Chapter 5 - Part 6 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

Han's eyes were drawn to the Tower that stretched towards the heavens as though the people who walked on the ground were hoping to build a bridge and reunite with the gods above. Despite his own ability, he couldn't help but find himself drawn to it as though appreciating another artist's work while making his way through a gallery. Though the sheer scale of the Tower was immense and dominated much of his thoughts, a curiosity slowly blossomed in his mind.

A slight crack in his lips made him glad he had chosen to visit Illumin.

As his gaze lowered slowly, he blinked, noticing quite a number of buildings despite their insignificant impression compared to the Tower. It was as though they had slowly come into focus due to the Tower's capturing his attention. After taking a few moments to see what was in front of him, it didn't take long before he noticed how all the other structures radiated away from the center. His eyes slowly surveyed each of them, seeing how each was relatively unique, though a few shared a similar appearance.

"This is such a large area," Brittany said, moving away from Han and looking around, a giant smile enhancing her dazzling face.

Even Queen's eyes slightly widened as she cooly observed their surroundings and admired the area.

As the carriage made its way towards the Tower, each of them looked at the scenery. With the gentle breeze and the sun above, seeing the large grassy area was calming to view. Compared to the outside of the wall where the city existed, there wasn't a feeling of being cramped; instead, it was as if they were back outside of Illumin.

On the grass, small groups of students sat and talked to one another, oblivious to the world around them. Even though the carriage passed by, not many looked in their direction, though when they did, they gave a friendly wave. Even as they socialized with one another, it was easy to see that each of them was hard at work, studying to understand the material covered in their classes.

Long winding paths could be seen, allowing students to navigate around the area. Sometimes, a group of students would stop by another group, clearly familiar with the other students. Though there was a seriousness, the natural surroundings created a calming and elegant atmosphere.

Han absorbed the surroundings, enjoying how the area was created to appear as though it wasn't within the borders of the Academy. He even noticed pristine pockets of forests that offered a place to get out of the sun or a passing raincloud. Everything felt serene, even though Illumin was an independent nation bordered by more powerful nations that could easily crush it. Enjoying the environment, he couldn't help but think about the parallels with other nations back on Earth that existed next to potentially hostile ones.

Thinking about Illumin's situation, he thought of the Lady Knight and how she behaved -- imagining the woman being a symbol of strength for the students. Han's thoughts drifted as the carriage continued on the path.

While the Tower in front of them still monopolized the view, Han was distracted from his thoughts as they approached the buildings surrounding the monolith.

"As you can see, compared to the city outside of the Academy or even locations in other kingdoms and empires, the Academy is designed to inspire our students," The guide said to Helania. "The outer area of the grounds, as you can see, is primarily used by students for housing purposes, though my Lord and all of you will be staying in a location nearly next to the Tower. But despite the distance of these buildings, many of the students find that being far from the Tower is not much of a hassle. Nearby the dormitories, we have buildings used for various branches of studies where students will attend their classes."

As the carriage casually traveled on the road and entered the populated area, a considerable number of students were going about their day on either side of the street. One of the most significant differences between the city nearest to Illumin's outer walls and the area inside the Academy's grounds was that everyone going about their day was a student. Everywhere Han looked, students were in their uniforms, only a few not carrying some type of handbag that was likely filled with school supplies.

"This reminds me of when I was at my university and saw everyone coming and going to class," Han thought.

He even noticed students lounging on benches and tables, socializing with one another.

Turning to look at the guide, "I am assuming that it is normally this busy?"

The guide turned his head, looking for something. When Han followed the guide's gaze, Han saw a tower with a large clock.

Returning to look at Han, the guide said, "This is between classes, though the morning and early afternoon are significantly busier compared to later in the day."

"Is that set up by the Academy, or are students able to select their class times?" Helania asked, slightly tilting her head.

"A student's schedule wholly depends on their status and grade." The guide explained.

"Status?" Helania raised an eyebrow.

The guide said, "Those who are part of the nobility tend to have more freedom in their experiences here."

"Is there a need to give nobles such privilege?" Queen looked away from the buildings she was observing to look at the guide.

The guide nodded as though understanding the confusion. "This is due to the nature of why nobles often attend our Academy compared to the average student. Those part of the nobility are busy and have many responsibilities, so, understandably, accommodations must be made for them."

Han noticed a slight twitch on their guide's face. "I imagine the treatment of nobles and those who aren't part of the nobility creates tension for not only students who have to interact with them but also the student staff who have to cater to them," He thought.

