Heyo! No, I'm not dead, and I'm also not dropping this. Basically what happened was final exams came and smacked me upside the head (sure was a smart idea to start a fiction then *sarcasm*). After slogging through it, I was pretty burned out so I held off on writing yet again. You know how after not writing for a while it's difficult to start things up again? Yeah, that happened to me so needless to say, my motivation was pretty much shot. So after a period of being unproductive, I've finally decided to get my ass in line and start writing again. Gonna try and start releasing chapters at a quicker pace again. Again, I apologize to those who have been waiting for the next chapter and how long it's been delayed.

Also, the ending of chapter 9 has been revised because I felt something was off about Cyrus's character then so if you have the chance, re-read the last part to it.

Without further ado, chapter 12.

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As the travelling group, along with Cyrus and Seffy, neared the city, they could only look on in wonder as the white walls started to tower over them. The walls themselves were completely made of white limestone that seemed to shine as they reflected the midday sun. The size of the wall can only be described as enormous, as it stretched hundreds of meters into the sky. Looking left or right, there seemed to be no end to it as it reached as far as the eye could see. A person had to squint just to see the slight curve on the far side that seemed to indicate that the walls were circular in design, though it was hard to tell just how wide the circle really is.

Sure enough, once the travelling group got closer to the gates of this marvelous wonder of architecture, they could soon see a tremendously large line that seemed to stretch on forever as people waited for hours in the hot sun, just for a chance to get into the city.

As unfortunate as it was, the travelling group had little choice but to join the crowd of people in line. While they waited for hours in the hot sun, Cyrus and Seffy started some idle conversation to relieve their boredom. Most of it was about their plans in the city and the academy. Of course, Cassidy being the person that she was also tried to join in as much as possible.

“First and foremost, once we get into the city, we’ll have to find an inn to stay at. Since I’m not sure if the academy has its own dorms, the first thing to do is to find somewhere suitable for a permanent residence, or at least for the duration of our attendance at the academy. Well, that’s if the academy doesn’t have a place for residence for their students, though I’m sure that they do.” Cyrus said to Seffy.

“Of course they do! How else would students from other places attend if they didn’t have a place to live?” Cassidy chipped in.

“Well, regardless, we’ll still need to stay at an inn for a bit since we need a place of residence for the first few days before actually enrolling in the academy. Speaking of which, since you also plan on attending the academy, do you happen to know the requirements for enrolling? While I had planned to dig around for that sometime after arriving, it’s easier just to ask a person who has the knowledge of it.” Cyrus asked as he turned to Cassidy.

“Huh? You don’t even know the enrollment process? Well, considering how powerful you two are, something like a test probably won’t matter. In any case, the enrollment process itself is fairly straight forward, but as I just mentioned, there is a test for it to filter out qualified individuals from the others. Though, in the end, the test itself is just an assessment of a person’s mana. As I’m sure you’ve probably guessed, they’ll be using mana baubles to determine a person’s power rank. Only those at or above mid-Acolyte rank are able to enroll.” Cassidy explained.

“Hmm. I suppose that’s fine. A qualification test is something to be expected. Also, that reminds me. Here, Seffy, take this bracelet.” Cyrus said as he handed Seffy one of the bracelets he was making earlier.

Taking it and then putting it on, Seffy asked curiously, “This is another one of your trinkets, right? It can’t be anything normal, so what is it?”

“Well, basically it limits the output of mana on the arm it is worn on. As you may have surmised from the last time we got measured, it’s not ideal for us to be flinging around our abilities. Well, at least not yet.” Cyrus said as he put his own bracelet on.

“Wait, Wait! Did you just say that that bracelet had the ability to limit a person’s mana output? You’re telling me you know how to make artifacts?” Cassidy exclaimed in surprise as her interest in the bracelets grew.

“Artifacts? These are just regular bracelets enchanted with magic. I don’t see why they’re so special.”

“Nothing special? You do realize that the only way to find such artifacts is through dungeons, right? It is said to be nearly impossible to enchant anything since mana just disperses after being put in an object. Yet you just casually made something like that? I’m finding that hard to believe.” Cassidy asked in bewilderment.

‘Ah, I see. The knowledge of runes must have faded over the years I was gone. I thought it was a bit strange that I haven’t encountered any magical devices other than the mana bauble. Of course mana would disperse after being put into something if there’s nothing to hold it inside.’ Cyrus thought to himself.

“Well, regardless it is what it is. Though, I would prefer if you could keep this a secret, Cassidy. I’m sure you realize just how many issues such knowledge would bring about?” Cyrus spoke while gazing intently at Cassidy.

