Chapter 2

The Capital of Libertea stood at the intersection of four borders — Huo Dictatorship (Fire), Shui Kingdom (Water), Feng Theocracy (Wind) and Di Federation (Earth). Within Libertea, people felt safe about their elemental backgrounds since it was a progressive region, free from prejudice and traditions.

There were several plazas and markets surrounding the main walkway. The busiest one, ‘Rose Entrance’, was a lively boulevard filled with stalls selling food, weapons, magic tomes, and other commercial products.

On the sides, the traders energetically shouted their sale pitches to the customers. The older women haggled with the merchants as they searched for the freshest produce. Drawn by the aromatic scent of the spices, many passersby purchased skewers of barbecued meat and kebabs which oozed with umami.

This rowdy atmosphere would continue beyond midnight, making it one of the most popular spots for adventurers and travelers.

However, it quickly pacified as two Temple Academy students emerged at the entrance. Although there were many that passed by earlier, none stood out as prominent as them. It seemed like the two were best friends, maybe even a couple based on how close they were together.

They carried a large-brown duffle bag, wearing distinguishing black school uniforms. However, the girl’s was trimmed with gilded gold. The locals here instantly knew what that meant. It would be foolish to not recognize the regalia of one of the most prestigious magic institutions in the world, especially when it was only a few blocks away.

Based on their uniform alone, it was obvious that the two were talented individuals. For those with magical knowledge, they revered at her magic aptitude based on the embellished gold and the four dashing emblems above her left chest, each representing the elements — water, fire, earth, air — she could use.

The female student was a dainty girl. Her sapphire-like eyes were a gentle yet deep blue while her lustrous midnight-black hair was braided into a cute side-ponytail. Her snow-white skin shone like pearls under the sun.

What drew the most attention was an air of elegance enveloping each graceful step. Accompanying the maiden’s gravitas was her world-class beauty, causing onlookers to glance twice in her direction.

A square-faced girl and her chubby friend stared at the pair, whispering to themselves.

“She’s so pretty ... Do you think she’s a model?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised! Almost all the girls who enroll at Temple Academy are known for their beauty!”

“Look at the guy next to her. Do you think they are classmates?”

“No way, their outfits are different. But just look how happy the girl is, they’re probably dating or in a relationship already.”

The male student was slightly older than his counterpart. His neatly trimmed, black hair was straight like adamantium and combed back. The Katana he carried at his waist looked exceptionally ornate, decorated with a pair of golden serpents intertwined on the black sheath.

Despite his youthlike features, he carried himself like a confident veteran. His refined body posture and piercing, crimson-red eyes seemed to indicate years of battle experience.

More passersby began to gossip amongst themselves.

“Oh my oh my, is it me or are the students getting more attractive each passing year?”

“Grandmama! Shhhh!! Don’t say it so loud!”

“I’m just saying the truth, dearie. Didn’t you want to go to that Academy in the future? Maybe I should ask them to help you. They seem very responsible.”

“Stop it! You’re embarrassing me!!”

With the fusion of the two individualistic aurae, even nearby Platinum-tier adventurers could not help but marvel with curiosity in their eyes.

“Look at that blade — the quality and design must have cost a fortune.”

“I’ve never seen a sword as intricate as that one since our joint quest with the Master-tiers. You think he earned it or a congratulatory gift from his family?”

“It’s most likely the latter, but the way he looks tells me otherwise...”

Another group of beginning adventurers whispered amongst themselves.

“Do you think they’re part of the Adventurer’s Guild?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. There are Temple Academy students that do adventuring part-time.”

“Then maybe I should try and recruit the both of them.”

“Stop! Don’t do it, man. Just look at the emblems on that girl’s chest. There’s no way someone of that level will join our team.”

Nearly everyone in the plaza looked in awe, their eyes were drawn to the duo. Maybe it was because they had witnessed a Four-Attribute Magic user in the flesh. Perhaps it was absolutely fascinating to see a Temple Academy mage carrying a blade. Or it was a certain type of charisma they both exhibited — a compelling charm that could inspire devotion in others.

Whatever it was, they were perpetually captivating.

The onlookers watched the pair gradually vanished into the distance

A few had a hunch that they were destined to be legendary.

Onii and Amae ambled inside Temple Academy, glancing around and admiring their new home for the next five years. The entrance was arched in alabaster, one of the most expensive and sturdiest stones in the world. It felt like they entered into a medieval world, suffused with a magnificent and regal feel.

“This school is absolutely beautiful!” Amae exclaimed in awe.

“As expected of a prestigious academy, it’s so well-guarded and maintained,” Onii commented, noticing the security surrounding the outer perimeter.

“I can’t wait to explore around later. Will you come with me after class?”

“Of course.”

The siblings felt the air change as they strolled down the main pathway. The nearby campus guards took an extra glance at the sheathed weapon resting beside Onii’s waistband.

“Wait inside until everyone is gathered.” One of the head guards instructed as he took their luggage. “Your belongings will be inside your dormitory, which will be further discussed during class with your homeroom instructor.”

As the two continued, there were casual conversations across the vast lawn and courtyard, with wooden benches and circular-shaped tables lined parallel to the main entrance. Most were already occupied with students who arrived earlier.

“I heard there’s a convenience store on campus!” Amae exclaimed in excitement. “I can’t wait to try all the bentos there.”

“Make sure you don’t eat it every day. It’s not that healthy for you.”

“Fineeeeee~”

The siblings could hear a few male students shamelessly complimenting how gorgeous Amae was and wondered if she had a boyfriend. But most onlookers immediately discerned the primary feature between them: their outfits.

Prior to enrollment, every student knew about the discrimination and was expected to accept it as part of the school’s tradition. In fact, Temple Academy enforces the differentiation, stating that the university represented themselves similar to a military-grade academy.

As a result, the presenting students waiting inside seemed to be associating themselves with only similar rankings.

Seeing a Potential and Regular casually chatting together, shoulder to shoulder, and smiling fondly immediately sparked conversation. Honestly, Onii and Amae could care less about the traditions.

The two decided to rest near a fountain to pass time. A sculpted dragon stood prominently in the center of the crossroad, flowing water continuously from its jaws and down into shimmering ripples.