Upon entering the first floor of the dormitory, Carl walked down the corridor with firm steps, attentively observing every detail that surrounded him. The atmosphere was calm, almost silent, interrupted only by the distant echo of muffled conversations and occasional footsteps. His eyes soon captured the sight of a golden plaque, elegantly affixed above one of the doors. "B-22", was meticulously engraved in relief, shimmering under the dim light of the corridor. "This is it," Carl murmured to himself, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation upon recognizing the number corresponding to his room.
Approaching the door, Carl noticed a peculiar aspect of the lock. There was no conventional keyhole, but rather an elegant rectangular marking, strategically positioned just below the doorknob. It was a design that perfectly resembled the shape of his magical identification card. Recalling the evaluator's instructions, he carefully took the card out of his pocket and approached it to the marking. In an instant, a soft clicking sound echoed, signaling the unlocking of the door. With a light turn of the knob, Carl pushed the door, which opened silently, revealing the space that would be his refuge and study center in the heart of the Academy.
The spacious dormitory assigned to Carl and his roommate exuded an aura of balance and symmetry. Divided into two perfectly identical halves, each side boasted a sturdy bunk bed, capable of accommodating up to two residents. Carl's attentive observation of the beds led him to a logical conclusion: "These quarters are designed to house up to four students, after all." This ingenious arrangement reflected the efficiency and pragmatism of the Academy. In addition to the beds, each side was equipped with two robust desks, featuring spacious drawers and a compartment for storing clothes. The functionality of these pieces of furniture was complemented by the presence of chests, four in total, strategically positioned to offer individual privacy and security to each room occupant.
Intrigued, Carl crouched to examine one of the chests, specifically the one closest to the window, on the left side of the room. He noticed a subtle marking, similar to that on the door, engraved on the chest's surface. With growing curiosity, he approached his identification card to the mysterious insignia. A distinct click sounded, different from the sound emitted by the door. To his surprise, a small plaque on the front of the chest lit up, displaying his name in luminous characters. "Ah, so this chest is now exclusively mine," Carl reflected, impressed with the effectiveness of the personalized security system. This functionality, he thought, not only reinforced the security of the students' belongings but also added a personal and sophisticated touch to the dormitory environment.
While rummaging through the chest, Carl pondered his imminent schedule. "Well, this place is quite cozy," he commented to himself, admiring the efficiency of the space. His eyes roamed the room, absorbing every detail with satisfaction. "Classes start tomorrow, so I have the rest of the day free. The library seems to be the ideal place to start," he murmured while stroking his chin, articulating his plans out loud, although there was no one else to hear. With that decision, Carl closed the chest and rose, determined to make the most of the remaining time of the day, immersing himself in the vast resources of the Academy's library.
Leaving the male dormitory, Carl encountered a curious scene. A small group of students had formed in front of the female dormitory, all with their gazes fixed on a central figure walking with an imposing posture, evoking the image of a natural leader among her followers. "So it's her..." Carl murmured to himself, a slight expression of recognition crossing his face. It was Sarah, the young woman Damian had mentioned earlier. Observing her from a distance, he noticed the aura of confidence and respect she naturally emanated. Carl, however, did not allow his curiosity to distract him. With a discreet nod, he averted his gaze and continued his way, focusing on his initial goal: the library.
Back in the central square of the campus, a mosaic of activities and lively conversations was common there, but nothing surpassed the grandeur of the Academy's Library. Approaching, Carl felt as if he were in front of a sanctuary of knowledge. The structure, monumental in its stature, stood imposing under the sky, with its ten floors full of knowledge. "It could easily be the eighth wonder of the world if it were on Earth," Carl reflected, a trace of admiration in his voice, as his eyes traversed the richly decorated facade, adorned with sculptures of great mages from the past and mystical symbols.
As he approached, the library seemed to expand before him, each step enhancing its grandiosity. A ten-minute walk took him to his destination, where, just like in the dormitory, the absence of a traditional receptionist was notable. Upon entering, Carl was greeted by a vast sea
of shelves stretching as far as the eye could see, each one crammed with ancient books and mysterious scrolls. An elegantly designed circular staircase followed the inner wall of the tower, connecting the floors. At the staircase's entrance, an attendant discreetly watched, ensuring that only those who had reached the first magical circle were allowed to explore the upper level. Carl, although he did not yet possess such status, was curious about the content of the books on the upper floors.
Carl, immersed in a confluence of thoughts, pondered the vast ocean of wisdom extending before him. "Where do I start?" this question incessantly echoed in his mind, the magnitude of the choice weighing on him like a dense cloak. As his gaze wandered through the corridors, a slim young man, with his eyes deep in the page of a book, passed by him, absorbed in his own quest for knowledge. Approaching the young man with a firm decision, Carl touched his shoulder, attracting his attention. "Excuse me, could you tell me where to find the most basic knowledge here? It's my first time," inquired Carl, his voice exuding a usual calm. The young man, although initially surprised by the sudden interruption, quickly regained his composure and, with a subtle gesture, pointed in the direction Carl sought.
Carl followed the indicated direction with a thankful nod. Upon reaching the first corridor of shelves, located in the most remote corner to the left, he began a meticulous exploration. His eyes scanned the titles, each promising a gateway to new realms of knowledge. He found works like "What is Mana: An Initial Exploration", "Basic Concepts of Magical Mathematics", and "Introduction to Enchantments: Fundamentals and Practices". Each title represented a step on the ladder of learning, offering Carl a solid foundation for his future development as a mage. With an expression of determination, he reached out to pick up the first book, "What is Mana", feeling the texture of the cover under his fingers. Carl was excited to understand what mana truly was.