“Hey! I may be enthusiastic, but I’m no idiot! Don’t worry your secret is safe with me!” Cassidy gave a self-satisfied smile as she lightly pounded her chest a few times.

“Right… Speaking of which, is there anything else you can tell me about the academy?” Cyrus asked as he gave Cassidy a dubious look.

“Hey! What’s with that doubtful look!? I can keep a secret! Really! You believe me don’t you, Seffy?” Cassidy asked as she turned to Seffy for help.

“…” Seffy didn’t say anything while giving an identically dubious glance.

Pouting even more but then giving up, Cassidy just shrugged, “Mmmm, you guys are mean. Well, whatever. In any case, you want to know more about the academy, right? I’m surprised you are both so clueless in regards to it. Did the both of you just decide to attend it on a whim?”

“Just get on with it.” Seffy replied with a bit of impatience at Cassidy for dragging the topic out.

“Fine, fine. Let this brilliant Cassidy enlighten you on the wonders of Sangin Academy! You see, Sangin Academy isn’t just a single school. In fact, it is split into six different branches that are spread throughout the city. Each of the six branches specializes in one aspect. Those are magic, physical combat, craft, business, politics, and command. Once a person passes the test, they can opt to decide which of these branches they want to join. A person is free to choose any of the branches with the exception of the magic branch. The magic branch is actually much more intensive since you have to be at least high-Acolyte rank to enroll. In case you are wondering, I’m also planning on attending the magic branch. Just so you know, I’m already a mid-Expert rank which is quite rare for people of my age.” Cassidy puffed her chest out in pride after explaining.

“Okay, and which one of these branches is the closest to the grand library?” Cyrus asked, completely disregarding her last few statements.

“That would be the magic branch as well. Since magic is generally held in high regard, the magic branch is often considered the most important of the six branches and thus should be in the closest proximity to available resources.” Cassidy replied once more, albeit with a slightly irked tone.

“Alright, the magic branch it is then. Is there anything more to know?”

“Well, just the general stuff like how it’s most prestigious academy within the human territory and how it’s greatly influential. Most people who attend the school end up successful and all of that; of course, I’m sure you already know most of that otherwise you would have no reason to attend.”

“Hmm, alright. Well I suppose that’s enough for now. Thanks Cassidy, you saved me the trouble of having to look for the information myself.”

“Hehe, no problem! We’re friends, right?” Cassidy gleefully responded while giving a bright smile.

“Mhm. But of course. Seffy and I are honored to become friends with someone as great as you, the oh-so knowledgeable and beautiful Cassidy who is already at the mid-Expert rank and whose potential is simply limitless.” Cyrus spoke as he raised his arms up in an extravagant manner.

“Are you making fun of me?” Cassidy asked as her smile became somewhat strained.

“Nooo. Of course not. Whatever gave you that idea?” Cyrus smirked back.

At this, Cassidy turned to Seffy who was watching the two with a small smile. “How do you deal with this guy?” She said with a pout.

“I don’t. It’s pointless to take him seriously when he gets like that.” Seffy grinned, clearly enjoying the fact that Cassidy was getting poked fun at.

“How mean! I was simply giving an appropriate compliment. Girls can be so vicious these days.” Cyrus quipped.

Soon enough, it was their turn to pass the gates into the city. The guards this time were much more vigilant than the ones from Angrel and they fully scrutinized Cyrus and Seffy as they came up, though they were ultimately let through because they held adventures’ card.

As they entered through the gates they were met with the breathtaking sight of the cityscape in its entirety. Buildings all towering at least three stories tall ran along the streets as far as the eye could see. The streets themselves seemed to stretch on forever and the whole of it seemed to be paved with white stone much like the buildings. A throng of people of a size that completely dwarfed the crowd back at Angrel were bustling about their daily lives as the white noise of the city background threatened to drown out all conversations. Shops of all shapes and sizes decorated the wide main road they were currently standing on as carts and carriages continued to move back and forth on it. In the far distance following the white paved road, one could see a gigantic plaza that seemed to be the place where a large market was held.

As Cyrus and Seffy shifted their eyes while taking everything in, they saw in the far distance on the east side of the city an enormous dome-shaped coliseum. On the west side of the city, there laid a massive tower with the symbol of a large sun adorning the very top and was surrounded by six other large buildings, each one showing the same symbol etched into their walls. In between these two noteworthy structures was a large palace right in the very center of the city. The entirety of the palace was surrounded by tall spires that reached out towards the sky and the palace itself was intricately designed with three large slanted sections connecting and supporting a large helix shaped building at the very center of it all.

