Dormitory 9
As Mason approaches the school, he notices people directing the students.
“First year's head to the main hall. Second years head to the dormitories. Third years head to the field.”
Mason then stops for a moment and looks at the directions on the map nearby.
“This way?”
Suddenly, Mason feels a tap on his back and turns around to see Cole.
“What a coincidence. You’re going to Adania too?”
Mason nods his head.
“That’s right.”
Cole briefly glances at the map before pointing his arm in the direction of the hall.
“Then, we need to go this way.”
Cole and Mason begin to walk toward the hall as they make small talk.
“So, what spells do you know?”
Mason hesitates to answer the question as Cole begins to understand.
“I understand. This is your first experience with magic. Not me. The Barrows family believes in starting training when we’re young.”
They begin to walk inside of the hall. It's a grand hall filled with students starting their experience at Adania.
Suddenly a tall and elegant man enters the hall from the back with long flowing grey hair. While he seems to be getting on in years, he confers a degree of prestige and youthful positivity. He is the headmaster of the school. He enters from the back of the hall, followed by some teachers. As they enter, all of the students begin to stop talking.
“Please be seated.”
The students sit down and look at the teachers in silence. The headmaster begins to speak.
“My name is James Paladin. I will be your headmaster during your time at this school. These next three years will shape you as a person and teach you all of the fundamentals of magic so that once you graduate, you will be able to go into the world with strength and decide your own fate. Shortly, you’ll be shown to your dormitories. Once you have been called, follow the staff member that has called your name.”
Mason begins to wait as students' names are called and one by one, they begin to leave the halls.
A girl with bright white hair and blue eyes is called into one of the girl's dormitories and walks past Mason and Cole. She looks incredibly serious and her intense demeanor throws Mason off.
After some time, Mason and Cole’s names are called in succession. They walk towards one of the teachers. They stand there with 7 other students before the teacher begins to lead them towards their dormitory. As Mason heads through the school, he notices the pure elegance of the school. However, it strikes his eye that some parts of the school seem to be much older than other parts.
Eventually, they arrive at the dormitory. The teacher opens the door and the students begin to head inside. Each student has their own room in addition to the common area.
“You are in first year dormitory 9 of 20. You are free to roam the castle at any time during the day. But first year students like yourselves are not permitted to roam at night. You’ll have your first class tomorrow. For now, please get accustomed to the school.”
The teacher leaves and shuts the door. Some students have no intention of mingling and immediately head into their newly decided rooms and lock the doors. Before more could do the same, Cole decides to speak with all the students who have not yet headed into rooms.
“Oi, everyone. Let’s do introductions in our common area.”
Two students agree to this and begin to head into the common area. One student with long hair and a menacing demeanor shrugs and decides to go along with it. Another mysterious-looking student looks down and opens the door to his new room but then decides against leaving and also heads into the common area. The six students sit in silence before Cole begins.
“My name is Cole Barrows. I'm from the Barrows family and I've been practising magic for a few years already. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
Cole looks over at Mason, who hesitates.
“Um. I’m Mason. I don't really know any magic. If I'm completely honest, my father was a magus, but he disappeared when I was still a child. So, I'm a little bit in the dark about what to expect. I’m hoping that I can find out where he is now.”
The next person speaks.
“I’m Tom Xavier. I don't have much experience with magic currently either. But I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to come out a winner. Especially when it comes to the rankings.”
Mason looks over at Cole.
“Rankings?”
Cole looks over at Mason.
“The teachers will explain it later. Every so often, students at this school are permitted to battle and the winners receive a ranking.”
The next student goes to introduce himself.
“Name’s Carver Aarons. I’m told that my family crest gives me a unique offensive ability. But, I too have no experience with magic.”
The room goes silent as they wait for the last two students to speak up. Finally, the long-haired student speaks up.
“Tim Sawyer. How do you do?”
Sawyer points over at Mason.
“Just like that fella there, my father disappeared when I was young. Except, I know exactly where he is. He’s a wanted bandit. So, if you hear any rumours about me being the son of Creed Sawyer, they’re very true.”
The room is a bit tense. Everyone looks over at the last person to introduce themselves.
“Titus Auckland. That’s my name.”
He doesn't say much, but the name seems familiar to Cole.
“Auckland. Like, Atlas Auckland?”
Titus responds as shortly as possible.
“Yes.”
Cole reminisces on a book of spells he once read before continuing his line of questioning.
“Like, the Atlas Auckland who created the ‘Atlas Strength’ spell?”
Titus nods before responding.
“Yes. It’s not a particularly powerful spell, so I don't see the fascination.”
Cole smiles before he responds.
“It’s not an easy feat to invent a spell though. Your family must have a high potential.”
As night comes, everybody settles in their rooms and waits for the next day to come, so that they may begin their classes.
