Chapter 139: Through the Gates of Twilight
The first light of morning spilled across the sky, painting it in soft shades of gold and orange. Birds chirped energetically, their songs echoing across the open fields, while a gentle breeze teased the edges of the carriage curtains. The world outside smelled faintly of wet grass and fresh dew, the remnants of last night’s rain still lingering in the air.
Inside the carriage, Dila and Fran were still curled in the warmth of their seats, their uniforms slightly rumpled from the night. The rhythmic creak of the wheels against the pavement, the steady trot of the horses, and the gentle sway of the carriage had lulled them into a deep, soothing sleep, as if the rolling vehicle were a cradle moving through the open countryside.
Dila stirred first, her silver-white hair falling softly around her face as her eyes fluttered open. The movement felt like floating; the carriage rocked her gently, rocking her like a lullaby. She blinked slowly, taking in the soft light spilling through the windows, the wide road stretching before them, and the distant hint of a village rising above the horizon.
Fran, still half asleep, lifted her head next, her navy-blue hair falling into her face as her bright blue eyes blinked against the morning light. Her cat ears twitched as she stretched, flicking her tail lazily but with an alertness that showed her curiosity was already awake.
"Good morning, Sister," Fran said softly, her voice warm and cheerful, a small smile tugging at her lips as she brushed her hair back from her face.
"Good morning, Fran," Dila replied, a soft smile curling at her own lips as she stretched her arms above her head, feeling the tension of sleep release from her shoulders. She shifted slightly in the seat, the sway of the carriage still cradling her gently.
From outside, the carriage driver’s voice carried through the open window, cheerful despite the cool morning air. "Good morning, Princess! And Fran! Finally awake, I see." His voice held the faint rasp of tiredness from the long journey, but there was warmth and relief in it too, glad that the young elf and cat girl had woken safely.
Dila’s gaze lifted toward the window, taking in the sunlight dancing across the leaves of the scattered trees and the faint outlines of the village in the distance. "Good morning, Mister," she said softly, her tone polite yet tinged with the lingering shyness of yesterday’s events.
"Thank you, Princess," the driver replied, tipping his head slightly, his eyes crinkling in a small, genuine smile.
The carriage rolled steadily onward, the horses’ hooves clopping rhythmically against the stone-paved road. The morning air carried a mixture of scents: earth, rain-soaked grass, and the faint aroma of baked bread from the distant village. Fran leaned back, stretching her arms with a soft yawn, while Dila, still cradled gently in the seat, let herself breathe in the calm of the new day. Outside, the world was bright and alive, yet inside the carriage, a quiet, safe bubble surrounded the two girls, wrapping them in a fragile sense of peace after the chaos of last night.
Dila and Fran finally settled properly into their seats. Their new uniforms, still crisp and neatly fitted, reflected the soft morning light, silver embroidery glinting faintly along Dila’s trim outfit, and the deep blues of Fran’s attire catching the sun in a subtle shimmer.
Dila exhaled softly, a trace of relief in her voice. "Luckily we didn’t get sick from the rain last night while we slept. I don’t know what happened, but suddenly... we got tired and just fell asleep magically after fran and i dressed up..." she said, her voice quiet, thoughtful, tinged with wonder.
Fran tilted her head, her ears twitching slightly as she considered Dila’s words. "Yeah... sister... what could it be?" Her voice carried both curiosity and a hint of playful skepticism, as if she half-expected some mysterious explanation.
Dila shrugged lightly, her lips curving into a small, fleeting smile. "Oh... well, let’s just forget that for now." She tugged the curtains more to open wider, letting more sunlight flood the carriage.
Her gaze shifted toward the carriage driver, who was adjusting the reins with careful precision, the morning light glinting off the wet strands of his hair from last night’s downpour. "Mister... are you okay? You didn’t have any spare clothes last night when you got wet," she asked softly, concern threading through her calm tone.
The driver’s shoulders relaxed slightly as he gave a reassuring smile. "Yes, I’m okay, Princess. Don’t worry about me." His voice carried a faint rasp from the night, but there was warmth in it, a quiet resilience that mirrored his dedication.
Dila’s eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity peeking through her usual composure. "Mister... where did you sleep last night?"
