The Academy of Paladins was a lot bigger than he'd ever dreamt it would be. It was a massive fortification within the city limits, one of three castles that found themselves in Highhaven's ridiculous walled limits.
Grey stone stretched up as high as Matt could see, forming walls and towers that rose above the rest of the city's structures, a feat Matt hadn't thought was possible. He was following the High Priestess to the large, iron gates, taking in the sights with all the grace of an overawed country boy. At that moment, though, he found it hard to care.
The guard that stood at the gate looked barely older than himself, the young face surprising him. "State your business," the girl said, her spear firmly at her side. An ornate sword was strapped to her waist, not to be outdone by the splendid steel armor that encased the guard.
"I am here to register a new student. You may tell the dean that Hecate's High Priestess would like to speak with him," the old woman managed to pack a surprising amount of steel in her words. The guard gulped, just now realizing who she was guarding the gate against. If Mana was anything to base the power of Hecate's priestesses on, the guard had good reason to look so terrified.
"Yes ma'am," she said, hurrying into the Academy and leaving the gate unattended. Matt looked to his benefactor, who looked about as shocked as he did. There was no way this girl was a professional guard, not with that forgetfulness. The High Priestess seemed to agree as she shook her head.
"Kids these days," she muttered under her breath before resuming the stately aura as the guard returned to her post.
Matt nearly laughed at the guard's discomfort, sweat pouring down her face from her impromptu run. They died in his throat when she glared at him. For all the security that being with the High Priestess brought, the guard could probably skewer him before he could blink, incompetent at watching the gate or not.
She allowed them to pass, and Matt's world was rocked for the second time that day. The exterior of the Academy was rivalled only by its interior. Plants of all shapes and sizes grew alongside the path, many of them not even native to this part of the Grand Empire. Ferns, pine trees, oaks, and palms. He didn't even know how the last of that list even survived the brutal winters.
There were far fewer students inside than he might have guessed. Dressed in all-white uniforms, spotting them flitting across the castle's domain was an easy task. Compared to outside, where the streets were completely packed and he couldn't make out anyone from more than a few feet away, the castle was an oasis of peace.
The High Priestess lead him into the central keep, bypassing the guard that watched over its doors. The armed warrior gave Matt a hard look before resuming his steady gaze on his surroundings. Matt sighed in relief and followed the High Priestess, eager to talk to the dean. He'd convince the man to let him attend the school, one way or another.
Their footsteps echoed through the stone halls, drawing the attention of the few men and women that walked the keep's corridors. All of them were dressed resplendently in various shades of black, and all of them looked at Matt with derision. He hid behind the High Priestess to escape their withering gazes. Matt hoped that the dean wouldn't be like all of these people.
They stopped at a set of heavy, spruce doors that looked like they belonged to a king's audience chamber. Matt gulped before the High Priestess pushed against them, swinging the massive things wipe open. A man's voice called from inside.
"Cecilia! A pleasure to see you again," the voice said. As Matt stepped in behind the High Priestess – Cecilia – he noticed the elegantly dressed man sitting at a thick desk. For all his suave hair and rich clothing, the mess of papers on his desk ruined the semblance of organization the man clearly tried to cultivate. "And who might you be?" the dean turned his attention to Matt, who felt a kinship to another disorganized individual – a kindred spirit.
"I'm Matthew Hammond. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Matt said, channeling everything he had ever learned from his reading. He hoped it sounded right.
"Likewise," he said, turning back to Cecilia. "If I may ask, why is he in my office?"
The Head Priestess smiled, causing the dean to stroke his sharp goatee. "He's the first chosen human of Iapetus, a previously unknown god, Darius. He seeks admission to the Academy."
Oh, now that brought a glint to the dean's eyes. Like a child after being given a copper to spend on candy, the man turned back to Matt, regarding him with newfound curiosity. "Now that is interesting. Do you realize that the year is halfway over?"
"I realize that now, sir," Matt said, deadpan. The dean stared at him for a moment before laughing from his stomach, the rich noise filling the relatively small office.
"Let me talk to Cecilia. Please wait outside my office, and I'll call you back in soon," Darius said, still trying to catch his breath. Matt bowed and retreated from the chamber, leaning his back against the wall outside.
Fortunately, few people roamed this area of the keep. Matt looked down at his clothing; they were literal rags. No wonder everyone was looking at him as if he had just rolled around in the stable. He looked out a window, admiring the few students that he could see. All of them walked around with purpose, their heads held high as they hurried about. Hopefully, the Head Priestess could convince the dean to let him attend the Academy. He hadn't been here long, but he knew that this was where he wanted to be.
It was all in her hands now.