After listening to the explanation about Dungeons, Aldreic moved his hand once again, and a magical projection appeared—a rift or crack resembling a vortex floating in the air. The students gasped in surprise as they beheld the form of the Dimensional Rift.
"Unlike Dungeons, which are stable, the Dimensional Rift is a dimensional crack that connects our world with another world."
As the instructor explained this, the students shuddered, feeling fear as they saw the projected images of terrifying creatures emerging from within the Gate.
"These dimensional cracks appear suddenly and can disappear at any time. Through these Gates, creatures from other species beyond humans—beings that should not exist in our world—can emerge. Some may be enemies, while others may turn into allies."
"Once a Dimensional Rift is formed, foreign entities will come through it. Then, without warning, the Gate vanishes."
This dimensional crack serves as a bridge to another world and only appears once, disappearing as soon as the entities inside have crossed over. Because of this, many races or monsters have appeared in this world. Some have caused chaos, while others have simply sought a place to live.
Intrigued by the explanation, several students wanted to learn more.
"Ehm… Excuse me, Instructor. I have a question… So, does this mean the dimensional cracks disappear as soon as the foreign beings come through? And what about Dungeons?" asked a curious and beautiful student.
The instructor answered,
"Good question. Are you from the Leoviel family?"
"Yes, that is correct. The dimensional crack vanishes as soon as the foreign entity has crossed into this world."
"Dungeons, on the other hand, are permanent structures—ruins whose origins remain unknown. One thing is certain, however—Dungeons can be explored repeatedly. In contrast, Dimensional Rifts are fleeting and cannot be entered."
After hearing this explanation, the students began to understand more about the world.
Another student then raised her hand.
"Instructor… My name is Aurelia Vaelindor. How can we detect when a Dimensional Rift appears in our world?"
Hearing that name, the academy's grand hall buzzed with whispers.
"Isn't that girl from the Vaelindor family? The noble family with mastery over water and wind magic?" murmured several astonished students.
The instructor promptly answered Aurelia's question.
"Excellent question. To detect the appearance of a Gate, every Kingdom and Empire has established Sentinel Towers."
"This academy is located in the Kingdom of Aeloria, and the nearest Sentinel Tower is in Valkenholt."
The Sentinel Tower is a structure designed to detect dimensional rifts across the world. It is equipped with mana-based monitoring devices capable of sensing fluctuations in energy when a rift begins to form.
"Any further questions?" the instructor asked, preparing to conclude the class.
After explaining Dungeons and Dimensional Rifts, Instructor Aldreic closed the magical illusion and looked sharply at the students.
"Remember this, students! One day, you will become warriors—whether as swordsmen or true mages. You will face dimensional rifts that release creatures capable of bringing ruin to our world, and you will explore Dungeons. Keep this in mind—Dungeons are bountiful sources of wealth but full of mysteries, while Gates are threats that could destroy our world!"
Hearing this, the students became determined to grow stronger—to prevent their world from falling into chaos.
However, Aria felt differently. Besides wanting to grow stronger to face the looming threats, she was also deeply fascinated by the secrets and mysteries of Dungeons, which were once ancient ruins.
After class, all the students returned to their dormitories. However, Aria did not go back immediately. Curious about the city, she wandered around Valkenholt, a city near the royal capital.
As she explored, she was amazed by the grandeur of the buildings—medieval structures with a slight touch of modernity, as this world also had technology powered by magic. The scent of freshly baked bread and grilled meat filled the air, making her stomach growl.
"Wow… This place is beautiful. It's nothing like the Slums where I used to live."
"Oh right, my wooden sword is broken. I should buy some things I need… and definitely get some food for tonight."
Aria continued exploring, looking for a blacksmith shop to buy a new sword. As her eyes scanned the city, something caught her attention—a smithy with a wooden sign that read: Ordien's Blacksmith Workshop. A thin column of black smoke rose from its chimney, and the rhythmic sound of hammering metal echoed from within.
Curious, Aria stepped inside.
Immediately, she was greeted by the heat of the forge and the unmistakable scent of metal. A burly man with graying hair and a long beard approached her.
"What do you need, kid?" he asked in a deep voice.
"Hmph… I'm looking for a sword—one that is strong, well-balanced, and can withstand heavy strikes. Also, it should be light but still durable."
The blacksmith examined Aria's grip, noting how she usually held her weapon.
"Wait here."
He walked to the storage room, searching for a sword that met Aria's specifications while matching her grip style.
"Here, try this one," the Blacksmith said, handing over a sword.
Aria lifted the blade, swinging it a few times. It felt comfortable and light in her hands.
"This sword is forged from a mix of mithril steel and black iron. It's lightweight yet strong and offers better magic resistance than regular swords," the blacksmith stated proudly.
"Alright, I'll take it. How much?" Aria asked without hesitation.
"Hmph, for you… 45 Aurum. Consider it a special price."
Aria nodded and handed over the 45 Aurum. She then sheathed her new sword and left the shop. Afterward, she wandered around, buying food to take back to the dormitory.
As night began to fall, she decided to head back. However, on her way, she noticed an abandoned-looking shop, its structure appearing worn-down and uninhabited. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she walked toward it.
Upon reaching the door, she pushed it open.
BRAK!
Something happened to Aria, and it was pitch black all around.