Chapter 2: Velmora Part 1
Part 1: New World, New Sky
Location: Mana Veil Forest → Velmora Capital City
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[Opening Scene – Mana Veil Forest, Early Morning]
Arshan's eyes slowly begin to open.
Sunlight filtered gently through the trees, touching his face.
There was something different in the air — a sweet, vibrant essence of mana —
like an invisible current flowing through every breath he took.
He sat up slowly and looked around.
Tall, glowing trees surrounded him, with sapphire-colored leaves
and pulsing blue grass beneath him.
This was another world entirely.
Arshan (thinking):
"Where am I…? Why does this place feel so… different?"
Suddenly, a soft, mechanical yet emotional voice activated in his mind.
> Zyana (calm and sweet):
"You're safe now, Arshan. I'm Zyana — your system companion.
You are currently in a new realm. Your mission begins here,
but first, you must understand this place."
Arshan:
"So… was there a mission before this too?"
> Zyana:
"Yes. Before your previous mission collapsed,
I had to temporarily lock your memory —
for your protection.
But now, you're in Velmora — a world crafted entirely of mana."
Arshan didn't panic.
He chose to trust the system — at least for now.
He adjusted his shirt buttons,
and barefoot, he began walking slowly toward a distant haze —
where smoke and city-like silhouettes were visible.
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[Scene 2 – Velmora Capital City: Entrance]
As soon as Arshan crossed the forest boundary…
a breathtaking view unfolded before him.
A massive capital city stood tall, surrounded by mana towers.
Floating transports passed above.
People of various races — humans, elves, beastfolk —
walked freely across the streets.
Mana crystals were embedded in poles,
and automated stone golems cleaned the roads.
It was a full-fledged magic-powered civilization.
Arshan (under his breath):
"This world… is different.
Here, magic is technology."
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[Scene 3 – City Observation & Interaction]
As Arshan passed through the market:
A vendor was selling floating herbs.
At one stall, mana weapons were being tested.
A mana-powered puppet show had gathered children clapping with joy.
Just then, an old vendor noticed him and smiled.
> Vendor:
"You look new to the city, son."
Arshan (respectfully):
"Yes… It's my first time here. Everything is… very different."
> Vendor (laughing):
"This is Velmora. Magic is in our soul.
Everyone here connects with mana.
Your mana flow is clean…
maybe you'll end up at an academy."
Arshan:
"Academy?"
The vendor pointed toward a wooden board nearby —
with four distinct symbols engraved on it.
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[Scene 4 – The Four Academies]
At the top, in golden letters, it read:
> "Velmora's Four Pillars of Magic"
1. Aetherian Flame Institute – Fire & Combat
2. Vyndel Archives – Knowledge & Ancient Spells
3. Beastroot Conservatory – Nature Magic & Summons
4. Arkalis Dominion Academy – World Rank #1, Elite Mana School
Arshan's attention landed on the last name:
Arkalis Dominion Academy.
Its symbol was a burning phoenix,
but with spell circles embedded in its wings.
Suddenly, Zyana reactivated.
> Zyana:
"Arkalis… It's the most advanced and secure mana academy in this world.
Countless world-level sorcerers have emerged from there.
But admission is nearly impossible without a proper recommendation…
or an extraordinary performance."
Arshan (thinking to himself):
"I'll get there.
But first, I have to understand this world."
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[Scene 5 – Continued World Exploration]
Over the next few days, Arshan spent his time exploring.
He visited the library, where spell scrolls were written on living, breathing paper.
He learned about mana coins — everything operated on mana shards here.
He observed various guilds — from bounty hunters to spell smiths.
One evening, in a mana café, Arshan had a casual conversation with a young mage:
> Mage (smiling):
"You a foreigner?
Your walk and aura — both feel raw."
Arshan:
"Maybe… I think I'm meant to see this world with fresh eyes."
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[Scene 6 – Academy Lore Reveal (Arkalis)]
That night, Arshan climbed a hill
and looked down at the full view of the Arkalis Academy.
Zyana spoke softly beside him:
> Zyana:
"Arkalis Dominion Academy — over 500 years old.
It existed even before the Mana Collapse.
This place trained many warriors who fought in the Drift-Wars."
> "In the present day, it's the center for mana distortion research.
The professors here are top-tier magicians in their fields."
> "According to future projections…
the academy is working on dimensional mana bridges and new plane exploration.
Many believe that the solution to the Drift itself might emerge from here."
Arshan thought to himself…
Arshan (in a determined tone):
"Then… if I have to become something great…
If I have to stop anyone's plans…
this academy will be my training ground."
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[Last Shot – Foreshadowing]
In the night sky, a mana disturbance rippled.
Zyana quietly noticed it.
> Zyana (softly):
"Someone… has sensed your presence, Arshan.
But you're not ready yet.
Starting tomorrow, you'll have to blend even deeper into this world."
Screen fades out.
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End of Part 1
Next Part Title: "Up to the Academy Gates"
Arshan's admission struggle
First professor encounter
The real tension begins