I looked around and saw a small group of students gathered nearby, all far, far beyond just nervous. I joined them, giving a nod to a few who made eye contact.
"Alright, everyone," the teacher said, raising her voice slightly to address the group. "My name is Sable Isolde, and I will be your homeroom teacher. Follow me, and we will begin the orientation."
"Welcome to the Arcanium," Sable Isolde began as we walked. "This is a place where most of you will not only learn about magic but also how to harness it, control it, and use it to shape the world around you. You are here because you possess extraordinary potential, and it is our job to help you realize that potential."
She led us through a series of hallways, each one more impressive than the last. We passed classrooms filled with students practicing spells, laboratories where potions bubbled and smoked, and libraries that seemed to stretch on forever, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls.
We finally arrived at a large, open courtyard. In the center stood a grand fountain, its waters shimmering with an ethereal light. Surrounding the courtyard were various buildings, each with its own unique design and purpose.
"This will be your home for the next few years," Sable Isolde said, gesturing to the courtyard. "You will learn, grow, and face challenges you never imagined. But remember, you are not alone. You have your peers, your teachers, and the entire university community to support you."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "Now, let's begin with the orientation. We'll start with a tour of the facilities, followed by a brief introduction to your classes and schedule."
I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was a new beginning, a chance to learn and grow in ways I had never imagined.
As we continued the tour, I noticed students practicing various forms of magic in designated areas. Some were conjuring elemental spells, while others were working on complex enchantments. The atmosphere was charged with energy, the air itself seeming to hum with magic.
We arrived at a large building with tall, arched windows and a grand entrance.
"This is the first year's lecture hall," Sable Isolde explained. "Here, you will attend your core classes and lectures from some of the most esteemed magicians in the world."
The room was vast, with rows of seats arranged in a semicircle around a central podium. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of magical battles and legendary creatures.
Finally, we arrived at the dormitories.
"This is where you will be living," Sable Isolde said, gesturing to the rows of buildings. "Each student will have a roommate, and there are common areas where groups can socialize and study."
I found my room and stepped inside, more lavish than my basement in Aetherhaven but less spacious than my basement in Aune. The room was simple but comfortable, with two beds, two desks, and a small bookshelf. Two wardrobes stood in the corners opposite the beds.
I carefully removed my armor. Stripping away the layers of metal and magic, I was just Micah again.
Opening the wardrobe, I found the uniform: a set of crisp, dark trousers, a fitted shirt, and a cloak adorned with the academy's emblem. As I put it on, a faint purple light enveloped me, adjusting the fabric to fit my frame perfectly, much like my sword's magical abilities.
My focus was abruptly interrupted by a sly laugh and a snobbish voice demanding, "Vacate my room."
I turned to see the boy from the front lawn standing in the doorway, his arms crossed and a smug expression plastered on his face.
"You again," I muttered, narrowing my eyes at him.
"Jester, what are you doing here?"
I stood my ground, my irritation bubbling to the surface. "This is my assigned room. Check the list if you don't believe me."
The boy rolled his eyes. "I don't need to check the list. I know my status here. Besides, you don't belong in a place like this. Look at you, dressed in that ridiculous uniform like you actually belong here."
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check. "I belong here just as much as you do. Maybe more. And I'm not leaving."
The boy's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Do you know who I am? My family practically built this academy. I could have you expelled with a single word."
I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest. "And who are you, exactly?"
"Lodur Munthe," he said, puffing out his chest. "My father is-"
"A real prick at times."
Lodur's face twisted into a sneer. "How dare you speak about Father like that!"
"Well, Lodur, this is my room, and I'm not going anywhere."
Lodur's face turned red with fury. "We'll see about that."
Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving me standing there, fuming. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This was not how I had envisioned my first day at the academy.
Determined not to let Lodur ruin my experience, I finished putting my belongings away and tried to focus on the task at hand. I would not let some arrogant brat dictate my future here.
A few minutes later, I heard a commotion outside my door. Curious, I stepped out to see down the hall a group of students gathered around Lodur, who was loudly proclaiming his grievances to anyone who would listen.
"...and he refuses to leave! Can you believe the audacity?"
One of the students, a tall girl with striking gold hair enhanced by a streak of purple, stepped forward.
"Lodur, this is a farce. If it's his assigned room, just let it be. You'll learn to like him."
Lodur glared at her. "Stay out of this, Freja."
She rolled her eyes. "You're just making a scene. Shall I tell Father of this? Come on! Stig is waiting for us in his dormitory."
Lodur opened his mouth to argue, but Freja grabbed his arm and dragged him away, much to the amusement of the other students. I watched them go, feeling a mixture of relief and irritation.
As the crowd dispersed, I returned to my room, hoping for some peace and quiet.