When Julian stepped into Velanor, the capital city of the Eryndor Kingdom, he had to blink a few times just to take it all in. The city was alive—buzzing, moving, and practically spilling over with energy. The sun wasn’t even fully up yet, but the streets were already full of people. Merchants were setting up their stalls, kids were running around chasing stray cats, and there was a smell in the air—a mix of fresh bread, spiced meats, and something he couldn’t quite place, but it made his stomach rumble.

  Velanor wasn’t just big—it was huge. The city sprawled out like a web, with narrow alleys twisting into wide plazas and tall stone towers casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets. It wasn’t clean, but it wasn’t filthy either—it was... real. The kind of place where you’d find a knight in polished armor and a drunk bard sharing the same square.

  “Alright, Royal Magic Academy, where are you?” Julian muttered.

  ‘You’d think someone about to take an entrance exam to one of the most prestigious magical academies would be more prepared—at least know the way to the academy’, Alice chimed in his head, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

  “Yeah, yeah, Master,” Julian replied under his breath. “I’m in awe of your wisdom. Truly. But maybe instead of criticism, you could help me find the way?”

  ‘I’m just saying’, Alice continued, ‘a map wouldn’t have killed you. Or, you know, asking someone for directions like a normal person.’

  “Never mind. We still have time. Let’s walk through the city a little more. The village I’m from is tiny. I’ve always wanted to live in a big city—I just want to see more of it.”

  As he wandered deeper into the city, Julian couldn’t help but admire it more and more, though he still hadn’t found the academy.

  Maybe it really is better if you ask for directions. Or you’ll be late for Academy Selections, Alice said smugly.

  Julian was about to respond to her when he heard the sounds coming from an alley.

  “Alright, hand it over, pretty boy,” a gruff voice growled, echoing down the narrow passage.

  Julian slowed his steps, curiosity—and, if he were honest, a bit of boredom from arguing with Alice—getting the better of him. Peeking around the corner, he watched the scene unfold.

  A boy, no older than Julian himself, stood cornered by three thugs. The boy was dressed in a fine silk shirt and clean boots. His golden-blond hair caught the sunlight, making him look even more out of place, like a lost prince in a fairy tale.

  “I don’t have anything to give you,” the boy said, his voice steady, though there was a flicker of fear in his eyes.

  Julian leaned against the wall, folding his arms. “Well, this looks fun.”

  'You’re just going to watch?' Alice’s voice cut in, sharp with disapproval.

  “Why not?” he replied lazily. “It’s not my business.”

  'You’re unbearable sometimes. Have you ever done the right thing in your life, something not selfish, Julian?'

  Julian groaned. “Fine, fine. I’m different now. I have great power. I’m a space mage. I think I have more responsibilities for weaker people. I’ll help. After all, with great power comes great responsibility.”

  Alice sighed but didn’t say anything.

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  Julian stepped out of the shadows, flashing the thugs his most confident grin. “Hey, gentlemen! How about you let the boy go and, oh, I don’t know, not get turned into dead people today?”

  The largest thug turned to him, his scarred face twisting into an ugly smirk. “And who’s gonna do that? You?”

  “Absolutely,” Julian said, raising his hands dramatically. “I’m a mage. A very powerful one. You mess with me, and poof!” He snapped his fingers for effect. “Dead. Dead. Dead...”

  The thugs exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

  'That’s your plan?' Alice groaned.

  “It’s called a bluff,” Julian muttered under his breath. “Works like a charm...usually.”

  Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of those times.

  “Get him!” the leader barked.

  Now cornered with the blond boy, Julian let out a long sigh. “I knew I shouldn’t have listened to you, Master. Why’d I even get involved in someone else’s mess?”

  'Hey, don’t pin this on me. You’re the one who said your bluff works like charm. Maybe you’re just not that charming, Julian,' Alice said, clearly enjoying herself.

  Standing shoulder to shoulder with the boy, Julian noticed him glancing over with wide eyes full of admiration and gratitude, as if Julian had saved the day. Julian blinked, confused. The situation was still a mess, and he hadn’t actually helped at all. In fact, they were about to get robbed—or worse—in a few seconds. Just as Julian was gearing up to make a run for it, someone shouted.

  “Guards! Guards! Over here!”

  The thugs froze, panic flashing across their faces. Without a second thought, they bolted, disappearing into the maze of alleys.

  Julian turned to see who yelled and spotted a girl standing at the other end of the alley, arms crossed and looking way too smug for her own good. She had dark hair tied back in a loose ponytail and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

  “You’re welcome,” she said, strolling over like she owned the place.

  Julian frowned. “I had it under control.”

  “Yeah, sure you did,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Your wobbly knees were super convincing.”

  Julian noticed the boy next to him was still staring at him with those wide, grateful eyes. When their gazes met, the boy stammered, “Thank you for stepping in. If you hadn’t been here... I don’t even want to think about what might’ve happened. I’m Elias, by the way.”

  Julian scratched the back of his head, looking like he couldn’t care less. “Yeah, well... I don’t care.”

  “No, seriously!” Elias said, shaking his head. “You guys really saved me. Without you, I’d probably already be robbed—or worse.”

  The girl laughed. “Don’t mention it, Elias. I’m Lyra. And you?”

  “Julian,” he mumbled, clearly irritated, then smirked. “But don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t want to know you, and I definitely don’t like you. Trust me, my standards for girls are already low, and you still didn’t make the cut.”

  “Of course I didn’t,” Lyra replied with a teasing smile, not taking it personally.

  Elias glanced between them, the tension on his face fading as a relieved, almost carefree smile spread across his handsome features. “So, are you two heading to the Royal Magic Academy too?”

  Julian blinked. “How did you—”

  “You said you’re a mage,” Elias said, gesturing toward him. “Every mage our age who’s here today is here for the academy entrance exam.”

  Lyra jumped in before Julian could say anything. “I’m going too. We should stick together—it’s way better than going alone.” She gave them a big smile.

  “Great! Let’s go together!” Elias said, grinning ear to ear as he looked at Lyra, then Julian.

  'You’re lucky. At least now you won’t get lost again', Alice chimed in Julian’s head.

  “Yeah, maybe it’s better,” Julian said, remembering that Lord Gray would be there.

  And just like that, Julian found himself with two new companions, whether he liked it or not.

  As they made their way through the city, the streets grew wider, the buildings taller, and the air heavier with magic. By the time they reached the gates of the Royal Magic Academy, even Julian had to admit it was impressive.

  The gates were made of gleaming silver, etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with light. Beyond them, towering spires and sprawling courtyards stretched as far as the eye could see.

  “Wow,” Lyra said, her voice filled with awe.

  Elias nodded, his eyes shining. “It’s incredible.”

  Julian, for once, was speechless.

  They passed through the gates and saw the crowd waiting for the selection. The adventure was just beginning.