The Runic Alchemist

Drawing closer, the silhouette of the Bastion sharpened, revealing its sheer, angular walls that seemed to rise directly from the mountain itself. High above, the fortress crowning the summit was a marvel of austere elegance, its spires clawing at the sky as if to ward off any who dared approach. The occasional gleams of sunlight off the polished stone made the structure itself seem to stand with pride.

At the mountain's base, waves lapped against the dark stones, serving as natural defenses for anything attempting to approach from behind the Bastion's high walls. When the ship rounded the island city, the air grew cooler, carrying a faint metallic tang, as if the presence of steel—blades, armor, or both—permeated the very atmosphere.

The ship anchored far from the city, as the rocky shoreline was too hazardous for large vessels. Damian, accompanied by Sam, Einar, and Evrin, disembarked in a small boat, arriving at a wooden platform in the heart of Edgeheaven's bustling downtown. The city, though smaller than Eldoris's capital, was dense with activity. People from all five kingdoms roamed freely through its streets. Damian noticed beastmen, darker-skinned individuals from the Empire, and average humans from Dawnstar and Ashenvale. The distinctly elegant Eldoris natives were present as well, their refined appearances standing out among the crowd.

As the group of four made their way up the steep street leading to the mountain's summit, where the Highsword headquarters lay, Damian noticed a large number of teenagers dressed in black-and-gold uniforms-the uniform of the Highsword academy. Even the shops and street vendors catered to these students, selling academic supplies, weapons, and armor. He was particularly pleased to see several shops with signs advertising spell books and runic scrolls. This truly felt like a city of scholars and knights. Despite the academic atmosphere, the city also boasted a sprawling residential area, where thousands of people lived peacefully in this corner of the world-ungoverned by the five kingdoms.

After a long climb, they arrived at the massive gates of Highsword Academy, which was part of the Bastion but separated by high walls and runic barriers. The serpentine road had been grueling, and the carriage they had hired had earned every coin of its fare. The horses, visibly exhausted, labored up the steep incline.

Damian, having been invited, didn't bother with inns. The princess accompanying him was taking the entrance exam with others, but her name still commanded respect. She was entitled to stay in the nobles' quarters, though they had agreed to avoid flaunting her status unless necessary. The academy had arranged accommodations for all challengers, which Damian appreciated, as most of the candidates were commoners whose families had sacrificed greatly to send them here. Staying in such an expensive city for a week would have been impossible for many.

Entering the academy was surprisingly straightforward. The knights asked each entrant for their name, class, and place of origin, then handed them a small, white, polished-square, numbered-stone to serve as identification during the trials. Over fifty people stood in line, their ages ranging from 12 to 19. For nobility it might be seen as embarrassing, to try the academy entrance challenge after 17, but for commoner kids it was their life changing opportunity, and they tried as long as they could. Some people are also not happy with the year they get and want to try next year with better preparation. Though Damian thought it would be best to stay all five years if one was a commoner and had limited sources to learn things from.
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The nobles had different motivations—proving their strength, forging alliances, or seeking matches. Each year, in the fourth and fifth years, the best talents from across the kingdoms gathered here.

Damian presented his letter to the knights, who, after reading it, summoned others and asked him to follow. He brought the princess with him, despite her ability to prove her identity independently. They had agreed not to reveal her status unless necessary. Though the knights looked curiously, they allowed her to accompany him without question. Sam and Einar remained in line with the other candidates. In the distance, Damian noticed the two Eldoris second-rankers assigned to watch over them; their task was complete, and they would soon return to Celestria. The Highsword knights, who had escorted them earlier, had been left behind in the city below.

The moment Damian had set foot on this island, it was as if he was thrown into a giant pool of powerful mana signatures all around him. However the academy or the bastion behind it just felt different. The tremendous mana from multiple individuals, was like a heavy thick scent of these monstrous beings that far surpassed any kingdom's army's elite warriors. Three in particular stood out, they were like whole rivers of mana on their own.

This much power.. It was even greater than the strongest third ranker Damian had met. They were.. Above those levels.

He had just heard that in third rankers, the difference of levels in a younger Trascendents and older Trascendents was like heaven and earth. It was even greater than a difference between a second ranker and third ranker levels, and today Damian could confirm that shit was really true.

He focused on one particularly immense mana signature emanating from the highest tower at the mountain's peak. As if sensing his attention, the mana flux shifted slightly, like a deep breath being taken. Shaking off the unease, Damian followed the knight leading them along a beautifully maintained stone pathway through vast green fields. The academy ground was vast, with many students in uniform and metallic armor going around their daily student life. The entrance exam was for others who came later, those who study from the first year had their own internal exams and proceeded in their next year.

This time around should be either their vacation period or end of the year exams. Princess Evrin quietly observed the massive old structure of the huge academy buildings. Just the halls were three times the size of Eldorian castle's. The knight was seemingly taking them straight, towards one of the distincts mana signatures that was on the ground floor. At last they reached there, the knight knocked on the door and gave his introduction before leaving them at the entrance.