As their words echoed in my mind, I couldn't help but let my thoughts wander down the intricate pathways of my aspirations. Becoming an Arcanist was an unlikely and unforeseen direction, but a welcome one nonetheless. I could already see it opening doors I never thought possible, granting me access to knowledge and power that would’ve been beyond my reach. Yet, my initial goal remained the same—to work my way into every nook and cranny of this new world, gathering information, unravelling secrets, and climbing the ladder of influence and power.

Attending the school of the elite and joining the enforcers presented a unique opportunity, a stepping stone towards achieving my ultimate goal. I yearned to reach the top of the food chain, to live a life of opulence and luxury without a hint of trouble or worry. It was a desire that burned within me, fueling my every action and decision.

The enforcers, with their position of authority and knowledge, held the keys to the kingdom, both figuratively and literally. They were the guardians of order, the defenders of the Kindom of Ercadium, and by aligning myself with them, I could access the heart of this nation's secrets. Through them, I would be able to dive into the heart of Goldeen's power structures, discovering the weaknesses and vulnerabilities that would allow me to rise unimpeded. But it would not be a simple task.

However, I was no stranger to challenges. I had faced adversity before back in my other life, rigorous testing throughout my schooling life at the top academy, with surmounting obstacles that proved a simple task to me each time.

With every interaction, every conversation, and every piece of information I gathered, I could inch closer to my desired position of power. Each step would be carefully calculated, my actions guided by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, influence, and control. And through it all, I would have to maintain a facade, hiding my true intentions beneath a carefully crafted persona of a curious and ambitious newcomer as I already knew too well that Enforcers and Arcanists don’t mix.

"Joining the enforcers?" I replied to Elara my tone light yet laced with hidden intent. "Well, one must always consider all the possibilities presented, don't you think? After all, life is full of surprises, and it never hurts to explore the different paths and opportunities."

Zuzia nodded in agreement, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, Elias. Life has a way of leading us down unexpected roads. And who knows? Perhaps the enforcers could offer you more than you initially anticipated.” She looked up at me with her wry grin. “I wouldn’t go against you giving it your all, though I’d like to see you try."

I could tell she was trying to provoke me, it takes one to know one. I understood Zuzia recognized the fire within me just like her own, the hunger for power and control that burned brightly beneath my composed exterior. She understood the depth of my ambitions, her words were a silent encouragement, a challenge to pursue my desires without hesitation. Although I wouldn’t follow alongside someone like her, she was the kind of person I admired, in fact currently the only person in this new world I somewhat respected.

As the more serious conversation began to wind down, the group decided to have a few more drinks at the bar. The ever-lively Samb ordered another round, which he opted for a stronger brew. I, however, requested just a glass of water, feigning a preference for sobriety as I usually would. I don’t usually drink as well, I wouldn’t usually go out to a bar in the first place, to be frank.

We engaged in casual talk, laughter and camaraderie filling the air, but beneath the surface, the unspoken lingered. We were all players in this game, each with our own motives and agendas. And while we shared a temporary camaraderie, our paths would inevitably diverge as we pursued our individual aspirations.

After a while, I excused myself from the table, my eyes briefly meeting each of the enforcers as I rose from my seat. With a nod of farewell to Samb and the group, I left the bar. The sounds of laughter, cutlery and conversation fading behind me.

The night air was crisp as I made my way outside into the near-empty streets, the glow of the moon and the various still-open shops illuminating the pathways of Leode. I had been at the bar for a while now, so it was probably around about seven in the evening. There would be lots to do at work tomorrow so an early night would be needed.

I decided to rent a carriage for the extra evening fee of an extra copper a kilometre than its usual one dir, opting for the convenience of a swift ride back to my residence. The driver, an older gentleman greeted me as I stepped into the carriage. I provided him with the address I wished to stop off at, a block away from Caius's run-down house, and settled into the comfortable seat.

As the carriage rolled through the quiet evening streets of Leode, I leaned back, allowing my thoughts to drift. The conversation at the bar had given me another sense of purpose, a burning determination to set plans into motion. The enforcers and the Royal Academy were now firmly planted in my mind as essential stepping stones on my path to power and influence.

The carriage came to a stop a block away from Caius's house, and I paid the driver before stepping out onto the dimly lit street. The familiar sight of the rundown house came into view as I made my way towards it. The peeling paint and creaking porch steps were a stark contrast to the opulence I sought, a reminder of the life I aimed to leave behind. I wouldn’t be living in a place like this for much longer.

