Chapter 02
The City Where Miracles Become A Reality
Finn stepped into the train station, where the cool air-conditioned air softly grazed his skin, a sharp contrast to the sweltering summer heat outside. The station thrummed with life—a hive of motion and sound. People bustled about, some hurriedly moving through the station to catch their trains, or others lingering in the cafés and shops that lined the concourse. The echo of announcements resounding mingled with the murmur of voices and the faint hum of hover trains arriving and departing.
A tantalizing scent of freshly cooked meals suddenly wafted through the air, stirring a pang of hunger in Finn’s stomach. He had just eaten, how on earth was he hungry?!
Finn regretfully pushed the hunger aside and focused on navigating the lively crowd. Just why was it so busy? He hated crowds! As he moved through the terminal, the aroma of food faded, allowing him to finally refocus on his goal. He joined a short queue lined up at the ticket counter, his heart continually pounding wildly in his chest as he fidgeted restlessly. To distract himself, his eyes kept darting to the holographic departure board hanging above, scanning for his platform number and departure time.
When he finally reached the front of the line, Finn quickly scanned his ticket using the glass panel on his watch. A soft beep confirmed the scan, and the barrier opened with a gentle creak. He passed through, feeling the station's tight, almost claustrophobic atmosphere close in around him. His small suitcase still trailed closely behind as he approached the platform, his excitement growing with each fastened step. Checking his watch, he saw that he had a few minutes to spare. Spotting an empty bench, he tried his best to settle down and wait, but his heart raced on, refusing to be stilled.
As the minutes ticked by, Finn’s anticipation mounted. He shifted on the bench, eager for the train to arrive. Then, a faint hum caught his attention, growing louder and louder.
It’s finally here! he thought, a mix of excitement and apprehension tightening his chest. The platform echoed with a loud announcement, and Finn gathered his belongings, ready to board. Joining the flow of passengers edging toward the platform, he felt his pulse quicken as he glimpsed the approaching hover train.
I’m so close. I’m finally going to see the capital! I'm going to become a real mage! He thought giddily to himself as his hands clenched in determination.
The train arrived with a soft hiss, and Finn quickly followed the other passengers aboard, his excitement bubbling over with each step. A soothing scent of fresh leather and light refreshments greeted him as he walked down the aisle, searching for a compartment. The train was only half full, and Finn easily found an empty section. He sank into the soft leather seat, the comfort washing over him and easing the tension in his muscles and mind.
“Ahhh!” Finn blurted out as he placed his head into his hands. “Why am I so nervous?”
*
Finn finally settled as the train began to glide forward, with an announcement resounding above informing the passengers of the journey’s length. Finn’s eyes instinctively glued to the window as the landscape blurred past, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The scenery shifted rapidly, the familiar town he had always known quickly replaced by the serene countryside.
As Finn watched the scenery shift around him, a sense of calm gradually settled over him, allowing him to finally lean back in his seat and relax. With time to reflect, his thoughts drifted to the path that had brought him to this moment.
Countless sleepless nights and relentless studying had driven him toward the dream he had nurtured since childhood. But he had never truly questioned why he wanted to become a mage. Was it the power to create miracles? The allure of commanding the elements with a mere thought and gesture? No, the true reason Finn pursued the path of a mage was his father. He wanted to surpass him.
Finn’s thoughts drifted to his father, a figure who had loomed large over his life and cast a shadow that stretched far beyond their family. His father was a man of formidable talent and renown, but also one who had brought an undercurrent of pain and worry into their home, especially for his mother. The strain of living with a man so consumed by his own ambitions had often left her feeling isolated, a quiet suffering that Finn had only begun to understand as he grew older.
In Finn's early years, his relationship with his father had been warm and uncomplicated. They shared the simple joys of a typical father and son—playing sports in their small, sunlit garden, and working through homework together at the kitchen table when Finn struggled with a tricky problem. His father was patient and encouraging, always finding a way to make even the most mundane tasks feel like adventures. Those were the days when Finn could simply bask in the presence of his dad, feeling loved and supported.
But as Finn grew older, those cherished moments became fewer and farther between. His father began to drift away, not physically, but emotionally, as he became more engrossed in his studies of magic. What started as a passion gradually turned into an obsession, consuming more and more of his father’s time and attention. The man who once had been so involved in Finn's life started spending long hours in his study, the door closed to the world outside, his mind focused on arcane texts and complex spells.
