Chapter 11: The Academy''s Welcome
The second day of the journey began with the first rays of sunlight touching the faces of Fulan and Fayrouz as they stepped off the merchant''s cart onto the cobblestone streets of the Kingdom of Saita. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of a city waking up. Fulan turned to the merchant, fumbling with his bandaged hands to retrieve some coins from his pocket, wincing slightly as the fabric brushed against his burns. The merchant, a kind man with a round face and a warm smile, waved him off.
"No need for that," he said cheerfully. "This was my route anyway. The road ahead is still long for me, so perhaps you can help me someday if you see me in need. Farewell."
With that, the merchant drove off, leaving Fulan and Fayrouz standing in the middle of a street that seemed to radiate life and beauty. Fulan looked around, his eyes widening at the sight. The houses, a harmonious blend of brown and white, were adorned with flower garlands that hung from their roofs like natural chandeliers. At night, he realized, these flowers likely glowed in a myriad of colors, adding to the city''s charm. Every window had a vase filled with vibrant blooms, and the streets were paved with smooth gray stone, a stark contrast to the dirt paths of the villages they had left behind.
The street was bustling with activity. People sat in cafes, sipping tea and reading newspapers. Others strolled leisurely, some with children in tow, while merchants called out to passersby, showcasing their wares. The sheer liveliness of the place made Fulan mutter under his breath, "But this isn''t fair..."
Fayrouz, who had been quietly observing the scene, turned to him. "What did you say?"
Fulan shook his head, snapping out of his thoughts. "Nothing. First, we need to find medicine for my hands. Then we''ll head to the academy."
Fayrouz nodded and began walking down the street, her steps confident. "Do you even know where the academy is?" Fulan asked, following her.
"We have two options," she replied without looking back. "Either we ask someone, or we look for the largest building in the area. The academy''s architecture will make it stand out."
Fulan sighed. "So you don''t know either."
Fayrouz ignored his comment, her gaze scanning the lively street. After a moment of silence, she spoke again. "Fulan, at the academy, we''ll meet all kinds of people. Rumors say that even the most talented individuals often fail the entrance exam. But each of us has a trump card—our abilities. As long as you''re not the first to reveal yours, you''ll be safe."
Fulan listened intently, his expression serious. "But I already know your ability, and you know mine."
Fayrouz glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting his. "What you''ve seen of my power is less than 15% of its full potential. I''m prepared to crush the entire testing hall if it means passing the exam. So I''m telling you now, don''t worry about helping me. During the exam, I''ll be a different person. If they make us enemies, it''s best for you to avoid facing me."
Fayrouz turned her attention back to the street, leaving Fulan to ponder her words. He couldn''t help but smile faintly. *''And yet, here you are, helping me find medicine. You could''ve gone straight to the academy.''*
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Minutes later, they entered the nearest pharmacy, where a doctor examined Fulan''s burns. "All you need to do is drink this green liquid and wash your hands with it," the doctor explained, holding up a small vial. "This is the cheapest medicine I have, based on your request, and it''ll heal you in a few hours."
Fayrouz took the vial, her expression skeptical. "You''re saying the cheapest medicine you have can heal burns like these in a few hours? It seems the healing properties of Menma have reached a high level of quality."
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The doctor nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Humans never stop researching the properties of the Menma virus. Its evolution isn''t limited to human genes—it extends to plants, animals, and even technology. Light, healing, and many other wonders... the mystery of Menma is vast, and we''re slowly unraveling it. Anyway, that''ll be four silver coins."
Fayrouz''s expression turned serious. "We''ll give you two silver coins and one copper."
The doctor raised an eyebrow. "Wait, that''s not even a negotiation... Fine, I''ll settle for three silver coins."
Fayrouz reached into Fulan''s pocket, pulling out three silver coins and placing them on the counter. "Now we can finally head to the academy," she said, holding up the vial.
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The road to Ragandarok Academy was long and wide, paved with decorative gray stone and lined with flowers of every color. Dozens of young men and women walked along the path, their faces filled with determination and excitement. Fulan and Fayrouz joined the crowd, their steps steady as they approached the academy''s main building.
"It''s been fifteen minutes already," Fulan remarked, his voice calm. "This place is huge."
Fayrouz nodded. "Naturally. It''s the most important institution in the kingdom. It produces knights of unparalleled skill, recognized even by other kingdoms."
Fulan glanced at the sea of candidates around them. "That explains why there are so many applicants..."
The path was flanked by training grounds and sparring arenas, but the main building loomed ahead, its grandeur unmistakable. Unlike the houses outside the academy grounds, the building was massive, its red-tiled roofs and white walls exuding an air of authority. The doors and windows were framed in brown, and the main entrance stood wide open, though no one had entered yet.
As Fulan and Fayrouz approached, they noticed something unusual. The candidates weren''t heading inside. Instead, they were sitting in a sprawling garden filled with circular tables, each adorned with plates of pastries and pots of tea. The atmosphere was oddly festive, with candidates chatting and laughing as they enjoyed the treats.
Fayrouz frowned, her instincts tingling. "What does this mean? Why are they welcoming us like this? I''ve heard the exam is so difficult that only 20% usually pass. This doesn''t make sense."
Fulan, however, was already making his way to one of the tables, his eyes lighting up. "Who cares? I can''t remember the last time I had a piece of cake..."
Fayrouz grabbed his arm before he could take a bite. "Wait! What if the exam has already started? You need to be cautious!"
Fulan looked at her, annoyed. "You don''t have to be so serious. Everyone''s eating without a care."
Before Fayrouz could respond, a shadow beside her shifted, and an elderly man in a sleek black suit emerged. He had white hair, round glasses, and a gentle smile. "Your friend is right," he said, his voice warm. "We''ve infused these pastries with Menma particles to track any traitors from other kingdoms. Anyone who doesn''t eat them will be disqualified from tomorrow''s exam. Once you''ve had a piece or two, head inside through the main door. I''m the head butler, and I''ll ensure you''re served the best lunch and dinner today. It''s our duty to honor our guests before the real trial begins. Oh, and at exactly five o''clock, the director will give a welcome speech. Until then, feel free to do as you please."
With that, the man merged back into the shadows, leaving Fayrouz with more questions than answers. She turned to Fulan, who was already happily munching on a pastry, and sighed. "Maybe I''m overthinking this."
Reluctantly, she joined him at the table, picking up a pastry and taking a bite. The flavor was exquisite, and she couldn''t help but comment, "It''s hard to believe they infused Menma particles into something this delicious."
Fulan grinned, his mouth full. "See? No need to worry."
Fayrouz studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Your behavior is a bit puzzling. Why didn''t you suspect the pastries at all? Do you really love sweets that much?"
Fulan didn''t answer, his attention already on another pastry. Fayrouz sighed, picking up another treat. As she did, two young men approached their table. They were identical twins, with green hair, brown eyes, and slender builds. Each carried a thin sword at his waist, and their light brown clothing suggested they came from a desert region.
The twins hesitated, clearly nervous. Fayrouz raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Her sharp tone made them flinch, but Fulan intervened with a warm smile. "This table seats four. Don''t be shy—we don''t own it."
The twins brightened immediately, sitting down with grateful smiles. "Really? Thank you!"
Fayrouz glanced around, noticing that all the tables were now occupied. "It seems we should head inside, as the butler suggested. There are too many people looking for seats."
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