As their carriage moved down the main road toward the capital, the afternoon sun broke through the last of the clouds. Rick sat quietly with Carmilla and Natasha, each of them thinking about what had happened at the Golden Shrine in their own way.
The Divine Blessing pendant hung against Rick’s chest, warm and always reminding him of the bond he had made with High Priestess Liora. Rick could feel Carmilla’s protective satisfaction with how the fight had gone and Natasha’s analytical mind going over every spell she’d cast, looking for ways to make them better.
This constant awareness of their feelings was strangely comforting. He wasn’t really alone anymore because they were together even when they weren’t talking.
Sebastian appeared on the seat next to Rick, and only he could see him. "You did better than I thought you would in that situation."
"Liora is known for being difficult to impress, but you were able to do it in one afternoon and gain her respect and a spiritual connection."
Rick thought back, "I just did what felt right."
"We helped her because she needed it. That’s all there is to it... probably."
"See? That’s character development right there. Now media needs to add me as the representation of development."
"Alright, alright, stop acting all tough."
"But, I had to be honest at some point because you’re doing it easily but usefully. That’s what makes you a good fit for this job."
"Other heroes might have tried to get benefits first or used the situation to get ahead in politics, but you, the gooner who died watching too many MILF videos, helped because someone needed it."
Rick sighed hearing Sebastian still roasted him, but now he learned not to care about it. "Is it really that rare? Like how I do it."
"Yes, in my sixty-seven thousand years of service... most people who use the system are basically transactional, just because they think of every interaction as a trade-off, weighing the costs against the benefits."
"But you, in this situation, prioritize the people first." And still I doubt you do that so that they can repay you with something."
Rick didn’t appreciate either the praise or the insult at the end. "I’m not that unique, and of fucking course I didn’t need any repayment! I just don’t like it when people are in pain and I can help them!"
"That’s what makes you special, like I just said, you dumbfuck." Sebastian’s monocle shone. "But don’t let it get to that pervert head of yours!"
"You still have a long way to go before you’re ready for what’s coming."
Rick thought, "Speaking of which, how far are we from the capital now?"
"Three hours or so, if the road stays clear. You should get there right before nightfall."
...
The carriage turned a corner, and all of a sudden the view opened up. Rick could see the capital city for the first time from a distance. I
It was huge, at least ten times bigger than Thornwick, and the white stone walls looked like they were glowing in the afternoon light. Rick could see the giant castle at the center of the city from this distance. Its golden domes caught the light. Tall spires and towers rose from inside.
Rick leaned out the window to get a better look and said, "Holy shit."
"Now that’s... what a real fantasy capital looks like, similar to what you would find in an average isekai story."
Carmilla smiled at how he reacted. "Isn’t it impressive? Years ago, I went with my husband for the first time. The city is the biggest in the kingdom because it has more than half a million people living there."
"Half a million?" The thought made Rick feel dizzy.
People in Thornwick, which had 2,000, seemed busy. He couldn’t picture a city with that many people.
Natasha’s face stayed neutral, but Rick could tell she was curious through their bond. "The Royal Academy is in the eastern part of the city. People say that you can see the Grand Magister’s tower from anywhere in the city."
The road got busier and busier as they got closer. Merchants with full wagons, nobles in fancy carriages, farmers bringing goods to market, and all kinds of travelers rushed toward the giant gates.
Guards in blue and silver uniforms stood still, checking papers and asking people who looked suspicious questions. The driver pulled into one of the inspection lines, and a guard came up to them with a bored look on his face that changed to one of alertness when he saw their guns.
"Adventurers?" he asked, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Say what you need to do in the capital."
Carmilla handled the situation well by showing their guild cards and saying they had official business with the Grand Magister. When the guard saw the royal summons scroll that Rick possessed, his attitude changed immediately.
"A direct call from the Grand Magister? That’s highly unusual." The guard looked closely at the seal and then let them through without asking any more questions. "Go to the Academy district."
"Someone there will show you the right way to get in.
"And welcome... to Valdris, the kingdom’s jewel."
The carriage went through gates that were so thick that they could hold whole rooms. All of a sudden, they were in the capital city.
Rick pushed his face against the window to try to see everything at once. The streets were made of smooth stone and were lined with buildings that ranged from simple stores to grand mansions.
There were more people on the sidewalks than Rick had ever seen in one place. Street vendors yelled out what they were selling, kids ran between adults’ legs, and the smell of cooking food mixed with horse manure and perfume made for an overwhelming sensory experience.
Rick said, "It’s so loud," for the first time in an hour. "And full of people. How do people live this way?"
"You get used to it," Carmilla said, but she looked a little overwhelmed herself. "The capital works on a different level than the rest of the kingdom."
"Things are bigger, busier, and more expensive here."
Natasha pointed to a tower in the distance that was very tall. "That’s the main tower of the Academy. People say that the Grand Magister’s office is at the very top."
Their driver expertly made his way through the crowded streets and finally stopped at a large gate with strange symbols on it. Rick could see what looked like a university campus beyond it.
There were several buildings arranged around a central courtyard. Figures in robes moved between buildings, and many of them were carrying books or strange magical tools.
"The Royal Academy of Magic," the driver said.
"I’ll wait here for you to return, assuming you want to leave the city tonight."