Preparations and Unrest

Ethan stirred awake as sunlight peeked through his window. The day he had been anticipating had come, but it wasn't the day he would depart. The journey to Valenhold and the entrance exam for Aeloria Royal Academy were drawing near, but today was reserved for the last of his preparations.

He stretched and muttered to himself, "One last check before heading out."

After gathering his belongings, Ethan mentally reviewed his system inventory. The additions he made to his domain last night had already filled him with confidence. The Elysian Fields, Healing Herb Blades, and Golden Wheat Manor were essential foundations for his plans.

"I'll expand it further after the academy exam," Ethan thought, satisfied with his preparations.

At the Guild

Ethan arrived at the guild, where the atmosphere was bustling. Adventurers discussed missions, traders haggled over prices, and travelers prepared for their own journeys. Ethan made his way to the counter, where Quala, the guild receptionist, greeted him with a polite smile.

"Good morning, Ethan. All set for your journey?" she asked.

"Yes, but I need an updated map to integrate into my system," Ethan replied.

Quala handed him a detailed map. "This should cover all the major routes and landmarks to Valenhold. Safe travels."

Ethan nodded his thanks and scanned the map.

[Map integrated successfully]

With everything ready, Ethan left the guild and headed to the city gates.

Shadows Stirring

Far from the bustling town, in a hidden chamber cloaked in darkness, Yiz knelt before his master once again. His earlier report had sent ripples of fury through the shadowy figure before him.

"We have identified traces of the one who took the black box," Yiz said, his voice trembling. "But their movements are hard to track. They seem to have vanished into the wind."

"Vanished?" The voice echoed with dangerous calm. "Then make the wind your enemy. Leave no stone unturned until you bring me the black box. Whoever took it will pay for their insolence."

Yiz bowed deeply. "Yes, Master."

As he departed, the chamber grew quiet again, save for the faint whispers of dark energy swirling in the air.

A Meeting of Paths

Later that afternoon, Ethan decided to explore the market one last time before leaving. He walked through the bustling stalls, observing merchants selling exotic goods and travelers bartering for supplies.

As he passed a weapon stall, a boy about his age bumped into him. "Ah, sorry about that!" the boy said with a sheepish grin.

Ethan glanced at him. "It's fine."

The boy extended a hand. "Sae Jensi, future merchant extraordinaire! And you are?"

"Ethan Maxwell," he replied curtly, shaking his hand.

Jensi looked intrigued. "Heading to Valenhold too, huh? You must be taking the academy entrance exam. I am too!"

Ethan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good luck, then."

Jensi grinned. "Thanks! Same to you, Bro Ethan!"

Evening Reflections

As night fell, Ethan returned to his room to rest. Sitting by the window, he watched the town settle into quiet. His thoughts drifted to the academy and the mysteries surrounding the black box he had acquired.

"Challenges lie ahead, but they only make the journey worthwhile," he thought, gripping the pendant around his neck.

In the distance, the sound of laughter and music from the taverns mingled with the soft rustling of leaves. Somewhere in the same town, a cloaked figure watched the horizon, their intentions hidden beneath the folds of their robe.

As the evening drew near, Ethan finished the last of his preparations. The journey to Valenhold would begin tomorrow, and with it, the first step toward the entrance exam and the trials ahead. Ethan took one last look at his room, his heart racing with anticipation. Tomorrow, his true journey would begin.