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I stepped inside, greeted by the musty scent that seemed to cling to every corner of the house. Caius emerged from the living room, a look of curiosity on his face.

"Hey, Elias," he said, his voice filled with genuine interest. "How was your day? Any interesting cases at your job yet?"

“Oh just regular work,” I replied, feigning nonchalance. “Always something interesting going on. But I’m still green, got to make some progress before I take on any big cases yet.” I couldn’t tell him any more than that or my facade of being a private investigator would be all for naught.

Caius’s eyes lit up, eager to hear more. I knew he had taken a liking to me, finding my mysterious nature intriguing. It was a sentiment I did not reciprocate, but I had to play the part, knowing that it served my purpose to keep him interested for a while.

Caius nodded enthusiastically, his curiosity evident. "I have no doubt you'll do well.”

“Speaking of progress, I've been giving some thought to my living situation. I might be able to move out soon since I’m making a decent wage. I’ll find a place of my own and get out of your hair."

Caius's face faltered for a moment, a flicker of disappointment. He must have grown accustomed to my presence in his home, perhaps even grown fond of the companionship I provided. But it was a connection I couldn't afford to indulge.

"Oh, I see. Well, Elias, I've enjoyed having you here. You're always welcome to stay as long as you need. But if you feel it's time to move on."

"Thank you," I replied. "I appreciate your hospitality. I'll let you know when I find a place. I don’t doubt it take that long."

With that, I turned away, ascending the stairs to the second floor where my room was located. The creaking of the wooden steps echoed through the quiet house, and a sense of detachment settled within me. Caius's feelings were inconsequential compared to the grand scheme I had set in motion. If I wanted to continue, I couldn’t grow attached.

Inside, I closed the door behind me and walked over to lie down on the bed. It had been a very eventful day and I really needed an early night's rest. Leaning over I opened the drawer of the nightstand, retrieving the golden brooch I had left inside. I decided not to take it with me wherever I go from now on as the unpredictability of this place was uncertain and I could lose something this small relatively easily.

I held it, feeling its surface and tracing the intricate patterns with my fingertips. “What kind of secrets do you hold,” I muttered to myself.

It was with me when I first got here, so logic says it should hold some kind of key to my origins, a piece of the puzzle that had brought me to this new world. With the knowledge and positions I was gaining, I was now on the path to uncovering its secrets.

As I rubbed the brooch between my fingers, a surge of determination coursed through me. It was a tangible reminder of the mysteries that lay ahead, the answers I sought.

After a few moments, I reluctantly placed the brooch back in the drawer, deciding it was best to keep it hidden and safe until I had the means and knowledge to delve deeper into its significance. The brooch would have to wait for now.

As I settled into bed, exhaustion washed over me as I succumbed to the embrace of sleep. It felt like only moments later when I awoke to the soft rays of morning sunlight filtering through the window. I had expected to have dreams of the enigmatic woman and the strange scene that had unfolded before me many a time, but the night had been filled with nothing but darkness.

Stretching my limbs, I rose from the bed and made my way to the window, gazing out at the awakening town. The streets below beginning to become active as a few residents were walking about the town. A stark contrast to the digital age of my old world I had known before, yet it was now becoming my reality. My everyday life.

As I dressed for the day in my usual attire, I couldn't shake off a lingering sense of anticipation. The events of the previous day had set a new course for me, and I was eager to continue on that path. Today, I would go to work and further establish myself and begin to become an all-powerful arcanist.

Leaving my room, I descended the creaking wooden stairs and met Caius sitting in the living room reading a paper like an older gentleman.

“I’ll be off to work now, I’ll see you later Caius,” I said with a wave.

Caius didn’t reply but gave me a wave goodbye from in the living room.

Stepping out of the house, I was greeted by the cool morning air. The streets were still relatively quiet, with only a few early risers making their way through the town. A sense of purpose filled me as I walked towards the local bakery instead of catching a carriage, my stomach rumbling in anticipation of breakfast.

I quickly picked out a scone from the bakery for breakfast to eat while walking the rest of the way to work. As I walked, I observed the town coming to life, more shopkeepers opening their doors to the hustle and bustle.

Arriving back at The Hunters Den, I finished the last remnants of the scone and entered the building. Nobody was sitting at the lobby desk as of yet, I guess Jean wasn’t here yet or I was just early today.

Pushing through the next door, I was met with an unfamiliar figure standing with Darius in the meeting room. A man, a tad taller than me with a serene demeanour and ashy brown hair—almost greying even.

“You must be Elias I presume,” he said with a deep smooth voice. “My name is Alexei.”