A month passed in the blink of an eye, and the time to leave for Rulmose had finally arrived.
Ian had finished all his packing, making sure everything was in order before his departure. He would be leaving his home in Selene's and Darius's care, they lived the closest and had already assured him they would keep an eye on things.
Ian also learned that Eryndor and Enira would be leaving for Ial Themar. Eryndor had secured a position at a museum there, arranged by the Quiet Testament. Given his background, it was a fitting cover, handling artifacts, studying ancient texts, and occasionally assisting with excavations. Of course, this arrangement was primarily to maintain a point of contact with Myrra. Though it wasn't Rulmose, it was still close enough.
When Enira informed Myrra about their departure, the girl's face lit up.
"You're really going to Ial Themar?" Myrra asked, excitement bubbling in her voice.
Enira smiled and nodded. "Yes. Eryndor will be working at a museum name Lunar Repository there, and I'll be accompanying him."
Myrra clasped her hands together. "That's wonderful! It's not too far, right?"
"Not at all," Enira said, ruffling her hair lightly. "You'll still be able to visit whenever you want. And we'll be close enough to keep an eye on things if needed."
Myrra grinned. "Then that means we can still meet often!"
"Of course," Enira assured her
The day of departure had arrived.
Myrra's aunt and uncle, Selene and Darius, stood alongside the familiar faces from the workshop: Kara, Lirian, Oryn, Velke, and Holone. Vulre was there as well, joined by Rolim and Imryll. It was a rare gathering, one filled with well-wishes and lingering emotions.
Imryll tapped her bracelet, and a soft shimmer appeared as a storage compartment activated. A large parcel materialized in her hands before she passed it to Ian.
"Thank you for taking these to Axilya," she said, then sighed. "Honestly, that girl, she likes these things but will never ask for them. Always acting like she doesn't care when I know she does."
Imryll then brought out another small parcel. "And these are for you," she said. "And Myrra too."
Ian blinked in surprise. "For us? You really didn't have to."
Imryll waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Just take them."
Ian and Myrra exchanged a glance before thanking her. Ian tapped his bracelet, and the parcels vanished into his storage.
Selene and Darius stepped forward, Selene's expression soft. "Take care of Myrra, Ian."
Ian nodded seriously. "I will."
Selene then turned to Myrra, smoothing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Take care of yourself, alright? This is the longest you'll be away from home... and the first time I won't be seeing you for so long."
Myrra's expression softened. "I know. I'll miss you too, Aunt Selene."
Kara smirked. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. They're actually leaving together, after all."
Myrra's face turned red instantly. "Kara!"
The laughter that followed lightened the air, but Ian, watching Myrra with her family, felt something stir within him. A memory.
His own parents had been professors who had him late in life and spoiled him in their own way. But he lived up to their expectations, becoming a researcher they could be proud of. They had been old, yes, but still full of life… until the epidemic struck. Millions died. His parents were among them.
After their passing, he had thrown himself into his work, burying himself into research, progress, and an endless pursuit of knowledge. That path had eventually led him here.
Selene noticed the shadow in his eyes. Without hesitation, she pulled him into a gentle hug. "You're our child too now, Ian."
For a moment, Ian was still. Then, slowly, he returned the embrace.
After more goodbyes, Enira gave a small wave. "We'll see each other soon. It'll take some time for us to move, but we'll be in touch."
As the airship lifted off, Ian watched the town of Lylva slowly shrink into the horizon. The rooftops, the winding streets, the familiar sights, all fading into the distance. He had spent more than a year here, and in that time, the people had been nothing but kind to him.
Beside him, Myrra was silent, her gaze fixed on the disappearing town. Then, almost imperceptibly, she sniffled. Ian turned to her just as she lowered her head onto his shoulder, her fingers tightening slightly around his sleeve.
He let out a soft breath and placed a hand on hers, squeezing gently. "We'll come back soon," he murmured.
Myrra didn't say anything, but she nodded, her head still resting against him.
The journey was not particularly long, lasting around two hours or so. The airship they were aboard was significantly larger and faster than the standard models, designed for long-distance travel. It was not that different from the smaller versions Ian has been before, just larger and more powerful.
Inside, the cabin was spacious and well-lit, with curved walls and soft, glowing panels. Large windows offered a clear view of the land below, shifting from forests to open plains before the towering city of Ial Themar came into sight.
If Efsagroth was a breathtaking fusion of nature and technology, Ial Themar was its majestic counterpart, grander, more imposing, a territory capital befitting its status.
Towering buildings made of crystalline metal gleamed under the sun, some floating effortlessly above the city, held in place by powerful arcane stabilizers. Along the shoreline, massive spires stretched toward the sky, each an architectural wonder, carved with glowing symbols and lined with cascading waterfalls that flowed through suspended canals.
The city was built along the water, with shimmering blue waves lapping against its lower levels. Docks and piers extended into the sea, where boats and floating platforms moved between districts. Some of the grandest buildings seemed to grow directly from the water, with cascading gardens spilling over their edges and glowing runes pulsing along their foundations. Skybridges and suspended walkways crisscrossed above, connecting the spires while allowing glimpses of the sea below.
