Chapter 15: Whisper of the Capital

Adarante was overwhelming.

Zeppelin stood wide-eyed in the heart of the bustling market square, watching a team of street performers juggle glowing orbs of water in intricate spirals. Music drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of roasted meat, sweetbread, and something spicy that made her eyes water.

"I-It's so crowded," she mumbled, clutching the satchel slung across her shoulder. "I feel like I'll get swept away…"

"You will," Mira grinned, grabbing her wrist. "So stick close, princess."

"I'm not- !" But it was too late; Mira dragged her through the crowd, followed by Darin and Saya, who, as always, trailed behind them like a quiet shadow.

They passed enchanted vendors displaying floating garments, charm-peddlers selling "love-proof" lockets, and a half-mad man yelling about turning radishes into fire bombs. The city was alive with energy, but Zeppelin felt something deeper beneath it all. So many lives. So many stories.

And hers felt... so small.

"Hey," Darin nudged her, snapping her out of her daze. "You've got to try this! It's grilled honeyapple wrapped in spiced dough, practically tradition for newbies!"

Zeppelin took a bite, then blinked as the taste exploded in her mouth. "It's… warm and sweet and just a bit tingly!"

Mira laughed. "Told ya."

They didn't get very far before a commotion caught their attention. A group of teenagers had gathered in front of a small magical cooking contest, each team presenting enchanted dishes that danced, shimmered, or literally breathed steam. One clumsy team lost control of their "flying dumplings," which promptly zipped through the crowd.

One smacked Zeppelin in the forehead.

"Eep!"

Darin nearly choked laughing. "You just got challenged to a duel by a dumpling!"

Zeppelin flushed, but couldn't help laughing too.

Yet, beneath the joy, something gnawed at her. Her magic stirred faintly, quiet, hot beneath her skin. Not enough to flare, but… present. Like it was watching.

Later that evening, after they returned to the academy, she was summoned by Dame Lynsel and a few instructors. Saya stood by quietly, arms folded behind her back.

"We've come to a decision," Lynsel said, calm but firm. "The capital's Mage Academy has agreed to take you in for magical evaluation and containment study. You won't be a student, not officially, but they're better equipped to help you than we are."

Zeppelin swallowed. "Am I… dangerous?"

The knight's gaze softened a little. "You might be. But that doesn't mean we'll treat you like a threat. Consider this… a different path."

Saya stepped forward. "I've been assigned to accompany you. Observer duty."

Zeppelin blinked. "You volunteered?"

Saya looked away. "It's my responsibility."

Her chest warmed a little. Even if she's cold, she's always there.

As they leave the office and passed by a bustling tavern, Zeppelin heard two merchants chatting.

"Pandora's name came up again, heard they cleared out a sealed ruin near the Southern Frontier."

"They're that four-man party from the East, right?"

"Yeah. No one's sure where exactly, but their rep's spread even here. Holjr's nobles are dying to get them on contract."

"No surprise. No one else has pulled stunts like theirs in years."

Zeppelin paused, the name echoing faintly in her mind. Something about "Pandora" sent a chill down her spine.

Saya glanced back at her. "They're famous, not relevant."

As they passed some civilian, Zeppelin caught wind of the Pandora name again. Curious, she glanced at Saya.

"Hey… who are they? That party, Pandora?"

Saya paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "You're interested in gossip now?"

"I'm just… curious. Everyone talks about them like legends."

With a reluctant sigh, Saya gave in. "No one knows their real names. They're always referred to by their initials. The leader is a woman, goes by J. Calm, calculating, and impossible to read. She's the only one who ever speaks during negotiations."

Zeppelin tilted her head. "And the others?"

"There's V, the tank. A man looks small but built like a fortress. It's said he took a direct hit from a Calamity Beast and didn't even flinch. Then A, a warrior who once cut down a sky serpent mid-flight with a single swing."

Zeppelin's eyes widened. "And the last one?"

Saya's tone grew quieter. "The most dangerous of them is Z. He's a magician, yes. But not just that, he's an all-rounder. He can be anything you want, a healer, a tank, a warrior, you name it. If needed, he could solo an entire army. All roles, all skills, He adapts to anything. He rarely speaks, but some say he killed an elder god."

The world seemed to hush for a breath.

"On his own. No rituals, no divine help. Just… walked into the ruins, and when he walked out, the ground wouldn't stop shaking for days. Some say the stars themselves blinked out for a moment."

Zeppelin stared, lips parted. "But that's just a rumor… right?"

Saya didn't answer. She only looked up at the sky, unreadable.

Zeppelin stared, wide-eyed. "And no one knows who they really are?"

Saya shook her head. "They're ghosts with titles. Stories, mostly. But the power they wield? That's real enough."

Zeppelin looked up at the sky, the hum of magic in the city air brushing against her skin like a whisper.

"…People like that really exist?" she murmured.

Saya gave her a side glance. "They do. Which is why you need to be careful. Power draws eyes, good and bad."

Zeppelin smiled softly, a hint of unease behind her eyes. "Then I guess I'd better learn how to stand on my own, before someone like that comes knocking."

And somewhere, far beyond the walls of Adarante, something stirred.