As Cyrus and Seffy were admiring the view of the city, Cassidy came up and said, “Well, since we’re finally here, I think it’s time to part ways for now. The enrollment and test will be held in two days at the entrance to that tall tower over there.” She said as she pointed to the tower with the sun symbol on top.

“My dad has already reserved lodgings until then. So I hope to see you guys at the exam.”

“Yeah, we’ll see you there.” Cyrus said as he watched Cassidy turn around and go off in the direction the rest of the travelling group was heading towards.

“We better get going as well then. From the large crowd of travelers, I feel it’ll be a bit difficult to reserve an inn this time around.” Cyrus said as he turned back to Seffy.

“Yeah, where should we start looking from?” Seffy nodded in reply.

“Might as well just start from the very beginning. The first few inns will probably be booked though.”

And so, Cyrus and Seffy began the search for a place of residence. Unsurprisingly, most of the inns were booked and they still haven’t found a place to stay yet.

“Hmm. This is a bit troublesome. There doesn’t seem to be any place that hasn’t been booked yet.” Cyrus said while scratching the back of his head.

“Yeah, it seems all the inns on the main road are filled. We should probably look for places that are less conspicuous.” Seffy suggested.

“In that case, we’d have better luck going to a street with less people. Though I’m a bit concerned about the security of living in such places, it’s better than having nowhere to stay at all.” Cyrus replied as he turned towards a less active street.

As they walked along the road, there was a dramatic decrease in the amount of people and the streets were not as maintained as those of the main road. After a bit more walking, they spotted something that they assumed to be an inn. The building was a little aged, but still looked well managed and there was a signboard above the entrance with the image of a sleeping turtle with the name “Little Tortoise” etched underneath it.

As the two walked into the lounge of the building, they noticed how unusually empty it was despite how it should be prime time for something like an inn. There were only a few other people in the room and it was unusually silent.

Quickly making their way to the reception counter and ringing the bell that was found atop of it, a girl that looked around eighteen years old soon appeared from inside the doorway. Coming up to the counter, she smiled at the two and proceeded to greet them.

“Hello! Welcome to the Little Tortoise. How may I be of service?” The girl asked politely.

“Yes, we’d like a room for two if you will.” Cyrus replied.

“Alright, that’ll be five silvers per day for one person. How long will you two be staying?”

“For now, it’ll be for two days, maybe more.” Cyrus said as he handed her twenty silvers.

“Alright, here are your keys to the room. It's on the second floor. Breakfast and dinner are complementary. Unfortunately we don’t have a place to bathe, so you’ll have to find some place on your own. Though there is a nice bathing house down the street from here that I recommend if you feel the need.” The girl replied back as she took the silvers and exchanged them for keys.

“Thank you. Though if I may ask, is there a reason why this place is so empty? As far as I can tell, the commodities and services are pretty good compared to the inns on the main street, yet it seems so barren here. Do excuse my rudeness though.” Cyrus curiously asked as he received the keys.

Shaking her head, the girl replied with a troubled voice, “No offense taken. I’m not surprised you’re wondering about that. You see, the Second Cataclysm that happened two years ago collapsed a large portion of the city. The area around here is one of those places that collapsed. While some areas were quickly repaired, unfortunately, it seems that this area isn’t one of them. As a result, the streets near here quickly became shelters for the homeless. As you might imagine, that’s not exactly good for business nor for security. Honestly, I’m quite troubled by this. At the rate it’s going, our business won’t hold up. We may have to close down the inn in a few years. In the end, we can only blame our bad luck.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate. You have my sympathy.”

“Don’t worry too much about it. We still have backup plans for when the inn is forced to close down. At least we are fortunate enough to have the building still be standing. Though it’s a shame since this is the place I grew up in with my parents. Now, is there anything else you’re wondering about?”

Shaking his head and thanking the girl once more, Cyrus and Seffy headed to their room to drop off their belongings. After arriving at the rather homely room, the two realized that there was only one bed.

“Hm, maybe I should’ve been more clear on the conditions for our lodgings.” Cyrus said after putting down his bag.

“Too late now. Well, it’s not the first time we’ll be sleeping together so no point in making a fuss.” Seffy replied as she plopped onto the bed.

Sitting down on a chair near the window to the room, Cyrus gazed out into the streets in thought.

Turning her head, Seffy gazed at Cyrus from the bed. After sitting up, Seffy asked him a question wondering what was on his mind.

“Is something the matter?” Seffy asked curiously.

“Nothing really. Just thinking about what that girl said.”

“About the state of the inn?”

