Light — blinding, divine, and annoyingly dramatic.
That's what I saw first when the teleportation array activated beneath our feet. A soft hum filled the air, and the runes flared to life in a cascade of gold and silver. I felt the mana tug at my core, the sensation of weightlessness sweeping over me.
Every time I go through teleportation, I swear my stomach tries to escape through my ears.
And then, with a flash — reality reformed.
The first thing I noticed was the air. It wasn't just clean — it was refined, heavy with magic and authority. My eyes adjusted, revealing a circular marble platform surrounded by intricate crystalline spires, their tips floating in midair like they were held up by sheer arrogance.
We had been transported to the Royal City.
And by all the gods who didn't care about mortals, this place was breathtaking.
If the empire was a crown, this city was its jewel. Towers of shimmering steel and enchanted crystal stretched to the clouds, connected by floating bridges that pulsed with light. Massive banners of royal blue fluttered between spires, each one infused with mana to ripple even without wind. Flying carriages zipped through the air alongside sleek, rune-powered vehicles that looked like something between a luxury car and a magical beast.
The streets below gleamed with polished stone, reflecting the light of floating lanterns that adjusted their glow depending on time of day. Magitech drones hovered discreetly near every corner — silent guardians of the city
"Thank God! I didn't vomit this time."
Yeah, this was not my first experience of teleportation otherwise how do you think my sadistic instructor got the creative torture idea of mountains and then deserts
Standing beside me was Serenya, ever composed, her silver hair catching the sunlight. She adjusted her cloak and looked around with the faintest smile.
"Welcome to the Royal City, Rishi."
"Beautiful," I said, taking it all in. "If you ignore the smell of politics in the air."
She chuckled softly. "Try not to say that inside the palace."
"Don't worry," I replied, "I'll think it loudly instead."
We started walking down the grand pathway, our boots clicking against enchanted marble.
"Today," I thought dramatically, "marks a historic moment — the day I, Rishi Darknorth, devastatingly handsome extra of the story, finally grace the royal city with his presence and meet the important characters of the novel."
Yes, I know. "Important characters." You know, the ones whose names get bold text in the fandom wiki.
And also, the first time I'd talk to people my age who weren't blood-related. You'd think I'd have done this sooner, right? But no — my social life for the past year had consisted of Lira, my sadistic instructor, and occasionally yelling at magical beasts.
Now, you might ask — why haven't I interacted with others before?
Ah, that's where things get tricky. You see, there's this thing called the Academy System, and if you think it's simple, let me stop you right there.
There are two main academies worth noting.
One, the Empire's Imperial Academy, the training ground for the empire's youth — where our lovely protagonist currently attends.
And two, the Etherion Academy, the global powerhouse where students from all races, continents, and realms gather. It's where geniuses clash, empires' heirs mingle, and where I — being from a ducal line — have direct admission privileges.
Yes, no tests, no quests, no waiting in line.Just one signature, and boom — "Welcome to Etherion Academy, Mr. Extra."
The protagonist, of course, will earn his spot through sheer effort and grit and maybe some divine plot assistance. He'll win a bunch of tournaments, unlock his mysterious hidden power, and then make a grand entrance to Etherion with everyone clapping.
And me? I'll already be there sipping tea like, "Oh? You finally made it? Took you long enough."
So, that's why I have never had any proper conversation with anyone
I thought. "Maybe that's why I have started my inner monologue," I mused aloud. "Or maybe I am becoming mature."
Serenya glanced at me sideways. "Talking to yourself again?"
"Just practicing my monologue for when I win 'Most Charming Noble of the Year.'"
She rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."
"I prefer the term entertainingly complicated."
As we walked down the royal teleportation plaza, a sleek black vehicle glided to a stop in front of us. Its surface shimmered with layered enchantments, faint runic lines glowing beneath the paint. The Darknorth emblem — a twin-bladed insignia, one half burning with ethereal flame, the other rimmed in frost — was proudly emblazoned on the hood.
The doors slid open automatically with a soft hiss. The interior smelled faintly of mana-infused leather — luxurious, warm, and too perfect.
I leaned against the doorway, whistling. "Damn. Even our family car looks like it could beat half the fleets in the capital."
Serenya stepped in gracefully. "Stop flirting with the vehicle, Rishi."
I grinned. "It started it first — look at those curves."
The car hummed to life, gliding soundlessly across the airways of the capital. The city unfolded beneath us — layers of architectural marvel and mana circuits glowing like veins of light through its heart.
I leaned back, sipping the tea Lira had packed for me earlier. "Now this," I said, "is what transmigration perks should feel like. Luxury, tea, and absolutely no wild dogs."
For the record, we weren't just walking in without backup and guards in the royal city because of overconfidence. Oh no. The reason the Duke didn't send any guards was simple — our grandfather lived here.
An Archduke.
Not a hereditary title, not something you get because of daddy's name. It's earned. Through raw, terrifying power.
To put it simply, dukes are political figures. Archdukes are forces of nature.
And my grandfather? He wasn't just strong — he was legendary. An SSS-ranked individual whose presence alone could make space itself tremble.
