[center][h3]Prelude: The Road to Eon[/h3][/center][hr][center][@Rezod92] [@Silverstein] [@PaulHaynek] [@shylarah] [@Bacon] [@Frozen0Titan] [@Enkryption] [@The Irish Tree][/center][hr][center][url=https://youtu.be/9LgQfELMbN4?si=B7bd691qH9CwXUJ5]~🎵~[/url][/center]

[center]A city that reveres Six Gods. 

A city that reveres Six Principles.

A city that is surrounded by Six Towers, with one at the center.[/center]

Those were the defining factors of Morgenröte, the republic that stood as the capital of the magical arts. That was until fairly recently, as a new eighth tower was built on the outskirts of the bustling town. Its owner had given it the name, “Æon”, hinting that they felt this place would have some sort of lasting significance.

There had been several souls that were summoned to this place, all had met with the owner or his affiliates in one way or another. Some he heard about through hearsay or cultural osmosis, others he had met directly on his travels throughout Velynostica. Some had learned of his mechanizations on their own, took an interest and decided to venture to Morgenröte to learn more. 

It was early in the morning. The sun peaked out over the horizon as a hazy vermillion filled the sky overlooking the town bastion, and a gentle spring breeze blew cherry blossoms on the wind. Eon’s chosen recruits were gathering toward the tower, each at their own paces as they took in the vibrant and diverse surroundings that lined the streets of the Republic. There were six gates that served as the entrances and exits of the city, and all of them lead into the different districts of the city. 

The North Gate led to the Administrative District. It held various banks, executive offices, the city hall, and various precincts. There were also various emissaries for foreign affairs, naturally as the Republic was a melting pot of sorts. The Northwest gate heralds the Business District. Various stores lined the streets, from clothing to households, to precious gemstones and trinkets being displayed behind glass windows, people were moving in and out of shops at an eager pace. The Northeast Gate preceded a district that held various recreational industries. Numerous ateliers, both public and privately owned, lined the roads. Single practitioner Magus and representatives from the Association would offer their wares to patrons far and wide. Art galleries, community centers, and museums were also abundant in this area. 

The entrance of the South Gate led to a heavily industrial section of the town, filled with many metal works and magitech plants. One would be put in the mind of places like Altaria, it wouldn’t be surprising if a place like Morgenröte would be brazen enough to challenge places like the Magitech Capital or the Enclave to a tech race. There were also buildings that held supernatural ironworks that were used to power the technology of the city as a whole. The area of the Southwestern Gate was a distinct academic district, filled to the brim with various institutes that each specialized in their own field of magical and scientific study. Young and promising magus who graduated from the six towers that lined the city would often attempt to become accredited researchers by enrolling at these organizations. Scholars from all over the continent would often come to exchange knowledge and spellweaving breakthroughs. Then, the Southeastern Gate was an entertainment district of sorts, for both young and older audiences. Theatres, parks, stadiums for sorcerous sporting events, and even some establishments that provided more…risque services for adult patrons. Most of these areas were closed, of course, so early in the morning. 

Living communities in the various boroughs that outlined the inner workings of the Republic: private homes, apartments, and gate communities. Most notably, the boroughs nearest to the center of the city were home to the estates of the Six Noble Families of Morgenröte: Grace, Mecurias, Helioani, Hyphonia, Innerstia, and Selini. Of course, at the dead center of the town lay the Headquarters of the Magus Association: The Clock Tower. The heads of the Noble Families served as the ruling council of the Organization, led by the current Grandmaster. The Tower dwarfed all of the other structures around it, and could be seen from anywhere in Morgenröte. While the current magus climate promoted individuality, this structure served as a linchpin to “anchor” magical practice and doubly as a pinnacle to strive towards.

On this morning, no matter what path the chosen magus may take, they would each experience a different path of Morgenröte’s culture.

[hr]

Looking overhead, emerging from the borough nearest to the Clock Tower, two girls could be seen flying on a broom heading toward the same location as the other invitees. Their clothes alone gave away the fact that they too were magus. Both looked to be young girls in their late teens, nineteen or twenty perhaps? One was a vermillion haired lass that wore a frilly blouse and had a dark purple skirt, she wore a dark cloak and a traditional witch hat to complete her wardrobe. The other lass had long dark hair and donned unique clothing that wasn’t commonly seen in this region. The visible reptilian tail and horns instantly marked her belua heritage, and she also had what appeared to be a small serpent-like creature sitting on her shoulder. The way they flew was graceful, yet rather rushed, the others would likely see them zipping along the skyline. It seemed they were speaking to each other. 

[color=6ecff6]“Evelyn.” Said the black haired girl. “We wouldn’t be rushing like this if you hadn’t taken so long to get ready this morning…”[/color] She whined. 

[color=ec008c]”Oh, it’s fine!”[/color] She replied. [color=ec008c]“Genius like this needs all the time it can get to prepare. Besides, they should be grateful that I’m choosing to honor them with my presence at all!”[/color] The vermillion haired girl, apparently named Evelyn, certainly wasn’t lacking in confidence. 

[color=6ecff6]“I should’ve just left you to go to orientation alone… Brother will yell at me for being late on the first day.”[/color]

As the two flew, they saw some of the other selectees walking the streets or whatever means of transportation they preferred.

[color=6ecff6]"I think some of those people are headed toward the tower as well. Pretty sure some of them are from out of town, I don’t recognize their faces.”[/color] Said Lapis. 

[color=ec008c]“Well, if they are, I suppose they’re at least somewhat worthy of note. We’ll find out once we arrive.”[/color] Replied Evelyn, in a rather dismissive tone.