The road changed long before the city came into view.
Kael felt it beneath his boots first, a faint vibration, steady and controlled, as if the ground itself were breathing. Thin lines of pale light ran through the stone road, embedded carefully rather than carved crudely. They pulsed in slow rhythms, never flaring, never dimming.
"Mana channels," Seris said to him as she walked ahead, her pace unhurried. "Everglade stabilizes its roads. Reduces accidents, suppresses wild magic surges, and allows heavy transport without strain."
Kael crouched briefly, brushing his fingers against the stone. The mana felt cool. Refined.
"This leads directly to Lorri's Arch?" he asked as he stood.
"Eventually," Seris replied. "The academy is located in Brightgold, the capital of Everglade."
Kael glanced up at her. "Right in the capital?"
"Yes." Seris slowed slightly, allowing him to walk beside her. "Lorri's Arch was built there deliberately. Everglade does not hide its power. The academy stands at the heart of the empire as both a training ground and a warning."
"A warning to who?" Kael asked with a confused expression on his face
"To everyone," she answered simply. "Brightgold is neutral territory, but neutrality only survives when it is backed by strength. Lorri's Arch produces that strength."
Kael considered that quietly.
"So this city we're heading to now…?"
"A transit city," Seris said. "An airship port. From there, we travel to Brightgold."
Not long after, the city revealed itself.
It didn't rise violently from the land the way fortified capitals did. Instead, it unfolded—layer upon layer of stone platforms, crystal towers, and suspended walkways connected by arcs of shimmering mana. Airships drifted overhead, their hulls etched with glowing runes and magi-tech circuits that hummed softly as they descended into tall docking towers.
Kael stopped without realizing it.
There were no dragon statues.
No chained beasts powering generators.
No roaring furnaces fueled by stolen cores.
Instead, mana crystals lined the city walls and streets, glowing with a calm, steady light.
"This is Everglade," Kael murmured.
"Yes," Seris said. "Sustainable. Controlled. Envied."
They passed through the gates under the watchful eyes of guards clad in practical mana-threaded armor. Kael felt their gazes sweep over him not suspicious, but calculating.
As if measuring.
The city bustled with life. Merchants sold enchanted components beside magi-tech devices. Scholars debated beside rune-terminals. Knights in training crossed paths with engineers carrying crystal cores. Different races walked openly together, not segregated, not restrained.
Kael felt unsettled.
Not because of danger but because of what was possible here.
Before they could explore further, Seris stopped sharply in front of a tailor's shop.
"You need proper clothing," she said.
Kael blinked. "Is it really necessary?"
"You stand out," she replied. "And not in a good way."
He opened his mouth to argue, then caught his reflection in the glass window. Dust-stained clothes, travel worn out fabric, gear better suited for roads than cities.
"…Alright," he admitted.
Inside, the tailor worked quickly. Mana-guided fabric adjusted itself to Kael's form, stitching seamlessly as runes flickered and faded.
When Kael stepped outside again, the change was subtle but profound.
A fitted dark tunic reinforced with mana thread along the seams. Flexible trousers designed for combat and travel. A lightweight coat that rested comfortably on his shoulders without restricting movement.
No noble crests. No academy insignia.
Just someone who belonged.
Seris gave him a brief look, then turned away. "Acceptable."
They found an inn near the airship docks as dusk settled. Warm light spilled from its windows, and the scent of cooked grain and meat filled the air.
Inside, the innkeeper frowned apologetically. "Only one room left."
Kael froze. "Two rooms, please."
The man shook his head. "Festival traffic. One room. One bed."
Kael's thoughts scrambled. "I—I can sleep outside."
"You will not," Seris said calmly.
"We'll take it," she added to the innkeeper.
The room was modest but clean. One bed. A small table. A window overlooking the street.
Kael stopped just inside the doorway.
"I'll sleep on the floor," he said immediately.
Seris glanced at him. "There is a bed."
"I'll use a blanket," Kael insisted as he had a flustered expression on his face, already unrolling one near the wall. "It's fine. I've slept worse."
She watched him for a moment, then shook her head. "You are unnecessarily tense, don't worry this big sister won't eat you up." she smirked
Kael muttered something under his breath as he lay down.
Later that night, the city quieted. Outside, footsteps passed. Somewhere far away, an airship engine hummed.
Kael stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.
Within him, something stirred.
You are restless, a deep voice echoed in his mind.
Kael hesitated. Then whispered, "Hey."
…What is it now?
"You've been calling yourself 'dragon' this whole time," Kael said. "That feels strange."
There was a long silence.
Names carry weight, the dragon replied slowly. They bind memory, duty, and loss.
"I know," Kael said. "But I'd still like to call you something."
The presence shifted, ancient and vast.
"…Very well," the dragon finally said. "My name is Vaelthryx".
The syllables rolled with power, sharp and resonant, like fire scraping against stone.
Kael swallowed. "Vaelthryx…"
"It is not a name I share lightly", the dragon added. "Do not cheapen it".
Kael smiled faintly. "I won't."
The presence settled again, quieter than before.
Outside the inn, unseen eyes lingered in the shadows.
Kael slept on the floor of a foreign city, one step closer to Brightgold, one step closer to Lorri's Arch Academy.
And far above, the capital of Everglade waited, golden, watchful, and unforgiving.