Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 59.2: The Land of Roses

Riven, Rosendun.

1:02 p.m. 20th Banem 1092.

Riven, the capital city of Rosendun, and home to most of Rosendun's guilds. The city had experienced a meteoric rise ever since it was reclaimed in the famous Battle of Riven. Despite the monstrous damage the city incurred, its citizens were all too happy to offer their services to restore it to its former glory.

Thanks to the citizens' tireless efforts, Riven now stood as a shining beacon for all of Rosendun. Its streets were as clean as they were busy, filled with thousands of adventurers, traders and common folk going about their day. The city was also home to the largest Mages' Guild in Rosendun, which drew countless potentials from around the country and beyond.

Recently, there were rumors of a new academy being built close to the Royal Castle. It was said this academy would dwarf the Mages' Guild in size and would cover a vast range of topics, from common subjects like the Common tongue to specialized subjects like magic, combat arts, and much more.

The most exciting part about the academy, however, was its low cost of entry. It only cost about 1000 Syros per year, which was more than affordable for even low-income families. Thousands of young men and women had thus traveled to Riven, waiting for the academy to open its doors, in hopes of getting chosen. After all, this was probably the only way a poor son of a farmer could make a name for himself in this cutthroat world.

The massive influx of Hopeful students congested the streets but was a large boon for the inns and restaurants as they brought big businesses with them.

"Ouch!" A hooded daeben cursed after getting stomped on by a woman's heeled boot. Kashi turned around and watched the little Masonian woman rushing somewhere, completely oblivious to what just transpired. "Wow. The city really is busy," he muttered and then pulled his hood tighter over his head as he pushed his way up the streets and headed to the castle.

After about thirty minutes, the daeben finally cut through the crowd and reached the castle gates. Kashi looked up at the massive gates with a slight smile. Last time he was here, he was running along the walls at night to open the gates for Absalon's army. Now, he got to walk through the front gates. How times have changed.

"Halt!" called a guard donned in Rosen's pinkish-red ceremonial armor. He was one of three guards assigned to stand at the gate to ward off tourists. The real guards stood atop the wall with arrows trained at the daeben. However, the battlements shielded them from sight, so passersby were unaware of the constant danger they were in. The guard was pleased to see Kashi stop of his own accord. More tourists than he'd like tended to push their luck. "Identify yourself."

"I am Kashi of the Hopeful Maggots," said Kashi as he removed the hood, revealing his face. He took out an identification badge and handed it to the guard. "That's my guild badge."

The guard accepted the badge with a skeptical look. "You are Kashi?" he asked as he examined the badge. Satisfied, he handed it back, and said with a relaxed smile, "I thought you'd be taller."

"I haven't stopped growing." Kashi laughed as he scratched the back of his head. "Might add a few inches soon."

"We'll see," the guard said with a chuckle and then asked, "So, for documentation sake, I must ask why you're here. Hope you understand?"

Kashi nodded as he waved his hand, "I understand, don't worry. I'm here to see King Parissius. He should be expecting me."

The guard nodded appreciatively and then took out a rink. He turned his back to the daeben as he communicated with his supervisor. Moments later, he turned around to look at Kashi and then said, "Are you alone? It says you were expected with a large party."