After days of following the river's course, John felt a surge of excitement as he crested a rise and saw the city in the distance. It was an awe-inspiring sight, a sprawling metropolis nestled within a valley, its towering walls gleaming in the afternoon sun.
"Max," he whispered, his voice filled with anticipation, "I think we've found it."
"Indeed, John," Max replied, her voice tinged with curiosity. "A significant population center. This could provide valuable insights into the societal structures and technological advancements of this reality."
John quickened his pace, eager to explore this new discovery. As he drew closer, the city's grandeur became even more apparent. Towering stone walls, adorned with intricate carvings and ancient symbols, encircled the city, their imposing presence casting a long shadow over the surrounding landscape. The city gates, massive structures of iron and stone, were guarded by imposing figures, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
He marveled at the intricate details of the city walls. Gargoyles, their grotesque features frozen in stone, perched atop the ramparts, their watchful eyes seeming to follow every movement. Intricate carvings depicting scenes of battles, hunts, and mythical creatures adorned the walls, telling stories of a bygone era.
The river, once a humble stream, had widened into a majestic waterway, its waters shimmering in the sunlight as it flowed through the city walls. It appeared almost as if the river flowed directly into the wall itself, disappearing beneath the stone with no visible exit. The river was lined with grand buildings, their architecture a blend of ancient and modern, their facades adorned with colorful murals and intricate carvings. Bridges, both grand and humble, spanned the river, connecting different parts of the city.
As John approached the city gates, the sounds of the bustling metropolis reached him: the clamor of vendors hawking their wares, the clatter of metal on metal from nearby blacksmiths, and the distant rumble of carriages. The streets were teeming with life, a vibrant tapestry of creatures from all walks of life. Elves, dwarves, orcs, and humans mingled freely, their differences a testament to the city's cosmopolitan nature.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as he took in the sights and sounds. The architecture was breathtaking, the people fascinating, and the energy was palpable. He felt as if he had stepped into a dream, a world of magic and wonder.
Passing through the imposing gates, John was immediately swept into the city's vibrant heart. He threaded his way through the jostling crowd, a kaleidoscope of fantastical creatures surrounding him. A tall, slender elf, his long, pointed ears almost touching the eaves of the nearby buildings, was locked in a boisterous argument with a grumpy-looking dwarf, their voices echoing through the narrow street as they debated the merits of different wineries. Nearby, a tiny fairy with delicate, gossamer wings that fluttered like captured butterflies shared hushed confidences with a tall and impeccably dressed dark elf, her features both beautiful and severe. Interspersed throughout the crowd were merfolk, some with visible gills that shimmered with moisture, others walking on surprisingly sturdy legs, their presence a constant reminder of the river that flowed through the city. The sounds of chattering voices, the clanging of metal from nearby workshops, and the distant calls of street vendors created a dizzying symphony of urban life. Amidst this wondrous chaos, John remained determined, steadily making his way towards the front of the throng.
Weaving through the throng, John overheard fragments of conversation concerning something called “body levels.”
“Anything from eleven to thirty percent is considered acceptable, decent even,” one creature, a small, furry being with twitching whiskers, exclaimed with a high-pitched buzz of excitement. “But get this—last year, a young human boy achieved an astonishing fifty percent!”
The other creature, a tall, lanky elf with a bored expression, responded with a raised eyebrow and a dry tone, “Just a fraction more, and they would have hailed him as a true prodigy, a once-in-a-generation talent.” The air around them crackled with the unspoken implications of these numbers, the weight of their significance hanging heavy in the air.
After some patient maneuvering, John finally managed to get a clear view of the queue for the talent assessments, a long, winding line that snaked its way around the bustling square. At the entrance to the testing area, two stern-faced officials were stationed, their task to use a shimmering, magical barrier to verify the age of each participant, ensuring that only those who were fifteen years of age or older could proceed. Suddenly, a wave of raucous laughter erupted from the crowd as an obviously overaged youth, his face etched with wrinkles and his hair streaked with gray, attempted to brazenly bypass the magical barrier, only to collide with it with a resounding thump. John, unfazed by the brief commotion, simply shook his head with a wry smile and continued to patiently wait his turn.
When he finally reached the front of the line, he confidently strode through the shimmering barrier, eager to begin his own assessment. The center of the square was dominated by a raised platform, clearly designated for the talent tests. A large crowd of hopefuls and onlookers surrounded the platform, the air thick with nervous excitement and eager anticipation. John joined the end of the line, his eyes scanning the scene as participant after participant approached a luminous, pulsating orb, their individual talents being revealed in a dazzling display of light and energy for all to witness.
