In the distance, Zuri spotted the city of Demitris.
He was excited to meet his new family and to have the chance to live in a city of this world. What he wanted most was to learn more about magic.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the city. Like the other cities, there were fields around it, but unlike the city of Epaimir, there were no walls separating the peasants from the citizens. However, there were many more guard posts and defense towers, so in the event of an attack, the peasants would have a place to flee to.
Another detail was that the peasants didn't walk in chains, nor did they wear depressed expressions; they actually seemed content with their own situation.
— "Alright, we're in Demitris."
— "Thank you very much for the ride," Alex replied. "I hope your business goes well."
— "I'm the one who should thank you for what you did. At this hour I'd still be lost on the road and without my goods."
— "We're even. One hand washes the other."
Once again, the carriage owner expressed his gratitude for being helped. Alex and Zuri said goodbye to him as the traveler headed straight toward his destination.
Alex had asked to be dropped off at the entrance so he could show Zuri a bit of the city.
The houses had no particular standard; it seemed anyone could build their house however they liked, as long as they respected others' space. So there were houses with two or three floors—some luxurious, others modest—but no slums were found in the area.
In the city center were the merchants. They were lively, always calling out to foreigners to look at their goods.
There were merchants selling food, pets, utensils, clothing, and even jewelry and trinkets. Alex went to a clothing vendor and bought clothes for Zuri, since he was still wearing the robe his parents had given him.
Alex chose a black jacket and shirt, shoes suitable for combat, and black pants.
The jacket had silver ornaments, which gave it a luxurious appearance.
He handed the clothes to Zuri, who thanked him for the gift. The style pleased him.
After the clothing shop, they went to a food shop. In one of the stores, there was a meat pie that resembled the kind Zuri had known in another life. Alex asked him what he'd like to eat, and Zuri asked for the meat pie.
— "Great choice, kid!" said the cheerful vendor. "This pie is made with the best meat in the city. The flour for the dough is from our own crops, and the meat comes from deer hunted in the forest."
Zuri took a bite of the pie and savored the taste of the meat. Definitely the best choice, he thought.
Alex also picked the meat pie, paid the vendor, and bid him farewell.
After walking through the city with Alex for a while, Zuri noticed that many people had hair colors other than black, and that there were no slaves in the city. He asked Alex:
— "Hey, Alex… Here, people who don't have black hair live normally in the city. Does the ruler treat everyone equally?"
— "Yes, exactly. And I believe the governor only acts that way because her hair isn't black either—it's crimson."
— "A ruler with hair that's not black… I never imagined that. I don't understand why my people don't live in this city."
— "Zuri, like it or not, your people are the ones who discriminate the most. They think we're demons, and only those with light hair who use only Light Magic are welcome in their lands."
— "I hope one day that changes…"
— "I really liked what you just said. Maybe one day, you'll be one of the people who help turn Epiria into a continent of peace and harmony."
Zuri didn't understand why Alex treated him with such esteem. He still saw himself as small and weak, even though his magic was strong. He wondered how he could possibly do all of that alone—or maybe Alex was planning to one day challenge the rulers. He was left with doubts.
The two continued walking through the city.
Beyond the commercial center, to the north of the city, was Milena's castle, surrounded by walls. Inside the castle was the headquarters, and most of the soldiers lived there.
To the east of the city was the training field, where students studying magic would duel one another.
Zuri realized this world was like the one he had come from, just in a different era. He began to wonder what dimension he was in and whether there was a way to return to the world he had left behind.
As he thought about this, a voice rang in his ear:
—"You will see!"
—"Did you say something, Alex? I didn't quite catch it."
—"Did I? Actually, no. Why?"
—"I swear I just heard you talking. Might just be my imagination."
—"Do you usually hear voices?"
—"I'm not sure if they're my own thoughts or if I'm actually hearing someone speak, but it's the second time it's happened. The first was when I was abandoned in the forest."
—"Those who hear voices are usually prophets. They receive divine messages and pass them on to the people, but that's extremely rare."
—"I don't think I'm a prophet. I believe it's just something in my head."
After walking through the city, they stopped in front of a two-story shop. Alex entered the building with Zuri, and what Zuri saw were two adults behind the counter: an older man on a ladder reaching for a product and a woman looking toward the door.
The woman was beautiful, with long, dark brown wavy hair, about 1.7 meters tall, a body not particularly athletic but pleasant in appearance, and fair skin.
The man was middle-aged, with light brown hair, balding, slightly overweight, about 1.75 meters tall, with tanned skin.
Upon seeing Alex enter, the man quickly climbed down the ladder, and the woman approached to greet him.
—"Alex, so good to see you. It's been a while since you visited us."
—"Yeah, a whole year. I've been caught up with work."