He wouldn't be surprised if the guide had to deal with events that placed much burden and stress on top of the typical issues with any job. It reminded him of the full-time job he had before that day. Even he had to deal with problematic managers and clients, making his life far more stressful and annoying than needed. He could only imagine what life was like for the guide, who was likely low on the organization ladder. Gritting his teeth, "Life is often not easy for those on the bottom with no authority."

Queen took a few moments to look at the student. "I suppose that could be the case. I know our Master has responsibilities that most would find difficult to shoulder." She gave a slight nod, accepting the answer.

The guide attempted to glance toward Han without making things obvious.

Han made things easy for the guide. He pretended to not notice the look, turning his head to appreciate the surrounding architecture that was lazily passing by as the carriage continued to travel through the Academy.

As he enjoyed the view, occasionally turning to look at whatever the guide pointed out to them, Han kept being reminded of how the campus was similar to the university he'd attended what felt like ages ago. There were dormitories for students to live inside that were identical in style, focusing more on their utilitarian purpose than aesthetics. Scattered about were small structures where students were exiting with items in hand, clearly snacks, as they ate them and chatted with their classmates. These locations were similar to convenience stores selling daily necessities.

"Students find our numerous student stores quite helpful if they need to make a quick purchase and do not want to take the time to head to the dining halls or outside the Academy wall into the city area. The locations also sell items used for hygiene and daily school supplies." The guide motioned to one of the stores they passed by. "You will also appreciate the larger locations we have, which provide not only a larger selection but also sell grocery items and supplies that the staff of nobles find helpful when preparing meals or keeping the residence in order."

Helania smiled. "I am sure our staff will frequently visit the store to take advantage of the supplies the Academy has made easily available."

For them, gaining supplies was a manageable issue, but Han internally nodded after hearing Helania's words. Nothing positive could come from doing suspicious things like not going to the local grocery store to purchase daily necessities. It would be different if they had wagons delivering such items from The Stronghold. However, that would also create opportunities for people to locate the structure that isn't normal in appearance.

A part of Han wondered if it was a good idea to create some location that would explain where his fictional family had been hiding for such a long time.

"The location would need to be someplace where no one would've looked for the amount of time that I said that we've been in hiding," Han mulled over the thought. A few ideas came to mind. "I'll talk with my creations about what they think and the best location."

The benefit to the world he currently found himself in was that it had likely yet to be fully mapped out like Earth was for all practical purposes. With satellites passing by the Earth's surface and mapping out everything to be made available at the click of a button, his plan to create a location would be significantly tricky since it would be easy to spot the inconsistencies in his story. Fortunately, the current world was one where they didn't have the continent mapped out.

"Close to the classes, you will find many libraries where students can find an appropriate location to study in addition to going through their own studies and researching various topics, depending on their year." The guide pointed to a large structure with tall windows at the entrance, which resembled a ship moving through the seas.

Next to the large library were other structures with similar unique appearances. These were where students would attend their classes.

"Something I have always enjoyed is how the buildings tend to have some kind of theme based on their focus of study. A great example is where many study plant life on the opposite side of the grounds." The guide said this with wide eyes and a giant smile -- clearly excited about the topic.

"What does that location look like?" Brittany happily asked, leaning slightly towards the guide, her red hair cascading down her back from her shoulder.

Seeing Brittany interested, the guide raised his hands and tried to paint a picture of it in the air. "What I truly appreciate about the location are the plants that cover nearly the entire building, as though nature were attempting to reclaim it. There are many gardens inside, and students frequently make their way to it to observe the exotic plants being cared for inside." The guide lowered his voice, "There are even gardens where all the plants are carnivorous, so the students in charge of taking care of them will allow others to watch them throw scraps of meat at the plants." The guide shivered, "It truly is horrifying, watching the plants fight one another." Then he smiled, "But, even with how scary those plants are, with all the safety precautions, it is actually quite thrilling and helpful when you need a change of pace."

Han couldn't help but smile at how enthusiastic the guide was, describing to them the various carnivorous plants he had seen. His thoughts drifted to the sisters, Anacolis and Aracia, and how they would admire the building and could add their knowledge in the field. Though the Great Jungle inside of The Stronghold didn't need to be maintained like a garden, the sisters were dutiful in ensuring all the plants inside were healthy. This allowed them to become quite knowledgeable when it came to tending plants. Compared to the Great Jungle, the gardens inside the Academy would pale to what he'd created, but it didn't mean that it would be a complete waste of time.

Han noticed a drastic change in the types of structures they were passing by. Instead of the large buildings all the students used, these were mansions surrounded by a wall. It was unmistakable that they weren't made for anyone to use.

