Later, as Zayn and Riven sifted through the stack of documents they had received, they both stopped at a particular page. Their eyes scanned the same line at the same time.
"Looks like we're both on scholarship," Zayn said, his tone a mix of surprise and relief. "It says here that if we don't have enough money to live off campus, we're supposed to be accommodated in the school dorms."
Riven grinned, slapping Zayn on the back. "Sweet! Problem solved. Free dorms for the broke kids," he said with a laugh.
Zayn shook his head, laughing as well. "Guess that's one less thing to worry about." He pointed to the school map, which showed the layout of the academy. "Looks like the dorm area is right here. Let's head over."
As they made their way through the academy grounds, passing large groups of students, Zayn couldn't help but glance around in awe. "This place is gigantic," he muttered, still trying to wrap his head around the sheer size of the school.
Riven, more familiar with the scale, shrugged. "Well, it is the only magic academy in Myrria. It's gotta be big. And it's not just students, you know." He gestured broadly to the buildings around them. "Researchers and scholars spend most of their time here too. Perfecting magic techniques, studying new forms of life. It's more like a magic hub than just a school."
Zayn was about to respond when his gaze caught something—or rather, someone—walking past them. A beautiful girl with long, flowing blonde hair, her steps graceful and light, as if she were barely touching the ground. Her sharp features and pointed ears gave her away instantly.
"Is that... an elf?" Zayn asked, his eyes widening in surprise as he watched the girl continue down the path, blending into the crowd.
Riven followed his gaze and nodded thoughtfully. "Probably one of the exchange students from Atheria," he said, referring to the northern kingdom known for its elven population. "There's a magic exchange program between Myrria and Atheria. So, yeah, even elves go here. You'll see a lot of different people."
Zayn shook his head, still amazed. "This place just keeps getting crazier."
After what felt like a long trek across the vast campus, they finally arrived at the dormitory area. The building they were assigned to was four stories tall, made of sturdy stone, with large windows that gave it a somewhat imposing look. Despite its age, the dorm had a sense of charm, with ivy creeping up its walls and a peaceful garden in the front.
"This must be it," Riven said, checking the map one last time before heading to the door.
Inside, they found an old woman seated at a small desk near the entrance. She had a kind face but her sharp eyes seemed to catch every detail as they approached. Zayn stepped forward first, clearing his throat.
"Um, excuse me, we were told to find accommodation in the dorms. We're on scholarship and—"
The old woman raised a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "Names?"
"Zayn Eldrion and Riven—" Zayn began, but the woman cut him off again, her finger moving swiftly down a long list.
"Ah, here you are," she said with a nod. "Scholarship students, yes. Welcome to Dormitory 3." She pointed to a staircase nearby. "Second floor. Room 208. There are two beds inside, so you're sharing." She looked at them sternly. "Keep the noise down, and no magic in the halls. Got it?"
Riven smiled, his easygoing nature shining through. "Loud and clear."
They took the stairs two at a time, eager to see their new living space. When they reached their room and opened the door, Zayn let out a low whistle. The room was simple, but clean and spacious enough. Two beds, a couple of desks, and a window that let in plenty of light.
"This isn't bad at all," Zayn said, dropping his stuff onto one of the beds. "Better than I expected."
Riven flopped down onto the other bed, staring at the ceiling. "Free place to sleep, good view, and we've got a whole academy to explore. Could be worse, right?"
Zayn nodded, finally feeling a bit of the tension in his shoulders ease. "Yeah, could definitely be worse."
Later that night, just as Zayn and Riven were about to settle into their beds, the door to their room was suddenly kicked open with a loud bang. Zayn shot up, heart pounding, while Riven groaned, already sensing trouble.
A massive figure filled the doorway. Standing well over six feet tall, the intruder was not just any normal man—he was a lion beastkin, with a mane of golden fur and a body that seemed made entirely of muscle. His broad shoulders nearly brushed the doorframe.
The lion beastkin roared, his voice deep and booming. "I hear there's fresh fish in the dorm!"
Zayn blinked in disbelief, his brain struggling to process the situation. Riven, on the other hand, rubbed his eyes lazily. "Seriously? I was just about to sleep," he muttered.
The lion guy took a step inside, surveying them with a predatory gaze. "You two," he pointed a clawed finger at them, "are coming with me."
