After waking up, Enrico ran for some more time until he reached the main road. There, he waited for a carriage heading toward Tsuyokuni. When he finally saw one approaching, he asked the owner to take him to the city in exchange for money, and the man agreed. Throughout the entire day, Enrico remained in the carriage, using the journey to eat and rest while they passed through the village of Mizukaze, the closest one to Tsuyokuni.
[Really, as you said, this place is huge.]
'Of course. Did you think I was lying by any chance?'
The continent was vast and divided into five major territories. Although there were dozens of cities and villages scattered throughout each region, each territory had a central city that concentrated a large part of its political, military, and cultural strength. These were known as the Five Great Cities and served as the continent's main centers of power.
Sanos was located in the north-central region and represented England. It was known for housing the best academy on the continent and for being the home of countless heroes and legendary mages. The region valued strength, hierarchy, and knowledge, and three of the continent's seven Ninth Circle mages belonged to it.
East of Sanos was Tsuyokuni, a territory inspired by Japan. Mountains, forests, and ancient traditions were part of the region, where the path of the katana coexisted with the development of magic. Its warriors were trained from an early age, even though they could only begin developing their magic circles at fifteen years old. Honor, duty, and discipline were fundamental values for its inhabitants.
To the south was Floravita, a territory that represented Brazil. The region was known for its vast forests, mana-rich mountains, and shining rivers. Its magic was strongly connected to nature and the essence of life, making it common to find druids and other types of mages. Despite its beauty and abundance of mana, it was also a dangerous region, as Nartheis found it easier to evolve there, forcing the inhabitants to constantly fight them.
Enrico remained seated in the carriage while watching the landscape pass by through the window.
West of Sanos, beyond the crystal deserts and jade plains, there was a great empire. Its central city, Tianlong, was known for its powerful mages and ancient traditions. Society was organized into magical dynasties, where family honor and the weight of a name held enormous importance.
Young prodigies were usually tested from childhood, and those who managed to survive the rigorous initiation rituals could earn a place among the great clans. Tianlong was also home to the so-called Jade Archmages, known for mastering both alchemy and magical combat.
Finally, located on the southwestern coast of the continent, was Vesparello. The city was known for its beauty and for being the continent's main artistic and cultural center. Magical bards, alchemists specialized in transforming emotions into spells, and enchanters capable of using beauty as a weapon were common in the region. However, its peaceful appearance hid a much more complicated society. Secret guilds and skilled politicians competed for influence, and manipulation and diplomacy were valued as much as magical power.
Despite the great differences between the five cities, they were all connected by a single truth: each one competed for magical dominance over the continent.
Astrong Academy, located in Sanos, had been built as a joint project to prevent another continental war. The best young people from each territory were sent there not only to study, but also to observe one another. The balance was fragile, alliances were temporary, and power could change hands at any moment.
Of course, the other continents also had their own academies, some as prestigious as those in Sanos. Among them, the most well-known was Tianlong's main academy, considered the greatest rival of Astrong Academy. Over the years, the two institutions had developed a strong rivalry, competing for recognition, influence, and, above all, which of their students would be considered the greatest prodigies of the generation.
Different races also existed throughout all these territories. Most lived in Sanos, including elves, vampires, beastmen, and orcs. Other races, such as druids, also existed, but in much smaller numbers.
Enrico looked through the carriage window as he finally spotted the city. When he got down, he noticed two large bronze bells slowly swaying in the wind.
"The Land of Strength."
The wall surrounding the city was made of large blocks of volcanic stone covered in ancient moss. Two watchtowers rose on either side, while archers wearing ceremonial armor silently watched the entrance. Their faces were hidden behind golden masks shaped like ancient demons.
"Visitor."
A deep voice broke the silence. From the left, a samurai advanced toward him. His dark armor, adorned with broad shoulder guards and lacquered bamboo plates, jingled softly with each movement. A katana rested at his waist, while the helmet marked with the symbol of a three-petaled golden flower indicated his rank.
"Name, purpose, and origin."
Enrico raised his hands in a calm gesture.
"Enrico Solcren Ferreira. Traveler, First Circle mage. I'm on a learning... and perhaps work mission."
"Territory?"
"I currently live in Sanos as a student. But my family lives in Balia, located between Vesparello and Floravita."
The samurai remained silent for a few seconds, carefully examining him before finally responding.
"No trouble in Tsuyokuni. Honor the laws and you will be welcome."
With a slight nod, the samurai indicated the way.
"You may enter."
Enrico passed through the gates. The inside of the city resembled a true city from the feudal era, with dirt roads lined by wooden houses, curved roofs, and paper lanterns hanging from the eaves. Merchants wore traditional clothing, while samurai and monks walked among the civilians with serious and disciplined postures.
Women offered tea at small stalls, and in the distance, the sound of a shamisen could be heard, played by a blind old man sitting on a stone bench.
Children ran through the streets with small wooden carts, but stopped to bow when an older warrior passed by. Everyone seemed to know their place in that society.
Enrico stopped for a few moments to observe a red bridge crossing a shallow lake filled with colorful koi. The beauty of the place contrasted with the constant tension that seemed to exist in the environment.
'All the guards here walk as if they're always ready for a duel...'
He continued walking until he noticed two young men practicing with wooden swords in a training yard.
At the highest point of the city stood Akirama's Golden Castle, the residence of the ruling clan. The structure stood out above the others, and its red banners, marked with ancestral symbols, fluttered in the wind.
Enrico looked at the castle and took a deep breath.
"Time to begin... Well, first I have to talk to them somehow."
[It's going to be difficult. The guards don't look like they'll let you in.]
Enrico observed the two men guarding the entrance. Both seemed to be in a bad mood, probably because of the condition of the clan leader, who was seriously ill. After sighing, Enrico decided it would be better to be direct and honest from the beginning.
"Hello, gentlemen."
The two guards looked at him. Enrico gave a respectful bow before the clan, which seemed to make them a little less suspicious.
"Thank you... But what is a boy doing here? Judging by your clothes, you must be from Sanos... perhaps just a student."
Enrico raised his head and scratched the back of his neck.
"Yes. I'm not from the territory of Sanos, but I'm a student at Astrong Academy... And, well, the reason I came is because I believe I can help your leader with Kagenai disease."
The two guards froze.
Both of their expressions immediately changed, and their eyes took on a dark tone as they stared at Enrico.