The Wyvern glided gently onto the large dock at the edge of Midlandia Isle, its wings beating softly before landing gracefully. The dock bustled with activity—humans, elves, dwarves, and various other beings moved in orderly lines under the watch of guards in dark blue uniforms emblazoned with a coiled dragon emblem. The atmosphere was structured but not tense; the guards' smiles towards visitors made the place seem welcoming despite the strict procedures.
Trey glanced towards the large inspection post in the middle of the dock. Neat rows of wooden desks stretched out, each visitor stopping before a guard to present their documents. "This is like an immigration checkpoint," Trey muttered under his breath.
Elfa hopped down from the Wyvern's saddle and offered a hand to help Trey down. "Yes, Midlandia is famous for its orderly systems. But don't worry, as long as we follow the rules, everything will be fine."
"I don't have any documents, Elfa," Trey whispered anxiously.
'Then again, what use would my old-world documents even be here?' he thought grimly.
Elfa patted his shoulder calmly. "Just follow me. I'll handle everything. Hold my hand so we don't get separated." Their voice was steady as they sized up the guards and extended a hand.
A guard standing at the entrance approached them. He was a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp eyes, but his expression was friendly.
"Welcome to Midlandia," he said in a firm yet polite voice. "May I know the purpose of your visit?"
Elfa responded confidently. "I am Elfa, from the northwestern territories. This is Trey, a new arrival. We're here to apply for his temporary residency permit."
The guard nodded while making a note in a logbook. "Good. Please proceed to the identity verification desk over there. If your companion lacks documentation, he'll just need to go through an interview process. It's straightforward and won't take long."
"Wait a moment," the guard called them back just as they were about to leave.
Trey forced a smile while his body trembled slightly; Elfa just stared with wide, intense eyes.
"Is there a problem?" Elfa asked.
"Is it… you?!" the guard exclaimed, his expression and gaze suddenly sharp.
Trey braced himself to make a run for it.
"Teacher Elfa! Long time no see! How have you been?" the guard asked, his stern face breaking into a genuine grin.
"I've been well. How about you?" Elfa asked back, visibly relaxing.
"Do you remember me, Teacher? I'm the one from secondary school whom you almost fed to your plants once!" the guard said cheerfully.
Trey's eyes went wide.
"Oh! Rick! You've grown so much! Sorry, I didn't recognize you earlier. You've changed a lot, plus I've been teaching for 30 years now," Elfa apologized.
"No worries, Teacher. I understand. You must have taught many students. Before you go, can I ask you something?" Rick asked.
"Go ahead," Elfa said with their usual cool demeanor.
"I heard a rumor that you're supposed to get married by age 60, as arranged from birth, to control the population. Is that boy… your son?!" Rick blurted out.
"On what basis are you saying that?" Elfa asked, one eyebrow raised.
"Just look at him, Teacher! His eyes sparkle like emeralds, his skin is pale, and he's just as pretty as you!" Rick pointed at Trey with his index finger.
The guard leaned in, scrutinizing Trey's face closely. "But his ears and hair are different… Did you marry someone from another race? Is his father human?"
Elfa simply smirked at the guard's antics. "So, Trey, would you like to become my adopted child?" they asked, flashing an infuriatingly sweet smile at Trey.
"No, thank you!" Trey refused instantly.
"Eh? He's not your son? Then who is he?" Rick looked genuinely confused.
Suddenly, Trey was hoisted up like a baby and seated in the crook of Elfa's arm.
"He's just a lost child I found. If he looks like my son, I don't mind. In fact, I'd love to have a child to keep this old elf company. But judging by his answer, I'm only looking after him temporarily. There's no harm in helping a lost child, is there?" Elfa said with a small, sincere smile.
From a distance, another guard called for Rick to return to his duties.
"I have to go now. Thank you, Teacher!" Rick said, rushing off.
Elfa waved until the guard was out of sight. "Time passes so quickly. They leave so fast," Elfa murmured, their expression tinged with melancholy.
"See? So many people care about you. Shouldn't you be grateful?" Trey asked, looking up at them.
"You're right," Elfa said, still gazing into the distance.
Trey looked down. "Not like lazy old me. No one would care."
"I care. And I want to," Elfa smiled softly, gently pinching Trey's cheek.
"Hahaha, funny. Now you're a comedian, old lady," Trey teased.
"You think I'm joking? I'm serious. But don't call me a lady unless you want to become plant food," Elfa replied, ruffling Trey's hair.
