I do not know how long I’ve been there. The pain subsided at one point in time.

Silence filled the area, a red light filling the sky as if it was painted with blood.

Warmth seeped from all around me, giving a relaxing sensation as if returning to a mothers’ embrace.

I had no desire nor power to lift a finger. I just wanted to enjoy this sensation more, a feeling I have long forgotten.

Closing my eyes, forgetting the pain, I fell asleep.

***

I felt something soft and heavenly below my head. Opening my eyes, the first thing I saw was a ceiling, an unfamiliar ceiling with a circular orb floating right below it, spewing out an azure-light, the walls were made out of an unknown azure-colored material, glowing and emitting a wave of medical fragrance.

Struggling a little, I tried to move, only to find that my body was submerged into something resembling a cloud.

I felt my heart skip a beat at the realization that I am unable to sense my body. Instantly, I tried to move, exerting all the effort I could but it was all for naught.

Screaming, I tried to roll off the cloud, only to feel myself sinking further. Suddenly, I heard a peal of soft laughter ringing behind me, from the corner of my eyes, I saw a young woman standing at in front of an azure door. She had pointed ears, blue eyes, small nose, red lips, bountiful chest, fair long arms, and smooth legs, her hands were covering her mouth. She wore an expensive looking violet colored robe, and nine concentric circles were glowing faintly with starlight, they were placed right in front of where the heart should be.  

Looking at her, it was apparent at first glance that she was in her early twenties. I was looking at the concentric glowing circles, feeling that they were pretty. I could not understand the meaning of these circles nor the glow at that time.

She noticed my gaze and smiled, clapping once with her hands.

I felt myself touching the ground, looking upward, I found that the white cloud enshrouded the azure-colored orb, hiding it from view.

Regaining the ability to move my body, I propped myself up. Dazed I looked at her in confusion. I only remember being stabbed, then that dream which felt like an eternity.

“The adventurer party brought you here, and you were in a terrible condition the moment you arrived. Had you not entered the healing room, you would’ve been a goner,” She said, curiosity flashing in the depths of her eyes.

Struggling to comprehend the information ‘Healing room? Luna never told me anything about that,’ looking at her.‘ Realization suddenly dawned on me; it must be an expensive room used to recover injuries. Sweat suddenly started streaming down my face.

I cursed the adventurers and own luck. I have yet to enroll at the academy and already in debt, may already be taken in as a slave before anything.

“May I know your respectable name?” Squeezing out a smile, I said.

“Kyra Peldon, Glattia Adventurer Guild President,” Kyra said with a mysterious smile.

My body shook, and my knees felt weak. Instinctively, I prostrated on the ground. Kyra quickly waved her hand, and a mysterious force pulled me back up before my head could touch the ground.

“Please don’t do this again,” She said seriously, “I can’t have children prostrate before me.”

“Yes, your highness!” I replied, standing straight.

“What should I be calling you, little girl?” Asked Kyra.

“My name is Cassandra. Your Highness!” I replied, feeling nervous about the situation.

Shaking her head while staring at me, Kyra smiled mischievously, “Call me sister, Cassandra. It’d make me happy that way.”

I was suddenly sent into a daze, hearing sister reminded me of my first meeting with Luna, how she helped me pick up quests, spending nights with me and taking care of me. Looking at Kyra, I did not find the warmth I was used to getting from Luna, but something else was flashing in her eyes. I decided to throw caution to the wind and call her “Sister”, in hopes that she will take care of me as Luna did.

“S-sister,” I stammered out, fidgeting.

I felt sudden softness suffocating me; it was an enjoyable sensation. I found Kyra letting me go, mumbling something about being not yet ripe. I was confused, but I decided to ignore that.

“It’s okay, don’t be nervous,” Kyra said, continuing, “ I heard you came here from the Town of Mul to enroll at the academy from the adventurers, is that correct?”.

I hurriedly nodded, saying, “It is my dream to become an adventurer, so I want to enroll at the academy and learn magic.”

Kyra said, “There are still two days left till the beginning of the new year, let me take you around the capital, and then, we will go to the academy to get you enrolled.”

My mind blanked, hearing only that two days are left.

I blurted out a question, “I have been sleeping for around two weeks?”

“Unconcious, not asleep” Kyra corrected me, flicking my forehead.

