Kael woke up early, the faint light of dawn seeping through the cracks in the inn's shutters. He stepped outside to clear his mind, only to find Elira already seated by a small table near the entrance, sipping tea quietly. The guards were gathered nearby, their voices low but tense as they discussed the events from the previous night.
Curious, Elira approached them. "What's wrong?" she asked, her tone calm but probing.
One of the guards hesitated before answering. "It seems we weren't dealing with an ordinary monster last night," he explained. "From what we've pieced together, it was likely controlled by a Seeker—one who specializes in taming beasts using forbidden knowledge."
Kael overheard the conversation and felt a flicker of interest. The endless possibilities of seeking continued to astonish him. Seekers could summon creatures, tame them, and even use them as tools in battle. But how did this relate to the incident in the forest?
His thoughts raced as he connected the dots. If a Seeker had been behind the attack, it meant their carriage wasn't targeted randomly—it was deliberate. Not just any carriage, but one carrying the dean's daughter. The implications sent a chill down his spine. How would the school react to such an act? And more importantly, how would the dean respond when she learned that her own child had been placed in danger?
The idea unsettled Kael. This wasn't just mischief—it was a calculated move, possibly aimed at sending a message or testing the defenses of those associated with the Magic School of Knowledge. Whoever the Seeker was, they clearly didn't fear retribution—or perhaps they were counting on creating chaos within the school itself.
As the group prepared to leave the town, Kael shared his thoughts with Elira during the ride. "Do you think the school will investigate this?" he asked cautiously.
Elira frowned, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "They'll have no choice," she replied. "An attack on me is practically an attack on my mother—and by extension, the entire institution. If word gets out, it could cause panic among the students."
Kael nodded, though unease lingered in his chest. The stakes were higher than he had anticipated, and the arrival at the school now carried a weight he hadn't expected.
By midday, the carriage finally reached its destination. The entrance to the Magic School of Knowledge was bustling with activity. Carriages lined the pathways, while stalls and food courts dotted the open areas. Merchants called out to passersby, offering trinkets, books, and enchanted artifacts. Students milled about, some laughing and chatting, others deep in discussion with professors.
The energy in the air was palpable—a mix of excitement, curiosity, and ambition. For Kael, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. This was his life now, surrounded by individuals who sought power, knowledge, and mastery over abilities far beyond the ordinary.
As he stepped out of the carriage, Kael took a moment to take it all in. The towering spires of the school loomed ahead, their crystalline surfaces gleaming under the sunlight. Students hurried past him, their robes billowing behind them as they carried armloads of books and scrolls. Professors strolled leisurely, their presence commanding respect even amidst the lively atmosphere.
Elira joined him, her expression unreadable as she gazed at the scene before them. "This is it," she said softly, almost to herself. "Our new home."
Kael glanced at her, then back at the school. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their journey, one thing was clear: whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them here—together.