As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness crept across the land, swiftly chasing away the last remnants of daylight. The evening air grew cooler as Lucas and his grandfather, Silas, approached the towering gates of Almera. From a distance, Lucas could already see the grandeur of the city—its towering stone walls stretched across the land, separating the outside world from the bustling heart of civilization.

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The city of Almera was no ordinary place. Massive walls encircled it, not once but twice. The outer walls held the common folk—farmers, merchants, and travelers—but within those walls lay another set, enclosing the elite, the noble class, and those with power. Above it all, nestled on a hill like a watchful sentinel, stood the palace. Its towering spires seemed to pierce the sky, and no matter where you stood in the city, it always felt as though the palace loomed above you, its gaze following your every move.

As they drew nearer to the gate, Lucas noticed two other massive gates. One was reserved for heavy carts, traders moving goods in and out of the city, while the other was for nobles and the influential. Almera had structured itself perfectly, segregating the populace by their status.

Silas reached into his pouch and pulled out a brooch, a polished emblem with intricate runes etched into its surface. He fastened it onto his chest before veering towards the lane where only nobles and prestigious figures were entering. Lucas, curious, couldn't help but ask, "What is that, Grandpa?"

Silas smiled, the deep lines on his weathered face softening. "This," he said, tapping the brooch, "is a Novice Apprentice badge from the Felmora Magic Association. It's not just a symbol. This badge will open doors to places others can only dream of entering."

Lucas studied the badge closely. The intricate runes seemed to glow faintly, and for a brief moment, he felt a strange compulsion to bow before his grandfather, as though the badge carried with it an invisible force of authority.

They soon reached the smaller side gate guarded by soldiers dressed in gleaming armor, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. One of them stepped forward, his voice stern as he barked, "State your business in Almera!"

Without hesitation, Silas raised his voice, his tone calm but commanding. "I am a wandering Novice Apprentice mage, and this is my disciple. We seek to explore the wonders of your great city."

The guard, noticing the badge, straightened at once. His previous air of authority melted away as he bowed slightly, his tone now reverent. "Apologies for my rudeness, sir. We didn't realize you were a mage. Please, enter freely, and know that you're exempt from any tolls."

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Lucas watched in awe as the once imposing soldiers stepped aside, making way for them to enter the city. He was beginning to understand the true power and respect that mages commanded in this world.

Once inside, they found a modest inn, exhausted from their travels. The night passed quietly, and as the sun rose the next morning, the city of Almera came alive. Silas decided to take Lucas on a tour of the city, and they strolled through the bustling market streets, the air filled with the scent of exotic spices and freshly baked goods.

Vendors lined the streets, calling out to potential customers. Musicians played joyful tunes, and acrobats performed daring tricks to earn a few coins. Lucas marveled at it all. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

As they passed one particular stall, Lucas's attention was drawn to a vendor selling hot pies. The aroma wafted through the air, causing his stomach to rumble. "Grandpa," Lucas said, tugging at Silas's sleeve, "can we get one?"

Silas chuckled. "I suppose we could. It's been a while since I've had one myself." They approached the vendor, a cheerful man with a large belly and a wide grin.

"Two pies, please," Silas said, handing over a few coins.

The vendor, wiping his hands on his apron, handed them two steaming pies. "May the great Magus Almer bless you both!" the man said with enthusiasm.

Lucas, biting into his pie, looked up at the vendor. "Who is Magus Almer?" he asked through a mouthful of food.

The vendor's eyes widened slightly as if surprised by the question. "Magus Almer? Why, he's the protector of this city. Without his guidance, Almera would have crumbled long ago. That statue in the central square? That's him."

Lucas glanced over to the central square, where a towering statue of Magus Almer loomed above the city. It stood nearly a hundred feet tall, the figure carved in great detail, from his chiseled jawline to his long flowing hair. Despite the statue's age, it still seemed as majestic as the day it was built.

A large statue of a wizard guarding a city, landscape | Stable Diffusion [https://cdn.openart.ai/stable_diffusion/4452905f7e455af3fcccbeb389901b6d72a8ec92_2000x2000.webp]

"That statue was erected by the first King of Almera," Silas explained as they walked away from the stall. "The king and Magus Almer were close friends, and in honor of their bond, that monument was built. Almer is said to have been one of the greatest True Magi to ever live."

Lucas stared in awe. "How could they have built something like this?"

"With power," Silas said simply. "In this world, power bends not just people but the very laws of nature. A great mage can shape the world to their will."

Lucas wondered about the power of this Magus, and how such a massive statue could be built with such precision. As he stared up at it, he could almost feel the weight of the legacy that loomed over the city.

After exploring more of Almera, both Silas and Lucas returned to their inn for a brief rest. The city had been enchanting, with its vibrant streets and awe-inspiring sights, but Silas had a different plan for the evening.

"Get some rest, Lucas," Silas said, sitting on the edge of his bed. "Tonight, we'll be going out again. There are some herbs and potions I need to collect from a friend."

"Where are we going?" Lucas asked, curiosity in his voice.

Silas smiled faintly, his eyes glinting with a secretive look. "We're going to the black market."