The Elysian Line, a vast high-speed transit network, ran like veins of light through the city, its smooth, levitating trains gliding along invisible tracks, seamlessly linking the towering skyline to the bustling waterfront below.
The airship docked smoothly at the platform, a soft chime ringing through the cabin as the gateway extended. Ian and Myrra stepped off, the cool air greeting them as they moved toward the station.
Rulmose Institute lay on the outskirts of Ial Themar, accessible primarily via a special branch of the Elysian Line, restricted to those with proper authorization. While other pathways to the academy did exist, they were not open to new students like them.
A series of glowing sigils lined the entrance to the station, pulsing faintly as students and other personnel presented their identification. Ian observed the crowd, some students were clearly new, eyes wide with awe, while others carried themselves with practiced ease.
They reached the checkpoint, where a station officer in dark navy attire glanced at their credentials. Ian placed his hand over a shimmering verification panel, with a soft beep, the barrier opened, allowing him through. Myrra followed suit, and they stepped into the waiting area.
"Every fifteen minutes, huh?" Ian noted, glancing at the large time display hovering above them. "Still five more to go."
Myrra nodded, her gaze drifting over the other students. A nearby group caught her attention, three elves engaged in an animated conversation. They seemed new as well.
One of them, a boy with sharp elven features and an easy confidence, noticed Myrra and Ian. His emerald-green eyes flickered with curiosity, lingering on Ian a little longer than necessary. His silver-blond hair was neatly tied back, revealing slightly elongated ears adorned with delicate metal rings. He wore a deep blue tunic embroidered with intricate patterns, hinting at noble lineage or, at the very least, a wealthy background.
"Joining new?" he asked, his tone friendly but inquisitive.
"Yes," Myrra replied.
He gave a small smile. "I'm Lysian. Nice to meet you. This is Elara and Sylve," he gestured to the two elven girls beside him.
Elara had auburn hair, loosely braided, with a few strands curling around her warm, sun-kissed face. Her sharp amber eyes carried an analytical gleam, as if she were constantly assessing the world around her. She stood with an air of quiet confidence, her deep brown robes marked with faint glowing symbols, likely runic sigils.
Sylve, in contrast, was more reserved. She had long, moonlit silver hair cascading down her back, almost blending with the pale blue of her robes. Her features were delicate, with icy blue eyes that held a distant, unreadable quality, like someone who spoke little but observed everything.
"Ian," Ian said simply.
"Myrra," she followed.
"Where are you from?" Lysian asked.
"Lylva, near Efsagroth," Myrra answered.
"Ah, interesting," Elara noted, tilting her head slightly.
Lysian's interest didn't wane. "What's your specialization?"
"Arcane Engineering," both Ian and Myrra answered.
Elara raised her eyebrows. "Oh, impressive! You two must be really smart. I'm only studying Synthetic Alchemy," Lysian said with a dramatic sigh, though his smirk suggested he was fishing for a reaction.
"We're in Runic Casting," Elara added, glancing at Sylve, who nodded once.
Ian recognized the discipline. Runic Casting was combat-focused, utilizing inscribed runes to channel structured energy, often for offensive and defensive applications. It was vastly different from Arcane Circuity, which fell under Arcane Engineering, used in artifacts, constructs, and magical systems, but not typically in direct battle. Runes and circuits weren't even remotely the same.
"Synthetic Alchemy is no joke either," Myrra commented.
Ian nodded. In some ways, it was harder than Arcane Engineering. Stabilizing compounds, precise material blending, it required an immense level of finesse. Lysian, however, seemed eager to downplay its difficulty, likely fishing for compliments.
Ian smirked slightly. "No, you must be underestimating yourself. Synthetic Alchemy is incredibly complex, probably harder."
Lysian straightened, clearly pleased. "Well, I wouldn't say that, but it does take a certain level of skill," he said, feigning modesty.
Elara rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't encourage him," she muttered.
Myrra exchanged a knowing glance with Ian. It seemed they had met their first set of acquaintances at the academy.
Their conversation was cut short as a low hum filled the station, signaling the arrival of the Elysian Line.
A dark vessel slid into view, its smooth, dark frame reflecting the ambient glow of the station. Arcane energy pulsed along its surface in shifting patterns, flowing toward the front like a living current. The doors opened without a sound, revealing a spacious, futuristic interior. The walls were lined with soft, luminescent strips, casting a gentle glow, while the seats were arranged in curved formations, designed for both comfort and efficiency. Translucent screens hovered in the air, displaying information about the route and academy news.
As they stepped inside, Ian noticed the near-weightless sensation beneath his feet. The vessel was suspended by precise arcane circuits, gliding effortlessly through the shimmering pathway. The air inside was crisp, subtly enhanced by climate enchantments, and a faint, rhythmic hum resonated through the chamber as the systems worked in harmony.
They found their seats, the material adjusting to their forms for optimal comfort. As the doors sealed, a voice echoed through the cabin:
"Welcome aboard the Line 47 towards Rulmose Institute. Estimated travel time: 10 minutes. Please remain seated during acceleration."
With a soft lurch, the vessel surged forward, seamlessly gliding through the glowing currents of the Elysian Line.