Despite the arduous journey for Satoru, they eventually arrived at the monumental city gate that marked the entrance to Astralsya.
"Let's head straight to the Celestial Atrium. We can explore the other areas another day," Satoru suggested.
Alhough he had suggested heading directly to the Celestial Atrium, Satoru's gaze lingered on the surroundings, captivated by the beauty he had missed the previous day in his haste.
Astralsya's architecture was a feast for the eyes.
The buildings, resplendent in their medieval splendor, stood as timeless masterpieces.
Ornate facades and intricately carved stonework adorned the structures, each one reflecting a grandeur that seemed to whisper tales of yore.
Cobblestone streets wove through the city like ancient veins, bustling with the vibrant rhythm of daily life. Market stalls lined the thoroughfares, their colorful awnings creating a lively tapestry against the backdrop of the city's rich hues.
Merchants, dressed in attire reminiscent of a bygone era, hawked their ware with spirited enthusiasm, their voices mingling with the laughter and chatter of passersby.
Satoru was particularly enchanted by the contrast of the old-world charm and the lively, contemporary energy that thrived within these historic walls.
The city pulsed with a dynamic vibrancy, a harmonious blend of past and present that made it irresistibly captivating.
"This truly feels like a miniature city," Satoru remarked, his eyes still drinking in the vibrant sights of Astralsya.
As soon as his words fell into the air, he felt an odd dissonance.
He noticed that the comforting sensation of Janne's hand clasped around his, a connection they had maintained since the ascent from the mountainside, had abruptly vanished.
Glancing down, Satoru saw that while Janne's hand was still there, the tangible warmth was gone; their hands seemed to pass through one another as if they were phantoms in a dream.
Is this what Blessed Curse entails? The inability to be observed or interact when exposed to the gaze of living beings—it's a disheartening and unsettling sensation.
The invisible barrier between them, the disconnection of touch, underscored the profound isolation Janne must endure.
Her smile remained as enchanting as ever, yet this time Satoru felt the weight behind it.
Before meeting him, Janne's life had surely been far from pleasant, and this only strengthened his resolve to protect that radiant smile of hers.
"Yes, that's true," Satoru replied simply. The two fell into silence once again, but this time the atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious and tranquil.
Satoru continued to follow Janne, all the while taking in the sights, appreciating the beauty of this 'city'.
Before long, they stopped in front of a grand building.
The edifice was a colossal structure, rising to an impressive nine stories.
Its design adhered to the pleasing medieval style that characterized much of Astralsya, with the primary construction being of sturdy stone complemented by wooden accents.
The detailed stonework and arched windows exuded an aura of timeless elegance and scholarly prestige.
A grand staircase led up to a set of imposing double doors, intricately carved with symbols and patterns that hinted at the rich history and knowledge contained within.
Tall, narrow windows lined the facade, allowing streams of light to penetrate the interior, illuminating the ancient hallways and classrooms.
Vines of ivy climbed the exterior walls, adding a touch of nature's beauty to the stately building.
The entrance was flanked by two statues, each depicting a robed scholar in a contemplative pose, embodying the pursuit of wisdom that the Celestial Atrium represented.
The grounds around the building were immaculately kept, with cobblestone paths winding through lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers and carefully pruned hedges.
Benches were strategically placed under the shade of large, old trees, offering students and visitors serene spots for reflection and study.
The entire scene was a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, a testament to the academy's dedication to creating a conducive environment for learning and personal growth.
Satoru stood in awe, his eyes wide as he took in the grand sight before him. The sheer magnificence of the Celestial Atrium left him momentarily speechless.
Janne couldn't help but smile at his expression. There was something endearing about the way he seemed utterly captivated by the sight.
"How do you like it? Impressive, isn't it? This is Astralsya," Janne said, her voice filled with pride.
Satoru nodded, still absorbing the intricate details of the architecture and the serene beauty of the surrounding gardens.
"It's... breathtaking," he finally managed to say. "I've never seen anything quite like it. The blend of nature and stone, the history etched into every corner—it's like stepping into another world."
