"What, is sleeping against the rules here?" Clark felt that he had just closed his eyes when the sound of knocking was coming from his door.
Before he had fully stood to open the door, he realized that he had not just layed down a moment again. The rest of the day and night had passed him by. "Hello in there! I am here for the task!" The call of another student brought Clark to the door quicker.
"Finally, I was assigned to the task of guiding you on a basic tour of the ground. As one of the newest students, you will learn this sooner or later, but professors and the academy itself offers tasks to get more resources." The student started off simply with why they were there. Clark didn't even care that he had not introduced himself.
"Are you ready? I was given specific instructions to guide you toward the beast egg auction. It makes sense since I don't see a beast here. Passing the test while losing your tamed beast is rough. But you made it here, right?" This seemed to be a common story in the academy. Many people would risk everything for admittance.
"As you can tell, you are in the dormitory section of the academy grounds. It's the only place where having your tamed beasts out in the large field around is acceptable. No training here, just relaxation and studies. The academy is very strict on this."
Clark easily understood the rules here. If the students trained near the dormitories then fights or damage could happen. "And as you already know, men and women are allowed in the same buildings. You are lucky that you are in the single person dormitory. Most of us are stuck in pairs or triples. You must have finished high in the assessment with a recommendation."
Clark nodded but did not give a single thing away. He would let this older student build a false image in his mind. Then this older student could go and gossip all he wanted with the lies he created. That would give Clark plenty of mystery when it came to his abilities.
"That is the main building. You can find the hall of tasks, faculty offices, and the head master's office. There is also a healing tamer group that operates from there." This explained the largest and most central building on the academy grounds.
"That is the arena, most testing is there. Some also take combat classes there but that is determined by the professor. Do not anger the professor in charge of the arena. They are not afraid to send a student in to the wilds with a mandatory task." This was a very good warning that Clark would take advantage of if anyone caused him trouble.
"That is the material studies lab. The professors there also do personal research. Any materials they need, which are a lot, are put as tasks. They often offer a decent reward. I recommend them when you are ready to go in to the wilds."
"Can I take those classes revolving around materials as a first year?" Clark found his first question.
"Yes, they are basic to advanced levels. It has a lot of memorization but very helpful." Feeling that he had broken the ice with Clark, the student started to get more energetic.
"That is the breeding center where professors put in to practice breeding theories. One of them was able to breed a red blade mantis last year that the top student was able to contract after winning the yearly tournament."
"Yearly tournament?" Clark found his interest piques yet again.
"It's amazing. Plenty of students fight for the top ten spots in their year. Then they compete at the end of the year to win rewards. It's fun to watch if you don't make it in. this year you might see me. Last year I was this close." The student held his fingers up to show just how close while Calrk began to think.
He and Devi could easily jump in and win a yearly tournament to get great resources to grow stronger faster. It would be perfect to also build connections with those that could help him in the future. He needed to build the right strength to take down the Mourne family.
"That, is the auction house. The academy started its very own to let students sell what they get in the wilds. It also helps them learn how to function in the big cities. I can take you to the beast egg auction right away. It will be going on all day." This was perfect. Clark was afraid he would have to wait for the auction for days or weeks.
"The auction lets you call out bids or use a crystal to put in silent bids. If you don't want to make trouble for yourself, take a crystal. Some people are sore losers." Clark was about to ask about silent bids when he was beaten to the point.
"Two more students…Oh, you have that uniform. That old man took another student? Took a few years but glad to meet you. I am Erin. I am the main professor of economics. I manage the auction house. Take this crystal and get on with it. I will let the old man have his usual discount. But remember, spend a lot." There was a dangerous glint in the tall man's eyes. He stood at the door watching Clark walk away.
"For professor Erin to speak to you means a lot. He usually only talks when he is about to get really good deals." The mumbling of the student was loud enough to hear but Clark was too amazed by what he saw.
The large hall was separated in to multiple parts. Some small cages had very young beasts that could be tamed. Clark was not at all interested in them. It was a well known fact that taming an already hatched beast was harder than an egg. The bind would also be weaker because it started with the beast disliking the tamer.
Many seats were lined up facing a large stage that students and staff could use to watch the auction. But Clark was not planning to sit at any of them. He had to go to the row of pedestals with pillows on them. Because on top of each velvet pillow sat a beast egg waiting for the right tamer to purchase it.
"I am going to let you wander around by yourself. I have a few things I want to look in to. At the end of this hour's auction, I will meet you at the entrance. If you can't find anything, just wait for tonight's auction. There are three a day once a week. Other than that the auction house looks to collect items for auction or sale all together." The student finally left Clark have some space.
"Devi, if you sense anything odd let me know. I will be booking carefully." Clark mentally sent this message to Devi who had long been invisible and latched to his shoulder. Devi was taking in all the sights of the room while remaining on high alert. He would protect Clark if anyone made any foolish moves. It just went to show how much Devi worried and cared for Clark. Something that almost made Clark feel warm.