Foundations of a Dream

As the classes wrapped up for the day, students went to their dorms or went out to have fun.

Aiden decided it was time to stop putting things off and get to work. Earlier, he'd mined some high-level mana crystals in the cave where that mysterious statue was.

"I wonder how powerful the statue's main body is," Aiden thought to himself, remembering the overwhelming aura it had given off and the strange runes that almost activated. "It seemed pretty high ranking."

He sighed, grateful for his luck. "If those runes hadn't been so old, rusty and unattended to, I never would have been able to stop them from activating."

Thinking about it made him smile.

The trip had been worth it. The system had is currently upgrading, his power had increased by a solid margin , and he had gained two new overpowered skills.

Aiden grinned as he thought about all the new possibilities these skills opened up for him.

"Alright, time to go meet Mark and Lena. They should have brought that guy with them" He said , as he remembered their conversation earlier during a boring class.

"Hey Lena, Lila's family have a real estate company, right?" Aiden asked, glancing over at Lena.

"Yes, they do it is one of the biggest actually. Why do you ask? You know someone who wants to buy a house?" Lena replied, giving him a puzzled look, forgetting that he became rich overnight from the royalty deal with the principal.

At least that's what Aiden told her.

"I was hoping you could set up a meeting with her," Aiden said, revealing his intention. "I'm looking to buy a nice house, maybe even a small villa. Plus, we could use this as an opportunity to invite her to our party for the upcoming tournament."

"Oh, right! I forgot you struck it rich with that breakthrough," Lena replied with a playful grin. "That sounds like a great idea. I can probably arrange a meeting with her later today."

"Where do you want us to meet her?" said Lena.

"Let's meet her at Star Café. " Aiden suggested.

Lena's eyes lit up with recognition. "Star Café? That's a fantastic choice. It's one of the most exclusive spots in the academy."

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a more conversational tone. "It's known for its elegant ambiance and top-notch service.

The décor is a mix of modern chic and classic luxury, with plush seating and stunning city views. They've got an impressive menu too, with everything from gourmet pastries to exquisite coffee blends."

Showing her enthusiasm and knowledge about the place.

Aiden nodded, appreciating the choice. "Exactly. It's the perfect place to make a good impression, and it's a fitting venue for discussing something as important as finding a new home."

Lena smiled, already pulling out her phone to arrange the meeting. "I'll get in touch with her and set it up for later today."

Back to Aiden leaving the dorm to the meeting....

Aiden decided to walk to the star café mainly because he did not enjoy the scenery before, so he decided to enjoy it now.

The Star café was about 25 minutes away from the dorm, it was located in the heart of the academy where all shopping centres, rune shops, weapon shops and everything a person needed is. 

A person who has heard of the academy but did not visit it would think that it was just like any other academy, just classes dorm and some small shops for students to get by. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

The Academy was a whole city, it is comparable in size to ancient cities of the past, like London. It is always bustling in activity wherever you go.

The city of the Academy was vast. It was divided into various districts, each dedicated to different aspects of life and learning.

The residential district housed the towering student dormitories , accommodating the tens of thousands of students and faculty members.

Similar to the residential district there was also the high-end residential district, which many famous businessmen and powerful people lived. This was where Aiden had his eyes on, for a few reasons. 

Residents of the high-end district enjoyed several perks that set them apart from others. They received discounts at various rune shops, weapon stores, and other essential outlets, making this a good investment.

The district's strategic location was a major bonus too. Nestled between the main city and the academy campus, everything they needed was conveniently close by, whether it was for work, study, or leisure.

Residents also benefited from enhanced security measures. With guards stationed at the district's gates, the area was much safer than other parts of the city. This added layer of protection gave residents peace of mind, knowing that their families and homes were well-guarded.

The sense of community was strong, as everyone shared the same high standard of living and enjoyed the comfort and convenience that came with it. So you would be able to enter higher circles that you normally could not by living in the normal districts. 

But most importantly, it had always been Aiden's dream to have a place he could call home when he was at the orphanage, just like before his parents died and he was sent to the orphanage.

As he thought about his past, memories of happy moments with his parents resurfaced. "Dad, Mom, I miss you..." Aiden whispered, his eyes welling up with tears as he remembered those cherished moments that could never come back.

Shaking his head to dispel the memories, he wiped away the tears that were started to form and continued on his way to the café.

Warriors from all kinds of backgrounds, from novice swordsmen to apprentice mages, roamed the streets, their diverse attires and weaponry reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and combat styles present in the Academy.

In contrast to the warriors, there were ordinary residents who lived and worked in the city, contributing to its economy. These people, who did not possess magical talents or combat skills, found their riches in various professions – from shopkeepers and artisans to many more.

Their presence added a layer of normalcy and roundedness to the city, creating a balanced ecosystem where magic and mundane coexisted harmoniously.

The city was also a hub of technological advancement, where magic and technology intertwined seamlessly. The streets were lined with lampposts powered by crystals containing magic, casting a steady light even in the darkest nights.

Public transportation was a marvel, floating platforms that whisked passengers across the city in mere minutes and flying warriors that commended respect. Communication was instantaneous, thanks to the network of crystal communicators that connected every corner of the Academy. There was no loss of network no matter the place you were in, as long as you had a phone that is.

There were also numerous specialty shops and marketplaces, where one could find exotic ingredients for potion-making and spell runes. Cafés, like the Star Café, dotted the landscape, providing cozy nooks for students and residents to unwind, study or work.

The city was not just a place of learning and commerce, but also of entertainment and leisure. Parks and gardens, meticulously maintained and enchanted to bloom year-round, offered serene escapes from the hustle and bustle in the city. Theatres and concert halls hosted performances that ranged from classical plays of the old to modern magical displays that were breath-taking.

As Aiden enjoyed the city and what it contains. As he approached the entrance of Star Café. Where he found Lena, Mark and the girl that he wanted to meet Lila. He was Lena waving at him with a smile on her face. "Aiden, we are here".

Aiden smiled helplessly at her silliness. He can clearly see her, yet she still decided to wave and call for him. 

"Hey guys, how you doing?" said Aiden looking at the group of three.

"I'm doing quite alright." said Mark, as he approached Aiden and put his arms on his shoulders.

Aiden just rolled his eyes at Mark, and looked at Lila who nodded her head at Aiden's question.

Looking at Lila, he realised her cheeks were slightly flushed. Thinking she is sick, he asked "Hey, are you okay? you seem like you are ill." showing concern for her. 

Lila looked up, startled, her eyes wide. She quickly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and gave a small, nervous laugh. "Oh, no, I'm fine," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "It's just... a bit warm in here, that's all."

He raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Are you sure? You know you can tell me if something's wrong. We can change the timing if it's not convenient."

She nodded vigorously, trying to appear more composed. "Really, I am okay. Just need a moment to cool down."

He still seemed unconvinced but decided not to press the issue further. Instead, he said "Alright guys, let's head in to the café. The table is already reserved."