It was difficult to understand, in the early days. Indeed, difficult to even comprehend, that all at once, after hundreds of years of uneasy peace, the Empire had razed a territory of the Freelands to the ground. They attacked without warning, without announcement or threats, without the slightest of political posturing: their ships came abruptly, and the conflict began. No one south of the Forest of Madness had predicted it. There were no whispers or ignored warnings. It simply happened, seemingly at random, lacking a clear reason or motivation.

Why there? Why then?

True, war had always been on the distant horizon. The Kingdom and the Empire were hardly friendly to one another, but why begin where they did, on the edge of the Freelands? Why establish a logistically difficult port on the eastern coast, where leviathans were known to lurk in droves, and the cliffs had to be carved away simply to make landfall? Surely, the element of surprise had been won. There was no denying that, but was there not a tremendous cost that outweighed the benefit? One had to imagine that even something as great and powerful as the Empire must have suffered from such a rash investment, and then suffered more in the war that followed. They had a foothold, but a terrible one.

So why, of all ways to begin the inevitable, did they choose to do so in such a reckless manner?

This, truly, became the question unanswered. For in the years which came after, most individuals with the means to even begin to debate the plausible answers to that question were far too distracted by the current events of the time to focus on them. So, it is only in retrospect that we can even begin piece the story together. By fragments, by broken pieces and accounts, some trusted and some others most unreliable, all carefully placed together into one, coherent, whole.

In truth, even to this end, what I can say is only speculation. I can only give you my best guess, as it were, to why the Empire acted as it did:

I believe their reason was fear.

.......

The line was long, and the street was cold. Waiting in the designated city plaza for hours in the early morning of coming winter was bad enough. The wind, which swept through the Capital of the Kingdom, was sharp and chill. Harsh, even, as it was funneled to great speed by the dense shapes of tightly packed and uniform buildings, that made up the commerce district.

Truly though, what was worst about this was the shade.

It was almost noon, by my best guess. Yet, when I looked up, there was no sign of that being true. No sun could be seen cresting above me, or warmth reaching down between thin winter clouds. Instead, the pale blue sky of winter day was made out of stone.

Pure and unblemished, the polished granite stretched for miles. Wide and round, it sat oppressively as it too, waited. The Citadel, in all its glory: the lowest foundation of a mighty city in the sky.

"That is something. Can’t get past it." One of the men ahead of me spoke up, as frost steamed from their breath. “It’s a place of wonder, to be sure.”

"Aye, it's hard to believe without my own eyes staring at the bloody thing."

Standing quietly behind them, I listened in as several more voices began to murmur with the unmistakable sound of nervous conversation. The type that only ever truly sprouted when people were forced to wait for something important, but with nothing else to do. Made easier, of course, by the fact that everyone here was here for the same reason.

From personal experience, I’d often found that common ground got people talking without them so much as realizing it.

“I heard their streets are made of silver.” One man said. A [Scholar] from what I could glance of him, without making myself too obvious.

“You believe that?” Another laughed, farther ahead. “I’ve heard the towers are silver, but never the streets…”

I listened, as one might well do when there was nothing better to occupy the time. Yet, I did so with more purpose than boredom. Even if I didn’t listen closely, I made certain I continued with the due diligence of at least keeping attentive enough to grab any useful details, should there be any. Though, I didn’t get my hopes up. This was the third time waiting in such a line, and by now I strongly suspected the chance to learn anything truly valuable from the people idly chatting here would be rare, as I’d already heard most everything. From rumor, to known and accepted facts, to random personal details of others who, like myself, hadn’t yet managed to secure passage up to the flying city.

At some point, there was only so much one could really draw from the crowd. Diminishing returns, in some sense.

Still, I’d grown quite accustomed to listening. Even if it was only to determine where the next Citadel boarding location was going to be, or where the closest trustworthy inn might be in relation to that location. Or, at the very least, who I needed to follow from a safe distance in order to determine those things for myself.

Just because I felt confident that today would be the day, didn’t mean I wasn’t going to continue to plan as though it might well not be.

I’d been here for months, after all. And that meant I’d been here for quite a few weeks longer than I would have liked.

“You here for the Academy, or are you looking for work?” Somewhere farther behind me, I could heard a woman had started conversation with someone down the line.

“Work, gods willing…”

I didn’t turn to look at them, but I judged by the distance that the gods would likely not be willing. Not unless ten or twenty people were rejected today. In fact, the line being what it was, I still wasn’t entirely certain if I’d arrived early enough.

At best, they would only ever take forty people. The platforms were only so large, after all…

I continued to wait in silence, keeping out of conversation. If this were an inn, or a market, there might have been a chance I would risk conversation, but not here. There was only so much I was willing to do for information, and I already long-since learned that navigating unneeded conversation was a potential danger for someone in my position.