Zayn, still in shock, managed to stammer, "Uh, why?"
The beastkin growled low, clearly not in the mood for questions. "I don't explain myself to fresh fish."
Riven, however, didn't seem fazed in the slightest. He stepped forward, crossing his arms casually. "Look, man, it's late. We've had a long day. Could you, I don't know, maybe chill out and explain what this is about?"
The tension in the room thickened as the two locked eyes. The lion guy growled softly, clearly not used to anyone standing up to him, but Riven didn't budge. They stared at each other, both unblinking, as if the entire room had turned into an arena for an intense, silent duel.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the lion beastkin snorted. "Hmph. Fine. It's a dorm custom. All new arrivals have to come out for a little... initiation."
Riven smirked, clearly pleased with himself. "See? Wasn't that easier? You could've started with that."
The lion guy glared at him but didn't argue. "Get moving. Now."
As they followed the beastkin out into the hallway, Zayn leaned over to Riven and whispered, "What the hell was that?"
Riven grinned. "I just didn't feel like being bullied before bed, you know?"
They were led outside, where they found an open field behind the dorm. There was a large gathering of people—probably the dorm members. Some were standing around chatting, while others looked more serious, keeping their eyes on a group of nervous-looking students who Zayn figured were also new arrivals. They looked shaken, like they'd already been through some kind of ordeal.
"Great," Zayn muttered. "What did we sign up for?"
Riven glanced around, unfazed. "It can't be that bad. Probably just some hazing to make us feel welcome." He cracked a smile. "Worst-case scenario, we get chased by a lion. Oh wait, that's already happening."
Zayn shot him a look. "Not funny."
The lion beastkin turned to face the group. "Alright, fresh fish," he announced, his voice booming across the field. "This is the Dorm Challenge. We do this for all the new members. Think of it as a test. You're not officially part of Dormitory 3 until you pass."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is this 'challenge'?"
The lion guy grinned, flashing sharp teeth. "Simple. You've got to make it to the other side of the field. But—" He gestured to a few older students who were standing off to the side, cracking their knuckles and looking way too eager. "We'll be... making it difficult for you."
Zayn's stomach dropped. "You mean we have to run while they—"
"Try to stop you? Yep," the lion beastkin interrupted, his grin widening. "Think of it as a warm-up for what's to come. Magic, strength, agility—use whatever you've got."
One of the shaken new arrivals groaned. "I already failed twice," he muttered under his breath.
Zayn glanced at Riven. "This is nuts."
Riven shrugged. "Sounds fun."
"How is this fun?"
Riven chuckled. "Come on, Zayn. Just think of it as training. Worst that happens? We get roughed up a bit. Best case? We show them we're not to be messed with." He cracked his knuckles, clearly looking forward to the challenge.
The lion beastkin raised a hand. "Fresh fish, get ready. You've got thirty seconds before we start."
Zayn took a deep breath. "You sure about this?" he asked Riven, eyeing the older students who looked like they were just itching for a fight.
Riven smirked. "Not at all. But let's make it interesting."
As the older students took their positions along the field, Zayn felt a mix of excitement and dread. The lion beastkin stood at the very end, a massive figure that seemed to radiate authority. He called out, "Ready? Come at us whenever!" His voice boomed across the field, sending a thrill down Zayn's spine.
Riven turned to Zayn, a cocky grin plastered on his face. "So, are you ready for this?"
Zayn sighed heavily. "Ready? No. I'm about to get tackled by a bunch of upperclassmen and I haven't even had dinner yet."
"That's the spirit!" Riven laughed, shaking his head. "Let's just try not to end up as dorm room decorations."
With that, they both took off at the same time, Zayn pushing himself to keep pace with Riven. He could feel the adrenaline surging through him, urging him to move faster. They approached the first student—a burly guy with a cocky smirk.
Riven moved first, darting forward. The older student lunged at him, but Riven sidestepped effortlessly, and the guy went tumbling to the ground in a heap. Zayn couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like he should've stretched first!"
"You're next, buddy!" Riven shouted over his shoulder, encouraging Zayn as they rushed past.
Zayn wasn't as lucky. The next student, a lanky girl with quick reflexes, had taken a wide stance, ready to intercept. As Zayn charged toward her, he felt a sense of confidence; he could easily dodge her. But she was quick. Just as he reached her, she grabbed him, and before he knew it, they both went tumbling to the ground.
