Evolution begins with an ant colony

Akun cleared his throat, the attention in the room a little overwhelming. He hadn't expected such a dramatic reaction to his arrival, especially the whispers that painted him as a fearsome dragon. He was still Akun, a dragon, yes, but also just another adventurer.

"Well," Akun began, "I'm new to the capital and unfamiliar with its layout. I was hoping to learn more about the Castle Academy – where it is, how it functions, anything you might know."

Darius leaned back in his chair, placing his hand under his jaw thoughtfully. "The Academy, huh? Well, it's located in the northern district, past the Royal Gardens. A massive campus with grand buildings, can't miss it."

"But getting in," Elara added, her voice imbued with a hint of concern, "is another story altogether. The Academy is notoriously selective, only accepting the most promising mages and warriors."

Gromm, ever the eager warrior, thumped his fist on the table, making nearby patrons jump. "Aye, Master! We'll smash through any obstacle they throw our way!"

Lyra snorted, shaking her head. "Gromm, dear, remember to control that strength of yours, we can't go having to pay for another damaged table."

Raela, always the practical one, spoke up, her voice a soft and gentle murmur. "Perhaps we can use our individual skills to gather more information. Observe the Academy from afar, maybe even talk to some students if we can."

Torin nodded thoughtfully. "A discrete approach might be best, master. We wouldn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble."

"That's enough now, all of you," Akun began, "since you are all busy thinking up ideas, I believe it's necessary for me to clarify that I already have an approach in mind."

A curious silence fell over the table. Gromm, still basking in the idea of a glorious entrance, furrowed his brow. "A different approach, Master? What do you have in mind?"

Akun leaned forward, his gaze sweeping over his companions. "The Academy itself isn't my primary objective. What I truly want is to find someone."

Intrigue flickered across their faces. Elara leaned forward, her bow resting against the table. "A person? Who are you looking for, master?"

"There's a name," Akun admitted, "but details are scarce. I'm hoping to find them at the Academy."

Disappointment flickered across Gromm's face, quickly replaced by understanding. Torin, always the voice of reason, nodded his head slowly and thoughtfully.b"That changes things, master. So a more discreet approach is indeed best."

Lyra, always the practical one, spoke up and joined the conversation. "So, who is this mystery person? Maybe we can use our connections to sniff out some information ourselves."

Akun shook his head, a hint of seriousness hardening his face. "I appreciate your concern, but I don't need your help for this. I plan to talk to this person One on one."

He rose from his chair, the clatter breaking the silence. "Thank you all for the warm welcome and the valuable intel. I'll be going now."

Before Akun could make a move towards the exit, Darius cleared his throat, his voice firm yet respectful. "Hold on a moment, Master. There's something you might not be aware of regarding the Academy."

Akun paused, raising an eyebrow in question. "What is it, Darius?"

"Security at the Academy is notoriously tight," Darius explained. "Entry is strictly controlled. They only allow enrolled students, staff, and guests invited by either. Unless this person you are looking for is a close family member, simply showing up at the gates won't get you past the guards."

Akun's smile faltered slightly. He hadn't considered the security measures in his initial plan. His thoughts raced, "An invitation, huh? I doubt there would be a way for me to obtain one." His mind suddenly drifted back to the offer from the king to have a talk with him. Perhaps the king could grant him entry since he was the ruler of this nation.

Akun shook his head, "I don't want to get involved with him. He obviously just wants to find a way to make me serve under him."

Akun knew not to accommodate things like that. Humans loved to scheme in the shadows. The king could say it's an invite and perhaps have grand mages there ready to subdue him. Although he had no doubt he could easily handle such a situation, getting into something like that in the first place only served to complicate future matters.

His lack of compliance could be branded as him wanting to make an enemy of the nation, and he could suddenly be declared a criminal. He didn't like the idea of having to destroy a nation out of nowhere all because it was making life complicated for him, or go around enslaving people all because he could, so it was just best to avoid the king completely.

Darius frowned his face as he continued, his voice laced with concern. "There's another reason, I wanted to warn you, Master. The capital has been plagued by a string of recent disappearances. Young women, seemingly chosen at random, vanish into thin air. The Nightwatch has been stretched thin trying to find leads, but it's like they've all just… vanished."

Akun's frown deepened. "What does this have to do with me seeking information at the Academy?" Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire

Darius hesitated, then glanced at the women in Akun's party. "It's just… well," he stammered, "Master, you travel with a diverse group. Strong and attractive women. The kind these… disappearances seem to target."

Akun sighed, beginning to understand what Darius was trying to say. "I appreciate the warning, Darius. But rest assured, I'm more than capable of protecting my companions." His gaze fixed on Darius, a glint of steel in his eyes. "Thank you for the information. It's invaluable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a new course of action to consider."

With a nod of farewell , Akun pushed through the swinging doors of the guild, stepping back into the bustling chaos of the capital. The weight of Darius's warnings settled upon him.