Leon's POV
I kept my gaze fixed on the view outside the train window, where buildings and trees blurred into streaks of light due to the vessel's immense speed. My thoughts, however, were anchored to the Athelguard Academy entrance exam. It consisted of two phases: a written test and a field examination. Given the staggering number of applicants, exams were held daily, with each batch containing roughly a hundred candidates.
Statistically, this meant that only ten applicants per batch—at most—would make the cut. As I was sinking deeper into these calculations, Marcus spoke up abruptly.
"Hey, Leon, what do you think about the rumors? People are saying a war might break out between the Elves and the Dwarves."
"War...?" I mused, recalling the lore of the novel. "I don't think it'll happen. The Elves aren't foolish enough to start a war with the Dwarves; they'll try to avoid it at any cost."
In reality, these were merely rumors spread intentionally by the Dwarves to sow anxiety among their enemy's public and pressure the Elven government into granting mining rights in the Northern Continent—a region rich in rare minerals.
Marcus looked puzzled. "But even if the Elves try to avoid it, if the Dwarves want war, isn't it inevitable?"
I sighed, turning to him. "For heaven's sake, Marcus, think for a moment. Neither the Elves nor the Dwarves are idiots. If a full-scale war broke out, the Humans would undoubtedly intervene on the side of the Elves. If the Elves fall, we're next in line."
A look of realization dawned on Marcus's face. "Oh... you're right. But if everyone knows the chance of war is slim, what do the Dwarves gain from these rumors?"
"The absence of war doesn't mean the absence of skirmishes," I replied calmly. "The Dwarves are sending a simple message: 'If you don't meet our demands, we won't mind raiding a city or two.' Besides, even if a war did happen—as devastating as it would be for both sides—the Dwarves would likely triumph over a Human-Elven alliance. Don't forget, they control the {Earthquake} element."
"Earthquake..." Marcus whispered, his tone growing tense. "I've heard the rumors. It's literally a weapon of mass destruction. Ever since the Dwarves harnessed it, they've become the strongest on the continent... By the way, Leon, since when did you get so smart?"
I closed my eyes, my patience wearing thin. "Since this morning. Now shut up and wake me when we get there."
Third Person POV
Two hours later, the passengers arrived at their destination: Astoria, the capital of the Human Empire. The architectural layout was breathtaking—a masterpiece of Magitech. Skyscrapers pierced the heavens while flying vehicles swarmed the sky. The streets were a melting pot of commerce and tourism, filled with Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and various other races.
As Leon and Marcus stepped off the train, they scanned their surroundings with curiosity, mesmerized by the vibrant, pulsing energy of the city.
Leon's POV
I stared up at the towering skyscrapers that punctured the clouds—structures more magnificent than anything I had seen, even in my previous life.
"I guess this is what you get when you merge science and magic," I muttered in awe.
"Hm? What did you say?" Marcus asked.
"Nothing, just talking to myself."
"Greetings, young men! Looks like your first time here," a lean man approached us, eyeing us like easy targets. "How about a tour on my airship? Only one silver coin each. Believe me, it's a bargain."
We certainly looked like a pair of country bumpkins visiting the big city for the first time. No wonder this scout picked us out.
"No thanks, we don't have time," Marcus replied, as the man's face slumped with disappointment.
"Fair enough. Enjoy your trip." Just as he was about to leave, I stopped him.
"Wait a minute. We'll go. Marcus, the exam is tomorrow, so I don't think it'll hurt to enjoy ourselves a bit before heading to the hotel."
"Fine," Marcus grumbled, "but you're paying. A whole silver coin? That's steep."
He wasn't wrong. A silver coin was expensive, especially considering my hard-earned savings totaled only twenty silver coins.
"Pay for you?" I scoffed. "You're dreaming. I'm going regardless; wait for me at the hotel."
"Tsk... fine. Suit yourself," Marcus muttered, turning toward the mana-taxis.
"Shall we go then?" I turned back to the man. "By the way, what's your name?"
"My name is Tommy. Right this way, sir. The airship is ready."
The airship's hull was reinforced with anti-gravity arrays, while the engines were a sophisticated blend of wind crystals and various other elemental cores. It was massive and truly elegant. A crowd was already gathered, waiting for boarding. It seemed Tommy was just a scout responsible for attracting passengers.
Inside, the layout resembled a grand ballroom, encased in reinforced glass. I could see families, groups of friends, and even some Elves and Dwarves.
By then, the airship had already ascended into the sky. I walked over to the massive window and witnessed a sight I would never forget.
For a moment, the world seemed to glow in pure gold. The sun had begun its descent, painting the clouds in a breathtaking palette of crimson and gold. The skyscrapers shimmered as the sunlight reflected off their surfaces. On the horizon, countless airships and various vessels cruised through the sky.
"Beautiful," I whispered.
In that moment, my mind was perfectly clear. I made a silent vow to make my life as beautiful as the view before me. I would do whatever my heart desired. I would never hold back again.
Because this time is different. This time, it's a New Reality, and with it, a new chance.