Chapter 54: Mercenary Association
Lucien made sure his eyes didn’t wander where they weren’t supposed to. And as they made their way through the city, they stopped to enjoy some snacks along the way, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Draktharion.
Not long after, Ignis and the carriage arrived back.
"How was it?" Seraphina asked.
"It’s done, Young Miss," Ignis replied respectfully.
Seraphina nodded as she and Lucien re-entered the carriage. It turned out that every carriage had to be registered in the city before it could proceed further. That was why Seraphina and Lucien had to alight with Kelvin while Ignis went to settle the registration.
Now that it was done, there was nowhere they couldn’t go within the city.
The carriage moved, heading deeper into the city, until they reached a wall partition. Draktharion was divided into three sections: the outer city, the inner city, and the core city.
Even though it was divided into three sections, each part was larger than one could imagine, it was like a city within a city.
They were still in the outer city, heading towards the core city where the enrollment would take place.
Before the large partition, another gate stood. The carriage was stopped before the gate by several guards of the city. The guards wore silver armour that had the symbol of a dragon plastered on the plate of their armour.
"Your Registered Card, with a fee of 10,000 Low-Grade Origin Stones," the guard demanded with an arrogant aura.
Ignis brought out a card. It was sleek and palm-sized with a cool and soft surface. Along the edges of the card, faint silver runes pulsed with a soft, rhythmic glow, as if they were veins of a living being. At the center of it was a holographic draconic emblem of Draktharion City, rotating slowly as it gave off an aura of dominance, the city’s authority, unshakable and absolute.
The guard collected it and held it up to a small crystalline reader. A flash of azure light scanned the card, and a soft chime confirmed its validity. The guard’s expression eased slightly as he handed it back.
They had confirmed it was legit. Numerous Originators had tried to forge the card and gain entry, but they were never successful; this device had never failed to expose their attempts.
Ignis also added ten thousand Low-Grade Origin Stones.
In the world of Aethelgard, Origin Stones serve as the primary currency and cultivation resource. They are crystallized formations of pure Originat, the fundamental energy that flows through all things. Origin Stones are formed naturally over years in areas rich with Originat, such as ancient battlefields, Origin ley lines, or blessed grounds. They are now extracted and graded based on their purity and density: Low-Grade, Mid-Grade, High-Grade, Peak-Grade, and Supreme-Grade.
Supreme-Grade Origin Stones are as rare as Qilin horns and phoenix feathers, while Peak-Grade stones are uncommon.
And ten thousand Low-Grade Origin Stones is equivalent to one High-Grade stone, which shows that not just anyone can enter the inner section.
The guards received it, confirming if it was complete before opening the gates and allowing the carriage through.
They didn’t stop there. Heading to the core section gate, they demanded 100,000 Low-Grade Origin Stones, equivalent to 10 High-Grade Origin Stones.
Ignis also paid for this as Lucien watched the outside view. The core section wasn’t filled with crowds, unlike the outer section. It gave off a feeling of regality, as if it was reserved only for the rich and powerful. The few people who walked the streets moved with an air of nobility and refinement.
There weren’t stalls but stores, commerce stores, all in order and well-arranged. Everything was pristine, quiet, and exuded an air of quiet power and wealth.
And within few minutes, they got to their destination. A Mercenary Association.
The Mercenary Association was a neutral organization created by all races. Its purpose was to keep order and provide resources for cultivators. All races coexisted and cooperated here.
This was where they were going to get registered for the Aethel Academy Enrollment.
They entered the Mercenary Association building. Noise hit them first, discussions, arguments, and laughter filled every corner of the vast hall. The space stretched wide, its ceiling lost in shadow, supported by thick pillars carved with the emblems of a dozen races: human fists, dragon claws, angel wings, demon horns, and more.
Long wooden counters lined the walls, each manned by clerks in grey robes. Adventurers of every race crowded the open floor; some bore scars, others wore armor, and the majority of them were from the dragon race or carried dragon bloodlines within their veins.
A massive quest board dominated the far wall, covered in parchment pinned with iron nails. Requests ranged from "Kill a pack of dire wolves" to "Escort a merchant to the next city." Above the board, a clockwork timer ticked down seconds, marking the hours until new quests arrived.
Even though it was noisy and crowded, everyone maintained their respect.
"It seems another young ones have come for the enrollment."
"I wonder how many will fail again."
"Sighs, old times gone. If only I was young again, I would make sure I pass this time."
"But it seems this one just has beauty."
"Don’t you see the guy? With his aura, I’m sure he can’t go through the first round."
The crowd began to discuss when they saw Lucien and Seraphina enter the Mercenary Association. They weren’t shocked by the sight but felt pity, as if they were watching a show, watching the hot-bloodedness of the young ones.
Lucien didn’t bother to pay attention to them but calmed Seraphina, whose gaze turned cold when she heard them speaking rubbish about her darling.
They walked to the receptionist counter. There was surely a long line, as he watched teenagers ranging from age 13 to 17, lining up for the enrollment.
Looking at the long line, Lucien had a headache. Was he supposed to wait in line, and with the eyes on them, it was becoming uncomfortable.
"Follow me," Seraphina suddenly said as she dragged him forward.
A/N: Let’s not forget the mission for this week. Continue to support this author, your support is my greatest motivation.