"As you can see, after you pass through all the various buildings used for students, these locations are expressly for the nobility and high-level workers inside the Academy." The guide motioned to houses on either side.

"So this is where we will find where we will stay?" Brittany's eyes widened like a child ready to open their presents on Christmas morning.

"They do not appear particularly worthy of our Master and the amount of money we had provided to the Academy," Queen turned her head to look at the guide, a slight edge in her down. Her gaze was flat, clearly expecting a satisfactory answer.

"My Lady," The guide nervously chuckled, trying to smooth things over. "These locations are the lowest tier of houses for the nobility." His eyes looked to Han as though both searching for protection and ensuring Han was pleased. "My Lord, your house is next to the Tower and several times larger than what you see here." He pulled a handkerchief from a pocket and mopped his sweating forehead. "I assure you that your location is on par with the Student Council. No other locations besides those provided to the Council could compare in quality."

Pulling his attention from the mansion they passed by, Han nodded, "I am sure that the Academy will not betray the trust and resources I have placed on them. Queen, there is no need to place any blame on our guide, who is only performing the task that he was assigned. If there are any issues, we can bring them up to the Lady Knight." He raised a hand to Queen as though he were telling a loyal dog to step back.

After giving the guide one last hard stare, she bowed to Han. "My apologies, Master. I was overly excited."

Brittany, who had returned to snuggling against Han, snorted. "Do you not feel embarrassed for making our Master look bad?"

Queen didn't bother to answer Brittany's provocation, though her body twitched as if the maid's sharp words had cut into her flesh.

"I would also likely to apologize for Queen's behavior." Helania bowed to the guide. "Since she is in charge of our Master's security, Queen can take things slightly too far. I am sure that you can understand how others treat a noble can often negatively affect them. If people thought they could look down on us, it could potentially jeopardize the safety of the one we loyally serve." Helania gave a comforting smile to the guide, who had been able to collect himself.

Even the driver, whose back appeared straighter than when they started, indicated his fear of having Queen's ire directed at him.

Seeing even more mansions, Han asked, "With how large these locations are, I imagine that the number of students able to stay in one of these places is low, correct?"

Grateful for being able to return to his duty and leave behind the dread he'd felt, the guide nodded more than needed, "Yes, My Lord. Despite how large the Academy is, only a few hundred students can say that they are staying in one of these premium locations." He made sure to emphasize the last part. "For those that cannot reserve one of these mansions, we have dormitories that have rooms several times larger than what is provided to commoners, though only slightly larger than students from merchant families. It purely depends on what they are willing to pay. I am sure that My Lord will enjoy what the Academy has selected. You will attract the envy of nearly the entire student body."

Han nodded as he looked at the mansions slowly getting larger as they approached the Tower in the center of the Academy. Though he didn't particularly care how large the estate where they'd be staying for however long they attended the school was, he did know that it would be vital for him to demonstrate some level of influence to avoid unnecessary confrontations. Having a mansion that was smaller than other nobles would invite trouble that he'd prefer to avoid.

Based on how the guide acted when the topic of nobles arose, Han was confident that much of the trouble at the Academy was due to the difference in the students' social class.

"I'm sure that the Queen will look into such matters," Han couldn't help but snort. He thought about what would happen if nobles pushed things too far with any of his creations. Though he didn't want to deal with any confrontation, he wouldn't allow others to step all over him.

As they traveled deeper into the Academy, the street opened up, and they were no longer obstructed by the structures on either side. The area was bustling with activity, and carriages made their way on the wide circular road at the base of the enormous Tower.

As Han looked at the Tower, he knew that nothing similar existed to such an extent, even on Earth. The base was large enough that he could barely see the curvature. If someone had blindfolded and placed him where he currently observed the structure, he had no doubt that he'd believe it to be like any other rectangular skyscraper commonly found in cities. He would then be confused when he couldn't spot the corner of the building.

He had difficulty grasping how much time and resources would be required to build what was in view. Having heard from friends about their vacations to see pyramids in various locations, he knew the Tower would blow them away. The structure obliterated every achievement humans had made on Earth when it came to building something to leave a lasting impression on history.

Without looking back, Han knew that his creations' silence only added to their extreme emotions. Though The Stronghold was a large structure from the outside, it was easy to grasp the dimensions. It was a structure that existed in the realm of what could be imagined by a human, at least from an external view. Even the pyramid he'd created outside of Leaf Village paled compared to what stood before him. While he may have produced awe-inspiring locations, the Tower had a feeling of something that had existed far before any life emerged in the current world.

It truly felt timeless.