As Elba stepped outside the hall, still dazed by the events of his final trial, he made his way through the winding corridors of the academy towards the dormitories. The key and verification card felt heavy in his hand, a reminder of the new chapter in his life that was unfolding. The path to the dormitories was lined with towering trees, their leaves casting a cool shade that contrasted with the warmth of the sun. The dorm building itself was an impressive structure — a grand fortress of dark stone with intricate carvings adorning the walls, representing various dragon clans from the academy's past.
The entrance was wide, with tall wooden doors embellished with metallic engravings, and two stone dragon statues guarded the front. As Elba walked in, the air felt cool and still, like a place steeped in history. The interior was no less impressive — high ceilings, marble floors, and wide corridors with elegant chandeliers hanging above. The walls were lined with large, old paintings of notable alumni, giving off an air of prestige. Students were moving about, either chatting in groups or walking alone, seemingly absorbed in their thoughts. Elba noticed that the dorm was much like a small city within the academy, with its own courtyards and common rooms scattered throughout the building.
As he made his way to his assigned room, the corridors grew quieter. He stopped in front of a large wooden door with the number "217" etched onto a golden plaque. Taking a deep breath, Elba inserted his key and stepped inside. The room was modest compared to the grandeur of the academy, yet it was comfortable and well-furnished. The floors were wooden, and each side of the room had a bed, a study desk, and a wardrobe. A large window allowed the sunlight to stream in, giving the room a warm glow. Elba noticed that one side of the room was already occupied, with books, clothes, and various personal belongings scattered about.
Before he had time to settle in, the door behind him opened, and in walked his roommate — Lucas. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with messy brown hair that fell into his eyes, and a somewhat arrogant expression on his face. He carried himself with the air of someone who knew his way around the academy. Dressed casually in academy robes, he looked Elba up and down before speaking, his tone laced with a smirk.
"So, you're the new kid they stuck me with?" Lucas said, tossing his bag onto his bed without care. "Great, another first-year to babysit."
Elba, unsure how to respond, simply nodded. "Yeah, I'm Elba. It's nice to meet you."
Lucas let out a short laugh. "Don't worry, I won't bite. Much. Name's Lucas. I'm a year ahead of you, so you'll be hearing a lot of 'senior' from now on."
Elba raised an eyebrow but decided not to comment on Lucas' self-assured attitude. He seemed like the type of person who enjoyed getting a rise out of people, but there was something else beneath that demeanor. Elba could sense it. Trying to keep things cordial, Elba made his way to his bed and started unpacking, trying to avoid any awkward silences.
"So," Lucas started, lounging on his bed and flipping through a book he'd picked up. "What brings you here? I mean, obviously you passed the trials, but what's your story, newbie?"
Elba paused, not sure how much to reveal. He still didn't fully understand everything that had happened to him — the attack, his parents' deaths, the mysterious figure in his trial. But he knew that keeping a low profile might be for the best, at least until he figured things out.
"Just… the usual," Elba replied, keeping it vague. "I want to get stronger. Learn more about my powers."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the vague answer. "Sure, sure. Everyone's got their reasons. Just remember, people here can be vicious. Watch your back."
Elba shot him a questioning look. "What do you mean by that?"
Lucas closed his book and sat up, his expression suddenly serious. "This place isn't just about learning magic or passing tests. There's a lot of politics, a lot of people trying to prove they're better than everyone else. Especially when it comes to those from big families. Trust me, you'll see it soon enough."
Elba thought back to the encounter with the silver-haired boy and how everyone had bowed their heads before him. He'd felt that pressure already, the unspoken hierarchy that seemed to govern the academy. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Good," Lucas said, leaning back once more. "Stick with me, and you won't get trampled over. I may not look like it, but I've got some pull around here." He smirked, though it seemed more playful this time. "Anyway, what's your element?"
"All elements," Elba said casually, still coming to terms with it himself.
Lucas sat up immediately, eyes wide with surprise. "Wait, seriously? All of them?"
Elba nodded. "Yeah. Apparently."
Lucas whistled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, you just might be worth watching after all. Don't let it go to your head, though. I've seen some powerful people lose their way here."
Elba appreciated the advice, though Lucas' attitude was still a little hard to gauge. The conversation drifted off into more mundane topics after that — classes, training schedules, dorm rules. Despite Lucas' rough introduction, Elba was starting to feel a bit more at ease. Lucas, for all his arrogance, didn't seem like a bad person deep down.
As the day came to a close, Elba lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The academy felt vast and overwhelming, filled with dangers he didn't fully understand. But for the first time in a while, he felt a glimmer of excitement. This was the start of something new. And with Lucas by his side — strange as he was — Elba was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He was ready to feel and experience every despair, was ready to struggle till death just to know the truth and get his revenge.