The group arrived in front of the city gates peacefully. The walls were at least thirty feet tall, and the gate were ten feet taller than the wall. On the side of the gate, there were two large banners embroidered with tree covered in clouds and a large moon behind it. There were lines of people outside the gate where they talked to guards. The gate was slightly open where everyone entered in a group with a guard leading them.

“Hyrion, this is where we part ways.” Leili said. “I hope luck is on your side in the Invitationals.”

“Bye, Hyrion.” Cerea said. “Let’s meet again sometime.”

Hyrion waved. Cerea’s group left. Leili greeted a guard with a nod and they entered without a guard. They seemed to have influence in the city.

Hyrion looked over the line and realized they were extremely long. It would take time to enter the gate.

“Oh no.”

Hyrion tried to get the attention of Cerea’s group, but they were already inside. He sighed and began to find the start of the line. It took him a while to find the start of the line.

Thankfully, the line progressed smoothly. It was now his turn.

Another guard approached the guard on the line.

“Hey, Sim, Sir Baltar is looking for you,” the guard said.

“Huh, why?”

“No idea. He just told me to replace you until he’s done with you.”

“If this another one of your games, Domnall, I’ll make sure you’re sent to the mines.”

“I’m telling the truth. I swear.”

Sim passed a sheet of paper to Domnall and left frowning. Domnall raised his arms and was giddy with delight.

“Visitor!” Domnall’s chest was puffed and he spoke in a much deeper voice. “State your name and what your purpose here in the most glorious, magnificent, grandiose and… what’s the word…” Domnall tried to think and shook his head. “You get what I mean, don’t you?”

Hyrion nodded to avoid trouble.

“Let me see your Invitational letter.”

Invitational? The guard must’ve misspoken. Hyrion brought out the recommendation letter from his bag and gave it to Domnall.

Domnall opened the letter. He raised an eyebrow and suspiciously looked over the letter and Hyrion.

“This isn’t a letter for this city.” Domnall turned paper and showed it other people in the line. “This is in another language. You must be sent by foreign enemies. You’re in deep trouble.”

Hyrion began to sweat. The letter was supposed to be his introduction for the city.

“What do you mean another language?” A person behind Hyrion quipped. “You’re speaking the same language as that. I can even read the words Zestential this far.”

Domnall crumpled the letter. “Who was that?” He scanned over the line. “Do you dare imply I can’t read. Whoever you are, you’ll never enter here.”

He glared at Hyrion and tore the letter. “This stupid thing. Next time you try to sneak in, make sure it’s not me that’s on guard.” He laughed as he stepped on the torn paper “Okay, next.”

Hyrion kept his silence. A commotion would only worsen the situation. He could wait until Domnall was gone. He picked up the torn pieces of paper. A boot went in his sight. He immediately dodged to the side. He saw Domnall falling. Deserved, he thought. Hyrion did his best to stop himself from laughing.

“Why would you dodge?”

Hyrion ignored Domnall and placed the pieces of the letter inside his bag.

A blue light appeared in front of him as he was about to go. Two silhouettes were inside. As the light became transparent, the guard Sim, and an old man emerged. The man was a foot taller than Hyrion and sported a twirling gray mustache. He had a painting on his plate armor similar to the one embroidered on the banners.

Domnall tried to move. The old man threw a dagger just an inch to Domnall’s face.

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“Don’t move.” He met Hyrion’s gaze then looked over the line. “I am Baltar, the Commanding General of this city. Now, tell me what had occurred here.”

A woman from the line raised her hand, and with gesture from Baltar, she approached. She recounted to Baltar how Domnall acted aggressively and tore a letter to pieces. She even told him how he clumsily kicked and fell on his own.

“Your luck’s ran out today, Domnall.” Sim snickered. “Please, Sir Baltar, send him to the mines. On such a busy day, he dared to do this.”

Baltar looked over Hyrion. “Do you disagree with this punishment?”

“I agree with whatever punishment you see fit, Sir.”

“Since you’ve been a mistreated, how about I show you something entertaining.” Baltar raised his right arm forward. A blue sphere of light started to converge as he gently pulled his arm backward. As soon as the blue sphere took its final shape, he pressed his hand forward.

Domnall’s face went white. He scrambled and started to run. “Sir Baltar, forgive me. I swear I won’t do this again.” Baltar didn’t reply. The blue sphere floated to Domnall, once it’s only a few feet away, it moved in the same pace as Domnall run. Domnall looked behind and screamed. “Sir, please, it won’t happen again.” Domnall ran to the forest as the sphere followed behind.

“He’ll be sent to the mines once he stops running. What’s your name, young man?”

