The day was bright. Birds soared across the sky, riding the wind as it swept through the streets. The breeze was strong—almost too strong—and carried the scent of grass from the hills just outside the city. Stone-blocked apartments and buildings stood tall around me, weathered but proud. The landscape of Nira was as pretty as ever, like nothing had changed.

I had finally arrived.

I looked up at the building—four stories tall, all carved from thick, gray stone. Laundry lines stretched across narrow balconies like flags in the wind. Every window was either veiled or tinted, hiding whatever was behind them. Typical.

Tucking my book against my side, I straightened my coat—a clean white, meant to cover my collared shirt—and adjusted the red tie beneath it. My fingers ran through my brown hair, trying to flatten out the usual mess. Not that it helped much. Still, I figured I should at least try to look presentable before stepping inside.

As I stepped into the building, the first thing I noticed was the noise—the chatter of people my age. Teenagers, just like me, though many of them seemed to be in their own worlds. Some were bent over books, others were sparring or practicing techniques in the open spaces. A few of them wore worn-out gear, likely adventurers, though I wasn’t sure what to make of their rough demeanor.

The walls were a dull, faded color, peeling in spots, and the dim lighting hanging from above only seemed to add to the oppressive feeling that hung in the air. It wasn’t just a building; it was a place stuck somewhere between progress and decay.

To the right, an old couch sagged under the weight of time, surrounded by mismatched chairs. A low table in the center was cluttered with notebooks, cards, and half-empty mugs that someone had probably forgotten about. It all felt strangely... casual, as if no one here could really be bothered to care about their surroundings.

I didn’t linger. I turned quickly toward the narrow hallway on my left, where I knew the Reception Area would be. It wasn’t much, just a small desk and a few people shuffling papers, but it was something I was focused on, something I needed.