He found himself on a slow-moving train, packed with thousands of humans from all around Virgo – all impatient to get to their destination just like him.
The entire way to the train station he was in a stupor. His mind was running rampant on the opportunities that would be presented to him in Celestia.
'Weapons, Quest, Connections. The possibilities are almost endless.'
The capital of Virgo, Celestia, sat atop Virgo's treasure trove of altitude. A vast altitude crystal sat below the city, over time empowering everything in the city and slightly beyond. This was the home of some of the most powerful weapons, creatures, and people in Virgo, and now Kayui was going to become one of them.
"Greyshire can be damned," he said to himself, his head low. His body subconsciously diverts all attention away from himself. A habit he picked up from being in the slums of Grayshire.
His shuttle was filled to the brim with many people of different statuses. Not that Kayui could tell any difference. Greyshire education never taught such things as everyone there was all low class, destined to be miners in big cities or cannon fodder to the militia.
Despite the crowd, Kayui didn't pay attention to anyone, his excitement was overbearing. His face remained solemn but slowly a sly smile appeared.
He couldn't help it. He had made his mother proud.
The shuttle halted at its first stop.
He didn't notice the doors opening as he was stuck in his own mind.
"Excuse me, the plain can't sit there." a voice broke his blind awe.
Raising his head to look at the figure he noticed the condemning eyes of those around him staring daggers into his chest.
Men and women, with beautiful blue eyes resembling a serpent's and dazzling slick skin sat and stood around him filling in from the shuttle door. They wore intricate armors made of pristine ivory, decorated with different shades of blue gems.
His heart sank, blind pride filling its place. He wanted to fight back, but he wasn't a fool.
'Altitude crystals. Must be some big faction.'
His mood was instantly sullied as he stood up dragging his backpack behind him, rage visible in his face.
He walked away towards an empty corner, the sounds of their swords clanking making him grow more agitated.
'Plain? You wait, I'll show you plain.'
****
He stepped out of the train, multiple others filling in quickly taking his "plain" seat. The train station he arrived at was pristine and brimming with life. The bright stone panels that lined the floor and walls made his eyes hurt.
He looked at the people bustling throughout the station. He stuck out like a sore thumb, his dirty clothes and wild hair attracted a few slight glances. His ego was hurt a little but he didn't let it slow him down.
'I don't have time for this.'
As he tried to maneuver through his patience ran thin.
He stood in place and took in the surroundings. His instincts told him it wouldn't be easy to find an easy way out. The crowd was so packed he felt as if he was about to be trampled.
The ceiling was pretty far up, and multiple gaps in the train track separated sections of the station. He noticed a few people flying or jumping over the crowd and decided to do the same.
He pushed through the crowd, faster than expected, attracting glares. He made his way to one of the columns and swiftly jumped up, kicking and climbing to move higher. He grabbed onto the gaps in the tile, and the cement below crumbled beneath his grip.
He regained his balance and looked for an exit.
He looked down to see the pillar, nothing if not destroyed. He scratched the back of his head and let out a mental chuckle.
"That's new?" He said aloud accidentally.
Immediately multiple eyes were on him.
'Make this fast, Kayui'.
He spotted an exit and burst off towards it exploding the pillar behind him. Multiple gasps sounded out, and a few shouts rang.
"Damned this city!" An old scrappy voice yelled from behind Kayui. He paid it no mind. Sunlight beamed on him and he smelled fresh air.
The atmosphere here was entirely different. The air felt heavenly to breathe, but a new pressure presented itself. A similar pressure to the one that lay in his mindscape.
The presence of strong altitude in the air made his muscles tense. He lost his train of thought for a second and stood still. He broke out into an involuntary smile.
There were no trees in sight. Everything was huge and modern here. Giant buildings with thousands of windows. Cars that looked as if they were made yesterday, no rust or decay in sight. This was Celestia.
He was stuck in awe once again. He almost forgot how to breathe. He had never seen such a scene, spending his whole life in a grey hell. Most of all, he could feel strong fighters around. The sun finally shone bright and the skies were clear of debris.
He sucked in a breath and regained his composure.
He walked along the sidewalk, a few other ordinary people among him. He assumed they were blue-collar workers on they're day off. He took in the bright colors everywhere.
"Do you know where the Altitude Academy is?"
He had never spoken to someone outside of Grayshire. He was used to being treated like trash but he felt optimistic.
The voice came back empathetic and warm. A tall woman looked at him with lilac eyes resonating with strong vitality.
"Aren't you a little young to be in the academy?" She said with a smile.
He hesitated, taken aback by the blind kindness. Something only his family had given him in the past.
"Uhm.. I moved up a grade." He said lowering his gaze, not able to hold eye contact.
He shook his head and looked her in the eye once again. "I'm rather strong for my age!" He shot back with newfound confidence.
"Ah, is that so?" She let out a soft chuckle.
"The academy is right across this bridge here." She pointed a finger behind herself. The midnight black bridge stretched into fog. What lay behind wasn't visible to him in his immediate view. He hadn't even noticed it until now.
"The strong usually notice it right away." She said, beginning to strut away with amusement.
His face contorted, and he began to feel hot.
"You have a nice day, strong child." A laugh bellowed out.
"This place is no different from back home." Taking a deep breath he walked forward preparing himself for the place he would spend his imminent future within.
He walked quickly so, not to encounter any other Celestia citizens.
'I'm gonna be the strongest here' he reassured himself before his body became shrouded in fog as well.
As he stepped through the gates the entire academy became visible. The air here was even thicker than before. The campus was almost as vast as Grayshire itself. He felt as if he had entered an entirely new city, outside of Celestia.
He could see multiple different buildings and facilities all made for different purposes. Giant signs that read their names, from dorms to combat facilities. He was amazed once again.
"Kayui, I see you made it. I had no doubts." A deep voice spoke into his ear, startling him.
He jumped away, turning around swiftly. No one was in sight. The campus, and the spot where he just stood, empty.
His blood ran cold.
"Ah calm down child, one of my students is using a telepathic ability. It's me, Principle Zenith, Welcome to Altitude Academy."