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John stood in the queue, a knot of nervous energy twisting in his stomach. Despite the rigorous training he had undergone, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind. What if his efforts were insufficient? What if he became the object of mockery and scorn? He shook his head, banishing the negative thoughts and focusing on the immediate task at hand. He knew his own capabilities, but the unpredictable nature of the talent assessments loomed before him like an unknown obstacle. The first contender, a hulking half-orc with muscles that rippled beneath his thick hide, stepped forward, igniting a wave of anticipation among the onlookers. They hoped for a spectacular display of raw power. The orb activated with a soft hum, its light intensifying as it registered the half-orc’s potential. The display settled on 51%—a respectable score, but not the earth-shattering performance they had hoped for. A mixture of polite applause and quiet disappointment rippled through the crowd. It was a decent showing, but not extraordinary. Next up was a drow, whose enigmatic presence and dark allure held the crowd’s attention captive. The orb illuminated once more, its light pulsing steadily as it assessed the drow’s abilities. The display settled on 60%. A murmur of astonishment swept through the spectators; it was a truly commendable achievement, a testament to the drow’s inherent talent. Following the drow was an unassuming human youth, with no particularly distinguishing features. Expectations were understandably modest. Yet, when the orb revealed a score of 53%, a ripple of surprised approval went through the crowd. Fairly good, all things considered. Just before John’s turn, an elf with lustrous silver hair that cascaded down their back stepped forward, their graceful demeanor and air of quiet confidence captivating the audience. They anticipated a high score, a demonstration of elven finesse. The orb confirmed their suspicions, shining brightly with a score of 80%. A surge of exhilaration swept through the crowd, a wave of excited chatter filling the air. It was a truly remarkable feat, a performance that set a high bar for those who followed.
At last, John’s turn arrived. He stepped forward towards the glowing orb, its light pulsing softly, and placed his hand upon its polished surface. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension swirling within him. Suddenly, the orb exploded in a dazzling burst of light, a wave of pure energy that washed over the entire square. When the light faded, the number 100% was clearly visible, shining brightly against the orb’s surface. A collective intake of breath swept through the onlookers, a moment of stunned silence hanging heavy in the air. Then, the silence was broken by a torrent of excited whispers and animated conversations. The crowd was in an uproar, their voices rising in a chorus of disbelief and excitement: “Who is this person?” “Does anyone know him?” “Which guild will be the first to offer him a contract?” The murmurs spread rapidly through the crowd, echoing across the square. “No guild in their right mind would let him slip through their fingers,” one voice declared emphatically. “He’s a guaranteed admission to the academy,” another voice asserted confidently. “The academy would be foolish to even consider rejecting him,” someone else added. “It would be utter lunacy if he refused their offer,” a spectator speculated aloud. “Has anyone ever refused the academy’s invitation?” Amidst the growing clamor, a powerful voice boomed out, silencing the surrounding noise. “I believe he’s the first person in history to achieve a perfect score! The closest anyone has ever come was 90%, a feat achieved by the academy’s legendary founding dean!”
John’s mind raced, a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts swirling within him. This was precisely the situation he had hoped to avoid. The last thing he wanted was to become the center of attention, a spectacle for the masses. His only intention had been to quietly assess his abilities, nothing more. Suddenly, the crow that had been perched on his shoulder took flight, its dark wings beating the air as it soared upwards. At that precise moment, a clear, authoritative voice sliced through the din of the crowd. “Pardon me, young man,” the voice called out, its tone polite but firm. “Would you be so kind as to remove your hat? We’d like to see who we’re addressing.” John hesitated for a moment, then with a slow, deliberate motion, he reached up and removed his straw hat. An immediate hush fell over the crowd, the previous excitement replaced by a stunned silence. All eyes were now fixed on John, their gazes scrutinizing his features. Long, dark hair framed his face, and his eyes, a striking shade of emerald, green, seemed to glow with an almost otherworldly light. But it wasn’t just the unusual color that captivated the onlookers; it was the intricate pattern within his irises, a complex network of fine blue lines that resembled delicate circuitry, emitting a subtle, internal luminescence. A collective murmur of awe and wonder rippled through the crowd, their whispers echoing across the square.
Murmurs of awe continued to ripple through the crowd, their whispers echoing across the square. “No wonder he achieved a perfect body cultivation score,” someone murmured in hushed tones. “Just look at that face; he’s absolutely flawless.” Suddenly, a powerful, resonant voice cut through the remaining murmurs, silencing the crowd once more. “This young man’s talents clearly transcend the needs of any ordinary guild!” the voice announced, its tone filled with authority. “The Royal Academy hereby extends a direct invitation to him, regardless of his subsequent spirit cultivation score.” A collective gasp swept through the onlookers, followed by a wave of excited chatter. It was clear to everyone present; John was destined for the prestigious Royal Academy, an opportunity that most only dreamed of. With John’s future seemingly decided, the attention of the crowd shifted to the five remaining contenders who had also performed exceptionally well in the body cultivation tests. They now awaited their turn to undergo the spirit cultivation assessment. Grog the half-orc, Elara the drow, Kael the human, and Anya the elf stood poised near the platform, their anticipation heightened by the extraordinary performance they had just witnessed.
