Chapter 18: Bustling Whitewood Town

In just two days, Whitewood Village has undergone a remarkable transformation, now officially recognized as 'Whitewood Town.' This transformation was instigated by Nexus Arcane Academy's decision to establish a branch, inspiring other schools to follow suit. Whitewood's prime location near Nith Forest has played a pivotal role in this development.

Notably, Arcana Academy, Elemental Arcanum, and Augmentation have all established their branches in Whitewood Town, while Enchantorium opted for Frostfall Town. Consequently, the once predominantly agricultural village is diversifying its economy with the influx of numerous merchants within these two days.

Additionally, TownChief Arcon, with support from the king, initiated various infrastructure projects, bolstered by supplementary funding, ensuring the sustainable progress of the region.

"Selling a diverse range of Arcane fruits. Don't miss out!"

"Affordable battle armor for novice Tier 1 arcanists. Only 2 silver coins per piece, or 10 silver for a complete set."

"We offer a variety of alchemical tools and formulas. Take advantage of our promo prices."

"Spellbooks tailored for novice Tier 1 wizards and elemental arcanists."

The once expansive roads now feature merchants and stalls at nearly every corner, inviting exploration.

Today marks the enrollment for each school branch, drawing visitors from distant places to the Salamanca Kingdom. Even residents from the neighboring North Continent have journeyed to Whitewood.

"Brother Lu, which school are you enrolling in?"

"Where else? The unmatched Arcana Academy, of course."

"I'm sure you'll excel, Brother Lu. As far as I know, you're Azure Coast's top awakener."

"Brother Lu, I heard that the young mistress of the Crimson Serpent Clan is also planning to enroll at Arcana."

...

While walking, Izy and Sebastian eavesdropped on passing youngsters' conversation.

"Seb," Sebastian turned as Izy called him, "We're going to Nexus, right?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Just because I really like Sister Debi's presence and her demeanor," Izy replied, lost in thought.

All the awakeners from Whitewood unanimously decided to enroll at Nexus Arcane Academy, primarily because Debi was the one who initially invited them, and they felt a strong affinity with her. However, some had different plans and intended to enroll in other schools. Chief Arcon had no choice but to let them follow their own path.

"Take a look," Izy urged, her eyes widening with excitement as she directed their attention to the performer at the heart of Whitewood Plaza.

This marked a significant moment for them, as it was the very first time they had the privilege of witnessing elemental arcanists in action. These arcanists were using their mystical powers to create a captivating display, weaving elements together in a mesmerizing spectacle that held the onlookers in awe. It was a rare opportunity to witness the artistry and mastery of these individuals as they harnessed the forces of nature to create something truly magical. The plaza buzzed with a sense of wonder and anticipation as the crowd marveled at the intricate dance of elements unfolding before their eyes.

In the middle of the picturesque Plaza, five women stood dressed alike in shimmering blue attire. Their gowns seemed to mirror the gentle waves of the sea, glistening like the ocean under the sun. Yet, their true beauty lay not in their clothing but in the magic they possessed.

With the removal of their scarves, a magical spectacle began. Before their audience, it was as if ancient legends came to life, mythical warriors of the elements known throughout the kingdom. Using their unique elemental arcane, they unleashed their powers for all to witness.

First, one of the women brought forth fire. From her hands emerged a magnificent dragon, akin to the tales of heroic legends. The scorching blaze filled the air, spreading like wildfire. In the blink of an eye, a torrential downpour followed, transforming the fiery display into a breathtaking depiction of the kingdoms beneath the sea.

Before long, the rain dissipated, and in the midst of the sky, the majestic "Hawk of the Winds" appeared. With every flap of its wings, a gentle breeze spiraled around. It came from afar, acknowledging the forces of nature.

The surprises didn't end there. Another woman combined the powers of fire and electricity. With her hands, a phoenix materialized, soaring high in the sky. Its wings outstretched, casting a radiant glow upon all. It was a testament that legends were still very much alive.

The exhibition continued, showcasing an endless wonder. Each emergence of their elemental arcane breathed life into the kingdoms they represented. Various shapes of animals and wonders were formed, from the Tree of Life to schools of fish soaring through the sky.

Finally, with a powerful spin, their elemental powers dissipated. The women stood up, paying tribute to their concluded performance. Behind them, the tales they had portrayed came to life, bringing joy and wonder to the eyes of the spectators. In their performance, they showed that magic was not just a legend but a living history of the kingdom.

"It's absolutely beautiful," their young eyes widened in sheer amazement as they gazed upon the performer in the heart of Whitewood Plaza. Being children, they couldn't help but be enthralled by the spectacle before them. The breathtaking beauty of the performance not only captivated their attention but also showcased the incredible diversity of using arcane powers. It was a revelation that these mystical abilities weren't confined solely to battles and work but could also serve as a source of entertainment.

In that fleeting moment, a profound sense of joy enveloped the two children, a feeling that could only be born from witnessing something truly magical.

Their destination was Nexus Arcane Academy for enrollment, where their fellow aspirants had been patiently waiting for a while. However, Sestian and Izy had been utterly absorbed by the performance they had just witnessed.

As they approached the enrollment process, the presence of parents became irrelevant; the Nexus administrators were in charge. 

As the two cast their eyes upon the school building itself, any wonder they had experienced in the plaza paled in comparison. The school's architecture was nothing short of breathtaking. Its lower portion was constructed from pristine marble, with delicate vines and plants adorning its surface, lending an air of vibrant life to the structure. In contrast, the upper portion was made from meteorite metal, but what set it apart was the meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece of metal resembled a wand, interconnected in a pattern resembling a pair of wings. Even at the entrance, they stood in awe.

With hearts full of admiration, the two friends hastened towards the school's entrance, eager to embark on their journey into the world of arcane knowledge and wonder that awaited them within.