Amidst his structured regimen of study under the guidance of Master Mosido, Elandril managed to carve out some time to visit the Public Library of the Dark Magic Academy.
Elandril's academic credits were scant, amounting to only a few points. Ever since becoming a disciple of the renowned Master Mosido, Elandril had refrained from undertaking any academy tasks, preferring to immerse himself in deep study instead. The credits he had meticulously accumulated over the previous years had been expended on the Lesser Fireball Spell and a handful of other arcane knowledge. Reflecting on why he had chosen the fireball spell as his beginner's magic, it dawned on him. Amongst the myriad of entry-level spells, the fireball boasted the most formidable power. Coupled with Elandril's innate affinity for the fire element, the choice seemed natural.
Upon his return to the vast Public Library of the Dark Magic Academy, a grand structure spanning five floors, Elandril's mission was distinct— to assess his Psychic Force and Mana levels. While Master Mosido did possess a crystal ball for such tests, he had been engrossed in a pivotal experiment alongside the senior disciples, rendering him inaccessible for days. Elandril, ever respectful, chose not to disturb him prematurely.
The library, with its vast collection of magical tomes, was a haven for every conceivable type of spell and incantation. Elandril had once mused, during his inaugural visit, about the possibility of reading every single book within his lifetime— an overwhelming and humbling thought. And with the academy's public classrooms yet to commence their sessions, a significant number of apprentices could still be spotted in the library, voraciously consuming knowledge.If the dark alleys are places where combat is strictly prohibited, then this library in front of us goes a step further, banning even the use of magic within its confines.
Were anyone reckless enough to incite conflict within these hallowed halls, no matter the power or influence they wield outside, they would unquestionably meet their demise here.
The Dark Sorcerers, notorious for their fierce independence and often questionable morals, still uphold at least one universal truth among casters: a deep-seated reverence for knowledge.
Innumerable magical runes are etched into every nook and cranny of this library. They not only serve as a protective barrier for the vast repository of knowledge but, in dire circumstances, can obliterate threats in a heartbeat.
In the library's quietude, barely a whisper can be heard. Elandril, seemingly with a purpose in mind, strides directly towards the eastern corridor.
At the end of this hallway, a group of about twenty apprentices stand in line.
At the forefront of this queue rests a transparent crystal orb, the size of a human face, embedded within an intricately carved wooden stand.
Elandril's arrival stirs a muted commotion among the waiting apprentices.
Not a word is spoken, but notably, a dozen or so apprentices who stand at the back half of the line, in a show of unspoken understanding, step back, creating a space for Elandril to take his place.
The Academy of Dark Magic has never been known for its fairness. These young apprentices, new to the academy and with no more than three years under their belts, are titled 'Novice Apprentice'.
Years of learning and adaptation have made these youths, many visibly younger than Elandril, acutely aware of the unspoken rules of survival within the academy.
Those too naive or inexperienced often don't last long. Either they meet a swift end at the hands of a temperamental Dark Sorcerer or fall victim to the cunning and might of their more seasoned peers.In the shadowed corners of the Black Magic Academy, it was not uncommon to see scattered remains or severed limbs.
By the way, there existed an unspoken rule within the academy's stone walls: if you committed a deed without the watchful eyes of the academy's overseers catching sight, then technically, you hadn't breached any rules.
Such a chilling reality was a stark testament to the law of the jungle, where might makes right, manifesting in its most brutal form.
Confronted with a group of Novice Apprentices making way, Elandril nonchalantly bypassed them, positioning himself at their forefront.
There was no place for false modesty here. Had Elandril genuinely shown deference, it might have sent a ripple of alarm through the young apprentices, fearful that his politeness concealed malevolent intentions.
In the Black Magic Academy, the bullying of lower-ranked apprentices by their seniors was practically tradition.
Especially vulnerable were the female apprentices, whose gender unfortunately became their Achilles' heel.
Many newcomers to the city of Mosobra, just like Elandril a decade ago, were mere children of six or seven years old, practically defenseless.
Yet, some twisted individuals relished taking advantage of the weak.
It wasn't just the female apprentices who caught their wicked eyes; sometimes, even the male apprentices weren't spared.
With Elandril's striking looks and his luxurious mane of golden hair, had it not been for Lina shielding him and asserting her "dominion" over him in their earlier days, he too might have fallen prey.
Navigating past a group of trembling younglings, none taller than his chin, Elandril smoothly made his way toward the front of the line.At that moment, eight individuals stood ahead of Elandril in line. Of these, two were Intermediate Apprentices, while the remaining six were Junior Apprentices.
Upon Elandril's entrance, the nearest Junior Apprentice ahead of him couldn't help but turn and steal a glance. That fleeting look was enough to send a shiver down the Junior Apprentice's spine. Swiftly, he lowered his head and chose to step behind Elandril without any prompt.
The distinctions in strength and stature among apprentices of the same level aren't always crystal clear. Elandril hadn't planned on cutting in line, yet he was taken aback by this unexpected gesture from the young man.
This accommodating Junior Apprentice went by the name of Kosra. He had encountered Elandril before — present during the incident half a month prior when Elandril had slain Yilke. However, what truly drove Kosra's deference wasn't just that memory. It was the talk of Elandril causing an uproar in the underworld shortly after, laying waste to several Intermediate Apprentices, including the scar-faced Joke.
Pulling off such audacious feats and still appearing with such impunity at the public library, it was evident that Elandril was not one to be trifled with. Most who survived several years at the Dark Magic Academy were cunning, and Kosra certainly didn't want to ruffle any feathers, especially over something as trivial as a spot in line.
Elandril himself wasn't so petty-minded. Yet, within the halls of the Dark Magic Academy, there were more than a handful of students who were.So, Elandril could only accept the circumstances in silence.
To his surprise, after Kosla took the lead, Elandril's place in the queue swiftly advanced.
Within less than half a minute, he was second in line. The sheer efficiency of the process was a testament to the benefits of power and influence.
An Intermediate Apprentice who had just completed the crystal ball test stepped away from the line. Spotting Elandril, this dark-skinned apprentice couldn't help but give Elandril a few curious glances.
The individual standing ahead of Elandril seemed rather restless, like he was on pins and needles.
However, his palm was already resting atop the crystal ball; it would be rather awkward to back away now.
Moreover, for an Intermediate Apprentice to yield his position to Elandril, who was merely at the Junior Apprentice level, would be a blow to his prestige. At the Black Magic Academy, reputation can mean everything.
Only by projecting greater dominance and authority than the rest could one ensure they weren't targeted or bullied.
Fortunately, Elandril remained silent throughout the procedure. The apprentice ahead of him hastily left after his test, and it was unclear if he even saw his results.
Paying no mind to the departing Intermediate Apprentice, Elandril stepped up to the transparent crystal ball. Taking a deep breath, he extended his right palm towards it.