Trey fell silent.
"Um. Thank you. And sorry," he mumbled.
"I already told you I don't need your thanks. But I'll accept the apology this time," Elfa said, still carrying Trey in their arms.
Trey let out a sigh of relief. "That was suspenseful."
Identity Verification
They walked toward the verification desks, where several guards were busy checking other visitors' documents. A large sign at the entrance read:
"All visitors must present valid identification documents. Visitors without documents will undergo additional interviews."
Elfa handed their identification card to a young female guard at one of the desks.
The guard checked it quickly, then made an entry in a large ledger. "Your ID is valid. May I know about your companion?"
Elfa glanced at Trey before answering. "He doesn't have any official documents or ID. But he's with me, and I am responsible for his visit."
The guard looked at Trey with sharp but friendly eyes. "Alright. He'll need to go through a verification interview. Don't worry, it's just standard procedure."
She pointed to a small room in the corner of the dock. Trey walked slowly toward it cautiously, with Elfa following close behind for support.
The Identity Interview
Inside the small room, an elderly man with a white beard sat behind a desk. He wore the same dark blue uniform adorned with a dragon emblem on his shoulder. His face was calm, but his gaze was sharp, as if he could read a person's heart.
"Have a seat," he said, pointing to the chair in front of the desk.
Trey sat stiffly while Elfa stood behind him.
"Your name?" the man asked in a slow, authoritative voice.
"Trey," he answered simply.
"Your place of origin?" The man stared at Trey intently.
Trey paused for a moment, his brain scrambling for an answer that wouldn't sound suspicious. "I'm… from a small, remote territory far from here," he said slowly, trying to sound convincing.
The man raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Your purpose for coming to Midlandia?"
"I'm here… to find a temporary place to stay and start a new life," Trey answered in a low voice.
The man jotted something down in his notebook. "You look like a refugee. Are you fleeing from conflict or other trouble?"
Trey was taken aback but quickly shook his head. "No. I'm just a lost child being looked after by them. I happened to have no documents or ID and just want to register to live here," Trey said quickly, his words stilted.
The man nodded slowly, as if accepting the answer. "Very well. I will grant you temporary visitor status. But you must report to the capital within seven days to complete your official registration. Those are the rules."
He produced a metal medallion engraved with a scale symbol and handed it to Trey. "This medallion is your temporary visitor's pass. Wear it at all times while in Midlandia. Do not lose it."
Trey took the medallion with slightly trembling hands. "Thank you…"
The man gave a thin smile. "Midlandia is a welcoming place, but we are very strict about rules. Follow all laws, and you will have no trouble."
Entering Midlandia
After finishing the inspection, Trey and Elfa walked out of the checkpoint. The main road leading into the capital now stretched before them, flanked by breathtaking views of a city filled with western-style architecture, small waterfalls, and exotic birds chirping in the treetops.
Trey held the medallion in his hand as he looked at Elfa. "I'm relieved they didn't ask too many questions. But why did everything feel so… tense?"
Elfa chuckled softly. "That's Midlandia for you. They're strict with regulations, but it's only to ensure everyone's safety. You'll see for yourself—the city is actually very welcoming."
As they approached the city's main gate, Trey could see city life unfolding. Merchants lined the streets, selling various goods like brightly colored silks, fragrant fruits, and intriguing antiques.
"So… this is Midlandia? Not bad," Trey commented, impressed.
"Beneath its strict regulations, this place is a symbol of peace and diversity," Elfa replied proudly.
Trey gave a small smile as he gazed toward the tall tower visible in the distance, standing majestically in the heart of the capital. "Maybe I really can start a new life here…"
They stepped through the grand gateway, ready to explore the capital of Midlandia and face whatever awaited them.
---
Trey and Elfa finally reached the city's main gate—a colossal structure made of massive stones layered with intricate carvings depicting the kingdom's triumphs over hundreds of years. Above the gate, the kingdom's flag fluttered majestically, bearing the symbol of a crowned scale—the highest symbol of justice.
Elfa gave a small smile. "Welcome to the capital."
They walked along the city streets, Trey still marveling at everything he saw. Yet, in his heart, he knew that living in this city wouldn't be as easy as it looked. He could only hope that his presence in this new world held a greater purpose than just escaping his past.