The shift was gradual, but unmistakable. Finn would often find himself standing outside his father’s study, the faint glow of magical energy seeping under the door, a reminder of the barrier that had grown between them. Gone were the days of tossing a ball in the garden or solving math problems together. Instead, Finn's father became a distant figure, lost in a world of his own making, while Finn and his mother were left to navigate the growing silence in their home.
Despite the distance, Finn couldn't help but look up to his father, admiring the magic that seemed to flow effortlessly from his hands. There was something awe-inspiring about the way his father could command the elements, bend reality to his will with a flick of his wrist. It was this very power that had first sparked Finn's own interest in magic. As a child, he had watched in wonder, his young mind unable to grasp the complexities but eager to learn, to understand the secrets that his father seemed to hold.
But admiration was a double-edged sword. The more Finn revered his father’s abilities, the more he felt the sting of his absence. The magic that had once brought them closer now felt like the very thing that kept them apart. Finn's father, so engrossed in his pursuit of knowledge, seemed to forget the simple joys they once shared. The study that had once been a place of learning and bonding had become a fortress, its door closed to everyone, including his son.
Finn wrestled with these conflicting emotions—love for his father, envy of his talents, and resentment for the neglect. He longed for the days when his father’s magic was something they could share, not a barrier that separated them. The more Finn pursued his own studies in magic, the more he understood his father’s passion, but he also feared following the same path, one that led to isolation and distance from those he loved.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
As Finn reflected on the journey that had brought him to this point, he realized that his father’s influence was as much a cautionary tale as it was an inspiration. He didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes, to become so consumed by the pursuit of power and knowledge that he lost sight of the people who mattered most. Finn knew that if he was to surpass his father, it wouldn’t just be in terms of magical prowess—it would be by finding a balance his father never could.
And perhaps, in doing so, Finn could forge a new relationship with his father, one built on understanding, respect, and a shared love for magic that didn’t come at the cost of family.
*
As the hours drifted by and Finns thoughts had drifted away from the struggles of his past, the countryside gave way to a small town much like the one Finn had left behind, before eventually transforming into the outskirts of a city. The lush landscape became a sprawling network of towering spires and skyscrapers as the train approached the heart of the capital. Finn’s eyes widened in awe, his anticipation growing with every passing moment. He was so close to stepping into the magical city where the extraordinary was ordinary, where miracles were real.
The hover train zipped through the dense cityscape, weaving between buildings that seemed to pierce the sky. Suddenly, a loud announcement jolted Finn from his reverie.
“Arriving at Magyo, please prepare to depart,” the robotic, feminine voice announced.
Finn’s heart skipped a beat. He was finally here, at the capital! He quickly gathered his belongings, nearly dropping his jacket in his haste. Sweaty hands fumbled with his things as he waited, impatiently, for the train to stop. The anticipation was almost unbearable.
As the train slowed to a stop, the voice returned, “Welcome to Magyo, the magic capital.”
The doors slid open, and Finn stepped out into the massive train terminal. He was immediately overwhelmed by the cacophony of sounds and smells. Voices echoed through the vast space, mixing with the scents of perfumes, body odors, and the faint whiff of food. He stood in the middle of the concourse, eyes wide as he tried to take it all in. The terminal was enormous, far larger than the one back in his hometown. Holographic displays of timetables and important information adorned the walls, while chandeliers hung from the towering ceiling. Finn stood there, stunned, unable to move as the reality of his surroundings settled in.
He shook himself out of his daze. Standing here gawking wouldn’t do him any good. What would people think if they saw him like this? Embarrassed, he straightened his posture, took a deep breath, and began to weave through the crowd, his suitcase trailing behind. Following the signs pointing toward the exit, Finn moved closer to the fresh air seeping in through the doors. His palms grew sweaty again as he neared the exit, so he wiped them on his trousers and prepared himself for what awaited outside.
The sudden burst of sunlight reflecting off the towering skyscrapers blinded him, and he raised a hand to shield his eyes. The cool breeze tickled his skin as the sounds of the bustling city flooded his ears. As his eyes adjusted, the sight before him took his breath away.
Magyo was a marvel of human achievement, a city that shimmered in the sunlight and stretched toward the horizon. Skyscrapers of polished chrome and crystalline spires reached for the sky, their surfaces gleaming with intricate arcane runes. Hovering platforms drifted through the air, ferrying citizens across the city effortlessly. Holographic advertisements and news streams filled the skies, while hover cars zipped through the streets below, leaving trails of luminescent mana in their wake. The sidewalks were crowded with pedestrians, all flowing in sync like the lifeblood of the city itself.
