It had been an hour since Jung and Tracy stood in line, yet there were still a few people ahead of them before they could enter the capital. Jung had grown tired of staring at the wall that had initially caught his attention.
Jung shifted his gaze to the small side doors, wondering if he would enter through one of them. Tracy had told him that the small doors next to the main gate, through which they were currently waiting to enter, were reserved for wizards!
Jung had occupied himself for a while, staring at the side doors, then returned his gaze to the line and saw that only two people remained between him, Tracy, and the gate. According to Tracy, the line was usually not crowded, but today people had come from all over the human kingdom to attend the awakening ceremony.
Jung was about to ask Tracy about the location of the ceremony inside the capital when...
“Boom...” An explosion went off somewhere, sending dust flying everywhere, blinding everyone and causing them to cough violently.
"Cough... cough..." Jung coughed, pressing his eyes shut to prevent dust from getting in, even though tears were still streaming down his face. He could barely breathe from the immense amount of dust.
Jung: "Damn it... what's happening... Tracy..."
Jung looked towards Tracy to check on her. He couldn't see her clearly through the dust, but he could tell she was still standing, covering her face with both hands.
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As the dust began to settle, Jung looked around, trying to understand the cause of the incident. Then he saw it...
To his far right, there was a massive pit, with wide cracks spreading in all directions. From that pit, a figure was rising, emanating an imposing aura. Jung couldn't make out the person's features, but from their build, they appeared to be a strong man in his middle age.
Jung followed the man in shock that he couldn't hide from his eyes as the man walked towards one of the side doors. The guard stationed at the side door didn't seem as shocked as anyone else. Instead, he stood there respectfully, as if accustomed to such events.
As the man approached, the guard bowed to him and opened the side door. He then waited for the man to enter before closing it behind him.
Jung watched all this in amazement, thinking: 'He entered one of the side doors... that means he's a wizard. But to be that powerful... is he a monster? Are all wizards like this? Can I even dream of becoming like them?'
By this time, most of the dust had cleared, and Tracy finally managed to open her tear-filled eyes. She showed a shocked expression when she saw the pit but quickly calmed down, realizing what had happened. The other people around her were reacting similarly.
The only person still staring into the pit, his eyes wide open like a fool, was Jung!
Tracy noticed this, cleared her throat, and said: "The only person in the capital with that level of destructive power is Milan. This man is one of the generals of the human kingdom. He possesses an incredible talent, with a magical density rated as 'B', and his magic is of the power element. But that’s not what sets him apart... Milan is one of the rare individuals whose magical nature has evolved."
Jung asked curiously: "His magic has evolved? What does that even mean?"
Tracy replied with an apologetic smile: "I'm sorry, but all I know is that there are wizards whose magic evolves, making them stronger. I don't know the details."
Jung: "There are no professionals—"
Jung was about to respond when the guard interrupted: "You two, it's your turn. What are you waiting for? Step forward."
Tracy said as she stepped toward the guard: "Ah... sorry."
Jung followed her. There were two guards, both wearing red armor. One held a spear in one hand and a bone in the other, while the other carried a stack of papers, inspecting them as he looked at Jung.
After the guard with the papers nodded, the other guard extended the bone toward Jung. Jung did as Tracy had done and took the bone. After that, the guards stepped aside, allowing him to pass.
Jung walked through the giant gate, his ears ringing from the loud noise inside. In front of him, within the capital, were crowds of people, stalls, and carts...
Tracy, who was standing nearby, smiled and said: "Welcome to the capital..."