Freed walked ahead of Eugene, the look of astonishment still plainly visible on Eugene's face.
They passed rows of tables and furnishings in every color and size imaginable. While Eugene was lost in thought, he heard Freed's voice asking him,
"What color furniture are you going to buy?"
Eugene snapped out of his daze, glanced at Freed, then at the place around him.
"I think… gray. Or maybe light brown."
"And what about the style?" Freed asked again.
Eugene shook his head. "It's not important. As long as it's comfortable."
Freed placed a hand on his chin and began to think. "Comfortable design. Gray or light brown. Budget: thirty-five silver pounds. I believe I know a place that has something like that."
Eugene followed him as the sounds of families and merchants filled the air.
In less than two minutes, they reached a large furniture display. In front of it stood a tall, nearly bald man wearing loose brown clothes, prayer beads hanging from his hand.
"Welcome, young men," he said with a simple, reassuring smile and a warm tone.
Freed returned the greeting. Eugene merely gave a small wave.
"Feel free to choose whatever furniture you like."
Eugene began circling the pieces, studying them carefully. As he did, he asked,
"How long is the training period within the organizations of the Empire?"
Freed looked up and thought for a few seconds. "I believe six months. But life there differs from one organization to another."
Eugene continued examining the furniture. "What do you mean?"
"Each organization in the Empire has a specific mission. And each one has a different environment and nature of work.
For example, the Justice Organization specializes in investigating unnatural phenomena and apprehending rogue cultivators who operate outside the law.
The Light Organization focuses on gathering intelligence, interrogating criminals, analyzing environments, and solving ordinary cases.
The Border Guardians—as the name suggests—are responsible for protecting the Empire's frontiers.
And the Alchemists' Guild—remember Idris?—specializes in resource management, crafting potions and weapons, education, research, and experimentation."
Eugene listened until Freed finished, then asked another question.
"And what is the environment like in the Border Guardians?"
Freed swam through his thoughts and memories for what felt like a long while to Eugene. Finally, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, I don't know much about them, especially since they remain stationed at the borders year-round…"
A flicker of disappointment crossed Eugene's face, but Freed continued.
"Still, I think it's the most dangerous—and perhaps the best—place for someone like you, a beginner in this world."
Eugene's eyes widened slightly; one eyebrow lifted in surprise and curiosity.
Reading his expression, Freed went on,
"They're stationed along the borders, and beyond the Empire lie the Valley of Wolves, the Mountains of Beasts, and the beginning of the Giants' Gate. Not to mention the cliffs and the bitterly cold winds…"
Eugene's heart beat a little faster, filling with both excitement and fear.
The Mountains of Beasts… the beginning of the Giants' Gate! Will I really see a giant? What a shame my life was so confined in the village of Eliso… he whispered inwardly, running his fingers over a light-blue sofa.
"I think I'll take this one."
Freed looked at it and pressed his hand against the fabric.
Soft cotton. Cool to the touch.
"What about rugs? Chairs? Tables?"
Eugene walked toward another display.
He examined everything for more than five minutes before placing his hand on a bright red cotton rug embroidered with patterns, along with a smooth wooden table and pale white chairs.
"You didn't choose anything in the colors you mentioned," Freed remarked in surprise.
"They're close enough in the end," Eugene replied quickly. "Besides, I care more about comfort than color or coordination."
"Alright. How are we taking this furniture? Carrying it?"
Freed laughed. "Of course not." He gestured toward small slips of paper attached to each item. "Just take the tags for whatever you want to buy."
Eugene collected all the tags for his selections.
"And now?"
Freed pointed to the same man who had welcomed them earlier.
They approached him. The man rose from his chair, still smiling.
"Have you found what you wish to purchase?"
Eugene handed him the papers. The man glanced over them.
"Your total comes to twenty-nine silver pounds."
Eugene glanced to his left and noticed small ornamental trees, beautifully decorated golden panels, and clay flower vases.
He picked up the tags for one of each and handed them over.
The man reviewed them again. "That will be thirty-three silver pounds."
Eugene took the money from his wallet and paid him.
The man accepted it, then rolled the papers together and tossed them into a strange basket shaped like a face painted purple.
The moment the papers dropped inside, violet flames burst from its mouth.
Freed approached, holding a cup of karak tea he had bought from a nearby stall.
"Well? What are you waiting for?"
Eugene looked from Freed to the basket, then followed him, his mind filled with bewilderment.
After walking some distance, Eugene gestured with his thumb. "What about the furniture?"
"Relax." Freed took a sip of his tea. "It'll arrive at your place in about a day."
"How?" Eugene asked, confusion evident as he scratched his head.
Freed laughed. "You'll see when it arrives. Don't forget—this is a magical world. Almost anything is possible."
They reached the exit gate. Eugene felt a slight tension at the sight of it.
Freed stepped through without hesitation and vanished.
Eugene remained still for a moment.
Come on. It's just an exit gate, not a gate to hell, he murmured to steady himself.
He took a step forward. The moment he passed through—eyes closed—he felt a familiar sensation.
When he opened them, he found himself in a vast violet space filled with gates everywhere. There was no sun, only a strange chill in the air, and black spiral clouds hanging throughout.
Eugene searched his memory—back to the day they had discovered the academy.
It was the same place…? No. Smaller. But undeniably similar.
"Isn't this similar to the place inside the academy?" he asked, looking at Freed.
Freed, who had stuck out part of his tongue after burning it on the tea, glanced around. "Yes. It follows the same magical architectural design."
Eugene stepped closer.
"Are these places designed by someone specific, or is it a magical ability?"
"Both," Freed replied quickly.
Eugene raised an eyebrow. "Both?"
Freed lifted a finger.
"They were designed by individuals who belong to the Path of Geniuses."
End of Chapter.
We apologize for the delay in releasing the chapter, as there were some problems.