Trey's Registration in Midlandia: The Orderly and Grand Registration Area
After passing the identity check at the dock, Elfa led Trey toward the official registration area in the capital of Midlandia. The cobblestone path they walked was adorned with rows of towering trees whose leaves provided shade from the sun. The city was alive with activity—merchants peddled their wares along the streets while various races gathered, talked, and interacted harmoniously.
In the distance, Trey saw a grand building standing imposingly. It was shaped like a semi-circle, surrounded by tall pillars carved with the symbols of a coiled dragon and a great tree—Midlandia's official emblems. Its roof was made of multicolored stained glass that reflected the sunlight, creating a dancing spectrum of colors in the air.
"Is that the place?" Trey asked, his eyes fixed on the imposing structure ahead.
Elfa nodded. "That is the Midlandia Registration Hall. All visitors must go through the process here to obtain residency permits. This place also serves as the administrative center for locals."
Trey swallowed hard. "It looks… too grand just for registration."
Elfa smiled slightly. "Midlandia likes to ensure everything is orderly and detailed. They built this place to show how seriously they take security."
Entering the Registration Hall
As they approached the entrance, two guards stood beside a large door made of dark wood carved with scales. The guards wore silver armor and held long spears.
"Welcome to the Midlandia Registration Hall," one guard greeted them in a polite yet firm voice. "Please present your documents or visitor's medallion."
Elfa handed over their documents, while Trey held up the newly acquired medallion. The guard examined both carefully before stepping aside. "You may enter. The registration counters are located in the main hall."
Trey breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped inside with Elfa.
Inside, the main hall was vast, with white marble floors that shone like mirrors. In the center of the room stood a large round table surrounded by clerks dressed in dark blue robes. They were busy checking documents and directing visitors to the appropriate counters.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft glow throughout the room. On the walls, large paintings depicted Midlandia's history with Demons—from the age of war to the era of peace.
"This is… beyond my expectations," Trey whispered, his eyes roaming everywhere.
"Focus, Trey," Elfa said, tugging his arm gently. "Let's get registered."
The Registration Process
They approached the main desk, where a female clerk with neatly tied hair greeted them with a smile.
"Welcome. May I know your purpose? If you wish to proceed with registration, please provide the necessary documents to generate your identification card," the clerk asked while opening a large book.
Trey paled upon hearing that documents were required yet again.
'Oi! This is starting to feel like a job application! I had to go through this so many times in the old world. Why didn't I learn from my mistakes?' Trey groaned internally, holding his head and looking down.
Suddenly, a pale, delicate hand placed a file on the desk.
"Here, the documents have been filed," Light's voice chirped as she appeared out of nowhere.
The female clerk's eyes widened briefly before returning her professional smile. "Thank you for simplifying our task. You two are asked to remain at the counter. Since you are a minor," she nodded at Trey, "you are requested to wait in the waiting area. That is all."
'I'm considered a minor? Oh, right… I still look like a child,' Trey thought.
He smiled and gave a small wave, then walked over to the seating area, shoving his hands into his pockets. He sat in a nearby chair, waiting alongside others.
Grrrowl.
Trey's stomach rumbled loudly. "Ugh, I forgot I didn't have breakfast," he muttered, clutching his stomach.
Suddenly, a woman wearing a facinator hat and a half-Venetian mask sat down beside him. She was remarkably tall even while seated. She wore a sweater under a trench coat and several accessories like rings and a leather belt with unique patterns. The woman offered him a packet of biscotti and a tumbler whose lid could double as a cup.
"Biscotti?" the woman asked with a half-smile visible beneath her mask.
"Gracias," Trey replied out of habit.
"Hohoho. Gracias is Spanish. In our country, we speak Italian," the woman chuckled.
They ate the biscotti and drank milk from the tumbler.
"Thank you. My name is Trey," he said, extending a hand.
"I am Bella Donna. May I ask you something?" Bella inquired.
"Sure," Trey said, rubbing his stomach.
Suddenly, Bella lifted her Venetian mask, revealing the lower half of a face that looked deathly pale. Her pupils seemed too large, dead veins were visible beneath her skin.
"Am I a beautiful woman?" Bella asked with a wide smile.
Trey immediately stood up and gave a slight, formal bow like a butler. "Don't worry, both externally and internally, it's all beautiful," he said smoothly.
They both burst into hearty laughter.
"Final question," Bella said, her tone shifting slightly. "You've seen a ghost before, haven't you?"
Trey froze, his body going rigid.