They arrived in the magical city of Sharia.
An atmosphere utterly unlike anywhere else in the Northern Territory greeted them.
The air no longer held only the biting chill of ice and snow. There was also a faint, fresh scent, something like ozone.
With his eyes, which could see magic power, Cui Ciyou could make out a high concentration of magical particles in the air.
It was probably because there were so many mages here.
The mana-magic power-here was very active.
After all, this city probably had more mages than anywhere else on the continent.
The streets were broad and clean, and the buildings lining them varied wildly in style, yet blended together harmoniously.
They spoke silently of the city's inclusiveness and prosperity.
"Wow..."
Sylphy's eyes shone with a brilliance they had never held before.
For a mage, this place was undoubtedly the holy land of legend.
"Hmph. It does look a little grander than Rosenberg."
Alice folded her arms, her tone somewhat critical.
Just as Cui Ciyou had learned from various books, Sharia was a city of miracles, built through the devoted efforts of the Three Great Magical Nations.
Ranoa Magic University, the Magic Guild headquarters, the Neris Magic Item Workshop...
These names, renowned throughout the world, had become tangible buildings within reach here, together forming the heart of the city.
Cui Ciyou led everyone straight toward the Ranoa University of Magic on the eastern side of the city.
At the university gates, there were none of the heavily armed guards they had imagined.
There were only two guards in matching uniforms, who looked more like scholars than warriors.
The Ranoa Magic University crest was pinned to their chests, and their expressions were calm.
"Please stop and show your identification."
One of the guards stopped them, his tone neither