Cosmic Ruler

Chapter 37 Academy City

As Jake and his group approached the Grand City, they marveled at the imposing walls that enclosed the metropolis. The massive fortifications rose high into the evening sky, creating an impressive silhouette against the fading sunlight. The city's architecture spoke of a rich history, with towers, spires, and intricate structures visible beyond the protective walls.

Upon closer inspection, they noticed the city had four grand entrances on each side, each adorned with intricate carvings and magical runes. The gates stood wide open, welcoming travelers, adventurers, and traders into the bustling heart of the metropolis.

As Alfred took their Carriage to 1st Entrance, where it close to none crowd, unlike the rest three entrances.

"This First Entrance is available to only few, And me being the butler of lady Alina grant me this privilege," Alfred explained seeing the confusion on Jake and Mark faces.

"hmm, Emily and Jimmy are missing a lot of stuff" Jake nodded and said

"Yes, it is such beautiful site" Mark said agreeing with Jake.

As their carriage reached near the First Gate, the soldiers standing their stopped them and only let them go inside when Alfred showed a kind of Id card.

The atmosphere within the city was vibrant, with the scent of various cuisines wafting through the air and the murmur of countless conversations filling the streets. Merchants displayed their wares in open markets, and adventurers clad in diverse armor and wielding an array of weapons strolled through the city's thoroughfares.

In the central square, a majestic fountain sparkled in the evening light, depicting mythical creatures and legendary heroes.

"This fountain is gift from Elves to this City...." As they were going to their destination, Alfred explained them about various landmarks of this Academy City, from the Earlier Magical Fountain to Dragon Arena, Miracle Garden, Deep Forge. Each Landmarks are something that other races contributed in the making of this City where the most brilliant of each Generation from each race comes to study.

Alfred continued to narrate tales of collaboration and shared knowledge, highlighting how each race's expertise contributed to the prosperity and uniqueness of the Academy City. The city, built on the ideals of unity and mutual growth, served as a haven for scholars, mages, warriors, and adventurers from all walks of life.

As they moved through the streets adorned with magical lanterns and intricate architecture, Jake and his group felt the vibrant pulse of the Academy City, eager to explore its wonders.

Soon they reached their destination a big Mansion, with White and red theme, it was so beautiful that Jake got reminded he is now living in a Fantasy world.

The golden gates swung open with a graceful creak. The carriage made its way through the meticulously manicured gardens and arrived at the entrance of the imposing residence.

As Jake and his group disembarked, they were met with a scene of grandeur. Several servants, butlers, and maids stood in two lines, creating a pathway that led to the entrance of the mansion. Each servant wore impeccably tailored uniforms, and the atmosphere exuded an air of formality and respect.

The servants bowed in unison as Jake and the others approached, their gestures synchronized and graceful. The head butler stepped forward, offering a deep bow.

"Welcome, honored guests," he said, his voice carrying a tone of polished courtesy. "Master Jake, Master Mark, Master Tom, we are delighted to have you and your esteemed companions in the Mansion. If you would follow me, the Master of the House eagerly awaits your presence."

"Alfred, you can now go and rest, you too, Alice" The Head butler then instructed Alfred and Alice.

Alfred and Alice bowed and then stood aside, and then Head butler lead them inside.

As they were following him, Jake asked Mark " Is it right to leave them?" , he asked about Jimmy and Emily, who are still playing game.

"Don't worry, they will be exiting any time now" Mark smiled and said.

As Jake was going to ask what he means, Jimmy yelling sounded from behind " hey!!, how can you leave us behind?"

Jake turned back and saw, Jimmy and Emily disembarking the carriage.

Jake scratched his head not knowing what to say while Mark the real villain, just grinned.

Emily reached near them and gave Jake a hateful glare, while Jimmy confronted Mark and said " Jake doesn't know about our routine but you know right?, So why didn't you wait for us?" He asked.

"oops" Mark shrugged but his smile was telling he did it purposefully.

"You.." "Cough, why don't we enter first" As Jimmy was about to thrash Mark , Head Butler intervened and then lead them inside.

