Eldric stood at the edge of Ravenwood, the city's towering walls behind him and the open road stretching out before him. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape. With his mana cores fully formed and stabilized, he felt a surge of energy and confidence. The time had come to leave Ravenwood and explore new opportunities.

He had spent the last few days gathering information, and now his destination was clear: Valoria, a city known for its prestigious universities and academies. Valoria was a hub of knowledge, where scholars, mages, and adventurers alike came to study, train, and push the boundaries of what was possible.

Eldric's decision to join a university was not just about gaining knowledge; it was also about blending in, establishing a new identity, and finding a place where he could further his understanding of this world's magic systems. The Starlight Institute had intrigued him, but he knew he needed a fresh start, away from the prying eyes of Ravenwood.

As he set out on the road, the familiar weight of the grimoire within his soul gave him comfort. It had been his constant companion, aiding him in understanding and mastering the complex calculations necessary for creating the mana cores. Now, with the cores fully integrated, he could focus on refining his magic and exploring new avenues of power.

The journey to Valoria would take several days on foot, but Eldric welcomed the time to think and plan. The road was well-traveled, and he passed the occasional merchant caravan or group of travelers heading in the opposite direction. He kept his interactions brief, maintaining a low profile as he made his way towards the city.

On the second evening of his journey, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Eldric reached a small village nestled in a valley. The village was a peaceful place, with smoke rising from chimneys and the sound of laughter coming from the local tavern. He decided to rest here for the night, knowing he would need his strength for the final leg of his journey.

The inn was modest but comfortable, and the innkeeper, a kindly old woman, welcomed him with a warm smile. As he sat by the hearth, enjoying a simple meal, he overheard a conversation at a nearby table. Two men were discussing the recent events in Valoria, mentioning the influx of new students and the various magical disciplines being offered at the universities.

Eldric listened intently, filing away the information for later. Valoria was clearly a place of great learning and opportunity, but it was also a city with its own set of challenges and dangers. He would need to navigate these carefully if he was to achieve his goals.

The next morning, Eldric set out at dawn, eager to reach Valoria by nightfall. The landscape gradually changed as he approached the city, with rolling hills giving way to wide plains and the distant silhouette of Valoria's towering spires coming into view. The city was far larger than Ravenwood, its grandeur evident even from a distance.

As he drew closer, the road became busier, with more travelers heading towards the city. Eldric blended into the crowd, his eyes taking in the sight of the massive city gates and the guards stationed there. Valoria was a place of learning, but it was also a place of power, and its defenses were formidable.

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Passing through the gates, Eldric found himself in a bustling city filled with energy and life. The streets were lined with shops, taverns, and inns, catering to the diverse population that called Valoria home. He could sense the underlying magic that permeated the air, a testament to the city's reputation as a center of magical learning.

His first stop was a nearby inn, where he secured a room for the night. After settling in, he ventured out into the city, eager to explore and gather information. The streets were alive with the chatter of students, professors, and merchants, all discussing the latest developments in magic, politics, and commerce.

Eldric's goal was to find a university that would suit his needs—a place where he could continue to refine his skills while staying under the radar. He had learned much from his time in Ravenwood, but Valoria was a different beast altogether. The city was a melting pot of ideas and ambitions, and he would need to tread carefully.

As he wandered through the city, he came across a large notice board outside one of the main squares. It was covered with flyers and announcements, many of them related to the various universities and academies in Valoria. Eldric scanned the board, looking for something that would catch his eye.

One particular flyer stood out: The University of Arcane Studies, a renowned institution known for its cutting-edge research in modern magic and its willingness to accept students from diverse backgrounds. The flyer promised a rigorous curriculum, access to vast libraries of magical knowledge, and the opportunity to study under some of the most skilled mages in the kingdom.

It was exactly what Eldric was looking for. He took note of the location and made his way toward the university, weaving through the crowded streets with purpose.

The university was an impressive sight, with grand buildings of stone and glass, surrounded by meticulously kept gardens. Students of all ages and backgrounds moved through the campus, engaged in animated discussions or lost in thought as they carried stacks of books and scrolls.

Eldric approached the admissions office, where a stern-looking clerk sat behind a large wooden desk. The clerk glanced up as Eldric entered, eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and indifference.

"I'm here to inquire about joining the University of Arcane Studies," Eldric said, his voice steady and confident.

The clerk raised an eyebrow. "Are you aware of the entrance requirements? The university does not accept just anyone."

Eldric nodded. "I am. I'm prepared to demonstrate my abilities if necessary."

The clerk studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You'll need to pass an entrance exam and demonstrate your magical proficiency. If you succeed, you'll be admitted as a student. The exam takes place tomorrow morning in the east wing of the main building. Be there by sunrise."

"Thank you," Eldric replied, giving a polite nod before leaving the office.

As he walked through the campus, Eldric felt a sense of anticipation building within him. The University of Arcane Studies was a place of immense potential, a place where he could hone his skills and uncover the secrets of this world's magic. But it was also a place of challenges, and he knew that the path ahead would not be easy.

That night, as he prepared for the exam, Eldric felt a familiar determination settle over him. He had faced countless challenges in his past life and in this new one, and he would face this one with the same resolve. Valoria was a city of opportunity, and he was ready to seize it with both hands.