Which is to say, someone who shouldn’t ever be in the Kingdom’s capital in the first place.

Much less, standing in plain sight of [Knights] while waiting for passage to the Citadel. Which, I suppose would be another place someone like me should never be…

If I thought about it, there really weren’t many places someone with the title “Summoned Hero*” would ever be allowed, considering the stigma associated. Much less, one who had my Class.

But so it goes.

None of that mattered, and my conviction remained. I’d made my choice to come here, and there would be no turning back on it.

Stilling my nerves, I adjusted my cloak against another gust of wind that swept across the plaza and through the line. With a shiver, I suppressed the small inkling of annoyance that came with this, suppressing the rational thought that nagged me. If I’d only been a little earlier on the last pass of the Citadel, three weeks ago, chances were good that I could have avoided the cold.

The weather had been so much warmer back then. And while I had mistakenly believed that this region, further south, would have helped with the temperature and climate, the Kingdom seemed just terrible as the Freelands had been.

"What's truly hard to believe is how many people here believe they'll be accepted to the Academy." A more arrogant voice joined the once quiet chatter. “They won’t take just anyone, you know? And I never once thought I'd see so many [Scholar] in one place. From what I can tell, there’s barely a true [Mage] to be found. I imagine half can't even cast the most basic of spells."

I closed my eyes, as the voice grated.

First the cold, and now… now I had to listen to another one of these speeches. As if there wasn’t always someone in these lines, who simply had to go and remind the crowd…

"No need for that. The Academy is a place of learning, not simply for magic.” Another voice, a far more reasonable sounding one, interjected. “It’s not all [Mages] there."

“You honestly believe that?” The sour laugh which followed almost drove me to sigh.

“Of course I do.”

"Then believe me: most of the people here are wasting their coin. Perhaps a few years ago they might have welcomed the lot of you, but these days the Citadel has no patience for those lacking in talent. The times are changing.”

“And you’re the judge of what they have, or don’t have? Is that what you’re saying?”

“If I can tell, then it clearly doesn’t take an [Archmage] to see it." I listened as the more arrogant tone scoffed, loudly. "But perhaps you're right. Maybe they'll earn their keep in the Citadel by sweeping the streets, or baking bread. It is a city, after all. I’m certain it has gutters for them."

I sighed, as I again attempted to wrap my cloak more tightly, and tuned out the rest of the argument. The two voices were too far ahead in line for me to confirm who they were anyways, and nothing they were saying was anything I hadn’t already heard before. While I could assume they were [Mage] Class (if only from their clear confidence they were headed for some greater purpose) it seemed likely they weren’t anything too extraordinary.

If they were, they wouldn’t be waiting in line with the rest of us.

And much to my dismay, that wait continued.

Passing the time, I adjusting the straps on my bag once more, and I confirmed my letter of recommendation was still in the envelope and sleeve of the cloak where I had left it. It settled in nicely, pressing up lightly against the dagger still tucked in its sheath that strapped tightly beside my ribs, atop my shirt.

Then, I checked again.

I knew it was simply the low simmer of anxiety that was getting to me, but no matter how much I wished I could settle myself completely, it was difficult.

This was a risk.

An unnecessary risk.

I could still turn back. I could return to the Guildmaster, or just head out towards the wilderness as Gregory did. Find a place where I could try and live a simple life out of sight, out of mind. Even if war came, I could simply keep running…

I shook my head, willing those thoughts away.

No, I had decided this was what I wanted.

This was worth the risk.

Silently, I continued to wait, even as more voices whispered around me. Spurred on, perhaps, by the louder conversation I had already overheard. Talk of opinions and idle chatter mingled as the time passed. Some others were arrogant in similar ways to what I’d already heard, but most simply discussing local trends. Of the many rumors of the coming war and invasion. I could hear hushed tones discussing what they had learned of from up farther to the north, and of course the ever-ongoing battles with creatures to the south. Some even spoke of famous [Knights] I supposed I should have heard of, and their recent feats.

It was still strange to me, how casually war could be discussed. Not a distant war, but one that was within a few weeks travel, should they only decide to take a wagon north. One that could potentially be at their doorsteps, should something go wrong. I knew first hand of those crests bearing gold and black, all dripping red with blood.

Yet, it was almost as if the people were speaking of the weather, or perhaps a recent sporting event. A reasonable comparison, as I supposed that the [Knights] would be the players… Truthfully, I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. How people talked about the southern border that was plagued with monsters of the worst sort, was under siege, yet again, with an astonishing lack of concern. And while the conversations related to the Empire and the northern borders were slightly more hushed and subdued, they still talked without much fear.

