The dawn light filtered softly through the curtain, casting golden rays across the room and touching Carl's face with welcoming warmth. "Wake up, buddy," Damian called in a whisper, hanging off the edge of the top bunk and poking Carl persistently. Eyes half-open and still blurry from sleep, Carl murmured in response, "I'm awake, stop poking me." He frowned, confused and sleepy, as he asked Damian in a hoarse voice, "What time is it? And why are you already here, so early?"
Damian, with a morning smile and bright eyes, replied, "I just got here. I was wondering if you knew where our first class was and I came here to put my things away and call you so we can go together." Carl rose slowly from the bottom bunk, yawning deeply, the muscles in his arms stretching and flexing in an effort to dispel the last vestige of sleep. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his vision and his mind, and replied in a still sleepy voice, "That's good, because I really have no idea where our class is."
"So let's go, we need to eat something before going to class; we still have some time. Here at the Arcane Academy, we can choose our classes, but the beginning is the same for everyone. Today we will have the basics and, from what I heard, they will distribute the mana refining techniques," Damian said, his enthusiasm showing in his words. "Despite being a noble, I also don't have a refining technique of my own, so we're in the same boat, partner," he continued, giving Carl a sympathetic look.
"So even nobles have a hard time getting these things," thought Carl, absorbing the news. He quickly got dressed and, with a curt "Let's go," they left. It didn't take long for them to arrive at the wizards' wing, located in the western part of the academy. It was a place where everything related to magic was concentrated, including an exclusive cafeteria for magicians. "This prejudice between wizards and warriors is a serious thing," Carl reflected, surprised by the spatial segregation, after learning that there were separate dining halls for wizards and warriors.
The dining room in the wizards' wing was a spectacle of order and elegance. Every detail of the great hall reflected the meticulous nature of its patrons: impeccable tables for up to six people, arranged symmetrically, contrasting with rumors that in the warriors' wing only four sturdy tables dominated the space. Carl observed everything with keen curiosity. "Wizards are naturally less sociable, huh?" he thought, his gaze sliding over the polished white stone floor, which reflected the light softly, creating a serene environment. The tables, following the tone of the stones, emanated an aura of tranquility.
"Come on, we can help ourselves there. Then, just choose a place to sit," said Damian, pointing excitedly towards the cantina. Carl, with purposeful steps, led the way. Upon arrival, he grabbed a tray from a neat pile and cast a critical eye over the array of food. The mixed aromas filled the air, promising a satisfying breakfast. After pondering briefly, he made up his mind: a fresh bun with boiled eggs. "Nothing like a nice loaf of bread and eggs in the morning to make me happy," thought Carl, a subtle smile forming on his face as he imagined the comforting taste of the first meal of the day.
Damian followed Carl and chose bread and eggs too, they didn't take long eating and soon went to the living room, where the first class would take place. "What do you know about that first class Damian?" asked Carl as they walked "What I know is that we're going to have a basic class, we're going to learn to feel mana on our own and if we're given the technique today, they'll probably teach us how to use it" Damian said excitedly, Carl just He nodded, keeping his face impassive.
The corridors were full of aspiring wizards, conversations and voices filling the environment as they walked, a few minutes later they arrived at the room assigned to them, before entering Carl saw that there were some students outside talking to each other excitedly, he He didn't care much about it and entered the room. The classroom was a modern amphitheater, where every detail seemed meticulously planned to optimize learning. Student seats, arranged in a staggered style, rose gently as they moved away from the blackboard, ensuring that each student had an unobstructed view of the teacher and teaching material. The front row, at ground level, allowed close and direct interaction with the teacher, while the rear, elevated rows provided a broad perspective of the entire room.
The chairs, although simple in design, were comfortable and adjustable, made from a sturdy material that withstood continuous use. Each seat had a small table attached, perfect for notes and books. Natural light, which entered through large windows, illuminated the room, creating an ideal study environment.
The blackboard, large and well positioned at the front of the room, was the central focus. Around him, shelves and cabinets containing books and magical materials decorated the walls, reflecting the academic and mystical nature of the environment. This seating arrangement, in addition to being practical, also symbolized the students' educational journey: starting at the lowest level and ascending as they gained knowledge and experience.
Half of the seats were already occupied when Carl entered, and the students chatting outside quickly filled the remaining spaces. He chose a front row seat, valuing the proximity to the blackboard and the teacher's clarity. Damian sat down next to him, looking visibly anxious. "I'm a little nervous," he whispered, voice shaking slightly. Carl, observing the campus through the large windows that dominated the left wall, gave Damian a reassuring look. "Relax, bro. The worst that could happen is that you'll be stupid, but that's unlikely, since you're sitting next to me," he joked, trying to ease Damian's tension with a knowing smile. The morning sun filtered through the windows, bathing the room in golden light that reflected off the polished surfaces of the tables and chairs, creating an atmosphere of calm expectation.
Soon after, the remaining students entered, occupying the last available seats. The door opened once again, and a man of imposing stature entered, his presence filling the space. "Hello everyone, I will be your teacher in elementary school classes. My name is Gaius Terran, and my affinity is with the earth element. I am currently in the third circle," he introduced himself in a deep, resonant voice. Carl examined the professor curiously: Gaius was a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard that gave him an air of authority. His eyes, a deep brown like the earth, swept the room with a mixture of rigor and gentleness. He wore a simple yet elegant robe, a mossy green that reminded him of the depths of an ancient forest.