The evening sky above Asa Academy was like a canvas painted in golden hues. Sunlight dripped between the tall towers and ornate old buildings adorned with magical sigils. The air carried the scent of dry leaves mixed with the aroma of toasted bread from the small shops lining the academy's edges.
Dex stood with Van at the western gate, where students were permitted to exit to visit the Academy City, an area that had grown and flourished due to the presence of the world's largest educational institution. For Dex, this was the first time he had set foot outside the academy walls since his arrival.
A cacophony of noise sounded from the distance: merchants calling out to customers, children running around holding glowing balloons, the plucking of string instruments by street musicians, and armed mercenaries sitting on tavern porches downing hard liquor.
Magical crystal lamps began to light up, channeling a pale blue light along the main street, while street magicians lit small dragon-shaped flames to entertain the crowd.
The City of Asa was alive, noisy, colorful, and seemed to be trying to forget that they all lived under the shadow of the Arena and warfare. The city seemed to live within laughter.
"This place is amazing," whispered Van, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the rows of shops selling all sorts of goods. There were potion shops, weapon stalls with gleaming sword blades, carts full of small magic stones that glowed like fireflies, and simple food stalls with the smell of hot soup.
Dex didn't speak much, but his gaze swept over every corner. The city was indeed vibrant, reminding him of his old hometown.
They first passed through the Market District, a wide street filled with stalls selling fabrics, potions, weapons, and even cheap artifacts. The voices of the sellers called out to each other:
"Stamina potion! One sip, and you can run all night!"
"Light steel sword! Just a small crack on the tip, but it can still cut stone!"
"Cheap protective artifacts! Don't ask why they're cheap, just try them!"
Dex held back a laugh as he watched Van approach a merchant selling "good luck charms"—a rusty copper necklace said to attract true love.
While Van was haggling with the merchant, a small child almost slipped by and snatched Van's money pouch. Dex's reflexes kicked in; he grabbed the child's wrist before they could escape and took the pouch back. Their eyes met. The child was thin, with sharp eyes, staring for a moment before running off without a word.
"Here, be more careful next time," said Dex, tossing the money pouch back to Van.
"Phew, thanks, Dex. I would have starved to death if that got stolen."
***
They arrived at the Entertainment District, where the sounds of merriment were even louder than the market vendors.
A large building with a wooden sign bearing glowing letters—**ARCADE — MINI ARENA & SIMULATIONS**—was filled with students. Cheers and the clashing sounds of magic duels could be heard from inside. Van, of course, was immediately drawn in.
"Dex, let's stop by for a bit. I heard they have the most advanced battle simulation machines. They can even train magic and physical synchronization."
The room was full of large crystals that functioned like arcade machines, each connected to a chair and a crystal helmet emitting a soft light. Students sat in them, their bodies glowing briefly before magical illusion projections formed in the center of the holographic arena: sword duels, archery contests, even flying dragon races.
"Look at that!" Van pointed to a machine where two students were exchanging magical spells. "They say you can test your strength without any risk of injury. This illusion system records your movements and projects the skills you possess."
Dex watched carefully. There was something intriguing about this magical technology. Though just a game, the system seemed incredibly realistic, as if it was designed not just for entertainment, but for training as well.
Van couldn't wait and immediately tried one of the machines. His projection appeared in the holographic arena, summoning his sword. His opponent was a female student wielding a blue sword. The fight was short; Van's sword was knocked away by the woman's blade, and Van was impaled. Meanwhile, his real body in the chair just winced.
"Ugh, I lost so fast," Van emerged with a sour look on his face, making Dex scoff.
"Do you want to try, Dex?" Van asked, offering the simulation helmet.
"Maybe next time."
"Alright. Let's get out of here," Van suggested, ready to leave.
Just then, Dex felt someone watching them. From the corner of the room, a blonde girl in a neat student council uniform was observing them while talking to two other members. A symbol of three crossed swords was pinned on the red band on her arm.
"The Student Council," Van muttered under his breath, following her with his eyes. "I hear they're like little rulers within the academy. Don't pick a fight with them."
Dex nodded. He had no intention of standing out here. However, the council members seemed to be questioning everyone in the Arcade. One of them headed towards Van and Dex as they were about to leave.