Archdukes reside in the Royal Capital because the royal family wants to "keep them close." Whether that's for protection or surveillance… well, that's up for debate. Personally, I think it's both.
Our destination wasn't the royal palace itself — not yet. The Darknorth Estate within the royal city was one of the grandest manors in existence. Built across several acres of magically stabilized land, it merged ancient aristocratic architecture with magitech advancements. Towering columns of rune-engraved marble framed the gates, and mana-fueled waterfalls flowed into levitating pools.
When we arrived, servants bowed deeply, their uniforms crisp, their auras carefully restrained.
And waiting at the entrance, leaning on an elegant cane more for aesthetic than support, stood Archduke Varian Darknorth — my grandfather.
His presence was... heavy. Even without releasing an ounce of aura, you could feel it — the subtle distortion in space around him, the air vibrating with restrained power. His silver hair gleamed under the mana-lights, and his eyes — sharp grey like tempered steel — studied me quietly.
"Rishi," he said. "Serenya. Welcome."
I bowed respectfully, the perfect noble grandson act. "Grandfather."
He gestured us in. "Come. I've been expecting you."
The sitting hall of the estate was a masterpiece — high ceilings painted with constellations, floating chandeliers powered by mana crystals, and portraits of ancestors who looked like they'd all personally invented arrogance.
We sat, tea served, silence stretching just long enough for me to get uncomfortable.
Then, Varian spoke — calm, direct. "You've grown stronger. More composed. I've heard much from your uncle about your progress. You've adapted well… despite the loss."
For a second, I didn't say anything.
Ah, yes. The loss.
The polite term nobles used when referring to your parents dying in front of you.
I smiled faintly, masking the bitterness that rose in my chest. "Thank you, Grandfather. I've tried my best."
He nodded, eyes softening. "You've done more than that. To lose one's parents so young and still carry the name proudly… it takes courage."
Inside, I laughed bitterly. Courage? No, old man. It takes numbness.
But outwardly, I kept the perfect noble expression — respectful, controlled. "I appreciate your concern," I said. "Truly."
He looked at me for a long moment — perhaps sensing something beneath the surface — but said nothing.
"I regret," he continued, "that I couldn't visit you more often after their passing. The Empire demanded my presence here in the capital."
Oh, sure, I thought. The empire needed you more than your dead son's children. How noble.
Still, I smiled. "I understand, Grandfather. Duty before all else — the Darknorth way, isn't it?"
He studied me again, perhaps catching the faint edge of sarcasm in my tone. "Perhaps," he said softly. "But you should know — my absence doesn't mean indifference."
Could've fooled me, I thought, forcing another polite smile.
For a moment, the room was heavy with unsaid things — grief, pride, and all the cracks hidden under aristocratic restraint.
Then, Serenya — blessed, diplomatic Serenya — changed the subject, asking about the Pool Awakening schedule and the royal arrangements.
Varian's composure returned instantly. "Tomorrow morning. The royal family will personally oversee it."
Then he looked at me again and with a little smile in his eyes
"You've matured," he said finally. "Your aura is steadier… controlled. And your mana — denser. You've worked hard."
I blinked. "Wait, was that… praise?"
A faint smirk appeared on his lips. "Don't let it get to your head."
"Too late," I said automatically, earning a small chuckle from Serenya.
His eyes sharpened slightly. "You've made quite a name for yourself recently. Buying ancient scrolls, mysterious elixirs, awakening rare affinities… Tell me, Rishi — are you trying to make the elders lose sleep?"
I smiled innocently. "Oh, come now, Grandfather. I'm just… living creatively."
Varian chuckled, low and amused. "You remind me of your father."
That shut me up. I just nodded quietly, unsure what to say.
The Archduke leaned back, his gaze softening. "Regardless of your… antics, I'm proud. You've shown initiative. But be careful. The palace is full of eyes and ears. Not all smiles here are friendly."
"Noted," I said. "Smile, wave, and trust no one. Got it."
"Good."
Then he surprised me again — standing up, walking around the desk, and placing a hand on my shoulder. "Still… I'm glad you're here. The Star Awakening Pool is a chance few ever get. Make the most of it."
For a moment, I saw not the mighty Archduke — but a grandfather proud of his grandson.
And then the mood ruined itself because, of course, I spoke.
"So, can I dive in like it's a hot spring, or is there a manual?"
Serenya groaned audibly. "Rishi!"
Varian laughed heartily, shaking his head. "Just like your father indeed."
As we left the study, Serenya muttered, "You can't go five minutes without making things awkward, can you?"
"I don't make things awkward," I said smugly. "I make them memorable."
"Memorably awkward."
"Still same."
She sighed, but I could tell she was smiling faintly.
And as we walked toward our guest chambers, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.
Tomorrow, I'd face the Pool Awakening — another big step in this world's hierarchy of power.And maybe, just maybe, another chance to break fate a little more.
But for now, I was content to enjoy the royal luxury, tease my cousin, and mentally prepare for whatever chaos tomorrow would bring.