As Kalem, Lyra, and Onyx descended the last slope of the Glassford Mountains, the treacherous terrain gave way to a more structured and controlled environment. At the base of the mountains was a sprawling checkpoint, bustling with activity. The checkpoint was surrounded by high walls, watchtowers, and a small settlement where traders and travelers rested before entering the regions governed by The Bank.
The sight of the checkpoint surprised Kalem. Soldiers in polished uniforms patrolled the area, their weapons gleaming in the sun. Massive gates marked the official entrance, flanked by large banners bearing the crest of The Bank—a symbol of balance and authority.
"Well, this is... intimidating," Lyra muttered, adjusting her satchel nervously.
Onyx snorted, his large frame drawing the attention of several guards as they approached.
As they neared the gates, a guard stepped forward, his expression stern but not unfriendly. "State your names and purpose for crossing the border."
Kalem stepped forward. "Kalem, traveling to Arcathis Academy."
"And I'm Lyra," she added quickly. "Also headed to Arcathis for studies."
The guard nodded, pulling out a clipboard and jotting something down. "You'll need to undergo an inspection before you're allowed through." He gestured to a nearby tent. "Leave your cart and any belongings here. Onyx will be taken to the stables for the duration of the process."
Kalem hesitated but nodded. "Fine, but be careful with the cart. It's carrying tools I've worked hard to make."
Lyra glanced at Kalem as they handed over their things. "Let's hope this doesn't take too long."
Inside the inspection tent, their belongings were laid out on tables. Several guards, joined by what appeared to be a mage employed by The Bank, meticulously examined everything.
"This is quite the arsenal," one guard remarked, holding up one of Kalem's finely crafted axes.
"It's for sale," Kalem explained, crossing his arms.
"And these chemicals?" another guard asked, pulling a vial from Lyra's satchel.
"Alchemical supplies," Lyra said quickly. "For research, not combat."
The mage stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he examined the items. "I see no immediate danger in these, but it's standard policy to confiscate weapons and dangerous materials unless the owner holds a permit issued by Arcathis Academy or has clearance to leave the city with them."
"What? You're taking everything?" Kalem asked, his tone sharp.
The mage raised an eyebrow. "It's not permanent. Once you've been approved by the Academy, you can retrieve your belongings or acquire a permit to carry them. Until then, these items will remain in secure storage."
Lyra sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Guess we don't have much choice."
Kalem gritted his teeth but relented. "Fine. Just don't damage anything."
After the inspection, they were allowed to proceed. However, as they exited the tent, Kalem noticed a well-maintained, paved road leading back toward the mountains.
"Wait a minute," he said, pointing. "What's that?"
The guard at the gate chuckled. "That's the official pass through the Glassford Mountains. It's a protected route maintained by The Bank, used for trade and safer travel."
Kalem blinked. "You're telling me there was an easier way through the mountains this whole time?"
The guard smirked. "If you'd started your journey from one of the established settlements, you'd have known about it. But coming from the wilderness? I'm not surprised you took the hard way."
Lyra stared at the road, her mouth agape. "All those storms, creatures, and near-death experiences... and we could've just taken that?"
Kalem groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Unbelievable."
Onyx, now reunited with them, let out a low, amused grunt as if to say, I knew this all along.
Despite the frustration, they couldn't dwell on the revelation for long. The path ahead led directly to the city surrounding Arcathis Academy, and the excitement of reaching their destination began to outweigh their annoyance.
As they passed through the gates, Lyra leaned closer to Kalem. "Well, at least we're almost there. And look on the bright side—we got some good stories out of that insane trek."
Kalem shook his head but couldn't help but smirk. "Yeah, I guess. Let's just hope Arcathis is worth all of this."
With that, they stepped into the lands beyond the Glassford Mountains, leaving the wilderness behind and entering a world of order, ambition, and magic.