After days of long travel and attempts to forge a false identity, Darein finally arrived at the capital of the Norin Kingdom, Silavora.
As he walked through the crowded streets, he paused for a moment to take in the buildings. The streets were paved with ancient polished stones that reflected sunlight beautifully, and the white stone buildings ranged from simple to grand, adorned with arched windows and intricate stone carvings that spoke of the city's rich history. From the markets came the scents of fresh bread and exotic spices, mingling with the excited cries of vendors, the neighing of horses, and the creaking of metal cart wheels, creating a vibrant, chaotic symphony.
Despite the bustle, Darein found nothing of interest and quietly retreated to his lodging near Silavora University.
The accommodation was modest: a small room with a bathroom and kitchen, furnished with worn wooden furniture that groaned under its weight. The tables and cabinets were faded and old, yet sufficient for masking his rural, fabricated identity. He sat on the wooden chair, lost in deep thought:
"It's extremely shabby compared to my taste, but it suits the story of a young country boy whose parents scraped together enough money to enroll him in this prestigious university."
He prepared his favorite coffee, pouring it into a small cup as the aroma of roasted beans filled the room, teasing his senses. Sip by sip, his mind was busy planning his next mission:
"My current objective is to obtain documents on dragons, the Ethereons, and some research on resonance. After my injury and the loss of much of my power during the fight with Flilagnio, this task seems perfect."
He considered the possibilities he could exploit:
"This troublesome race is despised by all: humans, dragons, Rakshasas, Tingo, and even the endangered Phoenix. Freeing them may cause problems, but exploiting it at the right time could yield great benefits. Some dragons are bound to fall in the war, and that is a reasonable development to take advantage of."
His background was complicated; born to a human father and a dragon mother disguised as a human, he had lived among them until the day that changed everything: losing all at once when his parents and younger brother were mercilessly killed.
Darein was not in a rush; he decided to bide his time until university began.
---
A week later, the first day at Silavora University arrived. At the entrance, he wore his usual black attire and spectacles, surprised at the calm of the campus compared to the rumors he had heard.
Despite its narrow specialization in resonance studies and racial research, the towering white buildings were meticulously designed, fountains sent clear water sparkling in sunlight, and the paved walkways lent an air of elegance. The carefully planted gardens with fragrant flowers added serenity, while the scent of fresh grass permeated the air, providing a sense of calm amidst the city's bustle.
Among the students, he heard their shallow conversations about experiments and models but pretended not to listen, keeping his usual indifferent expression.
He finally reached the Living Beings' Resonance class, where the smell of old books mixed with oils and chemicals used in experiments, giving the room an aura of mystery. The students' eyes glanced at him, and one girl whispered to her friend:
"Listen: Professor, this classroom feels like a crazy comic book world."
Darein sat in the back, pretending to hear nothing, ignoring the girl who had mistaken him for the professor. He noticed that many students appeared elegant and carried an aura of nobility.
Interrupting his thoughts, Professor Silian Corvit entered: clean-shaven, short and receding hair, dressed plainly as if indifferent to appearances. He approached the podium and spoke in a calm, steady voice:
"I am Professor Silian Corvit. Today is your first day, but that does not exempt you from studying."
A sense of disappointment spread among the students, while Darein remained seated, unmoved.
The professor began explaining the connection between races and resonance:
"Every being possesses a certain resonance within, but the ability to influence it and the type of resonance differ according to race and individual."
"Resonances can be classified into six types:
1. Those who use their voice to influence resonance.
2. Those who use tools to influence resonance.
3. Those compatible with resonance and can enhance it through training.
4. Those who can partially influence natural elements, like guiding fire or wind, without producing them.
5. The destructive or offensive type.
6. The defensive type."
He added:
"Dragons have tremendous control over offensive and vocal resonance, while their defensive resonance is the weakest among all races. Understanding these differences will form the basis of all your future research."
---
After all the lectures ended, Darein walked down the corridor toward the library, determined to find any information on the Ethereons that might be useful.
Inside the library, he felt a calm among the rows of ancient books. As he browsed a volume on the races, something unusual caught his attention: his ability to sense resonance as a half-dragon was superior to most dragons. He felt the resonance of another living being among the students nearby—a subtle sensation no ordinary human could perceive.