The carriage driver blinked, then let out a small, sheepish laugh. "I... I don’t know, Princess. I just fell asleep here in the driver’s seat... maybe it was magical or something." His tone held a touch of amusement at his own answer, but the slight tension in his shoulders betrayed the exhaustion of the long night.
Fran let out a soft chuckle, covering her mouth with her hand as her tail flicked in quiet amusement. "Hahaha... mister, you really just... fell asleep?" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with playful disbelief.
Dila tilted her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Fran’s reaction. "It seems so... he really did," she said softly, her mind briefly recalling the bizarre, almost surreal calm of last night.
Outside, the sun climbed higher, casting long, warm shadows across the road and illuminating the villages ahead. The horses’ hooves clopped steadily, the gentle rumble of the carriage blending with the morning chorus of birds. Inside, a quiet bubble of calm and subtle amusement settled over the trio, a fragile but welcome contrast to the chaos of the past night.
As the carriage rolled steadily along the cobblestone road, the sound of its wheels a soft clatter against the morning quiet. The village seemed almost sleepy, with only a few people strolling about, pausing briefly to glance at the passing carriage. Beyond the scattering of houses, a towering wall rose into the sky, imposing and immovable, its stone surface gleaming faintly in the sunlight. The silhouette of tall spires and massive gates loomed beyond, giving the impression not just of an academy but of an entire fortified kingdom.
Dila’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the sight. "Wow... is that... the Twilight Academy?" she murmured softly, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief. "It... it looks like a kingdom, mister."
The carriage driver nodded with a hint of pride in his expression. "Yes, Princess. It is. Fully secured, and only the most... distinguished reside within. High-class nobles, students of remarkable skill... even some whose names carry weight across the continent. They are powerful, highly trained, and unyielding in their disciplines."
Dila swallowed hard, the lump in her throat making her momentarily silent. "R-Really, mister?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the mixture of fear and curiosity in it was unmistakable.
"Yes, Princess. No doubt," the driver confirmed, his tone calm but carrying the weight of experience.
Dila’s mind began to race, thoughts spiraling into what could possibly await her. That She would start training under the guidance of this huge nation like Academy, but she had yet to meet anyone even remotely comparable to the caliber she might encounter here. Her heart pounded with a cocktail of apprehension and anticipation. She imagined the other students—strong, confident, skilled in magic far beyond what she had wielded last time—and a subtle shiver ran down her spine.
Yet beneath the trepidation, a spark of excitement flickered. She could finally retrain her magic... regain Nari her system, and perhaps even surpass her own expectations. Her mind danced between fear and ambition, the tension in her chest a mixture of nerves and determination. She clenched her fists lightly, her knuckles whitening, and took a steadying breath.
"This... this is going to be something," she thought to herself, a quiet determination settling in her chest even as the weight of the moment pressed on her. For the first time in a long while, the thought of challenge didn’t just scare her—it ignited a flame of possibility the she might encounter.
The carriage neared the massive gates, their metal glinting and engraved with intricate runes that hinted at both security and prestige. Dila’s eyes traced the carvings, imagining the magical wards hidden within, the powerful students patrolling the grounds, and the lessons that awaited her. Excitement and fear wove together tightly, making her pulse quicken as the Twilight Academy loomed ever closer.
The carriage slowed, its wheels crunching softly over the stone-paved road as it approached the colossal gates. Fran had quietly slid over to Dila’s seat, her small hand gently clasping Dila’s in a reassuring grip. "Calm down, sister," she whispered with a soft giggle, her ears twitching slightly as she tried to ease the tension radiating from Dila. "Don’t overthink it, hehehe."
Dila blinked and gave a small, nervous smile, sweat beading along her forehead. Her throat felt tight, and she kept gulping, trying to steady her racing heart. The sight of the towering gates, the shining emblem of a twinkling star etched in the center, only added to the weight pressing against her chest. Fran, noticing Dila’s trembling, couldn’t help but laugh softly, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Hehehe, look at you, sister... all nervous and flustered!" she teased gently, her voice low so as not to draw attention.
