Authors Note: 9 major cities in a continental region
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Chapter 6: Nurban Orphanage
"We are here. And I hope nothing is going on between you two," Lark said, his tone sharp.
"Naaahh, you know it was a joke," Lucy replied with her usual sarcastic drawl.
Jefel's eyes twitched. A joke? The thought of dying before fulfilling his dream—before fulfilling his parents' dream—boiled his blood. Rage stirred deep in his chest, and for a fleeting moment, a wild aura coiled around him like the roar of a caged tiger.
Lark noticed. His heart skipped. That wasn't something a normal boy should emit. He knew Lucy had gone too far this time. "Enough, Lucy," he snapped. "You've done more than enough."
"Fine, fine. I'm sorry, okay?" Lucy said, still smirking.
In front of them sprawled a colossal city—lights and sounds blending into a living heartbeat. Towers of stone and glass, markets alive with shouts and music, streets thrumming with life.
"Welcome," Lark announced. "This is Nurban City, one of the nine great cities of the Delta Continental Region. The city of activities."
Jefel's eyes widened. He had never seen such a place—so alive, so overwhelming.
Their carriage slowed as guards at the gate spotted the crest etched on the side: a flaming fist. Whispers spread instantly.
"It's the Orphanage's carriage! Make way!"
The gates creaked open.
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Meanwhile, far from the city, deep in a silent cave—
A man sat cross-legged in a cave , bathed in radiant energy. His aura shook the walls of stone. When the carriage crossed the edge of one of his clones in nurbans detection area, his lips curved into a faint smile.
"They have arrived… Welcome, my child," he whispered.
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Back in Nurban, guards saluted as the carriage passed. After an hour of winding through districts, they reached a second gate. Larger, grander. The sign above read:
Entry to Nurban Academy.
Before Jefel could speak, Lark cut him off. "Yes, this is the academy. But it is also an orphanage. Look there—children and minors tending to their duties. This is where the young are tested. As for you… your father made a special request. We'll see how good you really are."
"…And don't call me sir," he added. "I'm a student here myself."
Jefel nodded quietly, though shock rippled through him. If someone as strong as Lark is only a student, then what monsters lurk beyond these walls?
Their carriage stopped before a vast manor. Jefel's jaw nearly dropped.
"Follow me," Lark ordered.
Inside, luxury dripped from every corner—polished marble, glistening chandeliers, portraits of history. They reached a tall door. Lark raised his hand to knock, but before he touched it—
"Come in, Jefel."
The voice shook Jefel's very soul.
The duo stepped aside. "Go in, boy," Lark said firmly.
Jefel swallowed hard and entered. A chill breeze greeted him. At the center of the room sat a man, calm, eyes closed. When those eyes finally opened, Jefel froze.
Those eyes… they resemble my father's!
"Welcome, my child," the man said with a voice like thunder. "I am Robin Nurban, city lord of Nurban… and progenitor of Nurban Academy."
Jefel's breath caught. The city lord himself?!
As if reading his fear, Robin chuckled. "Don't be afraid. I won't harm you. For you are… my adoptive child."
"…Adoptive child?" Jefel stammered.
"Yes." Robin's gaze softened. "Your father was my dearest friend. Before his death, he entrusted you to me. From this day, I will give you what you need to grow stronger. And one day—you will lead this academy to glory once more."
Jefel's thoughts spun. My father… friends with a city lord? Who exactly was he?
Robin smirked, reading the boy's mind. "I owe your father my life. This is my way of repaying him. But understand this…" His eyes sharpened, deadly and bright. "…you will still be tested. If you are not worthy, I will cast you aside without hesitation."
The weight of that smirk made Jefel shiver. For the first time, he understood—Lucy and Lark were nothing compared to the danger radiating from this man.
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