After some time walking through the Arcane City, we realized we needed to resolve something simple before anything else.
A place to stay.
The city was enormous and full of movement. Mages, scholars, and travelers moved through the streets in every direction. Some carried huge books, others discussed magical theories while walking. It was an environment completely different from any city I had ever seen.
But at that moment, our focus was more basic.
Rest.
Lyannis was the first to mention it.
"I think we've seen enough magic for today."
Rai'kanna agreed immediately.
"I'd also prefer a bed before continuing to explore."
Liriel was still observing some runes carved into one of the nearby walls.
"There are still many interesting things here."
Elara let out a small sigh.
"We'll have time for that later."
Vespera simply pointed discreetly to a side street.
I followed her gaze.
There, hanging above a wooden door, was a simple sign swaying in the wind. The painted symbol showed a stylized tower surrounded by stars.
Below the symbol, it read:
Serene Tower Inn.
Lyannis smiled.
"That looks perfect."
We went inside.
The interior of the inn was surprisingly calm. The main hall was lit by small magical lanterns floating near the ceiling. The light was soft and comfortable.
Wooden tables filled much of the space. Some travelers were seated, talking quietly. Two men dressed in mage robes were discussing something while examining an open scroll on the table.
Behind the counter stood a middle-aged woman organizing some keys hanging on a board.
She looked up when we approached.
"Good evening."
Her voice was calm.
I responded in the same tone.
"Good evening. We're looking for rooms."
She observed us for a moment, probably assessing whether we were ordinary travelers or troublesome adventurers.
Then she nodded.
"We have rooms available."
Lyannis leaned her elbows on the counter.
"How many?"
The woman quickly looked at the group.
"I can offer three large rooms or five individual rooms."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"Large rooms are enough."
Liriel agreed.
"We don't need that much space."
The woman picked up some keys and placed them on the counter.
"Third floor. Left corridor."
I handed over some gold coins for the payment. She checked them quickly and stored them in a small wooden box.
"If you need food or a hot bath, let me know."
I thanked her.
We went upstairs shortly after.
The interior of the inn was quiet. The corridor was lit by small luminous stones embedded in the walls. The soft blue light created a peaceful atmosphere.
Lyannis observed the walls as we walked.
"Looks like even inns here use magic."
Elara examined one of the glowing stones.
"Refined mana stones."
Rai'kanna opened one of the doors and entered first.
The room was simple, but comfortable.
A wide window allowed a view of part of the city outside. In the distance, some of the magical towers could be seen illuminated against the night sky.
Liriel entered right after.
"The view is good."
Vespera placed her bag on one of the chairs and began checking the room as she always did.
Lyannis threw herself onto the nearest bed.
"Finally."
I walked toward the window.
The Arcane City at night was even more impressive.
Some towers glowed with soft lights that stretched into the sky. Giant runes illuminated parts of the city like stars attached to the walls.
It was hard to believe that place truly existed.
Elara approached the window as well.
"The amount of mana here is impressive."
Liriel nodded.
"That explains why so many mages come to study here."
Rai'kanna sat in a nearby chair.
"So tomorrow we meet the archmage."
Lyannis lifted her head slightly from the bed.
"The famous Aurelius Valemorth."
No one spoke for a few seconds.
It was impossible to ignore the weight of that name.
A legendary mage.
Four centuries of life.
Guardian of magical knowledge.
I was still holding the letter he had sent.
I looked at the seal again.
Aurelius had agreed to receive us.
That alone was already surprising.
Elara looked at me.
"You're thinking about him again."
I nodded.
"Yes."
Liriel rested her hands on the window.
"Mages like him don't usually receive visitors easily."
Rai'kanna gave a small smile.
"Maybe he's curious."
Lyannis closed her eyes again.
"Or maybe he just wants to see who the guy is that defeated a demon general."
I put the letter away.
Whatever the reason, we would find out tomorrow.
I looked once more at the towers of the city glowing on the horizon.
The Arcane City was full of knowledge.
Full of power.
And somewhere in that place lived the man who could teach me to control the mana I still barely understood.
I took a deep breath.
Tomorrow, we would finally meet the Master of Mages.
Aurelius Valemorth.