“Hyrion.”

“Hyrion, come to my office.”

Hyrion nodded. Baltar placed his hand on Hyrion’s shoulder and blue light enveloped them.

In the place Hyrion assumed to be Baltar’s office, he found various painting of battles and buildings with Baltar’s face. The office was quite spacious with its own red carpet leading to the desk. Various medals and badges were inside glass cabinets.

Baltar sat behind his desk and gestured for Hyrion to sit. “Now, let me see your letter of Invitationals.”

“Letter of Invitationals? No, Sir, it’s a letter of recommendation.”

“Who is it from?”

“From the Witch, Sir. I have no idea what’s her actual name is, but she said I should bring it to the local guild here.”

“A lot of women call themselves Witch: Fire Witch, Ice Witch, Fairy Witch, etc. What’s the complete title of this Witch you spoke of?

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that Sir. I truly don’t have an inkling. I’m not aware of her name either.”

“You don’t know her title, but she gave you a letter of recommendation? Are you trying to trick me?”

Hyrion took out his bag and placed the torn pieces of the letter on the desk. Baltar picked a piece up and examined it.

“I sense Spiritual Energy inside. It looks like it’s a magic where only the recipient could read. There are many guilds inside this city, so it’ll take days for you to find the right one. What do you think about joining the Invitational, Hyrion?”

“I’m only here to give that letter.”

“Security is tight in the city right now. Without proper permit, I’ll have no choice but to kick you out. Here, I’ll write a letter of Invitationals for you. Whether you decide to join the Invitationals or leave is up to you. The Invitational gathers various prominent people. One of them might be the one you’re looking for.”

Baltar drafted a letter and handed it you Hyrion.

“Looks like I have no choice but to join.” Hyrion sighed.

“Hyrion, remember that this letter meant that you represent me. I have no idea how strong you are, but make sure you don’t embarrass yourself. I am basing this trust to the fact that I can’t unravel the magic placed on your letter. Now, go. The Invitationals must’ve started by now.”

Hyrion picked up the letter and the torn letter back to his bag. He shook Baltar’s hand and blue light covered his surroundings. You must love teleportation, don’t you? Hyrion thought.

Hyrion was transported to the plaza. There were thousands of people around, and in front of him was a stage where a man in gaudy outfit spoke. Hyrion was in the front, and he gathered a bit of attention himself. Baltar couldn’t read minds, could he?”

“Please excuse the interruption,” the man said. “Now, where was I? This Invitational was built on the idea of recruiting talented young ones. But we all know the true reason, don’t we? The leaders found a genius and wanted a fair ground—”

Another man shoved the speaker, it was Ridge.

“I’m Ridge, part of the Verriad Guild. I was part of Invitationals a few years ago and managed to get in even though there were people that were a lot stronger than me. The Guilds and Sects will recruit anyone that suits their needs. They won’t just pick whoever’s the strongest.” Ridge backed off and sat at the back with people that Hyrion supposed were important. Leili also sat there.

The man went back to the front and said, “Ridge, that was a joke. Anyhow, this Invitationals will consist of different events that will show each of your talents. It’s best if you show all you have during this event. You might be able to enter your choice and fulfill your childhood dream! For the one-thousand and one participants here today, I wish you the best of luck.” Hyrion met the man’s gaze when the latter announced, and one.

“The first event for today will be the display of Spiritual Energy. On this stage we have ten Orb Gauges. Since we have an odd one out. How about we invite the young man who teleported to start this event, shall we? We reminded everyone not to use any teleportation magic, but it’s unfortunate that some ignored the rules.”

The man gestured Hyrion to come up on stage. Hyrion felt thousands of eyes focused on him. He reluctantly climbed up the stage. Behind the man, he saw Leili and Ridge with amused faces. That was not how he imagined how they would meet again.

“You were rather late,” the man commented. “I’m Orwenn the host of this event. What’s your name, young man?”

“Hyrion.” Hyrion handed the letter he received to Orwenn.

“Let’s see here.” Orwenn read through the letter. His face changed from annoyance to glee. “Listen carefully. The Commanding General, Baltar, himself have recommended Hyrion. All of you might not be aware, but all of Sir Baltar recommendations became popular for their strength. This, ladies and gentlemen, this is history in the making. What you’re going to see is history in the making! Give Hyrion a round of applause.”

Thousands of viewers cheered for him. Hyrion forced himself to smile and waved to the crowds as he was led to the Orb Gauge. Even though he was placed under the care of the Witch, he never attempted to harness Spiritual Energy. This would be his first attempt.

I’m in trouble, Hyrion thought.