After completing the test, their skill levels were displayed on the chest plates of their practice armor. All the freshmen were gathered in front of the towering administration building, which was intricately designed with elaborate architectural details.
Several paladins, dressed in thick leather armor, stood before the building. Each paladin was assigned seven groups, consisting of thirty-five students in total.
Mickey's group had been assigned the same female paladin who had guided them during the test.
The paladin appeared youthful and kind, with a hint of grace and benevolence in her eyes.
"Alright, everyone, we are going on a tour around campus," Geneva announced. "Let's stick together and make this exercise as efficient as possible."
As they embarked on the tour, the air was filled with laughter and chatter. As if to choose a partner would define them too narrowly, the higher skilled students interacted freely with one another, while the average students remained grouped together.
The rejects, however, were scattered around in ones and twos, lacking the cohesiveness to form a group.
Among the rejects were Mickey and Flynn. Aubrey, on the other hand, had been accepted into a group of average level girls. Mickey paid little attention to these social dynamics.
He had been a loner for as long as he could remember. Ingram was the only one who had stuck by him, despite the significant difference in their skill levels.
Mickey questioned why Ingram wasn't socializing among people of his caliber, fearing that Ingram may feel compelled to do so out of sympathy.
"I just need some solitude," responded Ingram. "I'm not accustomed to mingling with others."
"Are you saying you lack a social life?" Mickey was taken aback. It was difficult to believe that someone as exceptional as Ingram would be without a social life.
"You could phrase it like that," Ingram replied.
During the tour, their first stop was the chapel. It was the focal point of Astral Sanctum, with stunning stained glass windows and ornate wooden carvings.
It was expected for an exorcist school to have a place of worship where students and paladins could seek solace and offer prayers for protection in these challenging times.
They were also shown a wards and sigil block, where protective barriers and sigils were created and maintained to keep captured demons at bay.
Next, they visited the infirmary, one for victims possessed by demons and another for normal injuries. There was also a demonic archive, along with other training facilities and the Scriptorium, a place for copying and transcribing ancient texts related to demonology and exorcism.
"Here, we have the demonology library, which contains an extensive collection of books, scrolls, and manuscripts detailing various demons, their origins, characteristics, and methods of combatting them," explained Geneva
'Maybe I would find something on Zany.' Mickey's interest was immediately piqued, as he hoped to find information about Zany, who seemed to have fragmented memories.
Geneva continued to introduce them to the herbology greenhouse facility, where they studied plants and herbs with magical properties.
They also visited the astral tower, where they learned about demonic pacts, astral projection, and summoning circles.
Lastly, they were taken to the crypt of ancient exorcists, which served as the final resting place for esteemed exorcists of the past. Finally, they were shown their classroom and dormitory.
"After settling in, you will have the rest of the day to familiarize yourself with your surroundings," Geneva informed them. "Lessons will begin tomorrow, so make sure to rest well and be punctual. I hope you all have a pleasant stay."
The freshmen swarmed into the reception of their various dormitories where they randomly selected a room.
Each room was modest, equipped with the essentials for three people. Three comfortable beds, wardobes, and study desks for personal use. Additionally, the room had a convenient toilet.
Adding a touch of spirituality, a small altar adorned with a crucifixion was placed on the wall, providing a serene atmosphere.
Overall, this room catered to the basic needs of three occupants and offered a calming ambiance.
Mickey stepped into his new dormitory room 45, a mix of excitement and nerves pulsating through him. His dream was finally coming true. He glanced around the empty space, taking in the sight.
'Decent!' He thought.
The door creaked, causing Mickey to turn. His eyes widen as Ingram and Flynn enter the room, their faces mirroring the same surprise and relief in seeing familiar faces.
"No way! We're roommates?" Mickey exclaimed, grinning.
"Yeah, what are the odds, right? I'm glad to have you guys as roommates." Ingram smiled
"Same here!" said Flynn, who seemed the least audible among them.
They share a moment of connection, grateful for the unexpected familiarity in their new surroundings. They all took a moment to unpack their belongings and settle in. Once they were settled, Mickey spoke up first.
"Guys, I'm going to head to the demonology library. I have an agenda of my own."
"Sounds good, Mickey." Ingram nodded, "I think I'll start by visiting the chapel. I'm quite religious, you see."
Mickey smiled, thinking it was obvious.
"Guys, check this out!" Flynn called out, showing them the pendant given to him during the test. "I can't wait to form a pact with a demon companion. Any idea where I should go?"
Ingram was the first to hunch on an idea.
"During the orientation, Miss Geneva mentioned the Astral tower." He said thoughtfully. "If I remember correctly, it's a place for studying demonic pacts, astral projection, and summoning circles. You might find what you're looking for there."
Mickey, Ingram, and Flynn took in the information and made their plans.
"Alright, well, I'm off to the library. I'll catch you guys later." Mickey said, stepping out of the room with a wave.
