Zane stood tall before the grand gates of Astralis Arcanum, the crowd buzzing around him like a restless tide.
A line stretched endlessly before the entrance, filled with chattering voices and shuffling feet. Nobles kept to one side, standing with arrogant grace. Commoners waited patiently, some bouncing on their heels, while others whispered encouragement to themselves. The sheer diversity here was staggering—beastkin with alert ears, elves scanning the area with practiced elegance, dwarves adjusting the straps of heavy leather packs… all unified by ambition.
But Zane didn't join the line.
Instead, he veered toward a separate set of gates—taller, more ornate, with golden inlays that shimmered in the morning light. Unlike the main entrance, this one was nearly empty, guarded by two stern knights clad in midnight-blue armor bearing the symbol of Astralis Arcanum.
The moment he approached, both guards straightened, halberds lowered slightly to block his path.