Holding my head, I did not know why she suddenly flicked my forehead, but I was secretly glad that I did not miss the enrollment. I searched for my cloth bag around the room, remembering that I left my money, Chris bracelet, and Gharam charm in it.

I took a deep breath, hiding my nervousness and asked, “I had a cloth bag with me. Did the adventurers leave it here?”

Smiling, “The six silver coins were taken by the guild as part of the payment for the healing services, you have to pay the remainder of four gold coins and forty-four silver coins,” Said Kyra, continuing, “As for the rest of the items, you can take them.”

The world was spinning, unable to make directions, I fell onto the ground and thought, ‘I’ll spend a lifetime gathering such amount, how am I even supposed to live from now on?’

Observing me, Kyra said, “I can pay for your fees and help pay for your expenses during the academy, but you must promise me two things,” extending two fingers from her hand.

I looked at her, feeling that she was radiating a holy light, looking more beautiful than ever. I quickly said, “Sister! I’ll go through fire and water, give the command and I’ll obey!”

“I only want two things. First, you have to keep calling me sister forever...” pausing, looking up and down at me, she continued with a mischievous expression, “Second, when you are ripe, I want you to sleep with me!”

I did not understand what she meant by ripe, but upon hearing the simple request, I replied hurriedly, “I can sleep with you now Sister! I’ve slept with sister Luna back in my hometown many times!”

“Presumptuous!” Kyra shouted, her face distorted into a frown, “How dare she sleep with a kid!”

“It is not her fault! I used to be scared of night, unable to sleep alone. She decided to sleep with me until I got over my fear!” I replied, defending Luna.

Kyra suddenly froze, her face had a tinge of red, averting her gaze from me.

“Is there something wrong, sister?” I asked, tilting my head in confusion.

She replied awkwardly, “No, It’s nothing sweetie,” gesturing with her hand at her stomach, “Let us get you something to eat, on my tab.”

Kyra extended her hands, my stomach growled at the mentioning of food. I hesitated for a moment and decided to take her hands.

I felt Kyras’ hand stiffen up. I looked at her quizzically, only to find her smiling at me. I decided to pretend that nothing happened.

***

Leaving the room, I was greeted by a hallway created from white stones, reflecting light shining from the floating orbs. Intricate carvings decorated the walls, paintings of heroes fighting evil lined up the walls with writings describing the tales of these heroes. I was unable to read, noticing my curiosity, Kyra described me with vivid details about the heroes achievements.

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We walked for a long time through the winding hallway until we reached a balcony. I could see the capital from up there. There was a gigantic wall extending all the way to the sky in the distance; luxurious buildings were as far as the eye could see painting a majestic sight.

It seemed as if there was a consensus as everything was created from white bricks other colors complimenting it, but the difference in quality could be seen with the naked eye.

The street was wide, paved with white stones and filled to the brim with people of numerous races; some had pointed ears like Kyra while others had fluffy tails and ears. A particular thing that took my notice was rocks shaped like humans, moving. I was baffled at seeing this scene.

There were carriages drawn by tamed-monsters, riding them were people wearing expensive looking clothes with guards following behind them; indicating their status as nobles, while the others were, on the first glance, were the working class of this city.

In the distance, two structures loomed above all others, Kyra told me about them. One is the castle of the current reigning dynasty of Glattia Kingdom, and the other was Glatta Academy with impressive walls surrounding it.

I couldn’t help but ask while pointing in the distance, “Is that wall touching the skies?”

Kyra shooked her head, “Technically, the wall itself is not reaching the skies, but the grand formation protecting the city is. An array is carved onto the wall preventing anyone from getting into the city by flying.”

I nodded my head, feigning that I understood, convincing myself that I’ll learn all these things at the academy.

Kyra told a servant some things, but I didn’t take note of them, I was engrossed digesting the view of the capital.

The servant returned and placed a large dish in the middle with two plates in front of us, aligning spoons and forks with them. He poured wine for Kyra and a dark-colored liquid for me, Kyra told him to take his leave afterward.

Hand on her chin, She said, “Let us eat, after this, I’ll get you some clothes to wear.”

I felt uncomfortable looking at the plates, spoons, forks, and food, realizing that they were expensive, but I knew it was useless to reject. I silently nodded my head, committing her kindness to memory.

