Chapter 16 – A Step into the Unknown

The streets of Luthadel stretched endlessly before me, a maze of stone pathways illuminated by flickering lanterns. The city's energy had shifted as the sun dipped below the horizon. The merchants had packed away their goods, and now the streets were filled with a different kind of life—travelers, mercenaries, and students eager for the opportunities that Varelia offered.

I tightened my cloak around me, shielding myself from the cool night air. My destination was clear.

A place to rest.

The small pouch of gold pressed against my waist, a weight that I had never been able to carry before. It was a gift—the last thing I had received from the old servant who had raised me. Even though I no longer used my old name, I couldn't bring myself to spend it carelessly.

I scanned the streets, looking for an inn that wasn't overly luxurious but still safe. After a few minutes of walking, I found one.

The Silver Hearth.

A simple yet sturdy-looking establishment, its wooden sign swayed slightly in the evening breeze. The warm glow of candlelight seeped from the windows, and the faint murmur of voices told me it wasn't an empty place. That was a good sign.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.

A Place for Strangers

The moment I entered, the air shifted. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread mixed with the faint bitterness of ale. The inn wasn't crowded, but enough people filled the room to make it feel alive.

At the far end of the hall, a counter stood where a middle-aged man polished a wooden mug. He had a thick beard, his sleeves rolled up to reveal arms hardened by years of work. His eyes flicked toward me for a moment, assessing, before he continued his task.

I approached the counter, keeping my movements steady.

"A room for the night," I said simply.

The innkeeper raised a brow before nodding toward the stairs. "Four silvers for a basic room, six if you want food included."

I reached into my pouch, pulling out a single gold coin and placing it on the counter. "For three nights. With food."

The man's eyes lingered on the gold for a brief moment before he nodded, scooping it up with practiced ease. "Second floor, fourth door on the left. Meals are served at dawn and dusk."

I gave a slight nod, taking the key he slid across the counter before turning toward the dining area.

I needed to eat, but more importantly, I needed to listen.

The Academy's Reputation

I found a quiet corner of the room, choosing a seat near a window. The inn was a mix of travelers and locals, some dressed in simple clothes while others wore fine robes that hinted at nobility.

As I picked at the bread and meat placed before me, I let my gaze wander.

A group of young men and women sat together at a nearby table, their voices hushed yet excited. I noticed their outfits first—well-made, practical yet stylish. Not common travelers.

Students.

Their conversation caught my attention immediately.

"…so you're saying the test is next week?" one of them, a dark-haired boy, asked.

A girl with sharp green eyes nodded. "Yes. The Academy of Elarian only allows students with verified mana cores to enter. You know that."

Mana cores. That term again.

The boy scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "I know, I know. But that crystal test seems too simple. Just place your hand on a glowing rock? If it lights up, you pass? Shouldn't there be a combat test too?"

The girl smirked. "That's only the first step. The crystal ball isn't just about lighting up—it measures potential. If your core is weak, it won't react. But even if it does, that doesn't mean you'll be accepted."

A third person, a taller boy with reddish-brown hair, leaned in. "They say the ball doesn't just glow. For those with real talent, it shines so brightly that it blinds everyone in the room."

That detail caught my attention.

I had never once considered what my own mana potential might be.

The conversation continued, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

A Glimpse into the Unknown

I had seen mana being used—by knights, by nobles, even by Alric when he had crushed me with a mere gesture. But I had never felt it within myself.

Did I even have a core strong enough to react to the crystal?

I clenched my fist under the table.

It didn't matter.

I wasn't here to doubt myself. I was here to carve my own path, regardless of how difficult it might be.

I took another bite of my meal, my focus sharpening