I Became the Sect Master’s Shadow

Chapter 006 - Drakthorin

Enzo glanced at the pass, then looked ahead to the narrowing path. "This is it," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and anticipation. Finn nodded, slipping the pass back into his bag and stepping forward. As they continued deeper into the mountain pass, the air grew colder, and the sulfurous scent in the air became heavier. Jagged cliffs rose on either side of them, and the faint glow from the jade pass seemed to guide them onward.

Eventually, they reached the end of the pass and found themselves standing on the edge of a vast chasm. In the distance, they saw the massive stone bridge stretching across the valley, a breathtaking sight that seemed to span the very fabric of the world itself. The bridge was old but sturdy, with intricate carvings running along its edges. It arched gracefully over the deep ravine, leading from the desolate mountain pass to the gates of Drakthorin City, which could be seen just beyond the far end.

Without a word, Finn and Enzo stepped onto the bridge, their footsteps echoing in the stillness. As they crossed the immense expanse, the wind howled around them, but the jade pass in Finn's pocket steadied his resolve, guiding them forward. With each step, the city grew clearer—Drakthorin was a sprawling metropolis of gleaming towers and winding streets, its walls a blend of stone and silver that shimmered in the light, casting mesmerizing patterns across the land.

Finn and Enzo approached the massive gates of Drakthorin City, their hearts racing with anticipation. Towering walls and spires loomed in the distance, casting long shadows as they neared. At the gates, two tall, armored guards stood at attention, their spears crossed in front of them, blocking the way. Their eyes narrowed as the travelers drew closer.

"Halt!" one of the guards commanded, his voice strong and authoritative. "State your business and your identity."

Finn, standing tall and calm, stepped forward, his voice steady. "We are students of the Arcane Academy of Elyndor," he explained. "We’ve come to Drakthorin on official business, under the academy’s directive."

The guards exchanged a wary glance, their suspicion clear. "Prove it," the second guard grunted.

Without hesitation, Finn reached into his bag and pulled out the folded parchment—the admission form from the academy. It was embossed with the academy’s unique seal: a silver-stamped emblem of a phoenix rising from an open book, its wings spread in the shape of a protective arc. Below the emblem, the words Arcane Academy of Elyndor were inscribed, and the seal itself shimmered softly, as though enchanted to ensure its authenticity.

The first guard took the form and studied it carefully, his fingers tracing the phoenix’s intricate design. He scanned the contents of the document, then nodded, returning it to Finn.

"The seal is genuine," he said, his voice now less harsh. "The academy’s approval is enough. You may pass."

With a respectful nod, the guards stepped aside, allowing Finn and Enzo to enter the city. The gates creaked open slowly, revealing the bustling streets of Drakthorin City—an ancient yet vibrant metropolis, alive with people, strange creatures, and the hum of untold magic.

"Thank you," Finn said, offering a final nod to the guards. They walked through the gates, the city’s grandeur unfolding before them, a world full of mysteries waiting to be explored.

The towering gates of Drakthorin City slowly closed behind them, the sound of the creaking hinges fading away as Finn and Enzo walked down the stone path leading out of the city. The city’s vibrant energy seemed to linger in the air. A little while later, they walked into the heart of Drakthorin, both feeling amazed. The city spread out in front of them, a mix of old and new buildings, trees, and art. Some parts looked very modern, while others were ancient and full of history. Finn quickly looked around, taking in everything with wide eyes, while Enzo, who liked to enjoy a place quietly, stood still and let the lively sounds and colors of the city surround him. The river sparkled in the sunlight, flowing through the city like its heart, with tall, mysterious mountains in the distance, their tops hidden in mist. Forests and green spaces surrounded the city, reminding them that nature was still a big part of life, even in the busy city. It was a place where the past and present, nature and people, all seemed to come together.

“What do you think?” Finn asked, his voice full of excitement as he looked at the tall glass buildings next to the ancient stone structures.

“It’s... overwhelming,” Enzo replied, his voice calm but thoughtful. He kept his eyes on the colorful homes to their right, each one unique and full of character. “In a good way.”

They walked further into the city, and every street showed them something different. The buildings were unlike anything they had ever seen, a mix of styles that seemed to honor both the past and the future. Some parts of Drakthorin looked old, with tall spires and huge temples, while other areas were modern, with clean designs and open, spacious areas. The streets were full of art—murals, sculptures, and bright paintings everywhere they looked. To Finn, it felt like walking through an outdoor gallery, with each wall telling a story and each piece showing the heart of the city.

“Look at this,” Finn said, pointing excitedly at a huge sculpture of a dragon in the middle of a park. The details were so fine, it almost looked alive. “This place doesn’t hold back.”

Enzo laughed softly, shaking his head with a smile. “Yeah, it’s like the city is a piece of art itself, always changing.”

They kept walking, and soon the sounds of music reached their ears. A street band was playing lively tunes, the rhythm pulling them forward like a wave. Finn grinned and tapped his foot to the beat, while Enzo was drawn to the sound of a dance troupe performing in a nearby square. It felt like every corner of Drakthorin was alive with celebration, showing the joy of living.

The food was just as varied as the people. Stalls lined the streets, each one filled with bright colors and tempting smells that made Finn’s stomach rumble. He stopped at one stall, his mouth watering at the sight of Beastroot Pie coming out of the oven. The rich aroma hit him first, and without thinking twice, he turned to Enzo.

“I think I’m going to try this,” Finn said, holding up the pie with a grin. “You in?”

Enzo raised an eyebrow but smiled. “Why not? This place is all about new experiences.”

They grabbed their food and kept walking, weaving through the busy crowds. As they passed more stalls, they couldn't help but be curious about the unique dishes from different regions: spicy stews, sweet pastries, grilled meats, and sizzling skewers. The food was as much a part of the city’s diversity as the buildings and artwork around them.

They wandered into a central square and saw the preparations for the Festival of Beasts and Wonders. Bright banners fluttered in the breeze, lanterns hung from the trees, and flowers were being arranged in every corner. Finn’s eyes lit up with excitement, and Enzo couldn’t help but feel the growing sense of anticipation.

“The Festival of Beasts and Wonders,” Finn said, almost out of breath. “This is going to be incredible.”