The city is dazzling, its sprawling with not just humans.
Everyone is an equal Infront of education and work those who are impaired have their own ways to make a living.
The scale on the outside looks like a joke compared to the inside, the complex structures came together as a whole.
Poles connected with silk like rope, gears grinding against each other outside of buildings.
Guards who look like walking fireflies.
And at the centre of this entire city lays the foundation for education that anyone can access as long as you meet the requirements.
A library that stretches in height like a dragon soaring into the sky.
The same currency that worked in Verdant Crescent works here in Lumen Dusk.
So the obvious plan of action is..
For Bruce to eat food.
He enjoyed a variety of foods that seems almost alien compared to what he ate at Crescent.
They followed the same routine, "they" memorised the routes and the way the guards moved.
Vernon and Bruce walked for a while, they were free to explore with no restraints after all.
"Vernon, lets go try that food place tomorrow!"
Bruce right now is addicted to food. An addiction stronger than anything humanity has ever seen before.
And Vernon? he has to manage the finances enough to survive Bruce's ravage food eating streaks.
"Bruce we need to go find a place to stay, so stop eating so much otherwise we will be homeless."
Bruce sulked, "But between bed and food... ugh.. It's too difficult to just decide on a whim!"
Vernon let out an exhausted sigh, "maybe tomorrow."
"There should be a commission board somewhere since its a city." Bruce uttered.
Vernon looked around, "Yes, but bear in mind out goal now is to find somewhere to stay."
"Lets ask around then."
Vernon scoffed, "Wow, you said something reasonable."
Vernon asked around with travellers, Bruce asked around common folk.
Most of the taverns that came up were either super expensive or not taken care of properly.
However two Lodgings stood out.
One is for students, a massive dormitory where students stay at and get access to food for free.
Another is AngelSoup a Tavern that is between expensive and affordable with good services, some compare the student dormitory and AngelSoup to be on par.
There was also a Tavern called Haven the predecessor to AngelSoup. However it had shut down due to insufficient funding and rumours that the owner was a
serial killer.
Both Vernon and Bruce rendezvoused on a bench they agreed to meet on in 30 minutes.
"So.. Vernon, seems like we have one option either way." Bruce mumbled.
Vernon looked around for a good minute.
He let out a disappointed sigh, "I dont want to sacrifice comfort because of money.. well if we get into the academy we can just stay at the dormitories."
Bruce giggled silently.
"I thought you would go for efficiency just like dad."
Vernon stood up from the bench, stretched then looked back at Bruce.
"What are you waiting for?" Vernon voiced, "Lets go."
With the sun setting behind them and the lights streaking the floor dispersing.
They watched the city come to life.
As darkness began to settle over the streets, lights awakened above them.
Floating spheres rose silently into the air, their surfaces carved with intricate runes.
A soft blue glow spilled from them, cascading down across the stone roads and illuminating the path ahead as the city shifted into its night rhythm.
"Whoa.." Bruce marvelled up at the spheres, "They look like stars that i could capture.."
Vernon was in awe too, "..I want to be able to study it."
They walked for another 20 minutes weaving through streets streaked in the soft blue light, an experience that felt almost surreal.
"hm?" Bruce stopped in his tracks, "Vernon come check this out."
The posters were nailed to the side of a tall notice board near the intersection.
Dozens of other papers surrounded them - job requests, sparring announcements, research assistant postings - but the two academy notices dominated the centre.
Vernon turned around toward him, only for Bruce to shove a piece of paper into his face.
「LUMEN DUSK ARCANE ENGINEERING & MANA ACADEMY
Where True Mages Are Forged
Young mage, your potential deserves more than the basics.
At Lumen Dusk's premier Mana Academy, we believe mastery of magic requires focus, knowledge, and precision. While others divide their students between swords and spellcraft, our institution is dedicated to the full study of mana in all its forms.
Here, magic is not a secondary skill.
It is the foundation.
Why Study With Us?
• Advanced Mana Studies
Learn the true structure of mana, spellcraft theory, rune construction, and magical engineering from the leading scholars of Lumen Dusk.
• World-Class Research Facilities
Our academy houses rune circuit laboratories, mana engine research halls, construct workshops, and spell amplification chambers unmatched anywhere on the frontier.
• Innovation and Discovery
Students here do not simply learn spells - they create them. Join a community pushing the boundaries of magical knowledge.
• Student Dormitories and Academic Support
Live and study among fellow prodigies in fully supported academy housing designed to cultivate collaboration and research.
• Unmatched Resources
With the largest academic funding in the region, our students have access to rare materials, advanced equipment, and experimental facilities unavailable elsewhere.
For Those Who Seek True Mastery
If your ambition is to become:
• a master spellcaster
• a mana engineer
• a rune architect
• or a pioneer of magical technology
Then your path begins here.
Admissions Now Open
Exceptional candidates will be granted access to the most advanced magical education in Lumen Dusk.
Because magic deserves more than half your attention.
It deserves your mastery. 」
Vernon pondered whilst studying it intently.
"Vernon chill, you will burn a hole through this thing." Bruce chuckled, "There was another one right next to it, look."
Bruce handed him the other Leaflet.
「LUMEN DUSK CULTIVATION ACADEMYPower Is Earned - Not Studied
Magic alone will not save you.
Beyond the walls of Lumen Dusk lies a world where hesitation means death and knowledge means nothing without the strength to wield it.
At the Cultivation Academy, we forge warriors capable of mastering both Mana and Qi, uniting spellcraft with martial discipline.
Here, magic is not something you hide behind.
It is something you fight with.
What We Teach
• Mana Combat Techniques
Learn how to cast while moving, fighting, and surviving real combat.
• Qi Cultivation
Strengthen the body and spirit beyond ordinary limits.