Janne's smile widened, pleased by his reaction. "I knew you'd appreciate it. Come on, let's head inside. There's so much more to see."
With that, she led him up the grand staircase, their steps echoing softly against the stone.
As they approached the towering double doors, Satoru couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation.
He was about to delve into a new world of knowledge and discovery, and he was ready to embrace it all.
They walked through the corridor on the third floor, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone tiles.
The hallway was lined with ancient tapestries and portraits of renowned scholars, each exuding an aura of wisdom and mystery.
"I suppose you're here to learn about magic, right?" Janne asked, breaking the silence. Her voice carried a tone of curiosity and amusement.
Satoru glanced at her, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yes, that's part of it. I want to understand this world better, and magic seems like a crucial aspect of it. But I also want to learn about the history, the culture, and the people. There's so much I don't know."
Janne nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and understanding.
"You're right. Magic is just one part of what makes Astralsya so unique. There are countless other subjects to explore, each as fascinating as the next. But if it's magic you're interested in, you're in luck. Some of the best magic scholars in the empire teach here."
"Open the door yourself; I can't help you with that," Janne said, a hint of teasing in her voice.
As soon as Janne finished speaking, she effortlessly phased through the wall, leaving Satoru standing outside the door.
He gently opened the door and was immediately struck by the bustling scene inside. Students were energetically discussing various topics, their voices blending into a lively symphony.
Satoru was amazed at the soundproofing of the classroom; outside, he couldn't hear any of the lively conversations within.
It dawned on him that this was a prime example of magic seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Satoru followed Janne's ethereal form and found a seat at the back, near the window—the only available spot in the classroom.
He settled into the chair, feeling the weight of curious eyes on him, but his focus remained on Janne, who was now casually standing beside him.
"Are you just going to stand there and watch me during class?" Satoru asked, slightly amused by the thought.
"Of course," Janne replied with a confident smile. "I have a wealth of knowledge in various fields, especially when it comes to magic. Trust me, I'll be able to help you out."
"Alright," Satoru responded, feeling a mix of relief and curiosity about the lesson ahead.
Satoru busied himself arranging his desk, taking in Janne's words about the relaxed learning environment.
Students were expected to bring a few notebooks to jot down key points, and teachers were lenient about attendance and classroom conduct.
This place was designed for self-motivated learning, a stark contrast to the rigid educational system he knew in his previous life.
The freedom to learn at his own pace, in a setting where attendance was voluntary, filled him with satisfaction. To Satoru, this was nothing short of a paradise for education.
The lively, noisy atmosphere suddenly quieted down, prompting Satoru to look up and glance around, trying to figure out what had happened.
The students, who had been chatting animatedly just moments before, were now silently focused on something or someone at the front of the classroom.
Satoru's eyes met the gaze of a girl who had appeared in front of him, seemingly out of nowhere.
She had long black hair that cascaded down her back, perfectly complementing her pristine black uniform.
In stark contrast to Janne's striking white hair and her equally black attire, this girl's presence exuded a different kind of aura.
While Janne's radiance was captivating and dazzling, this girl was the embodiment of cool elegance and seriousness, her demeanor both commanding and graceful.
The silence in the room was a testament to the respect and perhaps a touch of apprehension she commanded.
The girl's face was delicate, her features exquisitely refined, like a porcelain doll.
Her skin was fair and flawless, with a touch of natural blush that highlighted her high cheekbones.
Her eyes, deep and penetrating, held an intensity that matched her composed demeanor. Her slender frame was accentuated by the tailored uniform, which outlined her well-proportioned figure.
She carried herself with an air of quiet authority, every movement precise and controlled, adding to her overall aura of sophistication and regality.
And that exquisite face gazed at him, an unreadable expression in her eyes, as if she were pondering something deeply.
"Ah, he's that fool from the library," thought the girl.
"Ah, she's that beauty from the library," thought Satoru.
Both of them had the same realization at the same moment.