After the second trial, Ian, Myrra, Rhys, and Reina found themselves occupying a small corner in the outer corridors. the lively chatter of students filled the air as conversations naturally flowed, sharing thoughts about the exam, future plans, and lighthearted banter.
"That second section was brutal," Rhys remarked, stretching his arms.
"Speak for yourself. I found it rather exhilarating," Reina said with a smirk.
"You would," Rhys chuckled before looking at the others. "But finally it is done and I can let go."
"Say when are you guys planning to return" Rhys looked at Ian and Myrra.
"We'll be staying for a few more days," Ian replied.
"If you're up for it, I could take you around the city. There's plenty to see."
"That sounds fun," Ian agreed, and Myrra nodded.
"I can pick you up. Just tell me where you're staying."
Ian gave him the address.
"Oh, Aurion District?" Rhys raised an eyebrow. "Alright then. Be ready by mid-morning."
As the group parted ways, Reina glanced at Rhys with a curious expression. "You seem particularly interested in them ... ."
Rhys chuckled. "And why wouldn't I be? It's not every day we get visitors like them."
Reina studied him for a moment. "Just don't get too carried away."
They returned to Master Ordan's home, where an unexpected visitor awaited them. A tall man with sharp features, streaks of silver running through his dark hair, and a commanding presence sat in the common room. His long, intricately embroidered coat bore the insignia of a certified Master Arcanist. His piercing gaze assessed them as they entered.
Master Ordan looked up. "Ah, you're back. This is Master Veylan, an old colleague of mine."
"It's good to meet you, Master Veylan" both Ian and Myrra greeted hurriedly.
Veylan studied them before settling his gaze on Ian. "So, this is the one you spoke of?"
His gaze lingered on Ian before he spoke. "I've heard about your recent work, your methods for optimizing energy flow are certainly innovative. Not the usual approach, but the results speak for themselves."
Ian nodded cautiously. "Thank you for your praise. It was mostly trial and error, and I owe much of it to Master Ordan's guidance."
Veylan gave a small nod of approval. "Modest and a practical mindset. Most theorists get lost in abstraction." He glanced at Ordan. "I can see why you took an interest in him."
Ordan chuckled. "Ian has potential, no doubt."
The conversation drifted to broader topics, recent advancements, practical applications of Ian's work, and some of Veylan's own experiences. Though his words were measured, it was clear he was evaluating Ian's responses, weighing his understanding.
"It has been a long day," Master Ordan cut in. "Why don't you all get some rest? There will be plenty of time for discussions later."
They freshened up and settled in for the night. Tomorrow, they had plans.
Master Ordan was busy with his own work for the next few days, which meant Ian and the others had time to explore. This why Ian had decided to take Rhys up on his offer to tour the city.
In the morning, Rhys arrived to pick them up, and they set off.
The city stretched before them, a stunning mix of past and future. Towering structures of glass and metal stood alongside ancient stone buildings covered in intricate carvings. Vines, woven with glowing filaments, curled around bridges and walkways, pulsing faintly with energy. The streets were alive, merchants selling enchanted trinkets, floating signs displaying moving images, and the hum of conversation blending with the occasional burst of energy.
"First stop," Rhys said, leading them down a broad avenue, "is one of the oldest districts. History, food, and the best craftsmanship in the city."
They wandered through bustling plazas and narrow alleys lined with artisan shops. Murals along the walls shifted subtly, telling stories of great battles and legendary figures. Street performers filled the squares, illusionists making creatures dance in midair, musicians playing instruments.
Eventually, they arrived at a grand museum. Its walls were a mix of polished stone and translucent panels that glowed softly. Two towering statues flanked the entrance, one carved from ancient rock, the other woven from sleek metallic strands.
Inside, history and technology blended seamlessly. Ancient relics floated in glass cases, their inscriptions glowing with hidden energy. Some exhibits recreate past events, letting visitors step into moving holograms of history. A vast model of the city hung in the air, shifting to show its evolution over centuries.
They made their way to the oldest section of the museum. Most exhibits focused on the history of Elves on this planet, but this one was different, older, reaching back to their very origins.
Rhys gestured to a large painting, its colors deep and vivid despite its age. It depicted a vast golden forest, towering trees with shimmering leaves stretching toward a sky bathed in ethereal light. In the heart of the scene stood a magnificent palace, its spires carved from a single piece of crystalline stone, radiating a soft glow.
"See this?" Rhys said. "This painting shows the ancestral lands of the Elves. Before we spread among the stars, this was our home. It still is, technically, but only those who achieve something truly remarkable are invited to live there. The rest of us… well, we can't just visit."
He smirked. "Reina's dream is to settle there one day."
Reina shot him a look but said nothing.
Nearby, another painting caught their attention. This one was striking, Elves of various forms, their features diverse yet undeniably elegant. Some had deep obsidian skin, others glowed with a silvery hue. Their clothing was distinct, their adornments intricate, each representing an ancient lineage long past.