I had begun to chalk this up to just being a cultural quirk of the Kingdom. A social manifestation that was, potentially, bred into the very fabric of their society, considering they’d apparently been at war with [Hellspawn] and [Demons] for… well, as long as anyone could remember, which was likely quite a long time.

It was still a little unsettling. Though, I supposed I felt that way more for personal reasons than anything.

The farther away I could get from war, or monsters, or any combination of things related to those two: the better.

“I tell you, the Citadel will be sending at least half this lot back down. Within the week, I imagine.” The arrogant voice returned, louder in the ongoing argument that was still raging ahead in the line. “They need people with power, not more academics. They need to ready for battles, not lectures!”

“Who told you that, I wonder? You speak with such certainty!”

“No one needs to tell me- just look around! Everyone in their right mind knows there’s another war coming. It’s simply common sense. Besides, I’ve heard the Black Roses will even be recruiting-.openly recruiting! When was the last time you ever heard of such a thing?”

Well, so much for nothing of true value.

I made a quick mental note of that little tidbit. While it could still just be a rumor, at least it was a rumor I’d heard before.

The rest of what was said didn’t seem nearly as interesting, though.

Something of trade, local politics, who they’d needed to pay in order to get the correct letter of recommendation…

I felt my hand drift back to my own.

“It’s yours if you want it, but know: I’ll be sure to collect on the favor in due time.” The Guildmaster’s whisper drifted through my mind. “In due time, John…”

As if my nerves weren’t already bad enough…

I didn’t doubt she would. She had every right to collect all that and more, considering the help she’d provided me. But, what that would actually mean, was a thought for another day, and I knew it was still probably better than paying several hundred gold I didn’t have for a piece of paper I still might not have gotten.

Navigating that mess without the proper connections would have been impossible.

And that was perhaps the most troublesome part of all of this.

I’d been in the Kingdom for months, and while I felt that I had acclimated quite well for the circumstances, I still wasn't quite certain that I’d become used to some of the pompous attitudes the "higher" class citizens seemed to hold. Even when I’d prepared to the best of my ability, communicating with them was something I had been highly cautious of. Some were genuinely nobles, and had power and backing to match it. Many with Skills that were nothing to laugh at. All, while the rest were just a mix between the wealthy son or daughter of a successful [Merchant] and a surprising amount of hot air.

The problem was that it was so damn difficult to tell the difference. All it took was a single misstep in that kind of company, and things could end very, very, badly…

"The next platform will be arriving shortly!" From the front of the line, a [Knight] made an announcement with a Skill I vaguely recognized as either [Booming Voice] or [War Cry]. "You must have papers and payment for passage ready. You may also need to provide proof of your Class before you are allowed upon the platform."

Looking up, I could see above our heads, a disc of heavy stone was approaching. Dropping down towards the city below as if being lowered by invisible pulleys for a controlled freefall. Even from a distance, it glowed with runic carvings, each one layered in a perfect circle to meet at the center, where a thick placement of Mana Crystal glowed a bright pale blue. Just as it reached the plaza, that same crystal flared to life, stopping its rapid descent to gently lower the final few feet of distance, until it hovered only the barest of inches from the ground.

Craning my neck, I watched with interest as two men stepped off of it and quickly began to address the waiting queue as the [Knights] began to allow individuals to pass through the platform’s checkpoint.

In mere moments, the line was moving, and myself along with it.

This was it.

While there were still many people ahead of me, I felt my certainty solidifying as the line shrank and more passed through to wait upon the floating platform.

The previous times I’d attempted this, the platform had filled up before I could get a chance. The first time had been completely intended, so I could study and prepare for any surprises. The second time had been poor luck, not arriving at the correct location in time- but the third? I knew I would make it this time.

Every detail had been accounted for. I was sure of it.

Through patient steps, I mentally repeated everything I would need, letting my hand fall to my bag, then to my letter, then back to my bag. Closing my eyes, I felt at my Skills, confirming once more that everything was in place.

It had to be.

Everything was in place, and I was prepared.

I was prepared.

The mantra repeated, as I approached, bodies in line ahead of me making their way abord the floating platform one at a time. Then, the line stopped, as a commotion erupted.

“You misunderstand!” A man shouted, fighting against the steely grip of two [Knights] that had moved in to take his arms. “This is a mistake! I am a [Scholar] and nothing more! I am a [Scholar!]”

“You truly expect us to believe that? With this feeble [Illusion?]” Stepping out into John’s line of sight, one of the [Mage] Class beside the platform raised a hand, ripping free the man’s necklace.

The protesting man’s appearance dropped at once, revealing someone very different in size and shape.

Where there had once been a feeble [Scholar] protesting injustice, there was suddenly a [Spy] dressed all in black.

And unlike the [Scholar] they had seemed before: the [Spy] was armed.

