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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Magic Association

Caled soared through the sky, the wind rushing past him as his magic kept him afloat, guiding him smoothly toward Viera.

As the city grew closer, he couldn't help but feel the weight of nostalgia settle on his chest. It had been centuries since he'd last set foot here.

Back then, the capital had been a bustling, chaotic place—a place he had hardly recognized in the midst of the war. Now, it was vastly different.

The city had transformed beyond what he could have imagined. The buildings towered higher than before, made of stone and magic, elegant yet practical.

The streets were lined with technology that hummed with magic—floating carts, enchanted streetlamps, and arcane-powered machines all working in harmony. It was nothing like the crude, simple city he had left behind, where only a few could wield even the most basic forms of magic.

Now, magic was everywhere. It was as much a part of the city as the air people breathed. It was so integrated into daily life that it barely stood out, a fact that made Caled's heart ache with something he couldn't quite place.

Magic, which once felt so rare and precious, was now commonplace. It had evolved into something woven into the very fabric of life here.

As he descended into the heart of the capital, the magic he used to fly seemed almost insignificant—so many people around him were doing the same.

It felt almost normal. The power that once separated him from others, that made him stand out, was now no different than the flicker of a streetlamp or the hum of a floating carriage.

His feet touched the ground gently, the sound of his landing swallowed by the bustling streets. No one looked his way. No one noticed. Flying had become so commonplace in Viera that it no longer drew attention.

When the war ended, Aifi had rebuilt the magic system, starting with the Magic Association. That organization had spearheaded the era of magic.

What was once a mysterious and rare art was now as ubiquitous as any other skill. Thanks to Aifi's vision, magic had become intertwined with everything—from transportation to communication, from healthcare to entertainment.

Despite the proliferation of magic, the truly exceptional mages were seen as treasures. They held immense value, not only for their abilities but for the responsibilities they carried.

That's why the prestigious academies existed—to cultivate the best of the best, to ensure that only the most skilled and gifted magic users had the opportunity to grow and learn in a place that could nurture their talents. It was where the future of Acridia's magic would be shaped.

Caled took in the city with a quiet gaze, walking down the polished streets toward the heart of the capital—the towering building of the Magic Association.

It dominated the skyline, its magical energy radiating like a beacon, drawing all eyes to it. This was the place where the decisions were made, where all of Acridia's magic academies were governed. Aifi's work had come to fruition here, and now, Caled would have to decide whether to step into that very world.

He pushed open the grand doors of the Magic Association, the cool air of the interior greeting him as he entered. The marble floors gleamed, and the walls seemed to hum with energy. He approached the clerk at the desk, her head bent over a stack of papers.

"I'm here to see the head of the Magic Association," Caled said, his voice steady. "My name is Caled Stellarion."

The clerk's head snapped up at the mention of his name, her eyes widening in recognition. For a brief moment, she seemed to hesitate, then quickly stood, a polite smile forming on her face.

"Yes, of course. The head of the association did mention your arrival. Please, let me notify her."

She turned her gaze to the paperwork in front of her, but Caled noticed her eyes flicker over him. She was taking in the full scope of his appearance—his worn adventurer's clothing, simple and practical. His attire, aged and unmistakably old-fashioned, made him look out of place.

The clerk looked him over, her lips pressing into a tight smile as she adjusted her glasses.

After a beat, she said, "I… honestly didn't expect you to be this… young."

Her words hung in the air, leaving a small but noticeable gap of silence between them. Caled couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

She tapped on a crystal pendant on her desk, sending a quick message to the head of the Magic Association. As the seconds passed, Caled felt a sense of unease wash over him, not from the atmosphere of the grand hall, but from the weight of his own thoughts.

He had come here for a reason, but that reason was still unclear in his mind. What was it that had drawn him back? What did Aifi really want from him?

Before he could lose himself in his thoughts again, the clerk stood up and gestured for him to follow her.

"Right this way," she said. "The head of the association is expecting you."

The clerk led Caled through the vast hall, guiding him up to the top floor of the massive Magic Association building. The air grew cooler, and the sounds of the bustling city faded as they ascended.

When they reached the door, the clerk paused and knocked lightly before opening it for Caled. She gave a small bow, her movements professional and polite.

Caled stepped inside, the door closing softly behind him.

The room was grand, but it didn't overwhelm. At the far side of the office, Aifi sat at her desk, her gaze fixed on the window. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow on her as it highlighted the smooth curve of her silhouette, softening the edges of the room.

Aifi turned toward him as he entered, her lips curling into a teasing smile.

"I didn't expect you to arrive so soon, Caled. I thought your stubbornness would've kept you dragging your feet for longer."

Caled raised an eyebrow, his expression cool.

"Let's get to the point. About the job?"

Aifi stood and gracefully walked out from behind her desk. She motioned for him to follow her toward the opposite side of the hall. The movement was fluid, natural—like she had done this a thousand times before.

She opened the door and stepped into the next room, and Caled followed her in. The room was vast, more of an office than anything, and the sense of authority it carried was immediately apparent. A large wooden desk sat in the center, piled high with papers and letters.

Caled glanced around, noting the disorganized yet purposeful feel of the space. He raised a brow.

"When do I start teaching?"

Aifi simply shrugged.

"You don't. The academies don't need professors to teach their students. They have retainer golems for that."

Caled blinked, confusion flashing across his face.

"Then what exactly am I here for?"

Without answering right away, Aifi walked over to the desk and gestured toward the pile of paperwork.

"These," she said, her voice soft yet firm, "are requests from students at various academies across the continent. Some are personal, others are from club representatives, and some are official requests from the academies themselves. Your job will be to handle them, assist when needed."

Caled's expression shifted, and he narrowed his eyes.

"You tricked me again."

He turned, ready to leave, but before he could take more than a step, Aifi's hand gripped his arm, stopping him.

Her face was a picture of innocence as she pulled off the cutest puppy-dog eyes he had ever seen, her lip slightly trembling, and her gaze filled with sweetness.

"Just hear me out," she said in a soft, almost pleading tone. "It's for the students. You'll see that this is important."

Caled shook his head, trying to keep his composure.

"That puppy face of yours doesn't work on me anymore."

Aifi, undeterred, made a subtle change in her expression. She blinked a few times, and her eyes sparkled, shimmering with an almost exaggerated cuteness.

Caled sighed, his resolve crumbling.

"Alright, alright. I'll listen."

Aifi's face immediately brightened, her smile widening as she straightened up, feeling victorious.

"Thank you," she said, her voice light and satisfied.

And just like that, the matter was settled. Caled was back on track to help her, despite his reluctance. He couldn't quite bring himself to say no to her, especially not with that irresistible smile of hers.

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