Kyra then uncovered the dish, and a fragrant scent wafted out to in the air. There were pieces something, which I assumed, meat despite being green-colored, mixed with blue-colored rice and a few other things I could not recognize nor describe except saying that they had weird shapes and unnatural colors. I felt my stomach rumbling as the scent entered my nose.

I took a piece of meat and some rice, the moment they entered my mouth, I felt a refreshing feeling spreading throughout my body. Taking a sip of my juice, sweetness spread to my mouth. I do not remember much of what happened after, except eating and drinking until my stomach became a balloon.

I finished eating, looking at the bright sun in the sky, mumbling about how good the food tasted.

During this tranquil moment, Kyra looked at me and spoke solemnly, “In the future, never lower your head before anybody, including me. Do you understand?”

I looked at her, confused by her sudden, serious expression. I pushed back the useless thoughts and nodded my head; It’s not like I love lowering my head.

Seeing me nodding, Kyra continued with a smile, “It’s decided then! Let us take a stroll through the capital.”

She took my hand and started walking always, and I held her hand as we walked downstairs.

The moment we reached the first floor, I found numerous gazes directed Kyra filled with reverence, ignoring my existence. People came to greet Kyra, waving her hand dismissing them.

I met with the receptionist and retrieved my bag. It had Luna’s letter, Chris` Silver Bracelet, and Gharam Bear Charm.

We soon left the Adventurer Guild, as walked through the streets, I noticed that commoners and nobles alike were looking at Kyra with reverence in their eyes. At that moment, I understood the behemoth called Adventurer Guild in the Glattia kingdom and realized that Kyra must be extremely powerful to be able to garner this much respect in the capital.

***

Kyra took me around the capital, visiting numerous places and eating delicacies. I was nervous at the start of all the stares directed at us, but I got used to it later on.

She brought me to a shop called [Sherwood for Fashion] selling clothes, buying me plain white-colored shirts, black skirts reaching my knees, thigh-highs stockings and underwear. I took them in a bag then we walked to a shop called [Dimension In Your Pocket] selling spatial items. Kyra bought me a dimensional ring the size of a room, binding it to myself with a drop of blood. I put my old Cloth Bad. Silver Bracelet, Bear Charm, Letter from Luna, and the clothes Kyra bought inside. The ring silently disappeared into my body.

I felt uncomfortable by her generosity, but seeing her happy expression, I decided to stay silent.

***

Walking further away from the heart of the capital and moving through old, dilapidated winding streets, we arrived in front of a shop in an abandoned alley. At a glance, one could see the cruelty of time. I felt that by a slight touch, the whole building might collapse.

Kyra told me that it’s called [Old Man Shop] and in the future, I’ll be visiting this place alot as an adventurer. I shot her a quizzical look, wanting to ask why she seems confident that I’ll be admitted to the academy, deciding to bury the question in my heart, we entered the building.

Stepping into the shop, I saw an old man sitting behind a counter, reading a book, not bothering to look at us.

“Still trying to read that book? Old man, you’ll probably die before understanding anything,” Kyra joked.

I noticed that I could read what was written; the book title was called [Dead Zone Notes]. I was confused because I never learned to read.

He glared at us, replying, “State your business. If you do not want anything, then leave.”

I shivered under his glare and looking downward, deciding that I should not talk today and buried the question in my heart. I suddenly felt a soft hand touching my head; It felt pleasant.

Kyra glared and rebuked the Old Man, “You should restrain yourself in front of children.”

Ignoring Kyra, the Old Man continued reading.

Sighing, Kyra said, “I want a Hollow Artifact.”

The Old Man glanced at Kyra, saying, “It’s rare to see you value someone.”

“None of your business,” waving her hand, Kyra said with an exasperated look on her face.

“Little Girl,” staring at me, the Old Man said, “Give me your hand.”

I extended my hand, not meeting his eyes. The Old Man grabbed my hands gently and imbued a wave of warm energy which coursed through my veins.

A couple of minutes passed, he then let go of my hand, looking at Kyra, he said, “You can’t. Her body will not allow for it.”

“What do you mean?” Inquiring, Kyra had a thoughtful look of her face.

Rolling his eyes, the Old Man looked at Kyra, “How are you the Adventurer Guild President? Not even knowing such simple knowledge.”

