The Eternal Sketch

Six Weeks Later

The walls of the academy had been Ryo's entire world for months, but today, he would finally step beyond them.

Callus stood beside him at the entrance, arms crossed. "You've improved in your techniques, but real experience doesn't come from isolation. It's time you see how the world works beyond ink and parchment."

Ryo adjusted the strap of his satchel, filled with brushes, ink, and parchment. His excitement was tempered by the weight of responsibility. Every time he pushed himself, he walked the fine line between mastery and losing control. But he knew he couldn't grow without taking risks.

Elara joined them, stretching her arms. "About time we got out of here. You've been cooped up in the training halls too long."

Their destination was Silverbrook, a bustling trade town located at the crossroads between the academy and the wider world. It was a place where travelers, merchants, and adventurers gathered, a melting pot of cultures, magic, and danger.

The journey took several hours, during which Ryo observed the changing landscapes—rolling hills, dense forests, and the occasional ruin of an old civilization. He had read about these places in books, but seeing them firsthand was different. It was a reminder that the world was vast and full of things waiting to be discovered.

Upon arriving in Silverbrook, the sounds of the town overwhelmed his senses—merchants calling out their wares, blacksmiths hammering away at metal, and distant music from street performers. The air smelled of roasted meats, fresh bread, and exotic spices.

"This," Elara said, spinning in a circle, "is what you've been missing."

Ryo wasn't sure where to begin. His mind raced with ideas. Could he create lifelike market stalls with his ink? Could he summon animals to aid in trade or defense? There was so much to experiment with.

They wandered through the town, eventually arriving at a large square where a group of adventurers was gathered. A bounty board stood at the center, covered in requests for everything from hunting beasts to retrieving lost artifacts.

Callus gestured toward it. "This is where most mages and warriors start their real training. Practical experience is worth more than any lecture."

Ryo scanned the board, curiosity piqued. One particular request stood out—a missing person case involving a researcher who had disappeared in the nearby ruins of an ancient city.

"Think we could handle something like this?" Ryo asked, glancing at Elara.

She grinned. "Only one way to find out."

Callus sighed but didn't protest. "Fine. But if things go wrong, remember—your creations are only as strong as your control over them."

Ryo nodded. He had learned that lesson the hard way. But as they set off toward the ruins, he couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would test his skills in ways he wasn't prepared for.

And he was eager to find out just how far he had come.