Finn’s eyes were wide as he took in the scene, a strange feeling of déjà vu washing over him. It was as if he had been here before, though he knew he hadn’t. He had dreamt of this moment many times, but the reality was far more overwhelming. He couldn’t shake the sense of familiarity, a feeling that he had stood in this very spot before. Shaking off the strange sensation, Finn reminded himself that he still had a destination to reach.
Raising his arm, he tapped a few times on his watch, summoning a holographic display above his wrist. He called for a taxi, his heart racing as he stood there, still trying to grasp the fact that he was finally here. It felt like a dream. But it wasn’t a dream, this was now his reality.
The hover taxi arrived swiftly, and Finn climbed in, giving the driver his destination. He leaned back into the seat, letting the cool air soothe his nerves. The journey through the city was mesmerizing, and Finn couldn’t tear his eyes away from the window. As they neared the outskirts of the capital, the buildings continued to rise, reaching higher and higher into the sky.
The taxi eventually descended smoothly, coming to a stop before an expansive garden that stretched out before a towering building in the distance. The structure spiraled into the sky, dwarfing everything around it. Finn’s breath caught in his throat as he realized he had arrived at the world’s greatest magic academy—his new home.
He paid the driver with trembling hands, offering a quick thank you before stepping onto the sidewalk. The air buzzed with excitement as students, much like himself, hurried toward the academy, their expressions mirroring Finn’s own eagerness. Finn slung his suitcase over his shoulder and took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
He followed the stream of students down a long path that wound through the magical garden, the sunlight casting a warm glow over the vibrant flora. The academy loomed in the distance, its glassy chrome exterior etched with glowing runes that formed a protective barrier around the building. The architecture was reminiscent of the skyscrapers in the city, yet it possessed a fortress-like strength that radiated power.
As Finn neared the large gates marking the entrance to the academy, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety. He was just a commoner from a small town—what would these students, many from noble families, think of him? The sheer scale and power of the academy made him question whether he truly belonged here. But as he approached the front of the queue, he pushed those doubts aside. Now was not the time.
A young clerk with tired blue eyes greeted him from behind a small glass window. “Name, please,” she asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
“Finn Travis,” he replied, doing his best to sound confident.
She tapped on her wrist, and a translucent screen appeared, displaying a long list of names. After a moment, she found his profile.
“Finn Travis... age 16... from Velrid... tier 1 mage...” she murmured under her breath. Nodding to herself, she looked up. “Welcome to Magyo Academy, Finn.”
Her weary expression softened into a smile, and Finn couldn’t help but smile back, relief washing over him. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.
Finn watched with anticipation as the clerk looked back down entered a few more commands into the system, shortly followed by a whirring sound from the printer behind her. A dull plastic slip eventually fell out from the slot.
The clerk grabbed it and handed the slip to Finn with a smile. “Here you go, Finn. This is your official Magyo Academy identification. Keep it with you at all times— it’s your key to accessing your dorm room, and facilities around the academy. Do not lose it.”
Finn accepted the small slip with a glistening smile, holding it reverently between his fingers. Suddenly the dull plastic slip emanated a soft cyan-blue light, followed by the details on the slip changing drastically. The almost weightless slip now had a slight weight to it, a tangible symbol of the beginning of his journey of becoming a mage. He studied the card, noting his name, photograph, and a series of cyan-blue intricate runes etched onto the outline.
“Thank you so much,” Finn said sincerely, his eyes shining with gratitude meeting the clerk's eyes, “I really appreciate your help.”
The clerk waved off his gratitude with a small dismissive gesture. “It’s all part of the job,” she said. “Just remember, if you ever need assistance during your stay at Magyo, don't hesitate to ask. Our staff are here to offer anything you may need assistance with.”
Finn nodded gratefully as she gestured for him to move along with a small sigh, reflecting on her increasingly tiring complexion. He smiled in understanding as he tucked the identification card deep into his breast pocket and stepped away from the window and through the large gate, finally entering the academy grounds. As he took the final step, he felt a sudden surge of power wash over him, causing him to come to a sudden halt.
The power the fortress-like building emanated was terrifying. He estimated that if the heart of the capital combined all of its mana and energy, it wouldn’t even come close to the building that stood before him. Finn swallowed the build-up of saliva and continued walking toward the academy. The closer he neared, the more he accepted a shocking realization. He achieved his dream, and he was finally here. He had become a student of the world’s most renowned, greatest, and most powerful magical academy! With the challenges that awaited him and the setbacks that were sure to come, Finn couldn't help but scoff internally at the idea. Nothing could stop him now, he was going to give his all. He was going to become a great mage, no matter what.