"Wait a moment, sorry to bother you, but have you ever seen this mask?"
A blonde girl called out to them from behind and showed a photo on the holographic screen of her watch. In the photo was a mask that resembled a crow's beak.
"No, why? What's going on?" Van answered, curious.
"He's involved in a minor problem within the Academy grounds, so we're conducting an investigation regarding him."
'Seems like they intend to hide the details,' Dex thought, amused.
Dex subtly hid his arm, injured from yesterday's fight, behind his back, being cautious in case it was noticed.
However, the woman's eyes were very sharp; she noticed a slight scratch on Dex's arm. She quickly grabbed his arm.
Unfortunately, there wasn't a single wound on it.
"Sorry, it seems I was mistaken," the woman said, bowing apologetically upon seeing Dex's annoyed expression.
"Yeah, it's fine. If you don't need anything else, we'll be going," Dex said, turning his back towards the exit.
'Phew, that was close.' Luckily, Dex could quickly disguise his injury using his wind skill, creating an illusion as if there was no wound on his arm.
Van looked around at the now-quiet area and began to grumble.
"What the hell, they're so arrogant," Van grumbled angrily.
***
As they crossed over to the book market, an old stall caught Dex's attention. The stall looked more like a shabby hut, with worn cloths depicting stars, moons, and suns, starkly contrasting with the surrounding kiosks. An elderly woman with messy white hair sat in front, her eyes covered with a red cloth. Before her, a cracked crystal ball reflected a faint light.
"I see two young souls passing by," the woman's voice was hoarse, yet it held a strange rhythm that made some passersby slow down. "One carries the shadow of millennia on his back. The other carries laughter that will be silenced by blood."
Dex and Van stopped. The words hung in the air like a cold mist. The woman suddenly turned precisely towards them, even though her eyes were covered.
"Interested in seeing your Fate?" the woman asked with a suspicious smile.
Van laughed stiffly, trying to dismiss it. "Dex, let's go. Street fortune-telling like this is usually just a trick to get money."
But Dex felt something prick his mind. The words were too specific for a guess, too close to the reality he was hiding.
Before he could ask further, the woman laughed loudly, her voice raspy like broken glass. "Hahaha, it seems Fate says otherwise."
From the entertainment district, a group of masked men stormed in. They weren't students but city thugs, known as hired delinquents. They brandished swords and magic wands, demanding gold coins from merchants and students.
"Hand over your belongings, or we'll burn this stall down!"
Panic erupted. Merchants fled, students screamed.
On the street across, a group of students in black uniforms with red armbands appeared. They weren't like ordinary students; their magical aura was denser, their steps full of confidence. People in the market immediately made way.
"That's the Student Council of Asa Academy," a merchant whispered.
The leader of the group walked at the front—a tall young man with neat silver hair, sharp brown-blue eyes, carrying a bow on his back. He was known as Andras, the Vice President of the Student Council, the 8th ranked student in his year. His main skill, Absolute Bondage, allowed him to attack a wide area with just one arrow.
Behind him were three others:
Mira Ellshain, a short-haired girl with a long spear adorned with a blue stone. Her skill, Spear of Current, manipulated water and electrical currents within her spear.
Garn Tuldar, a large-bodied guy like a giant, wearing runic iron gauntlets. His skill, Fist Explosion, made every punch capable of shattering steel and causing explosions around him.
Selene Yrvane, a pale-faced girl holding a black magic book. Her skill, Shadow Binding, summoned shadows to bind opponents.
They walked with the authority of a ruling troop. And indeed, the Student Council at Asa Academy wasn't just any student organization. They were dubbed the little rulers thanks to their power, tasked with maintaining order, even facing real threats.
The atmosphere shifted as three figures dressed in black attacked. They wore masks, and their magical aura was wild, unstable. One of them shouted.
"Die!"
A red fireball ignited in his hand and was thrown towards Andras's face. People screamed in panic and began to run.
Andras stepped forward, a sneer on his face.
"You chose the wrong place to cause trouble."
The Student Council sprang into action immediately. Andras drew an arrow, and in an instant, the scorching heat vanished. The fireball that had been thrown disappeared into thin air.
"These guys again," Mira sighed, raising her spear. "The hired troublemakers."
