[ Chapter Fifteen - Section Thirty ]
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After the first test, Ashran and Goyo barely passed the second one, which was a written exam. Ashran had an average score of sixty-two out of a hundred, while Goyo had a slightly higher average of seventy-nine. It was a great relief for them to have at least made it.
"So, we did pass," said Ashran, standing outside the hall with Goyo along with their luggage they had retrieved from the Lockers.
"Right," said Goyo, looking proud. "Oh, you know, I prepared for this. My mum hired a tutor for me, and it really went well. The tutor was good, so I was sure I could at least achieve this much."
While the two of them chatted, Ashran noticed that students passing by occasionally stole glances at them. But he ignored it either way, thinking it was just his imagination.
"By the way, did you see him?" asked Goyo. Ashran knew who he was referring to—the boy who had stolen the Orb they tried to take first.
"No, I didn't," mumbled Ashran. "But it all turned out well in the end, didn't it?"
"Oh yeah, but still, it pisses me off. You saw that mug of his, right?"
"I did."
"And not only that, his face—he's too handsome!" exclaimed Goyo.
"Um—I'm not sure what his looks have to do with it . . ."
Although Ashran was also curious about who that boy was, he was still thinking about who took down the second Golem they found. It wasn't an ordinary one—in fact, an extraordinary one. Professor Osman told them that the Orb they had brought back was a Silver Orb, the rarest kind, and that the Golem it belonged to was ten times stronger than common Golems.
Ashran was puzzled. Who could have defeated such a powerful Golem? And why would someone give away a Silver-Orb Golem when it could guarantee him or her a high grades in the Admittance? But before he could reach any conclusion, the afternoon had already passed, and they were now being directed to their dormitory by a girl who introduced herself as a member of the student council.
The girl had almond-shaped eyes and light brown hair tied back. She wore a dark, double-breasted blazer with silver buttons over a dress that had a belt at the waist. Most noticeably, she had a badge on her left breast bearing the letters "H.S.S."
She led them through the chattering crowds of students, turned right, and they ascended the marble staircase.
As they climbed the second flight of stairs, which felt like ages, Goyo asked, "Are we there yet?" As he was struggling with his luggage in both hands. "Almost," the girl replied flatly.
A few seconds later, they emerged into a corridor and stopped. The girl turned to Ashran and Goyo and said, "I'm sorry, but I'll leave you two here now. Your dormitory is in Section Thirty. Just go straight ahead, and you will see the sign easily. The Proctor of your section already knows you two are arriving and is waiting there. Now, if you'll excuse me." And she disappeared from their sight.
"Man, couldn't she have at least guided us to the end?" commented Goyo after the girl was out of earshot and had rounded the corner.
"Well, she probably has a lot to do, maybe guiding new students like us. Anyway, shall we go?" said Ashran.
"Right. I wonder what kind of Proctor is waiting for us? I hope it's a girl."
"Anyone's fine by me."
They passed by several doors with wooden signs at the top, each numbered sequentially: "23, 24, 25," and so on. When they reached "27," there was a young man standing beside the door, arms crossed and back leaning against the wall. He stared at them as they walked by. And they continued past two more doors until they reached one marked with "30."
Ashran and Goyo stood in front of the door. Goyo, who was about to do the honor of knocking, however, the door suddenly opened inward.
A person, taller than Ashran and even Goyo, appeared before them. He had a handsome face with a strong jawline, slightly tousled blonde hair, and a lot of freckles scattered across his cheeks and nose. Despite the freckles, he was still strikingly handsome, leaving Goyo speechless and his mouth slightly open.
His expression was quite calm and charming, and he said with a smile, "Took you two long enough. Come in." And as he opened the door wide for them, a girl appeared behind him and said, "Oho! So, these are the two you were talking about, Deon!" with an energetic vibe surrounding her. She has a small stature and her hairstyle was arranged in a half top knot, with wavy curtain bangs on both sides of her face.
"Yes, they are," replied Deon.
Ashran gave them a curious look. He and Goyo proceeded inside the room, which was warmly lit, with a roaring fireplace at its center. Plush red couches and armchairs were arranged around the fire, and bookshelves filled with books varying in colors lined the walls. And a large dark-blue and gold banner hung above the fireplace, bearing the symbol "30."
In the corner of the room sat another girl, who's sitting in an armchair. She had pointed ears, slanted eyes, and short black hair. She was reading a book on her lap with her legs crossed. She raised her head slowly and looked at them, giving Ashran a serious impression.