Chapter 86: A foolish pursuit

Chapter 86: A foolish pursuit

Tom wore a contemplative expression on his face as he gazed outside the first floor window of an inn he had checked into over an hour ago. Of course, it was not his face that stared back at him, as the faint reflection painted on the transparent glass canvas belonged to an ordinary denizen of the Nameless District who went by the name Zallark.

However, it was not Zallarks focused visage that had captivated Toms interest, as he gazed beyond the reflection.

His breath quickened a pace as he took in the imposing, multi-story structure that blotted out his surroundings, the sanctum of knowledge nestled at the heart of the Academic City, Renovia The Academy.

Tom found himself both overwhelmed and disappointed as he was confronted by the vista he had required a token of the Nottrakon Familys Elite Guard, the veritable rulers of the Syrelore Kingdom, to access just the periphery of. Despite his burgeoning Physical, Mental and Proprioception stats, he was slightly taken aback to find that his detection and analytical strength had no effect on the warm, earthen-brown brick walls of the Academy.

The intensity of his gaze failed to pierce through the stained glass windows that were tinged in a plethora of brilliant hues.

The central building was a sight to behold, a tall, mighty structure that was heralded by four spear-shaped pinnacles that looked down upon the entirety of the Noble District from up above, its facade a melange of ornate stonework and breathtaking traceried windows that while breathtaking, also did well to distract away attention from what went on within those storied halls.

Then came the sprawl, a two-storied, L-shaped building that swept through the central building, including it in its wake. Its perimeter on both ends was capped off by two blue stone minarets that forced Tom to do a double-take, as he realised that the stone pillars that were capped off by two pointed, metallic pinnacles were actually floating a little above ground level.

Blinking twice in rapid succession only to be confronted by the same sight confirmed for him that he wasnt hallucinating, serving to only increase the burning curiosity Tom felt towards the Syrelore academy. New novel chapters are published at novelhall.com

Finally, his gaze shifted to the lone gated, gothic archway providing an opening into the otherwise ten feet tall brick and metal fencing that led into the academy.

There were no parents for him to knock out and impersonate, not that he would be entirely comfortable with the idea especially since they more than likely came from humble backgrounds, having braved long journeys to see their children.

Though Tom couldnt promise himself that he would not resort to such measures, considering he was on a two-week timer, beyond which Nvein would inform his superiors that an Elite Guard of the Nottrakon Family had entered the Noble District.

Two weeks, of which a day had already gone by him, placing him none the closer to his goal.

Just as Toms attention began to waiver, he noticed the guards attention shift to their side.

Oh great, Tom thought derisively. Here comes another young scion with his two maids, three butlers and five guardsmen.

However, that train of thought came to an abrupt halt as Tom took in the visage of the man who pushed open the gate, offered a nod to the guards in an unbroken stride and stepped into the larger Noble District.

His features were too aged to pass for a student, yet he seemed a tad too young to pass for a professor. His salt and pepper hair added to that sprightly charm instead of taking away from it, the coattails of his tailcoat fluttering as he strode forward with purpose. Tom placed the man in his mid thirties, his expression tensing as he watched the gates close behind the purported professor.

Tom had been prepared to wait for a week after he got to know that the professors lived within the academy itself, but the opportune moment had arrived far sooner.

Without hesitating, he left his room in pursuit.