As Kelvin stepped through the entrance of the crimson tower he instinctively looked upward expecting to find the interior of an enormous building instead beyond the entrance was an entirely different world
Countless buildings stretched across the hidden city each one resembling a luxurious hotel built for nobles it was difficult to believe all this existed in the crimson tower the streets bustled with life young sorcerer move in every direction each one absorbed in their own training
Nearby, several open training grounds echoed with the sound of spells colliding. Blazing fireballs, razor-sharp wind blades, and bolts of lightning erupted one after another before crashing harmlessly against massive mana barriers surrounding the arenas.
Elsewhere, groups of sorcerers sparred with enchanted weapons, every swing leaving shimmering trails of mana hanging in the air.
Kelvin stood motionless, no one stopped to watch to the people living here This was simply another day.Kelvin slowly turned his head.Everywhere he looked, someone was training.Everywhere he looked, someone was becoming stronger.
The buildings surrounding the avenues were just as extraordinary. Some served as residences for apprentices, each capable of housing hundreds of them. Others contained spell libraries, cultivation chambers, research facilities, alchemy laboratories, equipment halls, healing centers, and countless places Kelvin couldn't even begin to identify.
The Crimson Tower lacked nothing.
It was an entire civilization built by sorcerers, for sorcerers.Outside these walls, magic remained hidden from ordinary people.Inside these walls...
Magic was life itself.
For years, Kelvin had dreamed of entering the world of sorcerers.He imagined powerful spells.He imagined legendary sorcerers.He imagined endless opportunities.
But standing here now...He realized his imagination had never come close.
"Move."
A calm voice pulled him back to reality.
Several officials dressed in crimson uniforms were guiding the newly awakened apprentices toward one of the largest buildings in the city.
Kelvin silently followed the crowd.
As they walked through the broad streets, he noticed that nearly every apprentice wore the same stunned expression he did.No one spoke.There was simply too much to take in.The deeper they ventured into the Crimson Tower, the more magnificent everything became.
It was clear that every corner of the Crimson Tower existed for a single purpose.To raise stronger sorcerers.After several minutes, the officials stopped before a colossal hall.
Its massive entrance stood several stories high, while countless crimson inscriptions glowed across its surface before slowly fading as the doors opened inward.
"Proceed."
The apprentices entered one after another.The interior was just as breathtaking.
Hundreds of seats filled the enormous chamber, all facing a broad platform at the front. Despite the size of the hall, an unnatural silence lingered within it, as though the walls themselves absorbed every unnecessary sound.
Kelvin found a seat among the others.
One by one, the newly awakened apprentices settled into their place.Some were unable to hide their excitement.
Others looked visibly nervous.
Kelvin remained silent, his gaze fixed on the platform ahead.Moments later, the massive doors closed behind them with a deep rumble.The hall fell completely silent.
Then...
The side door behind the platform slowly opened.Three figures walked into the hall.Every eye immediately fell upon them.They wore the official uniform of the Crimson Tower.
A pristine white dress shirt rested beneath a fitted black waistcoat embroidered with delicate crimson threads that shimmered faintly with mana. Draped over it was a tailored crimson blazer, perfectly fitted and adorned with the Crimson Tower's emblem over the left chest. Black tailored trousers completed the attire, while polished black boots echoed softly against the floor with every measured step they took.
The uniform was elegant.Prestigious.It wasn't designed merely to identify members of the Crimson Tower.It represented status.
At first glance, the three Elite Apprentices appeared identical.The only distinction lay upon the left side of their blazers.
An insignia.
The two standing at the rear wore crimson insignias.The man leading them wore gold.Without exchanging a single word, the two crimson-insignia Elite Apprentices stopped a respectful step behind him, silently acknowledging the superior standing of the man before them.
No explanation was necessary.Even among Elite Apprentices...There were ranks.The gold-insignia Elite Apprentice calmly surveyed the hall before speaking.
"Welcome to the Crimson Tower."
His calm voice reached every corner of the enormous chamber.
"From this day onward, this place will become your home."
"Some of you arrived believing that awakening mana has made you extraordinary."
"It hasn't."
A faint smile crossed his face.
"It has merely earned you the opportunity to stand where countless others once stood."
His gaze swept across the hundreds of apprentices.
"The Crimson Tower has produced some of the greatest sorcerers the world has ever known."
"It has also buried the dreams of countless others."
"Talent alone is meaningless here."
"We value discipline, we value perseverance, And above all... we value those who refuse to give up."
The hall remained silent.No one dared interrupt him.
"You will train."
"You will study."
"You will fight."
"And through those experiences, you will determine the kind of sorcerer you become."
He stepped aside.
Immediately, one of the crimson-insignia Elite Apprentices stepped forward carrying a crystal tablet, while the other opened a polished case containing neatly arranged crimson bracelets and silver storage rings.
The distribution began.
Each time a group number was called, the apprentices stood, received their bracelet and storage ring, and followed the Elite Apprentice assigned to them.
The ceremony unfolded with the effortless discipline of an organization that had refined the process over countless years.As group after group departed, the hall gradually emptied.Rows of occupied seats slowly gave way to silence.
Kelvin quietly watched the procession.
His eyes lingered on the silver storage rings being placed into the hands of each departing apprentice.
Storage rings...
So every apprentice received one upon entering the Crimson Tower.Without drawing attention to himself, he slowly slipped the storage ring from his finger and slid it into his trouser pocket.The movement was subtle.Almost imperceptible.
"...You already had one?"
The quiet voice came from the young man seated beside him.Kelvin turned his head.The young man was looking toward his pocket with obvious curiosity. Kelvin said nothing the young man waited for an answer as he didn't get one he left it alone Neither of them spoke again.
Another Elite Apprentice entered.Another group of five left.
Then another.
The once-crowded hall continued to empty until only a handful of groups remained.Kelvin's group sat patiently, expecting their number to be called at any moment.
It never came.