Dila shot her a half-smile, half-grimace, silently acknowledging Fran’s humor while still feeling the heavy pressure of what awaited them. She felt small, dwarfed not just by the gates but by the thought of the countless high-ranking, powerful students within. The flutter in her chest was equal parts fear and anticipation.
Outside, the guards moved with an almost unreal grace. Their full armor glimmered faintly in the morning light, each piece meticulously crafted, the design intricate yet functional. Despite the heaviness of their plating, they moved with the lightness of shadows, their helmets reflecting the sun while their eyes, hidden behind visors, tracked the carriage with precise attention. Dila and Fran peeked through the window, their breaths caught in awe.
"Wow..." Dila whispered, her voice barely audible, almost lost in the soft rumble of the guards steps. She thought, I... I thought this kind of armor only existed in RPGs... heavy, intimidating, but somehow their movements are... effortless. Incredible.
The sound of the guards’ careful steps on stone, the subtle whirring of mechanisms in their armor, and the glint of sunlight on their polished surfaces made the moment feel surreal. Dila’s mind raced with both admiration and anxiety, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. Fran squeezed her hand once more, grounding her slightly, while Dila kept her eyes fixed on the guards, silently marveling at the perfect blend of power and elegance before her.
The carriage halted completely, the gates slowly beginning to open, revealing the sprawling courtyard beyond. Dila swallowed, her fingers tightening slightly around Fran’s. This is it... she thought. The Twilight Academy... and everything I’ve prepared for... it begins here.
The carriage rolled smoothly through the massive gates, the towering walls of Twilight Academy fading slightly behind them as the bustling courtyard spread out before their eyes. Dila’s blue eyes darted toward the guards, who had barely glanced their way, letting the carriage pass without a single bow or acknowledgment. Her brow furrowed as she turned to the driver.
"Umm... mister, why did the guards let us pass? Without even... showing that we’re important?" she asked, her voice curious yet tinged with awe.
The carriage driver chuckled softly, the sound warm despite the morning’s chill. "Simple, Princess," he said, clearing his throat. "Because your father... I mean, the king has placed a magical aura around your carriage for passage. It signals a clear path, letting them know you are to be unhindered." His eyes crinkled slightly as he smiled back at Dila and Fran in the carriage.
Dila blinked, a hint of confusion coloring her face. "Ahhh... but I didn’t see any aura."
"Oh, Princess," the driver chuckled again. "The aura is subtle, only detectable for the entrance passage. Think of it like a wireless rope signal guiding them. You wouldn’t see it with the naked eye, but it works perfectly."
As the carriage continued through the gate, the road widened and became alive with the movement of high-class students and merchants alike. Their clothing was elaborate, rich in colors and textures, some with delicate embroidery, others with subtle enchantments that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Small shops lined the street, each displaying incredible goods—finely crafted clothing, shimmering trinkets, colorful foods neatly arranged behind glass cases.
Dila’s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. "Wow... it’s so modern. It’s almost like... Earth," she murmured in wonder, her gaze scanning the dazzling scene.
Fran twitched her ears in confusion, her mind soft with questioning. She thinks (Earth? hmmm never mind that) then she speak "What... is modern?"
Dila smiled faintly, then let out a light laugh. "It means... the latest things. Things that are improved or new compared to the old."
Fran tilted her head, still unsure. "And... latest?"
Dila’s smile widened, a playful glimmer in her blue eyes. "Okay... let’s put it like this. Imagine old bread, plain, just starch. Now, to make life a little better... they add extra seasoning, to make it tastier, more enjoyable for your life.... or your taste buds."
Fran’s eyes lit up as understanding dawned on her. "Ahhhh! That explains it!" she said, her tail flicking with delight. Then, with a shy grin, she added, "I... I like bread."
Dila and the carriage driver both burst into soft laughter, the sound warm in the crisp morning air. Fran’s cheeks flushed slightly, though she quickly smirked, pretending not to care. "What?" she said, letting her playful defiance show, even as her smile betrayed her amusement.
Dila shook her head slightly, still giggling, and glanced at the bustling courtyard ahead. The city within the walls was alive, radiant, and full of possibilities. The journey to the Twilight Academy was just beginning, and the world around them seemed to hum with promise—and a little mischief, as Fran’s playful demeanor still lingered in the carriage.