Chapter 4
The surrounding environment was almost silent. Aside from the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the gentle creak of carriage wheels, there was little else to hear. At first, the repetitive noise felt annoying, but eventually, it blended into the stillness.
The Demon Forest was infamous for its dangers. That Elmond and Maria had survived here for so long was nothing short of a miracle. Perhaps it was thanks to the magical barrier that kept the demon beasts at bay.
As their carriage crossed the barrier, Elmond's eyes became sharp, alert to every movement. They were leaving behind the small cottage they had called home for so long, taking only the essentials and leaving the rest as memories sealed within the forest.
Elmond sat at the front of the carriage, keeping watch with trained caution. After all, they were still within the heart of Demon Forest—a place crawling with deadly demon beasts. But thanks to his experience and careful route, they had managed to avoid an encounter, something for which they were truly thankful. The last thing they wanted was for Alex to witness a demon beast and be traumatized.
Inside the carriage, Maria sat beside Alex, patiently explaining the nature of magic. Though Alex had always been curious, he had never found the courage to ask. Perhaps out of fear, or simply because he hadn't known how to start. But with the capital approaching, Maria believed it was finally time to teach him.
According to Maria, the origin of magic lies in energy—an invisible force that governs all aspects of life in this world. People can't use this energy directly, but they rely on it in many ways: for aging, breathing, eating, and living. A few thousand years ago, humans learned to harness three specific energies: Aura, Mana, and Pran.
Among these, Aura was the most common. Today, more people use Aura than Mana. Aura strengthens the body and weapons—it's essential for soldiers in every kingdom. Though common, using Aura effectively requires intense physical training. Without a strong body, the power of Aura cannot be unlocked, which is why many modern people avoid it.
Mana, also known as magical energy, works differently. Unlike Aura, Mana flows inside the body. It has a limit and is stored within a core called the Mana Core. Once depleted, the core must be replenished before it can be used again. Mana can take various forms—Fire, Water, Earth, Air—and can be used for both attack and defense.
Then there was Pran, a mysterious energy similar to Mana, but used primarily for healing. Pran is capable of mending injuries and also crafting deadly poisons. While Mana can be used to heal, only a few Mages are skilled enough to do so, making Healers, who use Pran, especially valuable.
People who use Aura are known as Knights. Those who use Mana are called Mages, and Pran-users are referred to as Healers. All three are deeply respected across every kingdom and empire.
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(From Alex's Perspective)
From what my mother Maria explained, this world has three core energy types. First, there's Aura—used by warriors skilled in swords, spears, or bows. They're called Knights, and every kingdom requires them in their military. There's even a Knight Council made up of the most renowned Knights from across the empires.
Then there are Mages, who use Mana to cast spells—though the term 'spell' sounds more refined than 'magic.' They command elements like fire, water, wind, and earth. All Mages are connected to an organization known as the Mage Council.
Finally, the rarest are the Healers, like Maria. Though their numbers are low, they are often more important than even Knights and Mages. They have their own Healer Council, respected and maintained across all empires and kingdoms.
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After passing through three towns, Elmond, Maria, and I finally arrived at the Royal Capital of Mefas. For my parents, it wasn't a big deal—it was just another journey. But for me, it was an exhausting and boring fifteen-day ride. Despite seeing many new things along the way, nothing stirred much excitement in me—until now.
We stood at the gates of the Royal Capital—a massive city that made the other towns along the way seem like villages. Enormous stone walls surrounded the capital, built to defend against foreign invasions. Guard towers lined the walls, archers stationed with drawn bows, and figures moving within watchposts.
Elmond told me this capital had the strongest defense in the entire Fire Empire—even more secure than the Empire's own royal capital. For over a thousand years, no one had dared to attack Mefas. Standing before the gates, I began to understand why. The walls were so thick and high that even a titan might struggle to break through.
There were four massive gates leading into the city—from the north, south, east, and west. We were entering through the northern gate.
Thousands of people entered and exited the capital every day. There were separate lines: one for carriages and vehicles, one for pedestrians, and one for nobles or high-ranking individuals. Our carriage joined the common line.
Nearby, I noticed an old woman standing in the pedestrian queue, holding the hand of a young girl about my age. Suddenly, a man shoved her aside and took her place. I was sitting in front with Elmond and saw everything. Rage burned inside me.
"Ellex," Elmond said calmly, "This isn't uncommon here. People struggle just to get inside. If you leave the line, you have to start over. Those with carriages have it easier. That's just how it is."
I didn't reply. I stepped down from the carriage and walked toward the fallen woman. The girl had hurt her leg and was silently crying while trying to help the woman up. I extended my hand toward them.
"Some people don't know how to respect their elders," I said with a warm smile. "If I were a king, I'd banish them first."
The woman smiled faintly and placed her hand on my head.
"You're both hurt," I continued. "We have medicine in our carriage. My mother can help."
They hesitated, but I didn't give them a chance to decline. Elmond observed quietly, a gentle smile growing on his face. Perhaps he was starting to believe they hadn't made the wrong choice by adopting me.
As I led the pair to the carriage, Elmond whispered to Maria inside:
> "Looks like we won't be able to keep him to ourselves for long."
> "Dear," Maria replied, "We've already decided. Wherever he chooses to go, we won't stop him."
Elmond smiled proudly.
Maria gently bandaged the girl's leg and used healing magic to soothe their wounds. The woman tried to leave afterward, but Maria and I insisted they come with us into the capital.
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Meanwhile, inside a luxurious golden carriage elsewhere in the city, a young noblewoman sipped from a porcelain teacup. Her butler stood before her in silence.
> "John," she said, setting her cup down on its saucer, "Find out everything about that boy's family."
The black-suited butler nodded.
> "And send him an invitation letter from the Academy," she added. "I don't want anyone being kinder than me."
> "Yes, My Lady."
As the butler bowed, the young noblewoman gazed out the carriage window. The city had grown filthier. She sighed, concerned not only about its state but also the future. More and more outsiders—thieves and vagabonds—entered the capital every day. Something big was coming. She could feel it in her bones.