Chapter 150 New beginning
Days flew swiftly for Anthony and Lysandra, like leaves carried by the wind of a fleeting autumn. They crossed tiny villages, each with its own charm and mystery. In one of these villages, they decided to stop for a moment and immerse themselves in its everyday life. The small town that welcomed them was a gem amidst the vastness of the landscape.
Experience tales with empire
From afar, its profile gleamed under the sunlight, with flashes of color and movement.
Fluorescent lights flickered like shooting stars along the narrow streets, casting a magical atmosphere over the place. A bustling crowd surged at every corner, like a torrent of life in constant motion. According to the stories they had heard, this corner of the world had gained renown for its hot springs, a natural blessing that attracted travelers and locals alike.
As they ventured into the town, Anthony and Lysandra discovered that the fame of the hot springs was not exaggerated. Small lagoons dotted the urban landscape, their bubbling waters exuding comforting warmth and enticing steam rising in spirals towards the sky.
Each house seemed to be the guardian of its own hot spring, creating a symphony of bubbles and steam that filled the air with a sweet and rejuvenating aroma.
They allowed themselves to be enveloped by the unique atmosphere of the place, immersing themselves in the hot springs as if they were the elixir of youth. While relaxing under the warm embrace of the water, they marveled at the vibrant life pulsating around them.
Anthony and Lysandra stayed overnight in one of the inns of the place, before resuming their journey, they wanted to stay a little longer but time was not on their side, so without further ado, they continued their journey.
After another three days of journeying, a majestic city rose on the horizon, imposing and grandiose. Calling it simply a "city" seemed insufficient; it was rather a vast empire of stone and steel that stretched beyond human sight. With a radiant smile on his face, Anthony beheld the spectacle before his eyes. They had finally reached their destination: the Imperial City.
This place was known as the safest bastion in the entire region, the last bulwark of defense in times of crisis. It was where the military power of the empire converged, an impregnable fortress that protected the interests of humanity.
Lysandra's eyes also lit up at the sight of the magnificence of the city that rose before them. Although invisible to the naked eye, a gigantic protective dome surrounded the entire city, created by the magic of numerous wizards.
This defensive field, an invisible but impenetrable barrier, served as a safeguard against possible aerial attacks, another demonstration of the extreme security surrounding the Imperial City.
In addition to being the residence of the imperial family, the city housed countless state-of-the-art research facilities. From secret laboratories to renowned academic institutions, every corner of that place resonated with the constant buzz of progress and knowledge.
However, one of the highlights of the Imperial City was its Imperial Academy. That venerable institute was the crucible where the brightest minds and leaders of tomorrow were forged. The sons and daughters of the most influential families of the empire attended there in search of education and training, preparing themselves to assume roles of responsibility and leadership in society.
With firm steps and hearts full of expectations, Anthony and Lysandra ventured into the imposing gates of the Imperial City. As they approached, the grand gates opened majestically, revealing the insignia of the House of Dragons engraved on its surface. It was a symbol that all guards must recognize, as they were familiar with the various emblems of the most prominent families of the empire.
Unlike what might be expected under other circumstances, no currency was required to enter the city. The Royal House did not take advantage of the less privileged; instead, the city's funding came mainly from the ducal families and some high-ranking nobles.
This included, of course, the prestigious Imperial Academy, where families of lesser influence could access for free as long as they had great potential to be exploited, as the academy had multiple training functions, they had the opportunity to enter any faculty, for example, if a common child who did not possess any magic could apply to an engineering faculty or other things, the academy adapted to the needs of the people, which is why it was the greatest pride of the imperial family and the ducal houses.
However, the rules changed when it came to commerce. Those who wished to establish businesses within the city or trade with its inhabitants were subject to paying commissions to the Imperial House. This system ensured a steady flow of income for the maintenance and development of the city, but also protected the interests of the most vulnerable families, exempting them from such financial burdens.
Of course, those who ventured into illegal activities faced severe consequences. Depending on the severity of their actions, they could be forced to pay significant fines or even face imprisonment. This policy did not discriminate between rich and poor; before the law, all were equal, and justice was applied with rigor and fairness in the Imperial City.
After all, everything that had laws was led by the "Supreme Judgment of the Empire," each of them being the highest authority in terms of laws, no one can escape.
With a few days off ahead, Anthony and Lysandra decided to explore the city and visit multiple stores to pass the time. With the generous money provided by their father Noah, they didn't have to worry about spending too much. As they walked through the bustling streets, Lysandra was captivated by the elegant dresses displayed in the shop window.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and without hesitation, she dragged Anthony along with her inside.
They spent hours browsing the shops, marveling at the merchandise they offered and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city. From fashion boutiques to charming craft stores, every corner offered a new surprise to discover. Anthony was carried away by Lysandra's contagious energy, enjoying every moment they spent together in that vibrant and colorful place.
Thus, the remaining days passed, immersed in the exploration and enjoyment of the city. However, the awaited moment arrived: the day of the inauguration of the academy.
With mixed emotions and hearts pounding with anticipation, Anthony and Lysandra, although Anthony was happy on the outside, his mind was running at maximum speed, he knew that this arc was one of the bloodiest, after all, the city had suffered multiple attacks from within, just like within the academy over the years, as far as he could remember everything started from the second academic year.