Seeing her expression, he explained, “Hollow Artifacts are primarily made to complete the Soul Artifacts. If a Soul Artifact is complete, then there is no need for such a process.

“There is no difference between a complete Soul Artifact and one completed by the fusion of Hollow Artifact; the only benefit is that they can skip the process of assimilating the Hollow Artifact and are directly able to use their Soul Artifact.”

“Soul Artifacts will benefit even if they are complete,” Kyra countered, “That’s the consensus agreed upon by the Ancient Sages.”  

The old man shrugged, “Happens, It is not the first time,” he continued, “It is rare, and a pretty trivial issue, the Ancient Sages won’t mention it.”

I couldn’t help but ask, “Is this something bad?”

“Not necessarily,” She said, “It is unexpected, that’s all.”

Kyra looked at the old man and pondered, then she said, “Give me a Growth Mana Artifact then.”

The Old Man nodded, taking out a jar with different colored marbles, he took out a piece of black marble and threw it at me.

It landed in my hand and felt cold to touch and had dense runic patterns. I saw Kyra throwing a small sack, falling into the Old Man hand as It made a clinking sound.

I felt that it contained alot of money, but I did not dare to ask how much. Letting a drop of blood fall onto the black marble as per the Old Man instructions, I felt a connection formed between us. It then entered my body. A smile blossomed on my face.

The Old Man picked up his book and continued reading, ignoring us. I felt a bit annoyed about his behavior but seeing how Kyra didn’t take it to heart, I kept it at the back of my head.

We stepped out of the shop, Kyra suddenly told me that she needs to do something important and will go to the academy tomorrow. I was worried about missing the enrollment period, but noticing her expression, I went with her back to the guild with her where she reserved a room for me to stay the night.

It was a luxurious room with a fluffy bed, a couple of cushioned chairs, a sofa and a smooth red carpet covered the floor. Standing on it sent shivers of pleasure throughout my body. There was a bathroom, so I decided that I’ll take a bath later on.

Kyra asked me why I want to become an adventurer. I told her that I want to become a hero, saving lives and never worry about money. I thought that my answer was pretty generic, everybody wants to be a hero. She nodded upon hearing my desire for money, telling me that’s a better answer as being a hero is more complicated than I think, and is not necessarily something people would want. I was told to rest for tomorrow as it might be an exhausting day.

I asked her how to use the bathroom as I’ve never used such a one, she laughed, tousled my hair and explained to me how to use it.

Entering the bathroom, I went under a mushroom-shaped device, following Kyras’ instructions, water suddenly began to fall from it, the floor shone and started absorbing the water.

I stood under the mushroom and let it soak my body, feeling comfortable. It was the first time I used such a device, taking a fragrant soap and a sponge from a shelf, I proceed to wash my body.

I looked down my pale body and saw a black-colored scar between my peaks, I was astounded. Kyra mentioned to me while we were walking through the streets that the healing room was used to regrow lost limbs and revive near-death adventurers. A scar remaining was impossible.

I traced the wound suddenly remembering the eye placed in my body, shuddering at the thought. I shook my head in disbelief, reminding myself that that was a nightmare. It is just impossible for a nightmare to affect the physical body. I decided to ask Kyra about it later and threw it at the back of my head.

Stopping the water, I left the bathroom and wore a black robe Kyra bought me. I sat on the bed, looking at the now night-sky and the glowing city, feeling my blood boil as this might be my home for a long time to come, for tomorrow, I’ll try my luck to enroll at the academy, optimistic due to Kyras’ faith in me.

I did not remember when, but I fell asleep. It was a peaceful night.

***

Kyra was reading a book in an illuminated underground cavern called [Physique Types], some books fluttering around her while another stood on her head.

‘I really can’t find anything similar to that sensation. Is it a new physique or is it something else?’ Kyra pondered.

‘Dalnia Empire, Demonic Bottle and now Cassandra…’ Kyra thought, ‘Not to mention events happening at the Eastern and Southern continents…’

Closing the book, Kyra sighed, ‘I hope nothing major happens, If it alerts these gods and they decide to withdraw their heroes from the Frozen Wasteland and the Land of Spiders, nothing good will happen.’

‘Tomorrow I should be taking Cassandra to the academy. I’ll be able to see what she holds,’ With a profound glimmer in her eyes, Kyra left the underground cavern.