A City Beyond Imagination

It’s beyond anything I ever imagined.

I’m left speechless by the city’s sheer magnitude. There’s gotta be upwards of a hundred thousand people living here! A far cry from the few hundred villagers back home.

As we fly over the capital, Vincent recounts the city’s rich history and complex culture, meanwhile I continue to gawk in awe.

Tightly packed buildings cascade down an enormous hill, separated into four wards by large circular black walls crowned with beautiful prismatic crystals. At the top of the hill is the royal castle, and surrounding it are the nobles’ mansions and various important-looking institutions. Down the hill’s sides is a truly whimsical looking merchant’s ward, then below that cityfolk living in lovely white buildings topped with red-tile roofs and draped in greeny ivy. Surrounding the hill is miles of lush, sprawling farmland inhabited by commonfolk.

We land near the top at a stable, and workers haul away the carriage and cargo Vincent was delivering.

“Now, before we drop off our luggage, there’s something absolutely crucial we must do first.”

“What—”

Vincent taps the ground with his staff and mutters something. Suddenly, I’m floating upwards.

“Woah! Vincent?! What are you—”

I gasp.

“Welcome to New Haven, kid.”

The city’s even more amazing up close. I can hardly believe my eyes—it’s like living in a fairy tale.

I won’t lie, it’s been a long week. Between all the astounding magic, heart-pounding monster encounters, delicious meals, interesting people, mistakes and triumphs, and the dozens of hours we spent sharing our stories, thoughts, and feelings… we’ve grown so close that it’s as if I’ve known him my entire life.

As brutal as the training was…

…even just for this view, it would’ve all been worth it—let alone all the wonderful times I’ve shared with Vincent.

I glance back and find him smiling.

Vincent…

The kindness he’s shown me, the way he’s helped me grow… I’ll remember this week for the rest of my life.

I have to find a way to repay him before we part ways. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I didn’t.

He gently lowers me to the ground and pats my head.

“Alright, now we can drop off our stuff.”

***

We arrive at a large, elegant building.

“Wow, this isn’t anything like the other inns we—”

I stumble backwards as I’m hit by a sudden gust. Two wizards burst out of the building and zoom past us riding…

Broomsticks?

“That’s because it’s not an inn,” Vincent says. “Welcome to the Sweepers’ Guild.”

“...Sweeper?”

“Sweepers travel around the kingdom cleaning the various messes that pop up. Could be slaying a monster, putting out a fire, or even finding someone’s lost cat. Citizens post requests, the guild relays them to us, and we get paid anytime we fulfill one.

“You don’t need to be a summoner to become a Sweeper, but it’s by far summoners’ most common career choice. It’s also why summoners are so popular with the public, and why the crown sees them as critical to keeping the peace.

“Unfortunately for my wallet, we only ever stopped at small villages during our trip. But these guilds are all over the kingdom—just about every city and decent-sized town has one. They’re indispensable to us summoners thanks to all the useful services they offer us, one of which being—”

He smiles. “Free room and board. Come on. Let’s head inside.”

***

After we drop off our stuff and exit the building, I spin toward Vincent. “Can we go explor—”

“Nope.”

“Aw man…”

“We have to go shopping and make sure you have everything you need for school. That being said, if it really means that much to you… maybe we can take the scenic route,” Vincent winks.

“Yippee—”

“As long as you behave. No stopping me every time we pass by something interesting. You get one stop on the way to each shop. Deal?”

“Deal!”

I start summoning Pudding so he can join us—

“Stop.”

“Huh?”

“We’re not walking around with a monster in the middle of the city.”

“I thought you said the people here love monsters like I do?”

“Tell me precisely when those words ever left my mouth.”

“Well… maybe that wasn’t exactly what you said.”

“I said you don’t have to worry about being persecuted. The people of New Haven hold a unique appreciation for the good that monsters can do as summons, but given all the problems and deaths monsters cause even here—they’re still generally despised.

“Oh…”

“Regardless, let’s get going. You need a uniform—and I’ve got the perfect tailor for the job.”

Not what I was hoping to hear about the people here…

…but I’m far too excited to let it bother me.

“Alright!”

I eagerly follow Vincent, but stop short as a wall of noise unlike anything back home crashes into me—a cacophony of footsteps, conversation, and commerce. It suddenly dawns on me how crowded the streets are.

Thanks to Vincent, I feel much more confident speaking. I even managed a few short conversations with strangers during the trip, but…

…there’s so many people here… and I’ve heard cityfolk aren’t exactly the friendliest bunch.

Vincent turns. “Listen, Nora. I know this is your first time dealing with such large crowds, but you’re gonna have to get used to it to attend the academy.”

He kneels, meeting my eyes. “Maybe you still don’t trust yourself yet, but you trust me, right?”

I nod.

“Then trust me when I say you’ve got this, alright?”

I force a small smile. “Okay.”

He stands and holds out his hand. “It’s easy to get lost, so stick close.”

I hesitate, but inevitably take it. His hand reminds me of my dad’s—strong but gentle, reassuring to hold…

…though I still feel like I might die of embarrassment.

As my face grows warm I pull down my hat to cover it.

People occasionally glance our way while we walk, making me even more self-conscious.

“Vincent… people are staring.”

“It’s not you they’re staring at. I get those looks from people a lot.”

“Why—”

“Doesn’t matter. Instead of worrying about them, why don’t you try lifting your hat and actually looking around.”

Realizing I’ve been staring at the ground this whole time, I slowly look up and—

Any anxiety I had instantly washes away.

How could it not?

If I had a spell that could give me another pair of eyes, I’d cast it ten times over. There’s so much to take in around me that I can hardly process a fraction of it.