Motion blurred in an instant. Immediately, the man went for his sword, which was a long and slender blade at his hip- but the [Knights] were faster. Shouts rose, as they yanked his arm back and down, quickly throwing the weapon aside.

Yet- as they did, the [Spy] turned about to throw a knife. Spinning free of one of his aggressors, the small weapon glowed with a sudden burst of power as he threw it with deadly precision towards the [Mage].

Then it crashed against nothing.

Or, seemingly nothing.

For a second, it seemed to have wedged itself into a flash of light. One, which scattered and rippled like that of a flat plane, or window made of air, before being deflected, and sent scattering harmlessly across the plaza’s pavement.

The [Spy] seemed too astonished to act further, as the [Knights] who held him threw him bodily to the ground, and only seconds later, there were several [Soldier] Class dragging the disarmed man away.

“Aren’t you all lucky to get a show?” The [Mage] said dryly, as he pocketed the necklace and dismissed whatever barrier still lingered in the air with another wave of his hand. “I see the Kingdom has gotten a little livelier since I last visited.”

I swallowed a lump in my throat that I’d not known was there. I could only hope I wasn’t also breaking out into a cold sweat.

As if the clear ability to see through magical deception wasn’t terrifying enough, an agent of the Empire had been right there, in line with me. Standing only a few paces away, and I’d been none the wiser.

As if nothing had happened, the line was already moving again. Coins and papers were being collected, while specific individuals were halted for further review by the second [Mage] who waited beside the platform.

As I drew close enough to easily [Identify] those ahead of me, I quickly saw the trend.

For rare exception, they were only stopping other [Mages]. Occasionally, a [Scholar] would be stopped, or perhaps someone of a similar and non-magic related Class, but those pulled aside were almost entirely [Mages].

But I’d known that would be the case.

My reassurances seemed quite frail, but my feet continued to carry me in the correct direction.

As the line halted again, this time for someone lacking a recommendation letter of reputable source (so far as I could tell) who was arguing quite fiercely. Thankfully, there was no violence, this time. As the hold-up continued, I quietly pulled up my Status.

It was fine.

Everything was going to work.

…

Name: John

Title: [Apprentice]

Class: [Mage]

General Skills:

Hidden

Special Skills:

Hidden

Status:

Hidden

…

This was going to work.

I was prepared.

I was-

“Papers and coin.” The Mage before me request, setting his eyes upon me with frightening intensity.

“Certainly.” I willed my heart to calm, as I passed the sealed envelope, along with a single gold coin. Then, I watched as the seal was inspected and deftly cracked open.

“Ah… I see. You keep interesting company… John.” The [Mage] frowned as he read the letter a second time. “It’s rare the Guild send us an applicant to the Academy. Very rare, in fact.”

“The Guildmaster believed I was worth the investment.” I answered, expression neutral.

“No doubt.” The man’s frown didn’t lessen as he stared at me.

I stared back, uncertain.

Could he tell? For all I’d practiced, I felt confident he couldn’t, but what if he had a Skill? The Guildmaster had warned me, there were rare cases where it might be possible-

“Your magic?” He interrupted my thoughts, as he gestured towards his companion. The second [Mage] who waited beside the platform, sheltered beneath a cloak and hood of deep velvet. “I ask that you please show restraint. A small example will do.”

“As you wish.” I answered stiffly, lifting my palm as I felt the mana in my blood begin to swirl. “[Flame]”

I spoke the Skill as I let the air flow from my lungs, and fire suddenly ripped through the air above my palm. There, it rose upwards in a sudden surge of heat, before settling into the calm I forced upon it. With ferocity, though, it licked the air in all directions it could, a burning orb of deep orange.

“Ah… wild fire. That is impressive.” The hooded man nodded approvingly. “I’ll admit, it has been some time since I’ve seen such a thing. Quite the feat, finding and taming it as you have.”

“I… thank you.” I replied awkwardly, looking back to the [Mage] who still held my letter. There, I found his frown had been replaced by an odd look of… approval?

“Well then.” The [Mage] announced, tucking my letter away into a small bag that seemed to swallow the paper whole, before he dismissed me with a wave. “The Citadel welcomes you, and I am certain the Academy will as well, John. Go on ahead.”

I nodded my thanks, dismissing my magic as I stepped up to the platform, joining the others already waiting. Several of them glanced my way, suddenly much more interested in my presence, but no one approached.

Taking a spot towards the center of the platform, I looked around and waited as more people soon filled in around me.

The hair on the back of my neck itched, and I continually checked my status, unwilling to accept that nothing had gone wrong- that something was about to go wrong.

I waited for the other shoe to drop. For the catch, or the last second change that sent me running for cover. For a [Mage] or a [Knight] to suddenly turn on me…

But none of that happened.

No, just a few moments later, the plaza was miles below.

And I was on my way.