Chapter 3: A Day Before Trial of Vega
We stepped out of the café and walked through the stone-paved streets of Astragar.
The city was still alive. Torches lit the roads, and sky-lanterns floated above the central plaza. You could hear a bard playing somewhere in the distance, and the voices of warriors boasting about their strength echoed through the alleys.
"The registration hall's this way," Nile said, pointing ahead.
"Thanks," I replied.
We reached a large marble building with the banner of Vega's flame carved into its pillars. A long line of warriors, adventurers, and mages stood waiting. The air smelled like sweat, old parchment, and burning incense.
We walked straight up to the front desk.
The woman behind the counter looked up, smiling politely.
"Welcome. Trial of Vega registration?" she asked.
"Yeah," I nodded. "I'd like to register."
"May I see your Warrior Scroll?"
I handed it over.
She glanced at it once — then again. Her smile faded. Her eyes went wide.
At that moment, whispers started in the crowd.
"Is that… Nile Zephyrions?"
"The mage prodigy?"
But a second later, those whispers shifted.
"Wait… is that—"
"No way… Arakan?"
"The fallen clan…?"
The counter lady looked from the scroll to my face. Then she stood up suddenly, bowing slightly.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't recognize you, young Lord Arakan!"
"Don't call me that," I said quietly. "It draws attention."
But it was already too late.
People were staring. A few backed away. A few whispered louder. Some just looked confused.
"The Spark of Arakan…?"
"But that clan was finished, right?"
I took the scroll back and stepped away. Nile followed calmly, hands in his pockets.
"Well… that wasn't subtle," he muttered.
"What bizarre titles….I hate them," I said.
We kept walking — fast. Trying to leave the attention behind.
That's when a heavy thud echoed behind us.
The crowd parted.
Someone tall — huge — was walking toward us. A beastfolk.
His fur was thick and white. His eyes, cold and clear blue. He stood over 7 feet tall, wearing fur-lined armor. Muscles bulged under every part of his gear.
He stopped in front of us and crossed his arms.
"You two…" he said in a deep, calm voice. "You feel strong."
"You too," I nodded.
"Name's Ursus Maritimus," he said. "From the Northern hills. Beastfolk — polar bear."
"Arnox," I replied.
"Nile,"he said.
Ursus grunted.
"I don't care about names. They fade. But not strength that I respect . That's all."
Without another word, he turned and walked into the building.
"He's something else," I said.
"Beastfolk are known for their instincts," Nile added. "He didn't know our names. Just felt our presence."
"Mhh. Hope we meet him again… maybe not in battle."
"Maybe we will," Nile replied.
We spent the rest of the day walking through Astragar.
We saw the old weapon forges near Blacksteel Lane, the floating garden towers of the nobles, and even the hidden arcane tunnels under the western wall.
It was a long walk. We talk a lot.Got to know each other…we became something like 'Friends'.
As the sky turned dark purple and lanterns lit up the streets, we stood once more at the central square.
The Trial of Vega would begin at sunrise.
"Well," I said, "this is where we split, huh?"
"Looks like it," Nile replied.
There was a pause.
"Good luck tomorrow," I said.
"Same to you."
We nodded once and walked in different directions.
The night was quiet.
But in the silence, something powerful was growing
What next?