Magic Chronicles : Fallen Race

After a long journey of three days and three nights, Reji could vaguely see the magnificent arcane sculpture floating high above the city in the distance.

The sculpture depicted an old man with a thick white beard, his deep, stargazing eyes visible beneath an ancient and simple wizard's hat.

There was only one place in the world that could so extravagantly use the fifth-tier Levitation spell on its architecture.

Darran Academy.

As soon as Reji and Freya entered the city, they could feel the intense atmosphere of the Homeland of Spells.

The main street was lined with rows of various magic potion shops, and even the small vendors on the street corners mostly sold spell materials. In fact, any randomly chosen vendor was likely a third or fourth-tier spellcaster.

Freya, the Radiant Saintess, was amazed after just a cursory glance.

She noticed that the rare spell materials, which were difficult to find in other places, seemed to be readily available and easily purchasable in Darran City, albeit at a high price.

In addition to the abundant material resources, Freya also noticed that even the pedestrians on the street were almost all wearing robes and tall hats, with various magic wands hanging from their waists.

The passersby were either reading grimoires while walking or gathering in groups of three to five, enthusiastically discussing the latest spells and academy news.

In contrast, ordinary people like her and Reji, dressed in casual clothes, seemed out of place in this Homeland of Spells.

Freya was undoubtedly very happy and excited about this.

This place had gathered almost all the elites and genius spellcasters from the human world. Freya believed that they would become the backbone supporting humanity in the future catastrophe.

And in the future, following the Radiant Prophecy, she would diligently lead the Hero to absorb knowledge and improve himself in this ocean of spells, laying a solid foundation for the future world-saving mission!

Although... Her Hero seemed to be quite powerful already.

Freya stole a glance at Reji walking beside her.

On the way to the Darran Empire, she had been secretly looking forward to it. According to the Radiant prophecy, the path to salvation would not be easy, and they would encounter various setbacks and hardships.

As the Saintess, her responsibility was to stand firmly behind the Hero and become his most solid support.

However... The arduous journey of salvation that Freya had imagined did not happen.

On the contrary.

Their journey had been smooth sailing.

They encountered almost no trouble along the way.

It was as if the Hero was born with some innate ability to seek fortune and avoid misfortune.

He could always foresee and avoid trouble.

Even on the rare occasions when they encountered one or two issues, before she could intervene, Reji would easily resolve them in a few moves.

This had made her very distressed.

Freya always felt that she had somehow turned from a "Radiant Saintess" into a decorative "mascot".

No...

No, no!

I also have an indispensable value!

Freya did not lose heart.

After all, no matter how powerful the Hero was, in the end, she was still the one who had to prepare his daily meals and wash his dirty clothes and underwear over and over again!

Taking care of the Hero's daily life was also a very important part of the Saintess's training!

Finally, after finding some of her Saintess dignity and encouraging herself, Freya perked up and took Reji to the nearest inn to check in.

However, things did not start well.

"What? You want two soft bed rooms!? What are you thinking? We only have one guest room left, the most basic hard bed. Take it or leave it." The innkeeper waved his hand impatiently at Freya.

If it weren't for Freya's cute and pretty appearance, he wouldn't bother with this kind of customer.

"Ehh!? B.. but..."

Seeing Freya's hesitation, the innkeeper shook his head and kindly reminded her, "Little girl, let me tell you, it'll be the same if you ask other inns. They're all fully booked. You have no idea how many outsiders like you are sleeping on the streets!"

"The only reason I still have one room left is because that unlucky guest injured himself while preparing a new spell for the 'Academy Competition' and had to withdraw."

"Academy... Competition?"

Noticing Freya's unfamiliarity with the term, the innkeeper looked very surprised.

"No way, little girl. You don't even know about the Academy Competition? Then why are you here? Although every competition is very popular, this latest one has the most participants because the legendary mage Malvin recently announced that whoever wins the title in this competition will be officially accepted as his disciple!"

"There were rumors before that Malvin wanted to take in a disciple, but this time, the legend himself confirmed it, causing such a huge sensation. Moreover, the participants in this competition are no longer limited to internal students of Darran Academy."

"Anyone with attainments in magic, even outsiders, can register. Why else do you think all those elites and geniuses from various places are rushing into our city like crazy?"

"I... I see."

Freya nodded. Since they had been on the road for the past few days, their information was a bit blocked.

But undoubtedly, the information brought by the innkeeper was exciting and great news for them.

In fact, Freya felt that this might be the guidance of the Radiance, the inevitability of fate.

Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that as soon as they arrived at Darran Academy, that legendary figure announced his intention to take in a disciple?

"That's right innkeeper. We are here to participate in the competition. Please give us the room!"

"Alright, seven silver coins per day, plus an additional five silver coins as a deposit. If you want meals included, add one more silver coin."

Freya, who had been in high spirits just now, deflated upon hearing the string of numbers from the innkeeper.

The Saintess gritted her teeth and secretly opened her small purse.

Most of the funds from the Radiant Church were used for maintenance and operations, so the expenses during her journey with the Hero mostly came from her private savings accumulated over the years through frugal living and various cost-cutting measures.

One silver coin was equal to one hundred copper coins.

And ten copper coins were almost enough for a family's daily meals.

Freya was naturally reluctant to spend such an exorbitant price on accommodation. It was the first time she had spent money so lavishly. However...

So be it!

In order for Lord Reji to have a good night's sleep and a good place to rest, so that he could recuperate and be in the best condition for the upcoming Academy Competition, I don't care anymore. Now was the time for me to shine up as the Saintess!

Seeing that there seemed to be more guests coming to check in, Freya quickly paid the money.

As for the meal expenses...

"No need, innkeeper. Lord Reji quite likes the food I cook. I'll handle it myself!"

"Tsk tsk, a couple, huh? I'm envious. My wife and I were also as sweet as you when we were young, traveling everywhere. Too bad, until my knee took an arrow, I could only become an innkeeper."

"Good luck, young lady. I'm rooting for you!"

In the end, the innkeeper even winked at Reji, who was standing behind, as if to say that having such a beautiful and virtuous companion should be cherished.

Reji smiled and nodded, of course.

In fact, he had many ways to get better and free accommodation, but how to put it...

"Let's go, Lord Hero!"

Seeing Freya's face, although pained from spending too much money, yet unable to hide her happiness and satisfaction, as if she could finally be of use as a Saintess and spend money for the Hero, making her feel extremely fulfilled.

Reji admitted that on this journey, he had indeed neglected Freya a bit in order to accelerate the plot, so at times like this, stepping back a little and letting Freya take the lead was a way to make it up to her.

Just as the two were about to go upstairs to put away their luggage.

Suddenly.

Hmm?

Reji's powerful perception made him immediately turn his head and look towards the main street outside the inn. And it was this glance into the crowd that instantly turned his expression to surprise and... delight.

Wait.

Wait, could those two be...?