The Istariel school, as explained by Alice in the carriage, is in a nutshell a school for mages. It takes in anyone no matter the person's social status as long as one can wield mana, so both nobles and commoners are welcome. The school is based near the capital so, many of its students come from the capital itself, but many mages in training across the country are sent to the school.
The school is separated into two groups, these groups are based on the two types of mages, conjures and warriors. With a majority in the warrior class due to its simplicity and many a student wants to be on the front lines.
In gamers terms, I am guessing that warrior is more geared toward the fighter type while the conjurer's are the wizards. though according to Alice there are many sub categories in the two main types like ranger is a sub in warrior, or healer is a subcategory of conjurer.
Of course It is not all about being a mage, as there are many normal classes in school that don't involve magic like including classes like history, math, and other important classes. According to the Archmage who founded the school, "we don't want any dimwitted people with the power to level towns going about the county all willy nilly." He did not say it exactly like that, but is the gist of it.
"So we are heading to the school for my training?" John asked.
"Yes, it is imperative that we get you ready." Alice nodded
I raise a weak arm. "Will I be joining that school as well?" I say as my arm falls to my body, still tired from my first conscience use of mana.
"Yes of course...er you are the heroes companion so you will not need to pay the tuition fee." Alice adds quickly, though not before mulling it over for a few longer seconds then was necessary.
I sigh in relief as I knew that I have almost no backing other than John in this world. If I am to survive in it long enough to get home, then I will have to rely on Johns current reputation to grow stronger and better equipped to be prepared for this world. While most would call it cowardly to piggyback on a friends status, I am not afraid to hide behind John's back if the going gets tough.
When Alice is finished explaining some key concepts about the situation, she let John and in turn me, get some much needed rest and relaxation. With a deep sigh, leaned back into the soft cushion, listening to the sound of the horses hooves, felt the sway of the carriage, and after a time let myself fall into a deep slumber.
Before long, a few hours go by and with a call From Ed in the carriage drivers seat, we are notified that Istariel is coming up at the next bend.
Both me and John, now well rested and back in peak condition, look out of the window to see the destination of our entire journey from the beginning in the field we started in. We look around and find ourselves surrounded on all sides by other carriages, travelers, merchants, and farmers all heading to the gate leading into the city.
With forty feet tall high walls surrounding the entire city, we felt like ants standing in front of this gigantic city as the carriage slowed to a stop at the gate, waiting for one of the guards to check on us. But before the gruff older looking guard took a step in our direction, he noticed our driver. With Ed's gleaming armor, and imposing presence, he stood out amongst the rest of the commoners.
With a salute in Ed's direction he stood at attention, with the other guards following example. "Sir Edward, you are a sight for these old eyes." he made a glance in our direction. "I am assuming that your mission was a success?"
"It was captain, with all the disturbances and mana fluctuations happening in the group, it was hard not to find them"
The captain of the guard's withered old face lit up. "And is it safe to assume that the hero is in there?"
Ed did not answer but gave a small smile and a nod. The captain, jubilant with the news was quick to call over a younger guard to deliver a message to the king with all haste.
The captain was not the only shocked one, as some of the people in the line to the city heard the exchange, and when they heard the word 'hero', they shouted for joy. It was truly a blessing from the gods for these people, as no one was not affected by the battle with the demons. Almost everyone had lost some loved one or friend to the evil fiends.
It was not long before, with the word of mouth, the news spread throughout the city in a short time. Soon the entire cities population was standing by the main road, all hoping to get a sighting of this hero. It was not like a festival, it was a festival, and soon merchants seeing a chance for a great profit, started setting up stalls, and some vendors started giving raised prices.
None of us knew of this, though Alice and Ed were most likely expecting it, as they tasked a group of guards to surround the carriage. The guards only had shields as this was supposed to be a peaceful gathering, but one could not be too careful as some may try to take out the hero in this less than peaceful time.
Inside the carriage both me and John were standing wide eyed, looking out the window of the carriage at the medieval city. They had seen pictures and played games placed in old fashioned European style, but seeing a picture and the real thing was a huge difference.
It was even bigger than their own old worlds medieval cities, which Alex suspected was due to the presence of mages.
The bigger shock came when they came upon a wider block, and heard the thunderous cries of the people. We were shocked speechless at the massive size of the crowds on both sides of the street. and they went into a frenzy when John, still shocked speechless by their reception, gave a little wave to the crowd.
Men and women alike where shedding tears of joy at the sight of their savior, and they all seemed to feel the oppressive weight that the threat of the demons placed on them lift.
After a few blocks, Alex was already numb to the sight while John still waved and smiled like a champ. but after what felt like an eternity, the carriage came to a stop in front of a set of stairs leading to the palace.
On the top of the steps was what looked like the king and queen, as well as two others. dressed to impress, the king was an imposing figure, with broad shoulders and chiseled look, even with the gray hair he looked young. By his side was the queen, and I can see where Alice got most of her looks, as she was beautiful, with a confident maturity. The both of them even looked the part with the crown, silk garments, and emanating an aura of confidence.
By their side was two wizen looking oldmen in big bulky robes, with one in white was most likely some kind of priest and the other one was wearing a blue robe.
By the time we climbed the steps, the whole city was crowding the street below. With a raise of his hand, the entire crowd was silenced. I would have thought it was a spell if I did not sense any mana being used, which goes to show the power of a ruler.
"My people, the times have been trying with the rise in power of the demon king." the king began "But now the gods have gifted us a chance to fight back. the hero is here!"
The crowd roared in approval, and the king continued on and on and on... I think I fell asleep a little. It was not until John shook me that I realized the crowd was returning to a huge festival while we were headed to the palace.
I took a deep breath and prepared myself, before taking the first step.