The rest of the morning preparations were a blur—a chaotic dance of luxury and confusion. From struggling to figure out how to turn on the overengineered magical shower, to standing still while servants ticulously brushed his hair and even dressed him, every mont felt unreal.
It was overwhelming for Marcus, who had always been independent and reliable in his past life. Now, he was being babied by a team of servants, many of whom were younger than he’d been at his pri. Their practiced hands worked with chanical grace, but the sense of being pampered like royalty didn’t sit well with him.
Not sure how I feel about this...
He muttered under his breath, trying not to flinch as a male servant carefully combed his hair with unnerving precision.
Eventually, after the rituals of nobility had been completed, he finally arrived at the grand gates of his estate. The sun cast golden light on the sculpted hedges and marble path, while gardeners tending the estate’s front garden looked up and bowed deeply. Marcus gave them a polite wave.
"Well then," he said, briefcase in hand and uniform crisp, "ti to experience city life."
He stepped out beyond the gates—for the first ti on foot, no teleporting butlers today. Just him, and the city beyond.
When Marcus reached the edge of the city proper, he imdiately noticed it—the quiet language of design that revealed the skeleton of the world’s society. The architecture spoke volus: towering spires mixed with sleek tallic constructs, mana-lamps humming faintly, cobblestone roads intersecting with smooth-glass storefronts.
"While the ga was set in a dieval high-fantasy with a bit of futuristic elents..."
He muttered, eyes scanning the streets.
"It didn’t really focus on the politics that much, which of course didn’t really matter for a dating ga."
His steps slowed as he reached a bustling intersection.
"But now it’s not really sothing I can ignore."
The trading hub was alive—vibrant and unapologetically modern. Wealthy rchants shouted over one another in friendly competition, restaurants gave off mouthwatering aromas, clothing shops displayed fabrics that shifted color, and the streets were dotted with billboards, advertising everything from spellbooks to normal everyday items.
"This place feels more like LA than sothing European..."
Marcus chuckled, eyes wide with faint disbelief.
Then sothing slamd into his shoulder—a sharp, deliberate nudge, hard enough to jolt him.
"Huh?"
He stumbled slightly, turning with a raised brow.
"Do you take this route often?"
It was Dwayne—grinning like a fool, and surprisingly cheerful for soone who typically exuded delinquent energy.
"What made you so happy?"
Dwayne flashed a lopsided smirk, his briefcase slung over one shoulder as he puffed his chest with mock pride.
"Maria," Dwayne grinned, nudging Marcus harder this ti. "Forest Trials. Got wrecked early, but hey—great smile."
Marcus let out a low, disbelieving chuckle.
He sure does act like a dating ga character...
"Good for you, I guess?"
Dwayne laughed, patting Marcus hard on the back before waving him off and breaking into a light sprint across the plaza toward the academy.
"Love truly changes a man, huh..." Marcus mused, watching him go.
"But not to that much of an extent."
He shook his head with an amused grin and returned to marveling at the city around him. Students strolled through the streets, chatting or eating breakfast bought from corner vendors. Others packed their bags on the go, while so clearly relied on cafeteria food to get by. It felt lived in. Real. A world that didn’t revolve around him—and that made it all the more imrsive.
Then, the sky darkened.
A massive shadow blotted out the sun.
Marcus looked up.
"What is it this ti...?"
A colossal drake flew overhead, its wings casting a wide eclipse over the hub. A grand carriage was strapped to its back, intricately crafted and carrying none other than a uniford knight gripping reins with firm control. The beast soared gracefully in the direction of the academy.
"Guess that’s the prince, huh..."
Marcus shook off the distraction.
"Well, better not dawdle for longer."
He adjusted his grip on the briefcase and tapped a foot against the ground. Subtle runes lit up beneath his shoes—a soft pulse of energy surging upward—before launching him forward with a graceful burst of speed.
In this world, magical mobility was common. Rushing students darted along the roads and alleys using wind-enhanced strides, teleport blinks, or gravity-negating tricks. Marcus’s run barely drew a glance. He sprinted like a freight train, weaving through narrow paths, bounding over crates, and occasionally vaulting onto low roofs for better angles.
"I think I’m getting close."
He said, panting lightly as he leapt from one rooftop to the next, the academy’s towering gates finally in view.
And just ahead of it, stepping gracefully out of a luxurious carriage, was a familiar silhouette.
"Victoria..."
He mused aloud, watching her descend with regal poise. Her hair shimred in the light, uniform pristine, as if she had stepped out of a painting.
"Well then," Marcus grinned, still in midair, the wind whipping through his hair.
"Why not give her a quick hello to start off the day?"
He launched himself over a busy street, cloak fluttering behind him as a few curious children stopped to stare, pointing at the airborne student like he was part of a traveling circus.
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