The next Day, Morning

It was finally time for my mana awakening. Ranel had been bugging me all morning to get ready, but I was in no rush.

"Okay, okay, I'm ready," I said, feeling pumped to finally step outside after being cooped up in the mansion for so long.

Ranel let out a sigh of relief. "Finally!" she muttered under her breath.

Following Ranel, I arrived at the front of the mansion where a carriage awaited. Adorned in black and silver, it looked absolutely stunning with the insignia of the Archborn family on its back.

A unique breed of snow wolves, as big as normal horses, were harnessed to it, and a platoon of about thirty knights stood ready, their armor gleaming in the early morning light.

The carriage itself was a masterpiece, with intricate carvings that told tales of old battles and legendary heroes. The snow wolves, their fur glistening like freshly fallen snow, stamped their paws impatiently, eager to be off.

As Ranel and I boarded the carriage, I marveled at the luxurious interior. Plush velvet seats and silk curtains made the ride incredibly comfortable.

As soon as we were settled, the driver gave a low whistle, and the wolves sprang into action, pulling us forward at an exhilarating speed.

Despite the rapid pace, the magical formations embedded in the carriage kept it smooth and steady. I peeked out of the window, watching the landscape blur past. Fields of wildflowers, dense forests, and quaint villages zipped by, each scene more picturesque than the last.

The knights ran alongside us, their movements precise and synchronized, showing no signs of fatigue.

"Ranel, why are the knights on foot?" I asked, curious about their endurance.

"That, young master, is because we want to avoid attention, and normal mounts would just be a burden," Ranel replied. She wanted to say it was because they were punished for slacking on the watch last night but decided against it.

In front of us, the vast cityscape of the main city came into view. Towering walls surrounded the city, their height and thickness speaking of centuries-old strength.

As we passed through the gates, I craned my neck to take in the bustling metropolis within. Cobblestone streets teemed with life, merchants hawking their wares, children darting between stalls, and the hum of countless conversations filling the air.

The streets were lined with an array of fantastical shops and vendors, each more enchanting than the last.

Potion shops displayed bubbling cauldrons in their windows, enchanting the air with vibrant hues and mysterious fumes. Blacksmiths showcased glittering swords and armor, each piece imbued with runes that shimmered in the sunlight. Street performers dazzled passersby with displays of magic, from summoning miniature dragons to weaving intricate illusions that danced through the air.

A bakery emitted the irresistible aroma of fresh pastries, and nearby, a stall offered exotic fruits from distant lands, their vibrant colors drawing the eyes of many.

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A shop filled with mystical artifacts displayed enchanted trinkets and baubles, each promising unique powers or fortunes. Florists sold flowers that glowed softly with an inner light, petals shifting colors in mesmerizing patterns.

As we neared the imposing wooden doors of the Voidburn Magic Tower, the grand edifice loomed before us, a beacon of mystical energy reaching toward the heavens.

The tower's exterior was a marvel of architecture, built from dark stone interlaced with veins of shimmering crystals that pulsed with magical light. Intricate runes and symbols adorned its surface, their meanings lost to all but the most learned of mages.

Inside, the tower was even more breathtaking. The grand foyer opened up to a ceiling that seemed to stretch into infinity, supported by massive pillars carved with more ancient runes.

The floor was made of polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of enchanted chandeliers that floated overhead. Staircases spiraled gracefully upwards, and magical lifts transported people to the upper levels in a blink of an eye.

Everywhere I looked, there were mages bustling about, their robes swirling with the energy of their spells.

A young female assistant approached us, her demeanor tinged with nervousness and uncertainty.

"Are you perhaps the young Master Axis?" she inquired, her voice trembling slightly as she glanced between us.

"Yes, I am," I confirmed, producing the family crest Ranel had entrusted me with before our departure that morning.

"Apologies for the delay! We've been expecting you. Please, follow me, and I'll guide you to where the awakening ceremony will take place," the assistant, named Avelie as indicated by her badge, beckoned us to follow her.

"We have some time before the ceremony," Avelie said as we walked. "Would you like a quick tour of the tower? It's quite an impressive place."

"That sounds great!" I replied, eager to see more of this magical place.

We trailed behind Avelie, passing by counters where other assistants attended to various mages, some engrossed in their duties while others engaged in light conversation. The morning light cast a soft glow over the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of quiet anticipation.

Tall bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, their spines glinting with gold leaf.

"This is the main reception area," Avelie explained as we walked. "Mages from all over come here for various reasons—research, training, or just to socialize."

We passed a grand library filled with rows upon rows of books, scrolls, and magical artifacts. "This is the library," Avelie continued. "It holds one of the most extensive collections of magical knowledge in the world."

Next, she led us to a large open courtyard within the tower, where mages practiced their spells. Sparks of magic flew through the air as they honed their abilities. "This is the training ground. It's designed to withstand even the most powerful spells."

I watched in awe as a mage conjured a fireball, hurling it at a target that absorbed the impact without a scratch. "Amazing," I breathed, captivated by the display.

Finally, we reached the base of a massive staircase that spiraled up into the heart of the tower. "We'll be taking the lift to the upper floors," Avelie said, leading us to a platform that began to rise smoothly as she activated a rune.

The lift carried us up through the tower, giving me glimpses of various levels filled with more mages, laboratories, and magical artifacts. Each floor seemed to buzz with energy and purpose.

"Welcome to the 94th floor of the Void Burn Magic Tower," Avelie announced as we stepped off the lift, her words echoing through the corridor.

"Hmm...say what?" I blurted out, startled by the revelation, only to realize my voice sounded more like a squeak in my childlike form, prompting me to hide my embarrassment in Ranel's embrace.

Ranel couldn't resist teasing me, seizing the opportunity to playfully jest. "Oh, what did I just hear?" she teased, knowing full well it was me.

"It must be the magical beast in the room next door," Avelie chimed in, her tone lightening the mood.

As we followed Avelie down the corridor, we entered a room to the left, finding ourselves in a serene space furnished with sofas, chairs, and a table adorned with an array of snacks.

"Please wait here, Miss Ranel and young Master Axis, while I make the necessary preparations for your mana awakening. In the meantime, help yourselves to these," Avelie gestured towards the treats.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," Avelie concluded, leaving us to await the forthcoming ceremony, the room bathed in the soft glow of morning light filtering through the expansive window.