—"I understand."
—"The way you say it makes it sound like you're just passing through. Can we help with something?" the man asked.
—"Yes, I wanted you to meet Zuri."
—"The boy behind you?"
—"Yes, exactly."
—"Nice to meet you, Zuri. My name is Atlas, and this is my wife, Ophelia."
—"The pleasure is mine."
Alex continued:
—"Can we talk in private?"
—"Sure. I'll call Icarus down to stay with Zuri and watch the shop."
—"Alright."
Atlas called for Icarus, and soon a teenage-looking boy appeared, about 1.55 meters tall, with his hair trimmed on the sides and slightly longer on top. His hair was brown and his skin tanned.
He responded to the call:
—"Yes, Dad? You called?"
Seeing Alex, he lit up and jumped down from the ladder to greet him.
—"Alex, finally! You're here! I've got so many things to show you—I've been improving my magic!"
—"Hey Icarus, I see you're looking strong. Been training your muscles along with your magic, huh?"
—"Of course! I want to be like you someday!"
—"Haha, glad to inspire you. Keep it up. I hope I can count on you for future missions."
—"Definitely!" he replied, excitedly. "And… who's this kid? Is he with you?"
—"Yes, he's an orphan I found near the forest in the Epaimir region. I've been taking care of him."
—"Nice to meet you, Icarus. My name is Zuri."
—"Is he going to travel with you, Alex?" Icarus asked, with a jealous look.
—"Not for now, but I plan to make him one of my pupils."
Hearing that, jealousy sparked in Icarus, envying the little orphan boy.
Alex and Icarus's parents went up to the second floor while Icarus and Zuri stayed downstairs in the shop.
In private, Alex got straight to the point.
—"I would like Zuri to be registered as your adopted son. Would you be able to do that?"
—"Us? Why do you want us to take care of him?"
—"He needs to attend basic magic classes so I can eventually make him my disciple. Also, he needs to be recognized as a citizen of Demitris so he can move freely in the cities."
—"I didn't mention it before, but he's not a citizen of Epiria—he's a Nibiran," Alex revealed.
—"He's a Nibiran? Did you dye his hair?"
—"Exactly."
—"But how will he take basic magic classes if he uses Light Magic?"
—"He's a different kind of Nibiran. Incredibly, he's a user of Dark Magic."
—"Now I understand the situation," said Icarus's father, grasping the full picture.
—"So, can I count on you?"
—"As far as I'm concerned, yes," said Ophelia. "It will be a great pleasure to help you, Alex."
—"Likewise," Atlas confirmed.
The three of them went back downstairs, each boy in a different corner of the shop.
Zuri was observing the items Atlas sold—cosmetics, healing potions, strengthening elixirs, all kinds of herbs, scrolls, and a map of the city pinned to the wall. The shop specialized in support items; no weapons or armor were sold there.
Alex then shared the good news with Zuri and Icarus.
—"Congratulations, Icarus. You now have a brother to take care of."
—"Brother?! Did my mom get pregnant?"
—"No, no… Zuri will be your new adoptive brother."
—"What? I have to live with him?"
—"Exactly. I hope you two get along because one day I may need both your help."
After Alex said that, Icarus didn't complain anymore and went upstairs.
—"Understand, Zuri? Starting today, you'll be the son of Atlas and Ophelia. So don't get into trouble," Alex said, giving him a serious look.
—"It's okay, I won't do anything silly. I'll focus on my studies so I can explore the map of Epiria. I'll follow in your footsteps and earn respect wherever I go."
—"I'm not religious, but… if Eassed wills it," Alex said, sincerely from his heart.
Alex asked to stay the night at Atlas's house so he could leave early the next morning and continue his travels.
Dinner was stew—meat and vegetables. They ate together at a solid wooden table, with lanterns and candles lighting the house. The home was spacious, and Zuri would stay in the guest room. The house had a dining room, three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. When clothes were washed, they were hung to dry on the front porch.
During dinner, Alex spoke of Zuri's combat abilities. Icarus stared at him, wondering if it was all true about the 7-year-old boy. But he didn't doubt Alex—if he said it, it must be true. Alex wouldn't lie about something like that.
Everyone went to bed satisfied, and the next morning, Alex said his goodbyes, taking all his gear with him and leaving Zuri with just the clothes they bought and a short sword.
Then Atlas took Zuri to be registered as a citizen of Demitris.
The registration office handled records for newborns and orphans who had found a new home.
Upon arrival, the clerk asked for Zuri's name and Atlas's identification documents. She drafted a form, asked Atlas to sign it, then stamped it with confirmation. From that moment on, Zuri was officially the adopted son of Atlas.
After that, Zuri was taken to be enrolled in the basic magic course.