The towering structure of the Voidcrafter’s Forte loomed ahead, its unique design standing out among the other buildings in the bustling city.
The three-story marvel exuded an air of sophistication, its smooth, polished walls shimmering faintly as if alive with magic essence.
It wasn’t just its size or design that drew the eye; even the atmosphere around it seemed saturated with power.
As Damon, Anaya, Daveon, and Ex-General Leana approached, the students felt it—a tangible shift in the air.
“Woah… That felt insane.” Damon muttered without knowing.
Magic essence pulsed around them, almost like a living thing. The sensation was overwhelming yet invigorating, and it made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end.
Before they could voice their amazement, Leana turned to face them, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “Feeling it, aren’t you?” she asked.
They nodded silently, their awe evident.
“Welcome,” Leana said, her smile deepening, “to the Voidcrafter’s Forte. Located in the Hollow City of Azpec.”
Ex-General Leana watched the others for a moment before she continued her statement. “It’s a few cities away from the academy and would take around four days to get there from here.” She noticed the eagerness on the students faces and grinned. “Let’s go inside, shall we?”
The group stepped inside, their amazement only growing as they took in the interior. The design was sleek and modern, a stark contrast to the medieval architecture of the surrounding city.
Everything about the place screamed innovation, from the glowing blue veins of magic essence running along the walls to the intricate patterns etched into the floors.
The teleportation arrays themselves were positioned in precise locations, their circular platforms humming faintly with dormant energy.
Receptionists and guards moved about efficiently, their uniforms a blend of practicality and style. They were all dressed in similar outfits of red and gold but while the guards had more red color on their uniforms, the receptionists has more gold.
Despite the futuristic feel of the place, the attire of its staff reminded the students that this was still firmly rooted in their world.
“Feels like something from another world or at least, another generation.” Daveon murmured, his eyes darting around the room.
Leana chuckled, leading them further inside. “That’s because this place was designed by some of the greatest minds to ever live. Brilliant mages, architects, and engineers came together to create something unparalleled in its time.”
The students exchanged impressed glances as she continued.
“It’s also the most expensive teleportation service you’ll ever find,” Leana added with a smirk.
“Why use it, then?” Daveon asked, his brow furrowing. “Why not just use a regular array? This seems unnecessarily extravagant.”
Leana stopped and turned to him, her expression suddenly serious. “One word: convenience.”
Daveon raised an eyebrow, and she elaborated. “Most teleportation methods have side effects—dizziness, nausea, or even temporary disorientation. But not here. The Voidcrafter’s Forte is so advanced that you won’t feel a thing. The transition is so smooth that by the time you realize the array has activated, you’ll already be at your destination.”
“That still doesn’t explain the cost,” Damon chimed in, folding his arms. “How are we paying for this?”
Leana chuckled, brushing off his concern with a wave of her hand. “Leave that to me. Just enjoy the ride, will you?”
Satisfied, though still somewhat skeptical, the students followed her as she began to recount a story.
“This place has been around for over a decade,” she began. “I used it often during my time as a General. It became my go-to for quick, efficient travel. But it wasn’t just the service that impressed me; this place is tied to where we’re headed for our field trip.”
The students perked up at her words, their curiosity piqued.
“I had just been promoted to General,” Leana continued, her voice taking on a nostalgic tone. “One of my first assignments was to investigate a serious demon infestation in a remote region not too far from here. I arrived in this city and stumbled upon the Voidcrafter’s Forte while searching for a way to reach the infested area. That’s also when I met someone whom I never expected I’d meet in such a place.”
Before she could elaborate further, Damon interrupted. “Wait—where are we going?”
Leana had veered away from the teleportation arrays on the main floor, leading them up a wide staircase.
“Shush,” she said, glancing over her shoulder with a playful smirk.
The students followed her reluctantly, their confusion growing with each step. The staircase wound upward, finally ending in a long hallway lined with ornate doors.
Leana stopped in front of one, its polished surface etched with intricate runes. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open.
“Shouldn’t you knock first?” Anaya whispered, her voice laced with concern.
But before Leana could answer, another voice filled the room, its deep, authoritative tone cutting through the air.
“What brings my little sister here today?”
The students froze, their eyes widening in shock.
Leana stepped inside, unfazed by the question. “Your little sister is here to visit,” she replied casually, glancing back at the students. “And she brought her three new kids.”
The man behind the desk raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the students. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding despite the calm expression on his face.
His dark auburn hair was streaked with gray, and his piercing black eyes seemed to see right through them.
Damon, Anaya, and Daveon exchanged nervous glances.
“Kids?” Damon muttered under his breath, his pride stung by the label.
Leana ignored him, striding confidently into the room. “These three are under my care for a field trip, and I thought I’d drop by.” Discover more stories at empire
The man leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “And what exactly are you dragging them into this time?”
Leana’s grin widened. “Something dangerous, of course.”
The man sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why am I not surprised?”
As the siblings bantered, the students remained rooted to the spot, unsure whether to feel relieved or more apprehensive. “This is unexpected.” Anaya chirped in and the other two with her could only nod in agreement.