A month flew by, and before we knew it, it was time for our journey to Crownspire Citadel, where the grand arena awaited.

While Gav and El went to the stable at the entrance of our village to bring a carriage. Me, Ariana and Ada prepared the necessities for the two day journey. And before I knew it, mountains of clothes, food and bags spawned on the porch. 

“Mom, do we even need all of this?” I questioned my mom with a surprised look.

“You never know what will happen !  We have to prepare for everything ! “ She replied with a confident tone.

Well, I guess moms would always be moms. Some things never change.

A couple hours later, the carriage which was covered from the top was here. 

To be frank with you, I expected horses or something to be strapped to it but NOT TWO WOLVES! Should I even be calling them wolves? They certainly had the appearance but on top of it, Horns with the shape of an ‘S’ were popping out. The wolves were blue gray, with white patterns on their back contrasting the red color of their eyes. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve believed they were demonic beasts.

After installing everything on the carriage, each one hopped on and took their places on the sides. 

Throughout our voyage, we passed rivers, valleys and towns. Ariana was waving at everyone while gazing curiously at the events that were happening.

“Lu, Lu, look how they’re moving those HUGE bags on their backs !!  Papa ! Why don’t they use magic? Oh they can't, I forgot” She shouted innocently while pointing at the hard working workers.

“Lower your voice ! “ Scolded El as he forced her to sit down. “Didn’t I make myself clear when I told you to not make strangers notice you?” 

Ari sat down, with dropped eyelids and downturned mouth. 

The journey continued, whenever Ariana was brimming with energy she would stare at the passing scenery, getting excited at the smallest things you could possibly imagine, grabbing my hand, urging me to join her. And when her battery empties. She takes a nap while leaning her head on my left shoulder.

My mom, who was sitting in front of me, would stare at us with a cheeky smile on her face, while father snored heavily.

It was hella embarrassing but at the same time, it eased my nervousness.

As the journey neared its end, the Citadel's gate emerged from the horizon.

"We're finally here" I murmured, brimming with anticipation.

Moments later, the gate doubled in size, and the carriage came to a halt before it. An armored guard approached us.

"Identify yourselves and state your purpose" the guard demanded with a steady tone.

"We're citizens of Silvermill, here for the ranking exam" Gav replied, presenting a silver badge adorned with a dragon's head, which I recognized as a citizenship badge, necessary for travel and border crossings.

The guard paused, gazing at El and Ariana, who had their hoods on. Then he turned to Gav. "On your way."

As the guard walked away, the carriage started moving again. And as we passed through the immense gate, an entire city stretched out in front of us, reaching as far as our eyes could see.

"WOAAAAAAH!" Ariana exclaimed in wonder.