The Spires of the Capital.
The rhythmic creak of the carriage wheels had become a lullaby, lulling Rune into a deep, dreamless sleep. He didn't stir until a firm hand shook his shoulder.
"Young Master, wake up. We have arrived."
Hilda's voice pulled him from his slumber. Rune rubbed his eyes and pressed his face against the carriage window—and his breath hitched.
Towering white arches, thirty meters high, marked the entrance to the Central District. Walls of reinforced stone stretched as far as the eye could see, but it was the skyline that defied logic.
Massive buildings, grander than the finest mansions in Norgke County, reached toward the clouds. Above them, held aloft by shimmering ley lines of raw ether, several smaller castles floated in the air like silent, stone guardians.
As the guards cleared their identities and the carriage rolled onto the paved thoroughfares, the lanterns caught Rune's eye. Where Norgke County had ancient oaks, the capital had silver poles that emitted a constant, soft magical glow.
"So... this is the capital,"
Rune whispered, his jaw hanging open.
"Young Master,"
Hilda giggled,
"you might want to close your mouth. The local horseflies are quite ambitious."
Rune snapped his mouth shut, his cheeks flushing a bright crimson.
"Cough... right. Thanks for the reminder."
"We need to reach the villa first to settle your belongings,"
Hilda continued.
"Then, since the Academy doesn't open for another three days, we can do some proper sightseeing."
"Awesome! Do you know where Amery and the others are staying? We should invite them!"
"Patience, Rune,"
Hilda replied.
"Unpacking will take most of the day. It's better to invite them tomorrow when we can actually enjoy the city."
The Villa Assaroth.
The villa was a masterpiece of efficiency and privacy. It consisted of four main rooms—one for Rune, one for Hilda, and two for the additional household staff Hilda intended to hire. The centerpiece was a private garden that doubled as a training ground, enclosed by walls high enough to ensure secrecy but low enough to maintain the aesthetic of the neighborhood.
They spent the morning in a whirlwind of activity. While Rune organized his scrolls and training gear, Hilda visited the employment office to secure local servants. By late afternoon, the house felt like a home. To celebrate, Hilda took Rune to a nearby bistro, where he experienced his first meal flavored by the exotic spices of the heart of Central District.
The Reunion.
The next morning, Rune was still fussing with his wardrobe when a sharp knock sounded at his door.
"Young Master, your guests have arrived."
Rune didn't even answer. He dropped his tunic and sprinted for the living room.
"Guys! You're actually here!"
He skidded into the hall, throwing his arms around his friends in a massive group hug.
"What took you so long, genius?"
Tove laughed, slapping him on the back.
"Yeah, we thought you'd decided to stay in the woods forever,"
Thora added with a grin.
Amery, as dependable as ever, stepped forward.
"If you're done unpacking, let us be your guides. We'll show you the real Central District."
The city was vast, so the group boarded one of the enchanted gondolas that glided through the canals and streets, making the concrete jungle bearable. They spent the day in a blur of wonder: visiting the grand tiered restaurants, the sprawling Great Library, and even the local Adventurers Guild, where Tove helped a reluctant Rune fill out his registration papers.
In the distance, a majestic spire pierced the heavens. "The Aetheric Tower," Amery explained.
"That's where the high scholars research how to refine ether for the realms. It's the brain of the Central district."
As the sun began to set, casting long, golden shadows across the stone plazas, the reality of the coming school year settled over them.
"It was so good to see you all," Rune said, looking at his friends.
"Reach out if you need anything,"
Amery promised.
"The Academy is a different beast entirely."
"Yeah,"
Thora and Tove said simultaneously, their competitive fires relighting.
"Now that you're here, we can't wait to see how much you've improved."
"Knowing Rune,"
Siggy chimed in with a smirk,
"he'll probably just hand you both your butts in the first week."
Thora and Tove bristled, their hands going to their practice hilts for a quick spar, but they were immediately cut short.
SMACK. SMACK.
"That's enough,"
Amery declared, her eyes flashing a warning glare.
"It's late, and we have classes to prepare for. Save the posturing for tomorrow."
Rune just watched them go, a wide, genuine smile on his face and retired for the night.