“No. While I do feel sorry for the people managing the inn, in the end, it’s not my problem. I’m more curious about the thing called the Second Cataclysm. Do you know anything about it?” Cyrus questioned Seffy as he switched his gaze over to her.

“No more than what you already know. It’s a large disaster that happened two years ago, a gigantic earthquake or something that caused havoc over the continent. Why are you bringing that up now?” Seffy asked as she tilted her head in confusion.

“No reason. I’m just curious about it. As you stated, it happened two years ago, right about the time we met each other. I’m just wondering whether the timing is more than just a coincidence.”

“Now that you mention it, I felt it right before… you showed up. Wait… Are you suggesting what I think you are?” Seffy asked as her eyes widened a bit.

“Yeah. Quite possibly that may have been caused by my awakening.” Cyrus guessed as he remembered that burst of mana right as he woke up.

“Hmm. Well, what of it then? What’s happened has already happened. You feeling guilty or something?” Seffy asked as she propped up her head on her arms.

“Nothing of the sort. I’m just making a mental note to be more careful. Wouldn’t want more accidents like that happening you know? A mistake like that could very well come back to bite me later.” Cyrus shrugged as he got up.

“Enough of that then. I’m going to explore the city some while I have the chance. I’m quite excited to see what this city has to offer.” Cyrus said as he strode over towards the door.

Quickly getting up, Seffy followed Cyrus towards the exit as well. At this Cyrus turned and looked at her curiously.

“You know, you don’t have to always follow me around all the time. The city’s a big place so I’m sure there are plenty of places for you to go.”

“Well, I figure it’d be more interesting tagging along with you. You have a penchant for stirring up trouble after all.” Seffy replied as she gave a toothy grin.

“Suit yourself.” Cyrus said, before once again turning and leaving through the door.

As the two left the inn, they quickly made their way over to the crowded plaza where the market was held. Seffy went off towards another stall while Cyrus was staring at a booth that was selling spices, carefully scrutinizing each bottle.

‘I should probably buy some. My cooking skills have become rusty lately so it’d be a good idea to practice with some nicer ingredients. The bland magical beast meat can hardly be called appetizing, though admittedly I had little to work with.’ Cyrus thought to himself.

After purchasing a few of the spices and flavorings he needed. He turned his head around wondering where Seffy went. He soon spotted her at a stall on the other side of the plaza and quickly went over to her. He found her staring at a rather eerie mask that looked to be carved out of bone.

“Quite the peculiar taste you have there.” Cyrus said in a smug tone, startling Seffy as she turned around.

“Huh? Whatever could you mean by that?” Seffy asked after realizing who it was.

“How much for that mask?” Cyrus quickly asked the vendor as he pointed to the creepy mask much to Seffy’s surprise.

“1 gold coin.” The vendor responded with a gruff voice after eyeing Cyurs.

Flicking the gold coin over to the vendor who quickly caught it, Cyrus took the mask off the rack and handed it to Seffy.

Then, leaning in closer to the vendor, Cyrus quietly whispered in a threatening tone, “Let me offer some friendly advice. If I were you, I’d be a bit more careful about who and how much you overcharge. Other people aren’t as lenient as I am.”

Leaving the vendor standing with a bit of cold sweat, Cyrus walked back up to Seffy.

“You didn’t have to buy it you know?” Seffy said as she held the mask to her chest.

“Well, you seemed quite intent on it, so why not? Though, I’m a little hurt. Was the face mask I made not good enough? Oh, if the mask I made was not to our little princess’s taste I would’ve come up with a better design. I’m a failure! A failure, I say! May I be hanged for this atrocity I have committed. To sully the princess’s honor by having to wear something in such poor taste, I can do nothing but bury myself in shame.” Cyrus said as he put his hands over his face.

“Oh, stop it already. Though it’s true your design was a little bland.” Seffy responded in a giggle.

“Simple is still best after all.” Cyrus replied, quickly switching back to his usual countenance.

“Let’s go get some food. I want to try out the cuisines the restaurants have to serve around here. Hopefully they are better than what you can cook up.” Seffy said as she grabbed Cyrus’s hand, leading him towards a nearby building.

“Hey, I had little to work with and you know that!” Cyrus said in an indignant tone.

As they quickly entered the crowded establishment, a waitress came up and walked them over to the nearest open table. After taking their order, the waitress hurriedly left with a flushed face. At this, Cyrus could only smirk before turning to Seffy who was sitting across from him.

“That’s going to get annoying at the academy. How are you planning to deal with it?” Seffy asked as she lazily propped up her head with the arm resting on the table.

