Morning light spilled over the horizon like molten gold, gilding the distant spires of Valdareth. From the forested ridge where Eldran had guided Nox and Raven, the city seemed almost unreal — a lattice of white stone towers, floating energy bridges, and spires piercing the clouds. Beneath it, Leylines of Resonance pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat larger than life itself.
Raven let out a low whistle. "By the gods… this place doesn't sleep, does it?"
Eldran smiled faintly. "It cannot. Valdareth's core is alive — it breathes through those veins. The city's energy web keeps half the western provinces alive."
Nox's gaze swept over the landscape, noting the geometric precision of the wards surrounding the perimeter. "You mean the city itself is sentient?"
"In a manner," Eldran replied. "Valdareth was built upon a Resonant Core discovered centuries ago. The Founders bound its consciousness into the city's foundation — what you see now is a living construct. It watches. It remembers."
As they descended toward the main road, travelers became more frequent — merchants with resonance-infused caravans, tamers guiding docile beasts, and young candidates wearing academy uniforms from smaller provinces. Most bore the same expression: awe mixed with terror.
Raven nudged Nox. "Think the city's got room for two forest boys?"
Nox's lips tilted slightly. "Depends how loud one of them is."
Eldran's voice drew them forward. "Keep your purpose clear. The forest taught you about intent. Here, intent will be tested in subtler ways — not by monsters, but by choice, observation, and interaction."
The gates of Valdareth opened before them like the maw of a titan, flanked by colossal sentinel constructs. Each towered three stories high, carved from white marble and laced with pulsing blue resonance veins. Their featureless masks were unnerving, yet Nox felt no malice — only measurement.
"The Astra Dominion," Eldran said, pointing toward the banners above, "is the city's civic-military authority. They patrol the skies with armored skybeasts, enforce law, oversee public order, and influence Academy politics. Their presence ensures the city runs smoothly, and that no candidate or visitor can stray too far from the rhythm of resonance that governs Valdareth."
Raven smirked. "Basically… city bosses with dragons?"
"Partially," Eldran said. "And they notice everything. Every resonance pulse. Every intent."
The constructs activated as they approached, chest glyphs igniting. "State your purpose."
"Master Eldran of Eldenwood," Eldran replied. "Escorting candidates for Astralis Academy selection. Registration: Eastern District."
The constructs' glyphs dimmed slightly. "Verified. Entry granted."
Energy shimmered, and the gates opened, not on hinges but through waves of resonant force. Nox felt the pulse of the city as a tangible thrum — Valdareth recognizing him, measuring him.
Inside, the streets were alive. Glowing stone pavement wound between spires, and floating bridges twisted high overhead, their runic railings humming faintly with energy. Market stalls lined every avenue:
Vendors selling resonance-infused weapons and armor, each pulse-calibrated to the user.
Tamers with docile skybeasts, demonstrating synchronized tricks to attract buyers.
Street performers projecting illusions of light and shadow that danced across the faces of passersby.
Nox observed everything with methodical attention. He noted the energy flow, the crowd's pulse, and the way resonance seemed to respond to intent — some subtle, some overt.
Raven, predictably, was distracted by the smells. Spiced meats, fried pastries, and roasted skybeast meat skewers. He tugged at Nox's sleeve. "We have to try that."
Nox only allowed a faint smile. "One taste won't ruin our rhythm."
Eventually, Eldran guided them into a riverside restaurant, the scent of roasted meats and fresh herbs mingling with the hum of conversation. Patrons spoke in clusters, occasionally glancing toward the few youths passing through. Nox and Raven took a seat near a large window overlooking the floating bridges above the city.
As they ate, whispers and conversations floated through the restaurant:
"Did you hear? Selene Aurelion is back in the city for the trials — top candidate last year in the Aether Branch."
"And Taren Voss… that boy? They say he's practically a prodigy in raw strength. From the Thunderline Dominion family, no less."
"The cloaked one… some say no one knows who he is. But his aura… it unsettles people even among veterans."
"Lyra Fen, Astral Branch… tiny girl, but her resonance hums like a song. I heard she's already fooled entire training halls with her illusions."
"Kael Draven? The Draven family… beast tamers before they could even walk properly, apparently. Dangerous kid."
Raven grinned. "Looks like we're in for fun. And trouble."
Nox's attention lingered on the whispers, noting subtle reactions — flickers of respect, caution, even fear.
Eldran spoke quietly beside them. "Hearing names is only half the story. Understanding the lineage behind them is what matters. The Aurelions are precise and politically adept — Selene's skill is matched by her caution. Voss wields raw power but is prideful and easily provoked. Fen are masters of Astral arts; Lyra is underestimated because of her size. Dravens excel in beast taming; their influence over creatures is almost absolute. The cloaked youth… even families of renown whisper about him. He carries an unpredictable aura."
Raven snorted. "So basically, everyone except us is terrifying."
Nox allowed a faint smile. "Then observation, patience… and intent will be our allies."
The locals continued murmuring predictions of the upcoming academy trials, providing Nox with a living map of alliances, rivalries, and potential challenges.
After lunch, they wandered through the floating markets, purchasing essentials for the Academy:
Resonance-attuned gear for combat and exploration.
Healing herbs and minor potions.
Food and supplies for their first days in residence.
They watched tamers perform mid-air acrobatics with skybeasts and observed exhibition duels among senior candidates. Nox analyzed the flow, timing, and subtle control of resonance. Raven, meanwhile, remained fascinated by the smells, sights, and occasional brawl, oblivious to subtleties.
As twilight fell, Eldran guided them to a modest inn near the city center. From their window, Nox could see Astra Dominion patrols passing over rooftops, their banners snapping in the wind.
Raven leaned against the sill. "Day one in the city, and I already feel like punching half of it."
Nox only nodded. He didn't need to speak; the city itself — its pulse, its rhythm, and the candidates he had observed — had already taught lessons more valuable than words.
Eldran's gaze softened. "Remember, the city is alive. It watches, it listens. Tomorrow, your presence will ripple subtly through its rhythm. Observe, and act with intent."
Nox touched the talisman at his belt. The forest had taught him purpose; Valdareth was teaching patience, observation, and calculation.
And somewhere high above, the spires pulsed faintly, acknowledging the arrival of two young resonants from the forest — Nox Vale and Raven — and the new rhythm they had brought.