Chapter 5: Scholars’ Guild

Days of steady travel blurred into a comfortable routine. The rhythmic creak of wagon wheels, the shared meals around crackling campfires, and the endless, fascinating conversations with Rena had woven themselves into the fabric of Leo's new existence.

The landscape shifted from dense forests to rolling plains, then to more cultivated farmlands. With each passing day, the hum of anticipation grew stronger. Then, finally, on the afternoon of the fifth day, a distant smudge on the horizon began to grow, resolving itself with breathtaking clarity into the unmistakable silhouette of a colossal city.

Eloria was the largest and most prosperous city in the southern province of the Kairo Empire. Unlike the quiet, rustic charm of Alden Village, Eloria was a sprawling metropolis filled with towering buildings and bustling markets. 

The streets buzzed with life at all hours, a cacophony of voices, the clatter of hooves, the ringing of hammers, and the distant, melodic calls of street vendors.

Leo and Rena disembarked from the wagon, their expressions mirroring each other – eyes wide with a mixture of awe and slight intimidation.

Rena, usually so talkative, could only manage a breathless whisper. "It's even grander than my brother described!" her voice barely audible over the city's vibrant noise.

"It really is." Leo murmured softly.

"Rena!"

Leo turned to see a tall man, perhaps in his late twenties or early thirties, with impeccably dark brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He moved with an effortless grace, his bearing radiating a composed confidence. He wore a scholar's cloak of deep indigo, its fabric rich and finely woven, adorned with the striking guild emblem of a white star embroidered over his heart. 

The moment he spotted her, a warm smile spread across his face.

"Kael!" Rena called, her previous awe momentarily forgotten as she rushed forward, a bright smile lighting up her face.

Kael embraced her briefly. "You made it." He said, his voice laced with genuine relief.

Leo watched their reunion, observing Kael with a quiet intensity. The man exuded an aura of calm authority, his expression serious but not unfriendly, his eyes intelligent and observant. Kael's gaze lingered on Leo for brief moments, as if sizing him up.

"This is Leo," Rena introduced, pulling back from her brother. "He traveled with me in the caravan. He's also interested in... well, the conjurer." She gave Leo a quick, encouraging glance.

Kael nodded politely to Leo, his gaze softening slightly. "Welcome to Eloria, Leo. It's good to meet a friend of my sister's. Come on, I'll show you around."

Kael, deeply familiar with the city, pointed out various landmarks: a renowned eatery known for its spiced meat skewers, a bustling textile market, and a towering structure that he identified as the city's main administrative building. As they moved deeper into the city, Leo noticed a distinct pattern in the attire of the citizens. Many, like Kael, wore robes adorned with a white star emblem. But an equally significant number wore robes with a different symbol: a gleaming golden crown. These individuals carried themselves with a different kind of authority, a more overt, martial presence.

Kael, perceptive as he was, caught Leo's curious glances at the differing robes. He smiled faintly. "You're noticing the distinctions, good. It's important to understand the lay of the land here. In the Kairo Empire, there are two major forces that truly shape society, beyond the Emperor's direct decree: the Scholars' Guild and the Royal Guard."

He paused as they navigated a particularly dense crowd, then continued. "The Royal Guard operates directly under the Emperor's control. They are the military backbone of the empire, composed mostly of highly trained fighters, strategists, and enforcers. Their focus is on maintaining order, defending the borders, and expanding the empire's influence. They are the sword of the empire." Kael's tone was neutral, factual, but Leo sensed a subtle, unspoken disdain in his voice when he spoke of them.

"The Scholars' Guild, on the other hand." Kael continued, a glimmer of pride evident in his voice, "Is an independent faction. We are not interested in politics, nor do we serve as soldiers of the empire. Our purpose is singular: the pursuit and preservation of knowledge. We are immersed in research, discovery, and the understanding of the star power, its origins, and its applications."

"Most people who want to become Conjurers are affiliated with one or the other." Kael continued. "It's rare for a Conjurer to remain truly independent for long. The training, the resources, the access to ancient texts."

They turned into a narrower street. This part of the city was noticeably quieter, the air cleaner, filled with bookshops, supply vendors, and buildings with metallic domes and glass observatories. Strange, intricate symbols were etched above certain doorways, glowing faintly with an inner light. 

"This is the Scholar's Quarter. Most people you see here are part of the Guild in some way, even if they are not officially member. We have merchants specializing in arcane components, students dedicated to various fields of study, blacksmiths who makes weapons and artifacts, alchemists brewing potent concoctions, and scribes preserving knowledge."

They finally stopped in front of a particularly tall, imposing building. Wide stone steps led up to heavy, ornate doors, and above them, a circular emblem was carved into the stone – three stars arranged in a perfect triangle, radiating lines of light.

"This is the Registry," Kael said, indicating the building. "It's where all new arrivals, and those seeking to join the Guild, must check in. You'll both need to report here."

"But you won't be joining officially just yet," Kael clarified. "You'll need to pass the Starsense test to become a full member."