Daemon left the shady building not long after. The sun stood tall, illuminating the entire Rynfall with its rays. Rynfall was a cultural symbol for the Bloodvale Kingdom, as people from all around the continent came to learn and share ideas. As it was the Imperial City, it covered 1/4th of the kingdom alone.
The city was fortified on three levels. The outermost level was where the commoners lived. There were small wooden houses and stone buildings. The market was enthusiastic, with vendors shouting about their pottery, spices, fabrics and food from different lands. Children darted between the carts, fooling around; the smells of roasting meat, fresh bread and smoke mingled in the air. Guards were stationed at every gate along the walls of the outermost level.
Daemon lived in the second inner level. Though it was smaller than the outermost level, the streets widened and buildings were taller and more elegant. This was where the rich merchants, influential craftsmen, skilled blacksmiths and high-ranking officials lived. The houses here were much bigger; they had small courtyards and gardens. Fountains could be seen in the inner city squares. Often, the sound of transactions taking place could be heard. Guards patrolled the gates along the wall between the levels, ensuring only those with proper passes could enter.
The innermost level was the smallest; however, it was the most grandiose. This was where the rich nobles and imperial families lived. Marble towers and luxurious mansions could be seen everywhere. Daemon didn't know much, as he hadn't been in the innermost level; he had only heard the description from the books, and people would usually talk about it.
He would visit the innermost level tomorrow for the first time, as the closest magical academy with an Aether Well stood tall and majestic in it.
Aether wells were places where Aether stones formed, and the concentration of Aetherflow here was a lot. The Aetherflow was dense and thick near the Aether Well.
Aetherflow is the foundation of every human. It is the essence of the world. Flow could be used and utilised only when someone became an Aether and got their Aetherbrand.
Daemon had no interest in becoming an Aether, as the chances of failing were relatively very high. Why would he willingly risk his life to gain some powers?
However, he could not reject the kingdom's order, which had been in practice for multiple years now.
He sighed, feeling helpless, and walked around the second inner level. He stopped walking, and he saw a crowd formed near one of the city squares.
He moved in between the crowd, and as he was relatively tall compared to the other citizens, he could clearly see what was happening.
He saw a merchant furiously kicking a man who seemed to be a commoner.
"You bastard, where did you get the guts from to steal from me?" The commoner sprawled on the street, completely beaten up with visible bruises.
He trembled and asked for forgiveness. "Sir, please forgive me. I have a young daughter, and she's fallen terribly sick. I had no money to get food for her, so I could only steal some bread for her. I know I shouldn't have stolen, but my daughter is frail. I can't bear to see her like that."
"What does your father-daughter relationship have to do with me? Are you trying to make my business go into a loss?" The merchant kicked the commoner in the stomach again.
The crowd couldn't bear to watch the scene. "Sir, please give me one last chance. I promise you that I will never steal from anyone again." The commoner barely moved and kowtowed towards the merchant.
"Do you think I'm an easy man? If I just forgive you, then everyone will think of me as a pushover." The merchant continued with a smug look on his face. "You need to be properly punished. I will punish you myself publicly to set an example." The merchant said and signalled the guards nearby.
The guards came running to the merchant. "He stole my goods. Cut both his hands off." He said to the guards as he pointed at the commoner with a disgusted face.
The crowd went into an uproar. Some people were leaving, while some were supporting the merchant, while some felt pity for the commoner. Tears flowed down the commoner's face as he begged and slowly crawled away.
The guards looked at each other in the eyes. One of them picked up the commoner and made him stand with his hands held out. The other guard took out his sword and immediately sliced his hands. Blood gushed out and painted the ground red.
The commoner screamed and fell on the ground again. The pain was too much, and he fainted right there while the blood still leaked. It was truly unsightly.
People started leaving after seeing the unsightly event. No one raised their voices. That's how this continent was. Only the strong could survive. The strong would use the weak and commit all kinds of acts to establish their authority and put fear in others, even if it was cruel. As to why the continent turned out like this, it was because of a single man; the man marked his name in history and became a legend.
Daemon was looking at the scene and felt pity for the commoner. Although he was indifferent most of the time, he could still sympathise and feel empathy. "This man will soon die. He lost too much blood," he thought.
He was by no means a saviour or a hero. He wouldn't do something that would put himself in danger. If Daemon tries to save that dying commoner, it would mean challenging the merchant and creating animosity between them. The commoner had already lost too much blood; he was bound to die sooner or later.
