The week before the Arcathis Academy entrance exam passed in a blur for Kalem and Lyra as they acclimated to life in the sprawling city of Eryndale. The city, unlike anything Kalem had ever seen, stretched far beyond his imagination. It wasn't just the size that overwhelmed him; it was the sheer diversity. Towering spires reached skyward, some glinting with magical energy that shimmered faintly in the evening air. Roads paved with intricate patterns of stone snaked through bustling districts, weaving between buildings crafted from both mundane and enchanted materials. Lanterns suspended by nothing but thin air lit the streets, casting a soft, ethereal glow.
Eryndale wasn't just a city; it was a nexus of cultures, magic, and invention. Humans walked alongside elves, dwarves, and a few races Kalem had never encountered before—like the stoic, scaled Varkathi who communicated in rumbling tones, or the diminutive Quillens, humanoid creatures with quills protruding from their backs, who sold rare herbs and potions. Vendors lined the streets, hawking everything from alchemical trinkets to fresh produce. The scent of spiced meats, baked goods, and exotic perfumes mingled with the occasional waft of ozone from magical experiments.
Despite the allure of the city, Kalem and Lyra had little time for sightseeing. The entrance exam loomed, and they knew little about what to expect. Lyra, being the more outgoing of the two, took the lead in gathering information. She managed to strike up conversations with shopkeepers, wandering scholars, and even a few street performers who had studied at the academy years prior. Most were tight-lipped, though.
"The academy values ingenuity and independence," one old scholar had said, leaning heavily on his cane as they spoke outside a small apothecary. His eyes, cloudy with age, still held a sharpness that unnerved Kalem. "If they think you're the type to rely on others too much, you won't last long."
"So, no hints at all?" Lyra pressed, but the man only chuckled and shook his head.
"Study what you know and trust your instincts. That's the best advice I can give."
Frustrated but undeterred, Lyra dragged Kalem back to their modest rented room above a cobbler's shop to strategize. The room was small but cozy, with a single window that overlooked a bustling square. Kalem spent hours tinkering with tools and materials he had purchased in the market, trying to anticipate what challenges might lie ahead. He crafted small devices—a self-heating flask, a collapsible grappling hook, and even a rudimentary enchanted lantern. Lyra, meanwhile, brewed potions and experimented with alchemical compounds, her table cluttered with vials and bubbling beakers.
"Do you think this is enough?" Kalem asked one evening, holding up a finished piece of work—a compact device designed to emit a burst of light when activated.
"It'll have to be," Lyra replied, not looking up from her work. She was carefully measuring out a glowing liquid into a vial. "We can't prepare for everything, and from what that scholar said, they're probably looking more at how we handle surprises than how many tricks we bring with us."
On their daily outings, Kalem found himself increasingly captivated by the city itself. One afternoon, he and Lyra stumbled upon a district filled with towering statues of famous scholars and mages. Each statue seemed almost alive, their eyes following passersby as if silently judging them. Kalem couldn't help but feel a twinge of intimidation. "Do you think they all started off as clueless as we are?" he asked.
Lyra smirked. "Probably. Everyone has to start somewhere."
Their preparation wasn't without challenges. Onyx, ever curious, managed to knock over a table of Lyra's alchemical supplies one morning, causing a minor explosion that filled their room with a pungent green smoke. Kalem spent an hour calming the bull down while Lyra furiously salvaged what she could of her work.
"If we fail because of your bull, I'm blaming you," Lyra muttered, glaring at Kalem through the haze.
"Onyx is just curious," Kalem defended, though he couldn't help but chuckle. "Besides, he's been more helpful than destructive."
The days passed quickly, each one filled with a mix of anxious preparation and brief moments of wonder at the city around them. Kalem found himself growing more comfortable in the chaos of Eryndale. The initial overwhelm faded into a sense of curiosity and excitement. This city was unlike anything he had ever known, and as daunting as the academy's entrance exam seemed, he couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation. Whatever awaited them at Arcathis, he was ready to face it.