The corridor Quinn led Elias down was lined with ornate tapestries and polished marble floors that gleamed in the morning light. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the grimy streets Elias was used to. The Academy was a world unto itself, and as he walked, he couldn't help but feel both awe and apprehension.
"So, where are we headed?" Elias asked, trying to keep his tone casual. Quinn had been silent for most of their walk, lost in her own thoughts. Elias was starting to feel like he was intruding on a private moment.
Quinn glanced over her shoulder, her glasses reflecting the light. "First, I'm going to show you the basic layout of the Academy. After that, I'll take you to the student common area. You're going to need to know where everything is if you're going to make it here."
Elias nodded, trying to take in every detail. They passed grand hallways with high ceilings and massive windows that let in streams of sunlight. There were a few other students in the halls, all dressed in their immaculate uniforms, chatting and laughing. Elias felt out of place, but he did his best to keep his head up and follow Quinn.
"So, what's the deal with this place?" Elias asked, genuinely curious. "How does it all work?"
Quinn stopped in front of a large wooden door and turned to Elias. "Well, the Academy is divided into several sections. The main building is where most of the classes are held, and it's also where the professors' offices are. Then there's the dormitory area where students stay. Each dorm is assigned to a different year, so you'll be in the first-year dorm."
Elias nodded. "Got it. And what about the… well, the important people? The nobles and all that?"
Quinn's expression became a bit more serious. "Ah, the nobility. They have their own wing in the Academy, separate from the common students. They get special treatment and access to certain resources. It's one of the perks of being from a prominent family. But don't worry too much about them. Most of them keep to themselves, and as long as you don't cause trouble, you'll be fine."
"Sounds like a typical setup," Elias said, more to himself than to Quinn. He was used to the idea of social hierarchies—after all, the streets had their own hierarchy, albeit a lot less civilized.
Quinn continued, "We also have different factions and societies within the Academy. Some are academic, focused on research and study. Others are more social or political. You'll want to find your place soon. It's easier if you have a group or mentor."
"Mentor?" Elias asked. "I hadn't thought about that."
Quinn gave him a sideways glance. "Yeah, a mentor can help you navigate the Academy. Sometimes, it's a professor. Sometimes, it's a more experienced student. If you're lucky, you might find someone who can teach you the ropes."
Elias felt a pang of anxiety. Finding a mentor sounded great in theory, but the idea of asking someone for help made him uneasy. He wasn't exactly used to relying on others.
As they reached the common area, Quinn led Elias through a set of double doors into a spacious lounge filled with students lounging on comfortable chairs and sofas. It was a bit like a high-end coffee shop, but with more books and magical artifacts scattered around.
"Here's the common area," Quinn said, gesturing to the room. "It's a good place to meet people and get information. You might want to check out the bulletin board over there. It has announcements about events, study groups, and occasionally, opportunities for extra help."
Elias scanned the room, noting the various groups of students chatting and laughing. He saw a bulletin board in the corner, covered in notices and flyers.
Before he could take a closer look, a voice interrupted him. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the new kid."
Elias turned to see a tall, confident-looking student with slicked-back hair and a smug grin. He was flanked by two others, who were equally well-dressed and looking at Elias with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Hey, I'm Elias," he said, trying to sound friendly. "Just getting my bearings."
The tall student raised an eyebrow. "Name's Felix. I'm a third-year here. Heard you're a bit of a mystery."
"Felix, huh?" Quinn said, stepping between Elias and Felix. "Can't you see you're bothering the new kid?"
Felix shrugged nonchalantly. "Just trying to make him feel welcome. We've had some interesting new students lately."
Quinn gave Felix a pointed look. "Yeah, well, Elias is still figuring things out. If you're done, maybe you could leave him alone."
Felix smirked. "Fine, fine. Just remember, Elias, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're all one big happy Academy family."
As Felix and his friends walked away, Elias exhaled, feeling the tension leave his shoulders. "That was… awkward."
Quinn nodded. "Yeah, Felix likes to play the big shot. Just ignore him. Anyway, I think you've got enough to start with. I'm sure you'll run into more people soon enough."
Elias nodded, grateful for the advice. "Thanks, Quinn. I really appreciate the help."
"No problem," Quinn said, giving him a small smile. "Just remember, this place can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it. And if you need a mentor, there's someone I might be able to introduce you to. He's a bit eccentric, but he knows his stuff."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Eccentric?"
Quinn chuckled. "You could say that. But he's one of the best in the Academy. If anyone can help you get a grip on magic, it's him."
Elias's curiosity was piqued. "I'd like to meet him."
"Alright," Quinn said. "I'll set something up. In the meantime, explore the common area and try to meet some people. It's the best way to get a feel for the place."
As Quinn walked away, Elias took a deep breath and began to explore the common area. He felt a bit more at ease now, with a plan in mind and a possible mentor on the horizon. For the first time since arriving at the Academy, he felt like he might just be able to find his footing.
And maybe, just maybe, figure out what his place was in this strange new world.