson Kingdom, clad in their iconic crimson armor, made it their aim to maintain order and protect the kingdom's citizenry.
Situated deep in the Crimson Kingdom's heart, the Verdant Dragon Academy thrived as a refuge of learning and growth. Its sprawling campus, covered in lush gardens and idyllic ponds, attracted scholars and martial devotees near and far. Even here, however, the shadows of danger loomed over it.
The Crimson Kingdom, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, had encountered its fair share of external dangers. Its geographical position as a meeting point for passersby and traders had also exposed it to be an inviting target for burglars and villains.
These crime syndicates would operate on the periphery of the kingdom, preying upon unsuspecting caravans and naively unsuspecting travelers. Therefore, the imperial forces of the Crimson Kingdom, who sported their characteristic crimson armor, took it upon themselves to maintain order and protect the kingdom's subjects.
As Isshin passed through the foreboding gates of the Crimson Kingdom, he was immediately met by the thronging city full of life. The streets were paved in shiny stone, and the pale glow of the lanterns set against the roads danced off it. The traders yelled from their booths, their calls blending together in a jarring but strangely sweet noise. The smell of roasted meat and baked bread hung on the breeze, and his stomach rumbled in hunger.
Following the exhausting travel, exhaustion was creeping into his marrow. He needed a place to put his head down. Isshin made his way through the congested streets in search of a suitable inn. He passed grand buildings with rich carvings, shops that sold rare herbs, and even a group of street performers wowing a captive audience with acrobatics.
Finally, his eye rested on a modest but well-kept edifice sandwiched between a rowdy tavern and a blacksmith's shop. A creaking wooden sign over the entrance bore the letters "The Crimson Hearth Inn." The warm yellow light inside and the smell of roasted duck seeping through the slightly open doors were enough to convince him.
Pushing open the door, Isshin moved in. The inn was cozy, with beams of wood above and a fireplace where flames were burning at the other end of the room. Several travelers held tables, whispering over meals. Behind the bar stood an aged innkeeper, wiping down a mug with a cloth. He glanced up when Isshin opened the door.
"A room for the night?" the innkeeper asked, his voice stern and deep.
"Yes," Isshin replied, drawing out a leather pouch of coins from his pocket.
"That will be five coins," the man said, holding out a wrinkled hand.
Isshin paid and was given a brass key. "Second floor, third door to your left," the innkeeper instructed.
Nodding his appreciation, Isshin climbed the wooden stairs and found his room. The room was cramped but comfortable, containing a simple bed, a wooden desk, and a window overlooking the city. He set down his stuff on the floor and sat at the edge of the bed, stretching his tired limbs.
The sounds of distant voices on the street outside gradually faded into the night as time went on. Rolling over, Isshin finally relaxed, looking up at the creaky wooden ceiling of his attic room. Tomorrow, he would begin his new life in the academy. He had no idea what would happen, but one thing was certain—he was just beginning.
And with that final thought, sleep finally claimed him, and the city outside just continued on its vibrant rhythm, none the wiser to the storm that would one day rage through its streets.