“Eh, I’ll figure something out. Worst case scenario, I’ll just be attracting all the girls.” Cyrus shrugged with a smile.

Furrowing her brows a little, Seffy just let out an exasperated sigh as she slumped into her seat.

“Why do you sound so miffed? Besides, you’ll be facing the same issue. How are YOU going to deal with it?” Cyrus questioned in an amused tone while leaning back.

“I’ll figure something out.” Seffy mimicked with an annoyed expression.

Soon enough, their food arrived. As they were about to start eating, a commotion could be heard from within the kitchen. As everyone turned their heads to see what was going on, a burly kitchen staff member came bursting out while holding a young boy in rags by the scruff of his neck. Quickly making his way over to the entrance of the restaurant, the burly staff member unceremoniously tossed the boy outside. After the boy rolled on the ground a few times, he struggled upright and staggered over to a nearby wall where he slumped down against it.

“Seriously, it’s been getting worse by the day. Ever since that damn earthquake, these beggars have been showing up in droves. We’re not some god damn charity; we’ve already given away enough food. For fucks sake, where do they keep sneaking in? Bet the fucking newbie left the backdoor unlocked again. I’m not getting paid enough for this.” The burly man grumbled to himself as he quickly strode back into the kitchen.

As a waitress quickly apologized to everyone, most of the people resumed their lunch shortly after. However, Cyrus left his food untouched as he gazed outside at the boy sitting against the wall. Soon, he stood up much to the surprise of the nearby people, and taking his plate with him, walked out of the restaurant and towards the boy. As Cyrus came to a stop in front of the boy, the child slowly lifted his head and stared back. Cyrus then placed the plate right in front of the child before promptly turning and started walking back to the restaurant, leaving the boy dumbfounded.

“The food’s going to get cold if you don’t hurry up.” Cyrus said while waving his arms behind him.

Returning to his seat, Cyrus sat back down while everyone in the restaurant kept their gaze on him. A waitress soon snapped out of her stupor and came up to the table where Cyrus was sitting at.

Sporting a troubled look, the waitress asked in a hesitant voice, “Um, sir? Don’t take this the wrong way, but please refrain from doing that in the future. While it’s understandable why you would want to do something like that, giving food from a restaurant is rather… well, inappropriate. Other than that, such actions would make no difference anyway since there are just too many others like that boy.”

Turning his head back towards the boy that was now voraciously scarfing down food, Cyrus responded, “Well, it certainly made a difference to that one.”

“Yes, but…” The waitress started before Cyrus held a hand up.

Taking out a few more silvers, Cyrus placed them on the table in front of the waitress.

“Here’s a little extra for the plate. Keep the change.” Cyrus nonchalantly said.

“Would you like for another dish to be made in replacement?” The waitress asked after collecting the silvers and giving a prompt bow.

“No need. I’m fine.” Cyrus brusquely responded as the waitress started to leave.

Turning back to Seffy, Cyrus could see her grinning at him. Leaning his head on an arm, Cyrus smugly asked, “Oh, well aren’t you quite cheerful now? Tell me, is there something on my face that would amuse you so?”

“No, it’s just that that was quite unexpected from you. I took you more for the selfish kind.” Seffy smiled back in response.

“Is that how I look to you? Give me back all the time I spent caring for you! That hurt my feelings a bit. If only slightly.” Cyrus smirked back.

Seffy just rolled her eyes in response. “Still, that’s a pretty nice thing you just did there. Despite how you act, you’re quite the softie aren’t you?”

“I wonder about that.” Cyrus replied before continuing. “In the end, it was less out of kindness, and more out of empathy, though I suppose they’re basically the same thing. To see someone like that boy struggle on in spite of the fact that his life could end at any moment without warning; in the end isn’t that something to respect? Weren’t you the same as him before? You, more so than anyone else, should know the struggles of those without power; the insecurity of not knowing what lies the next day. Yet, there he is, still living, still breathing, still hoping that one day something will change for the better, even if that something is simply having a full stomach. I find something like that much more worthy of my respect and support than any well-off person pretending to be a good Samaritan. In the end, you just have to give them a chance, no matter how small.”

After Cyrus finished, Seffy was just left staring at him in thought. After a while a soft, warm smile crept up on her face.

“Yeah, and just like that boy right now, I’m still grateful to you for that.”

Smiling in response, Cyrus just looked back at her before saying, “Enough of that now. You should eat your food quickly now before-”

Cyrus then quickly snatched a piece of meat off her plate before tossing it in his mouth. “-An unforeseen accident happens to it.” Cyrus finished in a grin.