"Ow!" Zayn exclaimed as he landed hard, the grass crunching beneath him.
Riven glanced back, spotting Zayn tangled with the girl. "Just remember, Zayn, it's all part of the initiation! Don't let them take your dignity!"
"Easy for you to say! You're not the one on the ground!" Zayn grunted, trying to push himself back up.
Riven shook his head, but his expression quickly turned serious. There were two more students to get past before facing the lion beastkin. With renewed determination, he accelerated, a blur of motion zigzagging around the two students, who were clearly caught off guard by his speed.
As he approached the lion beastkin, Riven felt a rush of adrenaline. He was going to do this.
The lion guy put his forearms up, ready to block the inevitable counter. He smirked, his muscles flexing as he prepared for Riven's approach.
In a split second, Riven pulled his arm back and launched a punch. The moment it connected with the lion's forearm, there was a deafening boom, followed by an explosion of violent wind that reached Zayn and the other spectators. The force sent the lion beastkin staggering back several meters, his feet digging deep trenches into the ground as he tried to regain his balance.
The lion beastkin shook his head to clear it, smoke curling up from his arms where the impact had left its mark. He stared at Riven, eyes wide. "Not bad for a fresh fish," he admitted, a hint of respect creeping into his tone.
"Just warming up!" Riven said, a cocky grin plastered across his face. "How about next time, I don't hold back?"
He extended his massive paw-like hand toward Riven. "Name's Klaigone," he said, his sharp teeth showing as he grinned. "Not bad, fresh fish. Didn't expect that, what level are you fish? "
Riven smirked as he shook Klaigone's hand, feeling the strength in the beastkin's grip. "Riven. And, well, I do like to make a good first impression." He opened his palm, summoning the holographic screen once again.
Klaigone leaned in to inspect the black writing, the word "LEVEL: 1" and "TYPE: VOID" glowing faintly on the display. "Huh," Klaigone grunted, scratching his chin. "Level one, huh? You sure don't fight like it. Void magic too. That's rare."
"Yeah, well," Riven shrugged, "just lucky I guess. What about you? You must be what... level 99 or something?"
Klaigone let out a bark of laughter that echoed through the field. "If only! You'll find out soon enough, fish."
Zayn finally caught up, dusting off his clothes and shaking his head. "I don't know what you're feeding these guys, but you're all insane. First day and I'm already getting tackled. This better come with a free meal."
Klaigone clapped him on the back so hard Zayn almost lost his footing. "Don't worry, fresh fish. You'll get the hang of it. Besides, you can try as many times as you want until I give you a pass."
Zayn groaned. "More running? Great. Can't wait."
Riven, always ready with a quip, grinned. "Look on the bright side, Zayn. It's good cardio."
Zayn gave him a deadpan look. "Yeah, because that's exactly what I wanted out of this magic academy. A workout plan."
Klaigone chuckled, clearly amused by their banter. "You two are a funny pair. But, I'll admit, you've got guts. Most of the fresh fish don't even make it past the second student."
"Well, when you're running for your life, you tend to find hidden talent," Zayn quipped, rubbing his shoulder where the second student had grabbed him. "But seriously, Klaigone, maybe you're not so bad after all."
Klaigone grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment. But don't get too comfy. There's a lot more where that came from. The dorm challenges aren't over yet."
Zayn sighed dramatically. "Great. More opportunities to become a pancake."
"That's the spirit!" Klaigone boomed, laughing again. "You two better head back to your rooms. Get some rest. Tomorrow's another day, and trust me—you'll need your energy."
As they made their way back toward the dorm, Zayn rubbed his neck, still sore from the tumble. "So… what exactly was that punch, Riven? You almost sent the guy flying.No way you did that with those noodle arms."
"Hey," Riven shot back, pretending to flex. "These noodle arms just knocked a lion beastkin back ten feet. Maybe you should be nicer to me, Zayn. You never know when I'll save your butt again."
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't get cocky."
As they finally reached their room and collapsed on their beds, Zayn let out a long sigh. "You know, Klaigone's not so bad. Once you get past the whole 'roaring in your face and trying to tackle you' thing."
"Yeah," Riven agreed, kicking off his shoes. "He's just trying to keep up the beastkin tough-guy act. Gotta establish dominance and all that."
Zayn slept soundly that night.