The group followed the head butler through the splendid corridors of the mansion, each step unveiling a scene of elegance and refinement. The walls were adorned with an array of paintings, each telling a story of the rich history and cultural heritage of the world.

The paintings depicted scenes of heroic quests, mythical creatures, and renowned figures from various races. Elaborate frames adorned with intricate carvings surrounded each masterpiece, adding to the overall aesthetic of the mansion.

As they reached a particular door, Head Butler stopped and The head butler's knuckles rapped gently against the door, producing a distinct rhythm that echoed through the corridors.

A figure, regal and poised, stood in the doorway. The Head Butler, with a bow, announced, "My Lady, they are here."

The Lady of the Mansion stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. She wore an elegant gown that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal grace.

"Jimmy and Emily, aren't you two going to give your Aunt a hug" She said opening her arms.

Jimmy and Emily looked at each other and then stepped forward and hugged Alina,

"And you two must be Jake and Mark" Alina then shook hands with Jake and Mark.

{A/N : Poor Jake, he didn't got to hug a beauty, I really wonder whose scheme is this, Muahahahahaha}

Jake and Mark greeted back and then.

"you all must be tired, why not first rest then we will talk at Dinner" Alina smiled gently and then motioned Edward-Head butler to guide them to their rooms.

Edward then lead them to their rooms, While Tom, stayed there to talk with Alina.

"You must be Sir Tom, Thank you for taking care of my Nephew and Niece" Alina bowed and said to Tom.

"Ohh, it seems you can sense my Rank, quite insightful of you" Tom smiled and said.

"No...I can't sense your exact Rank, I just know you are strong enough to kill me" Alina shook her head and replied.

"It's more than enough, you are quite talented, here take this" Tom smiled and then passed her a vial.

Alina took the vial with out checking the content and thanked Tom.

"Sir, would like to rest too?" Alina then asked.

"Hmm, No , I will just going to tour the city, it's been ages since I was here" Tom smiled and then vanished.

Alina looked at where Tom was and then called Alfred to her study room.

"My Lady, you called?" Alfred asked arriving there.

"What is Tom rank?" Alina asked.

"Imperial Rank, I sensed it when Sir Tom released it unconsciously" Alfred replied.

"Hmm, anything else?" Alina nodded and then asked.

"yes, it's about Master Jake and Master Mark, both of them seemed exceptional, I even dare to say, they can reach the level of those Nobles children" Alfred said remembering the talents of Jake and Mark.

"Not just their level Alfred, but they may even beat them" Alina chuckled and said.

"That means.." "Yes, I am going to recommend them, this year" Alina nodded and said.

At Celestaria each Academy teacher can recommend any number of students and if their recommendations perform better during the test, there will be reward for them and if not, they will be punished.

The recommendations are important for each teacher, cause of two reasons first- Friendly Rivalry

"You b*tch , see that that's how you recommend a student!!" ???

"Huh? Long eared hag, you just got lucky this time...so DON'T do you dare to yell at me!!!" ???

As for the Second reason - Friendly Show off.

"Ahh, this much money, How can I even spend it" ????

"Damm" ????

"he got Lucky" ???

And yes you all read it right, none of the reasons have anything related to their teacher career.

Anyway back to Alina

"Which one, will you recommend among them?" Alfred asked.

"All Four" Alina smiled and said.

"Forgive me my lady but, isn't that too much of a risk?" Alfred frowned and said.

"Don't worry, I know what am I doing" Alina waved her hand and said.

"By the way should I tell Lily about them" Alina murmured remembering the Vampire who turned her into a Vampire.

"it might be a good idea, She can invite them to join their faction and grant her protection to them, Celestaria Academy is ruthless place after all" Alfred nodded and said.

"Hmm, I will ask them about this at Dinner, By the way make sure to cook, each of their favorites" Alina nodded and then ordered.

Alfred then bowed and walked away, leaving Alina thinking, "Fufufu, B*tch, just wait, I will get back at you this year"