7. Arcana Academy of Magic
"Is this... Arcana Academy of Magic?"
In front of Emma stood a very large iron gate, and beyond it were several grand Gothic-style buildings resembling castles. A marble staircase led up to the gate, with tree-lined paths on either side, where vivid green and white flowers swayed in the breeze.
When she descended the stairs and passed through the tree-lined path, a vast city spread before her. Cobblestone streets extended in all directions, lined with various buildings. There were shops specializing in magic books, stores selling magical potion brewing equipment, and even strange creatures moving about in some shops. On a street corner, a small café had round tables and chairs set up outside, and students in robes could be seen sitting there.
"Arcana Academy of Magic is a place for both learning and living. Everything you need is provided in this area."
Looking up at the sky, Emma saw several floating buildings, and at the highest point, a huge structure stood with a majestic presence, shining like a crown in the sky.
"There are accommodations for visitors. You should take some time to rest there today."
Saying this, Louis guided her toward the accommodation.
(Hmm...?)
As they arrived in front of the accommodation, Emma felt a gaze on her, but there were only passersby around.
"I’ll head back to the dorm. Here’s a map of the school, take it with you if you plan to go out."
"Thank you."
After Louis left, Emma entered the inn. In front of her was the reception desk, where a man was seated, reading a book.
"Excuse me, I’d like to stay here tonight."
"Are you with a reservation? Show me your Solvīr."
Solvīr was the necklace Louis had given her. It seems that the Solvīr can be used as an identification and even for money transactions in this world.
Emma handed the Solvīr to the man, and he placed his hand over a stone. The stone began to glow gently and shine.
"Ah, Emma Brown, right? You can use the room directly across from you on the second floor."
"Thank you."
Emma quickly ascended to the second floor and entered the room.
(I want to look around the school, but... there’s the exam tomorrow. Maybe I should just look at the map Louis gave me today.)
As Emma glanced around the room, it was spacious and filled with the calming scent of wood. Old but well-maintained wooden furniture stood around, and through the window, she could see the view of the city. Students in robes and floating vehicles could be seen moving through the sky, and Emma could feel the life of the magical world unfolding before her eyes.
Sitting beside the bed, she unfolded the map Louis had given her. The map moved automatically through magic, and the buildings and streets of the entire city appeared in three dimensions. Arcana Academy of Magic truly felt like a whole city, with not only classrooms and research facilities but also libraries and areas resembling a stadium. At the top of the map, there was a depiction of the floating buildings, and at the very top, the building labeled "Ark College."
As she gazed at the map, Emma’s heart was filled with a mix of anxiety and excitement.
(Will I really be able to manage here? But, it’s no use thinking about it now. I have to focus on tomorrow’s exam.)
Emma folded the map and placed it beside the bed. She closed the window and took a deep breath, recalling the words of Louis and her parents.
""I'll be fine tomorrow.""
Telling herself this, Emma slipped into bed, closed her eyes, and though she could still hear the bustling sounds of the city outside, they slowly seemed to fade as she drifted into a deep sleep.