"I'll go to the chapel and say a prayer. See you soon." Ingram followed, leaving Flynn, who was smiling mischievously, all alone in the room.
"Astral tower it is! I can't wait to dive deeper into this." Flynn said, with his grin widening.
With their goals set, Mickey, Ingram, and Flynn dispersed, each venturing into the world of exorcism in their own unique way.
___
It was in the afternoon, and Mickey had decided to dig up some information about demonic pacts and, if possible, look into demonic races and see if he could find something about Zany's situation.
The library was a grand, awe-inspiring room filled with towering shelves adorned with countless books. Sliding ladders are strategically placed, aiding in the search for knowledge. Dust particles dance ethereally in the rays of sunlight streaming through the arched windows.
Feeling slightly nervous, Mickey entered the library with a determined yet overwhelmed expression on his face. He clutched a small notebook - the one he had inherited from his grandfather and a pen tightly in his hand. He walked cautiously, trying not to disturb the stillness of the place.
But Mickey stopped in the center, his head spinning as he took in the enormity of the library. The sheer volume of books on demonology overwhelmed him. He ran his hand through his disheveled jet-black hair, attempting to calm his racing thoughts.
"Alright, Mickey. You can do this. Just find a book on demons and demonic pacts. How hard can it be?" He whispered to himself
Just as Mickey began to walk aimlessly, he fervently turned a corner without paying full attention. Out of nowhere, he collided with Geneva, his supposed homeroom teacher, elegantly dressed in a victorian gown.
Startled, she quickly apologized. "Oh! I do apologize, young man. I wasn't watching where I was going."
Mickey quickly recoiled, his heart racing, and he stumbled backward, nearly dropping his notebook.
"No, no, it's my fault! I wasn't paying attention. I apologize, Miss Geneva." Mickey said nervously.
'He knows me,' Geneva thought as her eyes narrowed. She studied the young boy intently, her demeanor going from surprised to mildly intrigued.
"I'm sorry, have we met before?" She asked, unable to recognize him.
Mickey tried to speak, but he couldn't seem to form words, just staring glumly at her.
Right now, he had only one thinking running through his mind. 'Wow! She's so beautiful.'
Apparently, Mickey hadn't noticed this until now. Whether it was due to her glasses or her hair tied up in a bun, he didn't know. But this time around, she had no glasses on, and her hair flowed freely.
Her saffron-skinned face was like a mesmerizing canvas of youthful vibrance, with delicate features and a radiant aura that would definitely captivate all who laid eyes on her.
"Um...I'm Mickey, one of the uh...freshmen in you class." He stuttered.
"Oh, right! Mickey... what brings you to this highly secretive part of the library?" She teased, trying to ease the tension.
Mickey's eyes darted around, avoiding Geneva's alluring gaze.
"I... uh... I was looking for some information on demons. Demonic pacts, actually. I... uh... need it for research." He told a half lie.
Geneva's eyebrows arch in surprise, her teasing tone replaced by genuine curiosity.
"Demons and pacts, you say?" She asked, "That's quite an extensive subject for a freshman. What has piqued your interest, Mickey?"
Mickey swallowed nervously, now realizing the depth of his little lie.
"Well, I... I've been... curious about the unknown, and... I've read stories, heard whispers..." he said, building on his lie. "I just wanted to understand more. You know, to unravel the secrets hidden within dark realms."
Geneva's stern expression cracked slightly, hinting at a softer side.
"I understand your curiosity, Mickey. Knowledge is a double-edged sword, and sometimes, one cannot help but venture into the unknown. However, tread carefully, for darkness, can consume even the purest intentions." She said.
Mickey nodded.
"Thank you, Miss, for your guidance." He whispered, "I will proceed with caution."
Geneva smiled approvingly, her eyes reflecting concern.
"Remember, Mickey, knowledge is power. Just ensure that power doesn't consume you in the process." She warned, with the eyes of someone who had been through a lot in such a short time.
"And for your search, look up these books 'NETHER BEINGS' and 'A TORN VEIL, AN UNBREAKABLE PACT'." She recommended.
Mickey nodded once more.
As they part ways, Mickey took a deep breath, regaining his composure. He walked forward, glancing back at her a couple of times.
"She's out of your league, lad."
Mickey turned to see who that was but realized it was in his head. His cheeks turned red and hot.
"Shut up, demon." Mickey snapped.
"Haha! Didn't know you had a thing for older girls." Zany teased.
"I said shut up!!!"
As he turned to the shelf, the title of a book flashed before his eyes.
"A TORN VEIL, AN UNBREAKABLE PACT," Mickey read it out, "...found it."
Before reaching the book, though, he abruptly turned to another shelf, and there it was.
"NETHER BEINGS!" he exclaimed, "seems like I found this one as well. He smiled.
___
In a dark corner of Mickey's mind, a being sat outstretched on a throne.
'Hmph, I see my acute senses are manifesting within the lad, earlier than I anticipated.' Zany though, with his head resting in his palm. 'This means one thing, the inevitable is coming.'
***