The buildings in the mercantile ward are so tightly packed that I barely have time to admire one before another steals my attention, no two even remotely alike. They twist into impossible shapes, burst with vibrant colors, and are lined with displays and signs for businesses I didn’t even know existed!

Potion flavoring? Mirror glamouring? Sword engraving?

The people running these shops—and even some of the customers—look just as interesting, with colorful outfits and hairstyles like nothing I’ve ever seen before!

Even the streets are full of businesses! I see performers—a man and his rabbit putting on a musical, floating puppet show for children! Food vendors—a woman selling little edible clouds that color people’s tongues in bizarre patterns!

I even see games like a—

That’s it!

I tug on Vincent’s hand and point toward a cart. “Can I, Vincent? Can I?”

“Alright, knock yourself out.”

I sprint over and grab the last available seat before the next round begins.

Ten seats are attached to the cart. In front of each is a crossbow—except instead of arrows, it has a tube that fires bursts of water magic when you pull the trigger. Just ahead, targets pop up and dart around unpredictably, each one made to look like an… Ember Boar.

Sorry again, Porkchop.

Every time a player hits a target, a spire beside them rises higher. The first player to ring the bell at the top wins a prize of their choosing.

My eyes lock onto the prize the previous winner walked away with. A sign beneath it reads: Dreamrest Pillow—a magical item to help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling perfectly refreshed.

It’s the perfect gift for Vincent…

Almost. It’s bright pink, soft and fluffy, and has a smiley face stitched on it—not exactly Vincent’s vibe…

…but if there’s even a chance it’ll help him finally get some proper rest, I doubt he’d mind.

I have to win this.

As soon as Vincent hands over my entry fee, I adjust my glasses, shoulder the crossbow, and stare down its sights.

The cart owner grips a nearby lever. “Ready. Set. Douse!”

The same rush of adrenaline I feel in combat surges through me.

As soon as a target appears, I pivot and—

CLANG!

I knock it down with a blast of water.

CLANG!

CLANG!

I refuse to slow down, making each target disappear almost as quickly as it appears.

CLANG!

CLANG!

CLANG!

Faster.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

I need to go faster!

CLANG-CLANG-CLANG-CLANG-CLANG-CLANG!

I can’t stop until—

CLANG—RIIIIIING!

“We have a winner!”

I gasp, devastated. I can’t believe I let someone else win—Vincent was counting on me!

My stomach twists as I look to see who—

The other players are staring at me, baffled.

Wha—

Oh.

I glance at my spire. It stretches all the way up to the bell, while everyone else’s hasn’t even risen out of their slots.

“Well I’ll be… little missy, in all my years I don’t think I’ve ever seen a round end so quickly. I mean, my goodness, you didn’t even let the others hit a single target.”

I lower my head in guilt. “...S-sorry.”

The other players get up and leave, annoyed.

…Except for the little boy next to me, who gawks. “That was amazing! How’d you get so good?! You must’ve played this like a gajillion times!”

“Oh, uh… this is actually my first time.”

“No way!”

The cart owner gestures toward the prizes. “So, which—”

I instantly point at the Dreamrest Pillow. “That one!”

“A lady who knows what she wants—I like it! You’ve certainly got good taste. Last one I have in stock.”

“You’re so lucky! I’ve been trying to get one of those for months!”

“Oh… you have trouble sleeping?”

He shakes his head. “No, it’s for my momma. She works so hard taking care of me and my brothers, but she always looks so tired. I thought maybe if I could win her one, it’d help… but I'm not very good at this game.”

He lets out a small chuckle, but it does little to hide his dejection.

…

“Would you… want this one?”

He lights up. “Y-you really mean it?!”

“Yeah… sounds like you have a good mom. I think she needs it more than I do.”

He grabs the pillow and hugs me. “Thank you! Thank you! I won’t ever forget this—I promise!”

He sprints over to a group of boys and they all start jumping excitedly.

A woman walks over and he immediately hands her the pillow—his mom.

She scoops him into her arms and kisses his cheek. He points at me and waves, joined by his family.

I wave back.

They look so loving. I’m glad it made them happy…

Though, I’m ashamed to admit, I can’t help but feel a little bittersweet.

…

Suddenly, Vincent snatches my hat and ruffles my hair.

“Hey—Vincent!”

He shakes his head. “How is it that you manage to simultaneously be both the least and most mature teenager I’ve ever met?”

I pause.

“…How often are you meeting teenagers?”

He pulls my hat over my face, blinding me, then tugs me toward him.

“Alright, goofball, let’s keep it moving.”

***

After several more minutes of weaving through bustling streets and resisting the urge to stop at every vendor, we finally reach it—Stitchwell’s Tailor Shop—a tall, wavy building covered in black fabric and topped with a giant purple witch hat.

I peer inside and spot a handful of customers—some experienced summoners clad in enchanted robes and finely crafted armor, others dressed in tailored suits and elegant dresses of the city’s wealthier residents.

“Alright, no point gawking from out here when you can do it inside. Also, you’re talking to the owner and ordering your own uniform. Consider it practice talking to cityfolk—starting now.”

“Wait—what?! Vinc—”

He swings open the door and yanks me inside.

The shop is fragrant and stylishly lined with outfits, accessories, tools, and fabrics.

“Hey, Vivian.”

Behind the checkout counter, a woman greets us. “Vincent! I almost thought you’d forgotten about me. How nice of you to drop by. I see you brought a guest too—who’s this little lady?”

As I turn toward Vincent, he shoves me and I stumble forward.

I gaze at the woman…

…and instantly freeze.

I didn’t know people this beautiful actually existed.