Chapter 12: Arrival

The Kingdom of Veronica is situated at the center of the continent and its capital city, Venronis, is a lively place overflowing with various races., Although it is called a kingdom, there is no ruler in the capital. Veronica is a neutral kingdom overseen by a member of the dragon race after it was decided that the dragons would watch over this world as its protectors. Although the dragonkin technically governs the world as a whole, they do not interfere with the established kingdoms.

The continent is split into six kingdoms, with the Kingdom of Veronica at the center overseeing them. The Scientific Union of Nereid to the west, which consists of the western coasts and stretches out into the Serenian Sea. The Sky Kingdom of Altiar, located in the floating isles of Val. The Scorching City of Albion, situated in the southern desert and ruled by the Lamias. And Oto Country, found in the warring archipelago in the eastern sea.

The last two are unique cases, with the first being the Centaurs. They formed no formal kingdom of their own and chose to reside peacefully in the Forest of Giants. The second is the Arachne. They live in the Spindle City of Lumiere, in the forsaken mountains. They practice isolation and are feared by the other races, so they are seldom seen.

At least, that's what the guidebook I'm reading says. It was a gift Stella gave me before I left. It had detailed information about the six kingdoms and various races. Quite handy for someone like me who has never left home before.

It was still morning as I had chosen to leave early to register for the academy. Our carriage had been making its way through the Forest of Giants and we would soon exit out to where Venronis could be seen at a distance.

I have to say this place was quite amazing. The name had worried me at first, making me think that maybe some large creatures inhabited it, but the ride had been entirely peaceful. It seems to have got its name due to the towering trees. Massive trunks bigger than anything I've seen stretched thousands of feet into the air, blocking the sky with their dense canopies. Warm beams of sunlight filtered down to the forest floor like spotlights.

'I wonder how a place like this was created.'

My attention was soon drawn to something else. Towering stone walls in the distance indicated that we had arrived. I couldn't see past them, but there were minor settlements and farmland in the surrounding areas. Much different from the small village I came from.

"Is there a specific place you like me to drop you at, lad?" The coachman spoke out.

"The academic district."

I took a moment to observe him. He was quite a burly man. He was tall with dark brown skin and shoulder-length, snow-white hair. He looked strong, and his arms had many scars on them. He continued to speak without turning back to look at me.

"Ah, trying to become a young master, are we?"

"Pfft, as if."

"The status and wealth sound appealing, but I have no desire to take all the shitty classes that would be required."

"BWAHAHA, Indeed."

"I took a guess based on your dignified appearance, but your mouth would certainly betray expectation if you went down that path."

"Are you trying to piss me off?"

'Also, how can he tell what I looked like when he has not once turned to face my direction?'

"Heh, I like you, kid; you're funny."

'Something about this man reminds me of my dad.'

"Well, I guess it would be adventuring then. You've certainly got the attitude for it."

". . ."

"We've reached our stop."

We had been traveling around the outskirts of the walls for a bit, and it seemed we had finally reached the academic district. We stopped outside the gates since carriages were not allowed past this point. I hopped out immediately since it only took us about 4 hours to get here, and I did not need to bring any luggage.

I pulled my holo-pad out of my pocket and walked to the coachman. This was my first time getting a good look at him. His face was rather plain, the only distinguishing feature being a scar over his left eye that he kept closed. I touched the metal plate of my holopad to his own to pay him for his service, for which he thanked me.

"Names Cairn, by the way. It's been a pleasure doing business."

"Yeah, sure."

I wasn't too eager to keep talking to this man since, frankly, he irritated me. After paying him, I turned around and went on my way. As I was walking away, he called out once more.

"I'm expecting great things from you, Rune!"

I stopped immediately and turned around, but he was already driving in the opposite direction.

"Who was that man? I don't remember giving him my name."

----------

A lone carriage was wandering down the road before stopping at a small house outside the academic district, and a woman came out to greet the driver.

"How did it go?" she said

"I like him a lot. He has potential."

*sigh*

"Just don't go overboard."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going to go change inside real quick. Also, do you mind if I use your bath?"

"I guess, but hurry up."

The man went inside and headed straight to the bathroom.

"Oh right, can't forget this, " he said after completely undressing.

The man closed his eyes and focused, and as he did so, his body changed to reveal the figure of a tall, voluptuous, tan-skinned woman. Her hair was much longer, and she had fluffy ears and a tail. Her figure was beautiful, it was marred by a few imperfections. The scars and her arms eye remained and new one could be seen in the slash mark going diagonally across her midsection. Her chiseled muscles and glistening abs, along with her scars, signified her as a warrior and she was amused to have found someone promising.

"Things are going to be fun," she said with a grin.