The Arena was smaller than the Axton Arena and has a lighter elegant architecture. Stands where spectators would sit stood on the east west, and south sides of the arena. Meanwhile the north side had no walls just pillars representing the entryway to the arena and stands. In the middle the stadium was set up with multiple small platforms made for duels. We arrived and stood on the first level of the stands. Other students stood in different parts of the stands.
"It's kind of boring without any fights," Orion states laying down on the marble bench.
"What did you guys expect on the day before start of the semester?"
"I didn't think the Arena trip all the way through." Maria rests her head on her hands. "I guess the fun parts won't start till tomorrow."
"Most likely, let's go somewhere else."
"You just want to go to the library." She exasperates, "You could do that at home."
"Well, the Library at home doesn't contain books on the swords to the extent The Academy's library does. I could study before classes and get a head start."
"Whatever, bookworm," She huffs staring down at the stage. People on the other side of the stands are scattered all over.
"Azanar?" a voice from behind us shouts out.
"Oh, Shit," I turn around and see Orion cussing at the arrival of a blond boy from a few benches up.
"How have you been? I hope your mother is feeling better." The boy descends the stands with a false smile. "I haven't seen you at any events this past year. I have been worried." By this time Orion is on his feet arms crossed back to me.
"Well, it's none of your business, Gabriel." Orion's voice dripping with venom. "It never was and never will." Gabriel finally steps down from the stairs holding himself pretentiously.
"Now is that anyway to talk to a higher ranking noble?" he spoke slyly.
"If I recall you are only a second born son not a true Heir, unlike myself."
"Well just because your mommy and brother died doesn't mean anything, Mixed blood." He sneers, "I should ask my father to let me play with Cere-" All I saw from behind Orion was Gabriel falling to the ground clutching his face looking up in shock. Then Orion turns around and facing us with a satisfied look.
"Let's get out of here." He says as he moves past us out of the arena. I drag Maria as I follow.
I finally catch up to him and let go of Maria's arm. "So do you want to talk about it?" He glances at me before shaking his head.
"It's a sad story for another time, let not let this ruin today," He gives a small smile, "Anyway I'm starving. You guys want to get something to eat?"
"I'll go, nothing else to do right?" Maria agrees. It was getting dark, and I still need to figure out how I'm here and how the book in my bag followed me. I shake my head.
"No, I'm good I'm heading to the library." I wave as we reach the dorms heading in the opposite direction from them.
The library stood on the east side of the plaza. It is an elegant brick layered building with clear glass windows showing off the books inside. I enter through the encased glass door into an entryway. As I close the door the receptionist at the desk looks up at me. Smiling as I see a familiar face from my past life. A tidy middle-aged man with pointed ears and slender frame shuffles some papers.
"You must be one of the new students. It is quite rare for students to come to the library on the day of arrival." His voice light and elegant, "My name is Alastair. Can I see you identification emblem."
"Here it is." Placing my emblem on the counter. He takes its and inspects it before handing it back.
"Everything's in order," He gives me a knowing smile, "I would explain the rules of the library, but I have a feeling you will be a pleasant guest." The comment throws me off guard.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if you are such an avid reader to come to the library on the day you arrive you must know the rules of a library." The tension in my shoulders relax as I let out a sigh.
"Yes, you are correct," To feign innocence I reply, "Do you know where the books on the time branch of the divination school would be?" He raises his brow.
"Why yes, I do, check the divination aisle in the sorcery wing. You should find it there." He lowers his gaze back to his book.
I head past the desk to the sorcery wing passing by a few aisles of books before reaching the divination aisle. I step into the aisle and see someone there sitting on the ground towards the end of the aisle. A short girl with red hair and thick glasses, nose deep in a book. I glance at the shelves looking for anything that could help me. As I browse down the aisle, I grab a few books but to no avail to what I was searching for. I squat down to see the bottom shelf when I hear a peppy voice.
"What are you looking for?" The girl was now squatting next to me clutching her book to her chest. Upon seeing her closer I realize she is of dwarf heritage the slightest point of her ears giving her away.
"Uh… Hi, I'm just looking for a book on time magic." Still shocked from her appearance I tell the truth.
"Why?" She gives me a puzzled look her brow furrowing over her hazel eyes.
"Research purposes, I guess." I fidget nervously, I was never a good liar. She stares at me for a few seconds as if expecting a better explanation. Then suddenly stands up.
"It's over here, follow me," She heads towards the end of the aisle, "My name is Sibella by the way."
"I'm Alexander," I stop walking when she starts browsing the shelf. She squints her eyes as she inspects the bookshelf. Then she widens them as she plucks a book off the shelf and hands it to me.
"Well, Alexander it's nice to see a fellow booklover such as yourself," she gives a bright smile.
"Yes, it is, thank you," I say as I take the book and flip to the first page. Theoretics of Time magic and Its Effect on Our plane of Existence by High Sorcerer Delphina Eldora. I look up from the book with a grin.
"Thank you this is exactly what I needed," Maybe I can figure out how this happened.
"It was no problem, but before you start your research can I ask a couple of questions?"
"Um… Sure what did you need?" I ask hesitantly worried what she may ask.
"You're a new student, correct?"
"Yeah, I can assume you are too, right?"
"Yes, I am. I was asking because I'm the only one from my village that came to Sylph Academy this year, so I don't know anyone." She looks at the ground. Silence follows her statement, and every passing second causes her ears to get redder.
"S-s-so, I was wondering if it would be alright if we became friends?" She quietly stammers causing the last word to be barely audible. I stifle a laugh as I try to respond.
"Yeah, I don't mind, I barely know anyone here anyway," I end up grinning as my next question came to mind, "But may I ask why you asked me instead of anyone in your dorms?" Her ears go beet red, and she looks up at me as if to show confidence.
"I just would like to be friends with someone who enjoys books." She states.
"Well, that's great, Let's be friends Sibella," I say as I hold out my hand and she shakes it firmly, "Well if that is all your questions, I have got to do some reading, if you would excuse me." I walk past her and sit at one of the tables by the windows. As I sit and open the book, she sits across from me with her book and begins reading. After glancing up when she sits down, I quietly begin my research in silence.