• Battlefield Spellcasting
Master the art of controlling a battlefield through speed, precision, and power.
• Weapon Training
Swords, spears, martial forms, and mana-infused weapon techniques.
• Live Sparring and Combat Trials
Because true skill is proven in battle - not on paper.
Forge Strength Through Discipline
Our instructors are not merely scholars.
They are battle veterans, cultivators, and elite warriors who train students to survive the real world beyond the city.
student who enters our academy learns:
• strength of body
• control of mana
• mastery of combat
• and the discipline required to wield power responsibly.
Student Dormitories Available
Train, cultivate, and live among fellow warriors in our academy grounds. Every day is an opportunity to grow stronger.
Choose Your Path
You can spend your years studying magic in theory.
Or you can learn to wield it in battle.
Applications Now Open
If you have the will to grow stronger, the Cultivation Academy will give you the tools.
The question is simple:
Will you study power?
Or become it? 」
Bruce grinned.
"Okay this one gets it."
Vernon folded his arms.
"..Of course you would pick the one that involves punching things."
Bruce tapped the paper.
"It's just honesty."
He leaned closer to the bottom half, reading aloud.
'Power is earned - not studied.'
Bruce nodded approvingly.
"See? Inspiring."
Vernon had already moved Back to the first poster.
His eyes scanned it quietly.
Rune circuit laboratories.
Mana engine research.
Construct development.
His gaze lingered there for a moment.
Bruce noticed.
"Oh no."
Vernon didn't look away.
"Oh no what," he said.
"You like the boring one."
"It's not boring."
Bruce leaned over his shoulder and read the heading again.
Arcane Engineering and Mana Academy
He tilted his head.
"...Do they even fight there?"
"They research."
"That sounds suspiciously like studying."
Vernon ignored him.
Bruce sighed and stretched his arms above his head.
"Well."
He stepped away from the board.
"We're definitely not figuring this out today."
Vernon nodded slightly.
"We still need to make our way to the lodgings."
Bruce looked down the street.
The city had grown brighter while they stood there.
Floating spheres drifted above the roads now, each engraved with intricate patterns. Soft blue light poured from them, spreading across the stone streets like quiet pools of moonlight.
People moved everywhere.
Students, workers, merchants.
The city felt wide awake.
Bruce exhaled slowly.
"...This place is huge."
"Yeah.."
Bruce pointed down the road.
"Oh, Look there."
A wooden sign hung above a doorway a short distance away.
AngelSoup
A lantern swayed gently beside it.
Vernon followed his gaze.
"It was right there."
They crossed the street together.
The door creaked slightly when Bruce pushed it open.
Warm air rolled out to meet them.
The inside of the lodging house was quiet compared to the streets. A few travelers sat at scattered tables eating late meals while a tired-looking man behind the counter flipped through a ledger.
Bruce approached first.
"Two beds," he said.
The man looked up.
"You boys students?"
Bruce shrugged.
"Maybe."
The man chuckled and slid a small key across the counter.
"Second floor. End of the hall."
Bruce tossed a few coins down.
The man scooped them up without even counting.
They climbed the narrow staircase together.
The lodging room was simple, but comfortable.
Two narrow beds sat against opposite walls, a small wooden table between them. A faint rune etched into the ceiling glowed with soft amber light, bathing the room in a warm, steady glow.
Bruce dropped his pack onto the floor with a heavy thud.
Then he flopped face-first onto the nearest bed.
The mattress creaked.
"...Oh wow," he muttered into the pillow. "Civilization is amazing."
Vernon set his own bag down more carefully near the table. His eyes wandered briefly around the room - the runed light, the sturdy wooden frame of the bed, the small window overlooking the street below.
Even here, the city hummed with life.
Faint voices drifted upward from outside. Somewhere in the distance metal clanged, likely from a forge still working late into the evening.
Bruce rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
"So," he said lazily. "We're in the big fancy magic city now."
Vernon nodded slightly.
"I guess so."
Bruce stretched his arms behind his head.
"And apparently everyone here either wants to punch things really hard..."
He tilted his head toward Vernon.
"...or build weird magic machines."
Vernon smiled.
"The academies seem to specialize in the two of these."
Bruce turned onto his side, resting his head on one hand.
"Well i dont know for how long we get to experience it, but we will have fun while it lasts."
It wasn't a question.
Vernon stepped toward the window, pushing it open slightly. Cool night air slipped into the room.
From here he could see the floating lights drifting slowly above the streets like silent lanterns.
Beyond the rooftops in the distance, two massive structures rose above the rest of the city.
One looked like a fortress - broad arenas, towering walls, banners hanging from high stone pillars.
The other stretched upward in elegant towers of glass, metal, and glowing runes.
Two academies.
Two paths.
Bruce followed Vernon's gaze.
"School huh..." he said.
"You think we will get in?"
Vernon didn't respond right away.
Instead, his hand slowly reached beneath his shirt.
The dagger rested against his palm.
Cool.
Familiar.
The name caught the faint amber light from the ceiling rune.
Vernon's fingers tightened slightly around it.
"If we can't then who can?"
Bruce yawned loudly behind him.
"That's true, well.. wake me up if they serve breakfast," he mumbled.
Within seconds the bed creaked again as he rolled onto his side.
Vernon glanced back.
Bruce was already half asleep.
Vernon smiled and shook his head quietly.
Then he turned back to the window.
Lumen Dusk glowed beneath the floating lights.
A city of scholars.
Of fighters.
Of inventions.
Of secrets.
And somewhere within it...
Possible answers.
Vernon closed the window softly.
And took out his notes to study.
Sitting at the desk being bathed in Lumen Dusks light.
He knew that tomorrow would be the beginning.