"Oh why, hello there."
Said a stranger, his voice smooth and polished as he emerged from the shadows. I turned to face him, taking in his refined appearance and bearing the mark of a lecturer at this esteemed academy.
I decided to play along, offering a friendly smile as I asked, "Excuse me, if I may ask, who are you?"
He stepped forward, his smile growing wider as he introduced himself.
"I am one of the teachers here, Greg. And you, my dear, are you a new student to this establishment?"
"I believe so."
His smile grew even wider, "Oh, how wonderful! And what is your name?"
"Sei." I responded, unsure of what was to come next.
"I beg your pardon?" Greg's smile faltered, "Please, do include your last name."
"Last name? What do you mean?"
"You don't have a last name?" His smile disappeared completely, replaced by a look of disdain. "I thought you were someone of importance, but it seems you're just a mere peasant. Get lost, kid."
Sei, unfazed by the man's words, asked "How is it that a peasant such as myself can gain admittance to this academy?"
Greg hesitated for a moment before sighing and reluctantly gestured for Sei to follow him, "Come, I shall lead you to the principal."
As they walked towards the grand doors, Greg opened them with a heavy, echoing sound. Inside, the entryway was grand and imposing, with granite stairs and long, elegant halls on either side.
As Greg led the way, they made their way to the set of stairs. The steps were made of polished granite, each one shining in the dim light of the hallway. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings and tapestries, depicting scenes of grand battles and ancient kings. The air was thick with the scent of wax candles and old books.
As they turned left and walked down the hallway, the space around them grew smaller and more intimate. The walls closed in and the ceiling lowered, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere. But despite the cramped quarters, there was a sense of grandeur and importance to the space.
Finally, Greg came to a halt and gestured to a door on his left. Etched into the wood in elegant script was the sign "Principal's Office."
"You may enter this room," Greg said, his tone haughty and dismissive. "But remember, peasant, don't get too cocky. The Principal is a kind man but he doesn't take kindly to impudence."
And with those words, Greg turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Sei alone in front of the door.
Well, this could be a problem. I don't have the letter anymore, that guard threw it away. Oh well, I might as well just go inside and figure out what to say later. I knocked on the door, and as soon as I did, a voice called out.
"Come in."
I twisted the knob and pushed open the door. I stepped inside, finding myself in a chamber that, while not grandiose, was certainly luxurious in its appointments. At the forefront of the room, I spied a desk with someone sitting upon a chair behind it, and to the side, shelves laden with books, with a sofa nearby.
I closed the door and stepped further into the room. The man before me appeared to be in his thirties, which struck me as quite young to be a principal. He was bearded, with black hair, and attired in a buttoned vest, a plain white shirt, and black trousers.
"I haven't seen your face around here, are you a new student?"
"Yes, at least that is what I believe."
"You're quite far away, come closer."
I took three or four steps towards him and halted.
"I see, what's your name?"
"Sei."
The man paused for about ten seconds before speaking again. "I see, who sent you?"
"Some old man named Kazan."
"Kazan, hmm?"
I was reminded again that the old man Kazan had given me the letter, and that it had somehow secured me admission to this academy. I couldn't help but wonder, who is this Kazan truly?
"Alright, sit down. Take a chair," the man said, gesturing towards a light wooden chair on the far left side of the room.
I took it and, after positioning it before the desk, I took my seat. The man, who had yet to reveal his name, opened a cabinet situated at his desk, withdrawing a sheet of paper and a pen, which he then placed on the table.
"Fill out this form," he instructed.
I took the paper and the pen, the forms requested basic information such as my name and age, etc. At the end, there was a section for family name and one for talent, which I didn't fully understand, so I left it blank. After completing the form, I returned it to the man.
"Very well," he said, as he accepted the form, "Oh, you forgot to fill this in."
He looked at me, after perusing the form.
"I don't have a family name."
"And your talent?"
"I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that."
"You don't possess any talents?"
"I am quite proficient with a sword."
"No, I meant in Quatom," he clarified.
"..no."
The man sighed, before signing the form and returning it to me.
"Save this, you may fold it."
I did as instructed, carefully folding the document and slipping it into my pocket. The man stood, before imparting further instruction.
"Follow me."
I rose from my seat, following closely behind him as he twisted the doorknob and departed the room, leaving the door ajar. I followed suit, closing the door behind me. He led me back to the academy's entrance, descended the stairs and turned left towards the grand hall.
After a short walk, he finally came to a halt before a large door, emblazoned with the sign 'Class 1-F'.
"Here is your class," he said, as he opened the door.
Within, there were many students, around twenty in total, and a single figure, who appeared to be a lecturer, standing before them as they sat in their chairs. The lecturer had been speaking, but paused as the principal opened the door.
"Ah, Master Kain. What brings you here?" he said.
"This young man will be joining your class," Kain replied.
It appears that the principal's name is Kain, I deduced upon hearing the lecturer address him thus. He took me by the arm and gently urged me into the room, I found myself standing before a sea of students and the lecturer.