They ascended a majestic stairway leading to a towering five-story building.
With Its exterior comprised robust bricks, adorned with expansive glass windows and imposing columns on each side.
The entire campus was a blend of architectural splendor and magical ambiance. Tall trees, with leaves shimmering in iridescent hues, adorned the surroundings.
Fountains graced the open spaces, their waters flowing with a mesmerizing grace. Other structures, each uniquely designed, formed a harmonious ensemble, contributing to the ethereal atmosphere of Astromagia Academy.
Students moved purposefully between buildings, their colorful robes hinting at the diversity of magical disciplines taught within the academy.
As they went in, The interior mirrored the grandeur of the exterior. A vast open hall unfolded, its center marked by a cascading staircase leading to the upper floors. The symmetrical design featured staircases on three sides, gracefully ascending to higher levels. At ground level, numerous doors led to classrooms and offices, each promising secrets and knowledge within. The hall buzzed with the energy of students moving purposefully, creating a dynamic tableau of magical academia.
Ascending the left stairway, Benedict and Tahir traversed a hallway that beckoned with the promise of exploration. The corridor adorned with mystical symbols and ancient artifacts hinted at the profound knowledge that lay within the walls of Astromagia Academy. Students bustled around, engaged in hushed conversations, their eyes reflecting the curiosity and determination typical of magical apprentices. The ambient hum of magical energy filled the air, creating an atmosphere of wonder and anticipation.
Benedict, with a subtle nod, indicated the door ahead, signaling to Tahir that it was time to enter,
Tahir, slightly hesitant, asked for clarification, "In?"
"In, of course," replied Benedict with assurance. Tahir, bracing himself for the unexpected, pushed the door open. Contrary to his previous experiences, this time, the door seamlessly ushered him into the classroom, dispelling any lingering uncertainties.
Entering the class, Tahir unintentionally disrupted the ongoing lesson, prompting the teacher to pause and address the sudden entrance.
Tahir knows he was late, so he stopped by the door,
"Ummh Hello," he said,
The teacher maintained silence, scrutinizing Tahir with a stern gaze after his belated entrance and greeting.
Tahir clears his throat, and was about to say something else, when the teacher speaks out,
"You are late, one, you distracted my class, two and now you are disturbing me?"
Tahir then put his head down, and makes his way into the class even further, the class was filled up with students, there seems to be no space available for him to to sit, so he had to go up, over the stairs, there he saw an empty seat next to a student, so he went there and sat down, listening to the teacher as the class goes on.
To him, it was going to be a magic lesson class, where he will be tough how to make something levitate, or disappear, of maybe to pull a rabbit out of a hat, but no, it was a science class, he attended a biology class, in a magic academy.
He couldn't help but ask the person next to him,
"Umm Hello?" He called to him,
As they exchanged greetings, Tahir observed the person beside him—Ramad Qhan. Dressed casually, Ramad had a neat appearance with dark, well-combed hair and warm brown skin. His eyes, slightly rounded, reflected curiosity and friendliness.
"This is my first time here, so can you please help me with something?" Tahir asked.
"Of course," replied Ramad with a friendly smile.
"Thanks," Tahir expressed his gratitude. "I'm Tahir, Tahir Jamal," he introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake.
"I'm Ramad Qhan. You don't seem to be someone from around here," Ramad observed.
"Yes, this is my first time here," Tahir confirmed.
"What?!" Ramad exclaimed.
"Yes, I don't know how I got here. I just saw myself here," Tahir explained.
"Wait, are you from Earth?" Ramad asked, his excitement evident.
"Yes," Tahir replied.
"Huh, really?" Ramad's eyes widened, and he turned partially towards Tahir. "Tell me about Earth. How's the place?" His enthusiasm shone through his face.
"It's... the same as... I don't even know what to tell you about Earth," Tahir admitted, unsure of how to describe the only place he had known.
As they conversed, a deep manly voice echoed over their heads. "This is the fourth offense you did, new guy," said the voice.
They turned their attention towards the voice, and there stood their teacher, visibly frustrated, standing above them.
*****
The class concluded, and Tahir and Ramad joined the stream of students exiting the room. During their journey, Ramad continued to express his curiosity about Earth, firing off questions and seeking details about the place. Tahir, taken aback by Ramad's intense interest, shared snippets about his home planet, trying to provide a glimpse of life on Earth.
As they navigated through the bustling corridors filled with students, Tahir noticed the diverse attire and appearance of his fellow classmates. The academy seemed to house individuals from various backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the magical realm. The vibrant atmosphere intrigued Tahir, making him even more eager to explore this mystical world.
"Is there no way for someone from this place to travel to earth? I mean this is a magic school after all," Tahir asked,
Ramad sighed, and said, "well of course there is a way, but I can't afford it,"
"What do you mean?" Tahir asked,
"To get access to the door, one has to get the nobility tag, or an academic star, and as you can see me, I'm no noble in anyway, and I am just a first year student so I can't get a star," Ramad answered,
"Nobility Tag?" Asked Tahir,
"Yes, it's a family crest that all noble families have, using that one can bypass a lot of things, being it access to a higher level of the library or short cut passage to other places," Ramad responded,
"Wow, what about the star?"
"Oh, it's a tag the school gives to a person, there are ten if them that a person can achieve, when one gets them they can bypass places, but not as the one of a nobility tag, but the stars are pretty powerful as well," Ramad explained,
"But, how can one get them?" Tahir asked,
"You can get them either by achieving a hundred point in exams, and trainings, or by solving an unsolved mystery, or anything academic related. Oh, you can get them by winning the Star event as well," Ramad explained further,
Tahir got fascinated by it, and wanted to know more. As they were walking, he sighted Benedict standing, leaning by a pillar, looking at him, as they got closer to him, he said,
"Good, you two are here,"
"Us two?" Said Ramad,
"Yes Ramad, you two, come on let's go," he then started walking first.