In the Imperial Capital of the Roland Empire, inside the most bustling Royal Hotel, an old man and an elderly woman each stepped out from their respective rooms.
Immediately, attendants approached with greetings and respectfully guided them toward the dining area.
They soon settled into a delicately prepared private room.
Before any food arrived, a young girl in white robes gracefully approached.
Her long, vibrant purple hair shimmered as she walked with elegant steps.
The girl bowed deeply to the two elders before lifting her head to speak.
“Honored seniors, you have been away for many years. Did you suddenly return to the Imperial Capital because of the Empire Magic Academy’s enrollment?”
“That’s part of the reason,” the elderly woman replied first.
She appraised the girl with a satisfied nod and said, “It’s been a while since we last met. Before we knew it, Karinya has grown so much… How has your grandfather been lately?”
“My grandfather’s health has been stable recently,” Karinya answered.
For some reason, though her words were steady, her emotions seemed to flicker subtly at the mention of him.
“That’s good to hear. When you have time, please give our regards to the two old folks,” the elderly woman sighed, as if lamenting the passage of time.
“I understand.”
“One of the reasons we came to the Imperial Capital is indeed related to the triennial enrollment at the Empire Magic Academy… including disciples of mine and this old man’s, who will be participating in the upcoming examination.”
Karinya raised her eyebrows.
Disciples of these two elders…
This enrollment exam was going to be quite interesting.
“As for the other reason…” The elderly woman’s tone shifted as she frowned.
“Old man, why don’t you say it?”
The old man’s expression grew solemn.
“You’ve probably heard something as well… the news of the death of the Platinum-ranked adventurer couple, the Aphra Couple.”
Upon hearing this, Karinya’s expression turned clear with understanding.
The Aphra Couple were renowned adventurers throughout the Empire, each serving as honorary elders of the Empire’s Mages Association and Warriors Association, respectively.
The death of such transcendent-level experts naturally drew the attention of these two elders.
“According to current intelligence, the Aphra Couple’s death appears to be related to the Demon Race. Recently, there have been continuous reports concerning the Demon Race within the Empire. It seems the long-quiet Demon Realm is finally stirring again…” Karinya frowned deeply.
“No, there might be more to this matter,” the old man shook his head.
“It’s true the Aphra Couple was killed by the Demon Race… but the demons responsible were only transcendent-level.”
Karinya furrowed her brow, “You mean…?”
“Even transcendent-level demons, though able to defeat the couple, would hardly be capable of completely killing them both. There must be another reason behind this…”
Karinya drew in a sharp breath.
If the elder’s words were true, then this matter was indeed deeply troubling.
“Moreover, on our way here, it seems there were disturbances reported from the Northern Wildwood, where a battle involving Legendary Experts took place. A mysterious Legendary Expert appeared. This matter must have spread by now. It seems the Empire is no longer peaceful.”
The old man sighed, “The Empire was already unstable, and now at our age, such things happen…”
“With the seniors here, the Empire will be fine,” Karinya said reassuringly.
“I’m not worried about that,” the old man shook his head.
“The Empire is currently stable thanks to your grandfather and others. But the death of the Aphra Couple is a massive blow to the Empire’s core strength. Coupled with what happened to your father… aside from that kid Matt, there are no new prodigies in the younger generation. What we fear most is the Empire’s future lacking successors.”
“With the two seniors’ disciples…” Karinya’s words were cut off by the elderly woman.
“Those two kids are decent, but reaching the strength of the Aphra Couple is already difficult. To surpass them would be nearly impossible. They will become the Empire’s backbone, but still won’t be able to shoulder the greatest responsibilities. No matter how many transcendent-level experts there are, an Empire without Legendary Experts can never truly intimidate its enemies.”
Karinya opened her mouth but found no words to respond.
“The Demon Realm has begun to stir. If they truly intend to invade the continent, there won’t be much time left for the younger generation to grow. That’s why the upcoming Empire Magic Academy examinations are especially important.”
“You and Princess Ellie should also be just in time to participate in the exam, right?” The elderly woman smiled suddenly.
“There’s no need to be too nervous. Just focus on the exam and training. The rest will be handled by us old folks.”
“Yes, I understand,” Karinya’s heart filled with respect and a stronger resolve to become stronger.
“It’s getting late. Although there are three days to register for the Magic Academy, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. Don’t worry about us,” the old man waved his hand.
“I will take my leave then.” Karinya bowed to the two elders before departing from the hotel.
***
Not far from there, after discussing with Sara, Li Xian also left the inn, heading toward the Empire Magic Academy with Sara.
The Imperial Capital was teeming with crowds these days, many arriving from other regions.
Most had come specifically to participate in the Empire Magic Academy’s examination, hoping for a stroke of luck to enter this top institution and change their fates.
The city’s residents seemed accustomed to this spectacle since every enrollment period at the Empire Magic Academy was just like this.
The influence of this grand event went far beyond appearances.
This street was one of the more prosperous in the Imperial Capital, lined with many shops—inns, restaurants, clothing and jewelry stores, as well as magic materials and weapon shops.
Thanks to the massive influx of people, every shop was packed to the brim, overflowing with customers and profits.
Li Xian walked alongside the crowd, leading Sara toward the Empire Magic Academy while thoughtfully observing the bustling scene, lost in deep contemplation…