"The merchant is foolish, causing a scene in public like this. He's going to attract too much attention now and become the target of the commoners' hatred." Daemon scoffed and soon left the square.
He soon came across the city notice board. All kinds of notices and news would be pinned on the board. The board was very big, and it had lots of notices and news. He was looking at the board, and something immediately caught his interest.
"The Eclipse Syndicate runs rampant across the entire continent. Bloodvale Kingdom has become a target for their activities. They planned the assassination of Count Zalveth in his own county, which led to his death while he was sleeping. They blend in among the people and continue their activities. If you see suspicious people, then report them to the guards near you."
Daemon read the notice and fell into deep thought. He knew about the Eclipse Syndicate, as he was a scholar and used to read history occasionally. It was a mysterious organisation with not many records about it.
All he knew was that it had been in existence for many millennia. He was someone who sought knowledge, and the topic piqued his interest.
After a while, Daemon left the place. The sun was about to set, but Rynfall was still lively. It was a city that never slept. Taverns and brothels would stay open the entire day and night; they never closed. It was almost dark.
Rynfall glowed like a tiny sea of stars. Lanterns hung on every corner of the street, casting light everywhere. Windows could be seen flickering with candlelight, and the canals reflecting the golden glow. People moved around – some hurrying home, some hanging around at taverns or market stalls. The guards still patrolled around.
"The city is alive; even if someone like me dies, it would continue without me. I'm truly insignificant compared to the lively Rynfall." Daemon muttered under his breath as he thought about how insignificant he was. He was walking, and his eyes soon landed on a tavern.
"Should I try drinking? I might never get to try it after today. Daemon was curious. He'd see his father and the other grown-ups drinking wine and all kinds of alcohol.
He wanted to know why all the grown-ups liked drinking so much. It was a simple curiosity, really.
"I should try after all." He started making his way towards the tavern. After walking short, he reached the tavern and entered. The tavern was small but crowded.
Daemon could smell the scent of roasted meat, different kinds of food and alcohol. Wooden benches and tables filled the area.
He went and sat at a table which was in the left corner of the tavern. A worker came shortly. "What would you like?" He asked with a warm smile.
"Just bring me a glass of wine," Daemon said softly. The waiter nodded and soon came with a glass of wine. "Here's your glass of wine, sir. If you want a refill, you can call me." The waiter said and left quickly.
He held the glass of wine. It was deep red in colour, almost as if it were blood. He looked at it before finally lifting the glass to his lips and taking a small sip.
The wine was smooth and warm; he could taste berries. It left a soft, lingering sweetness in his mouth.
"Not bad. It was a good idea to try wine." He approved in his heart, feeling warmth in his chest. He waved at the waiter. The waiter came running, "Two silver coins for this, Sir."
Daemon nodded and took out two silver coins, and put them on the table before leaving the tavern.
It had been quite late now. Most shops had closed, and only a few people could be seen on the street.
He looked around a bit before finally making his way towards his home. He opened the door to the manor, and he was instantly greeted by the servants. He greeted them back and went into his room.
"Time to sleep. Thinking about what will happen tomorrow makes me feel uneasy." Feeling anxious about what tomorrow holds, he laid down on his bed and closed his eyes. That night, he didn't have any dreams.
Daemon's eyes slowly opened. The sunlight entered through the windows and landed on him, which woke him up.
"Today, I'm going to die." He chuckled and got up from his bed. He went in front of the mirror, his gaze piercing and landing on his own reflection.
An hour later, he got himself ready, and he was preparing to leave. Daemon left the manor secretly. He did not want to meet anyone, especially his father.
"If I had met him before leaving, I would've wanted to run away, but that's foolish, as it would put both of us in danger." He sighed and left for the first inner city, where the Imperial Magic Academy was.
He arrived in front of the gates to enter the first inner city. The gate was guarded heavily. A lot of guards were here. It was crowded, as others except him were also there. He wasn't alone. It was a long line of young people who had recently come of age.
Some hours passed, and it was finally Daemon's turn to enter the first inner city. The guards stopped him. "State your name and age."
Daemon had a big smile on his face as he said, "Daemon Aetheris, 18." The guards nodded and made way for him to enter.
He entered the innermost city of Bloodvale Kingdom for the first time.