Ojero felt good, like he would finally fit in somewhere. His thoughts were still filled with his less-than savory ideas, but he felt like he could keep them down for now, and just put on a mask to fit in. 'Fitting in more may help me gain more power without attracting any unwanted attention.'
The whole carriage ride, Orpham noticed Ojero's strange behavior but thought that maybe going to the academy was more exciting for Ojero.
Soon, they were approaching a great majestic gate, built tall and strong. Light gleamed off of its white sheen, causing a feeling as if passing through the gates of heaven when passing through. On both sides of the carriage vast gardens could be seen with perfectly kept flowers of all kinds.
Dozens of other carriages were near them, with the same destination in mind. As they pulled closer, they could finally see the main building, which was massive. Easily 8 or 9 stories tall. This was where the students would have their general studies. It included a library on mundane topics, and a very up-to-date hospital.
It was tall and made of bricks, making the building a red color. Although it looked strange, bricks were very expensive building materials and anything made of them had to be a very important building. Windows were symmetrically spaced, each a few yards away from each other and always the same shape.
Behind the main building was the building for elemental studies, which was 5 stories tall. This one was made of rare gemstones only, mostly diamond and opal. It was the, quite literal, jewel of the nation. Lumenbec, the founder, had a mythic tier earth mage as a brother, who made it for him. To this day, earth mages search for this man's grimoire to try and figure out how he did it.
Various other buildings dotted the campus, such as sheds for tools, training rooms, an arena for safe combat, and a building for the hazard detachment. Those were powerful mages who would deal with any unsafe usage of magic, to make sure no one dies.
The carriage pulled up right to the curb of the main building, as Orpham and Ojero grabbed their singular bags of luggage and exited their transportation. Outside, they saw dozens of kids their age wearing all kinds of clothing. Most wore expensive clothes, but others wore long robes, and a small few wore commoner clothing.
At the front of the building, 3 stalls were set up blocking the doors. In them, 2 men and a woman were taking documents from students, checking them, marking a list, and letting them in the doors behind them. 3 lines of students stretched from these stalls, almost reaching the streets. Ojero and Orpham went into the smallest line, which was the one for the woman.
In front of them was a girl their age, who had long blonde hair. She wore a white robe, with a symbol showing a tornado flowing across the countryside. This was the symbol for the Wilmik Barony, a noble family of the kingdom.
Orpham, being the boy he was, instantly tried to spark up a conversation. He reached over and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Is that the Wilmik crest? I don't believe I ever had the joy to meet your family. That was usually my dads job."
The girl turned around with a small smile on her face, that looked as if she smiled often.
"Yes, it is. I am their daughter. Lets see, one in black one in white. You must be the two Guestino boys. Rumor has it you two are the new mythic mages of the kingdom."
Orpham raised an eyebrow at this, and even Ojero was taken aback by how quick that news spread. And was his black really that noticeable?
"You would be correct in that. I am a space and light mage, and my brother is time. Now, what element do you happen to wield?"
"A girl has to keep some secrets, I would rather you find out in class Mr. Mythic."
Orpham had a chuckle at this, while Ojero simply sat there with a smile on his face, looking around. The line was slowly moving forward as Orpham continued to make small talk with the girl, finding out her name was Karina. They laughed quite a bit, and where it would usually provoke a snapping response from Ojero, this time he felt he could keep it in more. He didn't want to cause a scene after all.
It seemed Orpham already found a friend in the first half hour they got there, typical.
Finally, it was the girls turn to check in. She did, and Orpham followed. Once he was done, Ojero was up. He walked towards the young woman, who asked his name.
"Ojero Guestino, ma'am."
"Mythic time mage?"
"Yes ma'am."
She took out a piece of paper she saw her use for Orpham, and stamped that one. She took out a green card with a metallic sheen and handed it to Ojero.
"Your room will be room 3, top floor. You will not be sharing with anyone due to your magical rarity."
Ojero thanked her, pocketed the card and went inside. There, he saw Orpham and Karina talking away from everyone, still laughing it up. A small seed of hate grew in Ojero's chest for Orpham to move on from his brother so quick, but accepted the way of the world. Ignoring them, he walked tot he stairs and climbed to his floor. There he saw only 6 rooms, 3 on each side. He went to room 3, which was on the right side. Above the door, there was a plaque that read "Ojero Guestino."
He tried to push the door open, but it wouldn't budge. He then remembered his card, often called a key card, and held it in his palm. He then activated his time magic, but didn't focus it. This took less energy than casting a spell, but was still draining. The card started to glow, and then returned to normal. Now, when Ojero swiped the card in front of the door, he heard the click of the lock.
The doors were built with runes to sense certain magic energies, and so when Ojero imbued the card, it sensed the time energy. These doors alone cost a fortune, and Ojero knew his family only owned a few. Inside the room was a grand spectacle. A huge couch, all fluffed up. Tables made of rich wood, a full kitchen, a bathroom, and a massive bedroom. Countless closets for all his stuff, a study room, and even a small magical chamber.
Magical chambers were made with anti-magic runes that would help prevent accidents destroying the building if one lost control.
Sighing, Ojero closed and locked the door, setting his bag on the couch. He then sat down next to it, and closed his eyes, deep in thought.
***
Orphams Point of View
Orpham was having the time of his life talking to this pretty girl, Karina. He couldn't help but smile and laugh at her every joke, and wanted to keep talking to her for days. When they checked in, they decided to sit to the side and wait for Ojero, but he quickly forgot about him. He was too engrossed in one of the girls stories.
A few minutes later, a stray thought popped into his mind of where Ojero was, and he realized he never saw him come in. He must've missed him due to his conversation. He bid goodbye to Karina, and agreed to meet up for the dinner tonight.
Orpham climbed the stairs to the 8th floor, where his room was the 2nd. He didn't know which one was Ojero's, and decided he would simply meet him at dinner. He too tried the handle before imbuing magic, and his room was identical to Ojeros.
He put his bag on the table, and started to set his items away, most of which was clothes. Orpham didn't bring much, he was content with little and didn't need more. Soon he finished setting it all up, and decided he would train a little.
'A weak man can't protect anyone.' This was his motto, and would be the worlds he would live by. He would work hard so he could help others, and hopefully his brother would be there to help him do it.
With these happy thoughts, he went into the magical chamber and started practicing his light magic.