Dex and Van were swept into the scattering crowd. Yet Dex's gaze was fixed on the erupting fight.
Garn leaped forward, his fist slamming into the ground. A powerful shockwave made two attackers lose their balance. Selene immediately summoned shadows from under their feet; black hands emerged from the darkness to bind the opponents' bodies.
But one of the thugs broke free, pulling out a dagger glowing blood-red, and attacked a merchant trapped in a corner.
Without a second thought, Dex moved.
He extended his hand. Four glowing red chains materialized from thin air—Red Chain. The chains shot out swiftly, wrapping around the thug's arm and yanking him hard backward.
Andras's eyes glanced over briefly, cold but filled with anger.
Van ran towards the merchant, pulling the person away from danger. "Quick, to safety!"
Within seconds, the Student Council handled the rest. Mira struck with her spear, electrical currents forcing them to collapse unconscious.
The small skirmish was over, but the streets were full of whispers.
"Why did they show up here?"
"Dammit, my stall was destroyed because of their fight."
Even though the fight was won, the aftermath had devastated the surrounding area. The Student Council had fought without regard for the surroundings and other people, drawing negative looks from those around.
Dex took a deep breath, his chains disappearing. He could feel Andras's sharp gaze piercing his back, as if weighing something.
A few minutes later, academy guards arrived and took away the subdued thugs. Andras stood in the middle of the street, his aura of authority still palpable. He approached Dex.
"Name?" he asked curtly.
"Dex."
Andras's gaze was deep, as if searching for a weakness in him. Finally, he gave a slight nod. "Don't interfere in Student Council affairs recklessly." He punched Dex right in the solar plexus, making Dex fall.
Andras and his group left without looking back. The aura of authority Dex had felt turned into an aura of arrogance.
Van and the rescued townspeople quickly helped Dex to his feet.
"What the hell is their problem? They're so arrogant! If you hadn't interfered, there would have been casualties here!" Van shouted angrily, unable to do anything when he saw Dex get punched.
Dex stood up slowly. "Just forget it. Let's get out of here."
***
After the commotion died down, Dex and Van finally arrived at the Prixie Skill Bookstore. Its wooden door was carved with runes, and when opened, the scent of old ink and magic paper filled the air. High shelves were packed with scrolls and leather-bound books, each emitting a faint glow.
An old man with a silver beard attended to them. "Looking for skill books?" he asked in a soft voice.
Dex looked around. There were books titled *Mana Compressor*, *Light Step*, *Iron Defense*, even *Chain Master*, but only a few caught his attention.
*Light Step F* – a technique for short bursts of increased movement speed.
*Iron Defense F* – temporary protection, increases durability.
*Basic Elemental Strike F* – a guide to releasing simple energy (fire, wind, or water).
*Focus Enhancement F* – improves concentration and reduces mental distractions during combat.
Every skill from a Skill Book always starts at the lowest rank, F, and requires practice and mastery to improve.
Dex examined them one by one. *Light Step* seemed useful but maybe too general. *Iron Defense* was practical but defensive. *Basic Elemental Strike* could be interesting, but he wasn't a pure mage type. *Focus Enhancement* was the most suited to his fighting style, which relied on consistency, not just momentary bursts of power.
"I'll take this one." Dex pointed to *Focus Enhancement F*.
Paying for it made Dex almost shed a tear, as the price for even a low-level skill book was exorbitantly high.
"Ugh, it seems I need to find a way to make money."
Van, of course, immediately chose a book: *Silent Slash F* – capable of slashing in complete silence, even cutting through the wind itself. The skill suited Van, who used a sword style that relied on flexibility.
"This is perfect for me," he said proudly.
The old man smiled faintly. "A fine choice, son."
***
Stepping out of the store, the city felt alive again. The crystal lamps grew brighter, laughter from the arcade echoed, and the market was bustling as if the earlier incident had never happened.
Dex and Van walked back towards the academy. The City of Asa was now lively with street music, the sound of magical trains, and laughter from tavern patrons.
But Dex knew today wasn't an ordinary day. He had seen the face of the Student Council, felt Andras's gaze, heard a strange prophecy about himself, and found a skill book that could change his fighting style.
His steps felt heavier, yet more determined. The world around him was growing wider, more dangerous, and every decision now felt like a piece of a much larger puzzle.