A smiling boy of 15 stood before a gate so large you could fit a mammoth through it. Behind the gate was a massive city. The boy had somewhat messy black hair, skin as pale as the grave, and cold blue eyes. His clothing was simple for a nobleman, a long-sleeved black doublet and orange pants. Likewise, his shoes were normal-sized. They didn’t have a long point extending from the front.

“Athena Academy,” he said. “The world’s greatest learning institution for young nobles.”

The boy gazed at the place, surveying every detail.

“Its 70-foot-high curtain walls protect its students better than most castles do. Great marble towers with golden orbs on top dot its skyline, showing the Academy’s wealth and prestige.”

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He placed his hands on his chest, “My name is Sigismund von Myrksalr, and my dream is to…”

“Hey!” a voice interrupted him.

Sigismund turned to see another boy his age looking at him. While they both had black hair, this newcomer’s hair was a neat bowl cut. He also had a stern face and green eyes. Glasses adorned his face. His other clothes were fancier as well. The upper parts of his pants were poofy. There was a red hat on his head. His blue doublet was decorated with gold and purple.

“Yes?” Sigismund asked.

The boy said, “Why are you standing here, talking to no one?”

No one was next to Sigismund. While there was a crowd, it kept a wide berth from the lunatic who was talking to thin air about things they already knew.

“It should be obvious,” Sigismund stated. “I’m monologuing.”

“What the fuck?” the newcomer was very confused.