"The Elven race was once divided into ancestral bloodlines," Rhys explained. "Distinct ethnicities, each with its own heritage. Nowadays, most Elves are identified by the planets they live on. But those from the ancestral lineages are considered the noblest, the purest of our kind. You'll only find them in the ancestral star domain now."
"I didn't know Elves had such differences," Myrra admitted, studying the figures closely. As an Elf herself, she had learned little about this history. Most teachings focused on modern Elven society, what was relevant to their current world. The deeper past… that knowledge had faded over time, left only to scholars or the elite.
They moved to another painting. This one depicted a procession, figures kneeling before a group of regal-looking Elves, presenting offerings. The ones kneeling were different: tall, with curved horns and slender frames, their eyes filled with devotion… or obligation.
"These were the Fauns," Rhys said. "One of the species that lived alongside Elves, bound by duty and tradition. In the old days, we had many such subordinate groups."
Reina crossed her arms. "If we're being honest, it wasn't just duty and tradition. It was hierarchy." Her voice was quieter now, more serious. "Our history isn't just one of grandeur. It's also a history of oppression. And genocide."
That truth wasn't unique to the Elves. Every peak species had a past shaped by conquest.
Myrra frowned. "Where do you think they are now?"
Reina sighed. "Hard to say. Maybe some remain in the ancestral star domain, but they've long since become independent."
Ian listened in silence. He understood this all too well. In this universe, Elves and Humans stood at the peak, respected, influential, privileged. The Elves had welcomed him warmly because of that status. But if he had belonged to another unknown species… his reception would have been very different.
As they were lost in their thought, a voice called out.
"Rhys, haven't seen you in a while."
A well-dressed man approached, his coat finely tailored with subtle patterns that hinted at wealth without being too flashy. His golden cufflinks caught the soft museum light, a quiet show of status. He carried himself with ease, exuding confidence, the kind that came from knowing he was important.
Beside him was a woman who moved with an almost dreamlike grace. She was striking, not in an overpowering way, but with a softness that drew the eye. Her deep emerald gown hugged her curves, the silky fabric rippling with each step like liquid jade. Long, dark waves cascaded over one shoulder, framing delicate features, a gently sloping nose, full lips that always seemed to hold the hint of a secret smile. There was something undeniably amorous about her, an unspoken allure in the way she leaned ever so slightly toward the man beside her. And yet, beneath the warmth, there was a docility to her, a quiet, obedient air, as though she was content to remain in the background, observing rather than acting.
And then, there was the third figure. Unlike the other two, he made no effort to exude charm or presence. He simply stood, silent and still. His expression was unreadable, his pale blue eyes sharp and cold. His presence was unsettling, not because he sought attention, but because he didn't. He watched them, silent and unmoving, like a blade waiting to be drawn.
"Cairon," Rhys acknowledged. "Didn't expect to run into you here."
Cairon smirked. "It's been a while. I hear your family's businesses are thriving. Expansion plans going well?"
Rhys met his gaze evenly. "We let the quality of our work speak for itself. Unlike some, we don't rely on backroom deals to stay ahead."
Cairon chuckled, unfazed. "Ah, but influence is just another kind of craftsmanship, isn't it? You shape metal, I shape opportunities."
Rhys scoffed. "If that's what you call it."
"It's been some time, Esar[1] Urimaer," Reina said, her tone polite but measured as she addressed the cold-eyed man.
Rhys gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Urimaer."
The man gave little reaction, his sharp gaze merely passing over them before settling back into quiet observation.
Ian stood to the side, watching. It didn't take long to notice, Cairon's attention kept drifting toward Myrra. Not just a passing glance, but something more deliberate, focused. Myrra was undeniably beautiful, but Reina was equally beautiful too, elegant, sharp, and confident.
Beside him, the woman at his side shifted, tilting her head slightly, her soft lips curling into a knowing smile. She was striking in a different way, her beauty lush and inviting, with a presence that felt almost designed to lure people in. Her fitted gown hugged her in all the right places, her eyes gleaming with something playful yet calculating. If Myrra carried an effortless allure, this woman was the kind who knew exactly how to wield hers.
Even so, Cairon barely acknowledged her and Reina. His interest in Myrra wasn't just appreciation. There was something more to it.
Reina caught on quickly. "We should be going," she said abruptly.
Rhys, clearly not interested in lingering, nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
They exchanged brief farewells and turned to leave. But Ian could feel it, Cairon's gaze, still locked onto Myrra's departing figure.
Urimaer, the cold-eyed man beside him, finally stirred. "I should get going," he murmured, his voice calm and unreadable.
Cairon sighed, seemingly lost an opportunity to cozy up with this guy. "Of course. Another time, then."
The woman at his side let out a quiet hum of amusement, her fingers idly brushing against Cairon's sleeve before she, too, gave a slow, knowing nod.
[1] A neutral, respectable form of address