The Core of the Universe

After a five-hour journey, Zeoth and Elizabeth finally reached the borders of the magic academy. The silence that drifted through the carriage was occasionally broken by their whispers. Adjusting a few strands of silver hair that had slipped from her braid, Elizabeth asked in a delicate, hushed tone:

"Are you excited, Zeoth?"

Zeoth turned his head slightly, his eyes lost in the distance, but his voice was clear.

"Yes, I'm excited. You?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I'm thrilled too… but mostly because I'm going with you."

The tension gripping Zeoth's heart seemed to dissolve in the comfort of Elizabeth's presence. The same ease reflected on her face; the hidden strain of the palace's stern walls had now faded from view.

As they neared the academy's borders, Zeoth pressed his face against the window, his eyes scanning the surroundings with excitement. The academy was encircled by towering structures, and in the background, a colossal edifice rose toward the heavens, gleaming with grandeur. Its gardens stretched as vast as a royal park. This place was a city within a city: shops, entertainment areas, training halls, and lodging centers…

Zeoth and Elizabeth were left speechless. With every passing meter, their heartbeats quickened.

The carriage came to a halt in a square at the heart of the academy city. A servant stepped down and opened the door. As the two disembarked, another servant awaiting them bowed and spoke:

"This way, my lord and lady, allow me to escort you to your new residence."

Following the servant, Zeoth and Elizabeth soon stood before a breathtaking building. Its elegant design and architecture infused with magic dazzled Zeoth's eyes.

"W-Will we really be staying here? This is nothing like my village… I felt the same way at the palace, but these past few days, my life has changed so much… and it's all because of you, Elizabeth," Zeoth said, smiling shyly.

Elizabeth chuckled and shook her head. "No, Zeoth, this is all your achievement. And honestly, I don't think this place would feel half as enchanting if we weren't here together."

Inside, their eyes were drawn to a sophisticated restaurant on the ground floor. The servant led them past it to an elevator, where he waited. The two joined him and stepped inside.

Zeoth looked around in awe. "What kind of contraption is this? I've never seen anything like it."

The servant replied courteously, "This device is called an elevator. Powered by magic, it allows us to ascend to higher floors or descend without using stairs."

Elizabeth, eyeing the crystal buttons embedded in the walls, remarked, "Exactly what you'd expect from a magic academy." She, too, was astonished.

They stopped on the third floor, where a long corridor greeted them. Doors lined the hallway, each adorned with gold-etched names. The servant paused before two unmarked doors.

"These are dimension doors," he explained. "They open to unique dimensions based on their owner. Only the one who seals the door with their magic can unlock it. Lady Elizabeth, please channel your magic into this door. Your name will then be inscribed."

Zeoth took a step back, unable to suppress the rising panic within. Wait a minute… magic? I can't do magic…

The servant turned to Elizabeth. "Please proceed, princess."

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. "You just called me Lady Elizabeth. Why 'princess' now? Stick to my name."

The servant bowed apologetically. "My apologies, Lady Elizabeth. I'll be more mindful."

Elizabeth stepped forward and placed her hand on the door. As she channeled her magic, the door began to glow. A warm breeze brushed against their faces. Above the door, the name "Elizabeth Ruthgard" began to form, etched in diamond.

The servant gasped. "W-Wait… diamond etching?! That's reserved for high-tier mages! How is this possible?"

Elizabeth was equally stunned. "I-I don't know… I only know basic spells. They were taught to me by a mage my father knew."

When the door opened, a stone path stretched before them, lined with glowing magical crystals and vibrant flowers, creating a fairy-tale scene. At the path's end stood an enormous castle.

Elizabeth whispered, "What am I supposed to do alone in a castle this big?"

She took a step inside, then turned to Zeoth. He followed, standing beside her, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Elizabeth… this is incredible. I had no idea you possessed such powerful magic. This place is perfect. But… maybe a bit too big."

Elizabeth laughed softly. "I didn't expect this either. I'll probably only use a few rooms. The atmosphere… it's enchanting."

Still in shock, the servant said, "Lady Elizabeth, please settle into your residence. You'll need to step out afterward, as I'll be showing you the academy."

He turned to Zeoth. "Lord Zeoth, the adjacent door is yours. I'll be waiting outside."

Elizabeth approached Zeoth with concern. "Zeoth… will you be okay? How will you channel magic?"

Zeoth grinned. "Don't worry, I'll figure it out. Go settle in, and I'll show you my dimension later."

Elizabeth nodded. "I'm sure yours will be amazing too."

Her door closed. Zeoth stepped up to the unmarked door.

The servant spoke from behind. "Lord Zeoth, please channel your magic into the door."

Sweat beaded on Zeoth's brow. He extended his hand toward the door, his mind racing:

'What the fuck am i suppose to do now?'