Once he was outside the building, Robert knew that if he wanted to save the city, he needed to become powerful. But based on what he had seen in the vision...
"Even if I trained for three months, I wouldn't be strong enough", he muttered.
He realized that he needed the support of someone powerful.
Many thoughts raced through his mind.
Should I approach the city's aristocrats?
Maybe the guards? No, I don't have any evidence to prove that the invasion is going to happen.
He knew he had to acquire more knowledge about this world—to make serious decisions, and manipulate people if necessary for his safety.
As he walked through the streets, he observed the orderly buildings, the straight roads, and the slightly raised footpaths at each corner.
He passed Symrin Bakery on his way to class. Once inside, he noticed that a new chandelier had been installed and the building was cleaner than usual.
A crowd had gathered near the lecture hall.
Robert observed Angelina sitting at the reception counter, reading the Cosford Times.
He walked over, took a seat nearby, and greeted her. "Good morning, Mrs. Topez."
Angelina peeked over the newspaper before setting it down on the table. "Good morning to you too, Mr. Smith."
"Do you know why there's such a crowd near the lecture hall?" he asked.
"Today, we've invited someone who owns an Exception," she explained.
Exception? That's something new... Robert thought as he nodded.
"Thank you for the information," he said with a smile.
"It's my job," she replied, returning the smile in a formal tone.
After their conversation, Robert joined the crowd.
As he tried to peek through, he saw the man.
The man was tall and skinny, wearing a white suit with matching pants, a black shirt, and a purple tie. His hair was green, and his eyes were blue.
All the bright colors in one… What an eyesore, Robert thought as he examined the man's appearance.
Suddenly, another man stood beside him. He was tall and slightly overweight, sporting a beard and a black top hat. Clasping his hands together, he announced,
"Attention, dear learners! This man here is the owner of an Exception—one of the rare individuals of the kingdom—who has graciously decided to visit us today."
He cleared his throat before continuing,
"At two-thirty p.m., please gather in the lecture hall. He will teach you how to improve your magic techniques and may even select a few individuals for the Alchemy Division of the county's army."
With that, both men walked into another room.
Robert overheard whispers around him.
"How did he manage to invite an Exception owner?"
"It's because Mr. John Topez has high connections within the government of the 3rd division of the kingdom."
...
After spending some time practicing Bombardo, Robert walked back to the reception counter.
"Mrs. Topez, are you related to Mr. John Topez?" he asked.
"Yes, he's my father," she replied.
"Then let me be direct—can you arrange a private meeting with him?" Robert asked.
"He's usually out of town, and when he is, my mother manages the classes. He also doesn't accept visitors often," she explained.
She paused before smirking slightly. "But… a little bribery might work. That is, if you tell me the reason for your visit."
"I'll think about that. Give me some time," he replied.
"Meet me at the Coffee House at 4 p.m.," she said.
"Alright," he agreed.
Wow… did I just get a date this evening? he thought as he got up and headed toward the lecture hall.