Thebes

The journey took two days, with Zoser and Kaira traveling across the barren desert roads. As they neared Thebes, the city's features began to gradually appear, almost as if they were emerging from a legendary fantasy. The massive walls surrounding the city loomed in the distance, calling them with their presence, decorated with hieroglyphs that told the tales of ancient civilization, and the towering obelisks gleamed under the sunlight.

Zoser (in amazement): "Is this real? Did humans build all of this?"

Kaira (smiling proudly): "This is just a small part of what you will see. Thebes is not just a city; it is the heart of civilization, the greatest thing to ever exist on this earth."

Zoser: "How can a city be this huge? Everything looks like it's made of gold!"

Kaira (laughing): "Don't be fooled by appearances, Zoser. Behind this beauty lies great power. Now, we must hurry if we want to enter the academy before sunset."

At the grand gates, there were guards in their fine attire and shining armor. One of them stood in front to check their permits.

Guard: "Entry permits, please." Kaira (calmly presenting the papers): "These are our permits. We are new trainees and heading to the academy."

Guard (inspecting the papers): "Everything seems in order. You may enter."

As they passed through the gates, Zoser's eyes were still filled with astonishment, his gaze shifting between the faces and majestic buildings surrounding them.

Zoser (whispering): "These guards... they seem so powerful. I can feel their strength just by looking at them!"

Kaira (confidently): "They are strong, but they are not the strongest. In Thebes, you'll learn that there is always someone stronger than you can imagine."

After passing through the gates, the scene before Zoser opened up like an entirely new world. The crowded streets, the bustling markets, the buildings lined up on both sides decorated with golden engravings, and the people of all ages walking in steady strides as if they were part of a massive machine that never stops.

Zoser: "This place... it's like a dream! Is life always like this here?" Kaira (smiling): "Yes, life in Thebes never stops. Every day here is filled with work, ambition, and striving for greatness. That's what makes it magnificent." Zoser: "I can hardly believe I'm here. Where is the academy? Is it more beautiful than this?"

Kaira (confidently): "Wait and see for yourself. The academy is not just a building; it's a world of its own."

As they approached the royal academy buildings, the grandeur of the place became even more apparent. The buildings were towering, the courtyards filled with students either training or studying, and the atmosphere was charged with energy and enthusiasm.

Zoser (hesitant): "This place is so huge... I'm afraid I'll get lost here."

Kaira: "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Everything here is well-organized."

---

Central Courtyard

In the grand courtyard, where the students gathered in preparation for the exams, Kaira looked at Zoser with a friendly smile, then whispered to him.

Kaira: "Well, it's time for us to part ways. I have my own special exam, and you have your path."

Zoser (with a small smile): "Thank you, Kaira... for everything."

Kaira (as she starts to leave): "Good luck, Zoser. I'll see you later."

After Kaira's departure, Zoser felt a brief moment of loneliness, but he quickly composed himself. This was a pivotal moment in his life.

Zoser (internally): "No time for hesitation now. I will prove that I deserve to be here."

Zoser stood in line with the other students, where everything started to feel more serious. Some of the students noticed his presence and began to whisper.

Student 1: "Who's this little one? How was he allowed to enter?"

Student 2 (mocking): "Maybe he just came to watch the exams. He doesn't look like he belongs here."

Most of the students were over ten years old, while Zoser was almost six. Despite the whispers, Zoser didn't pay attention. Deep down, he knew this was his chance to prove himself.