The group arrived at the Main University Building with three minutes to spare – thanks to Major General Muller's driving. Sebastian stepped off the jeep and wished he skipped his breakfast altogether.
Prof. Althea was standing by the main entrance and waved at them as they approached.
"Just in time," she told the four of them. "The line in the registrar's office is already long, good thing I was able to get you an appointment." She took Dorin's hand and placed a blue card in it. She looked at the other two students then and handed them a green number card each. "You can go to the second floor since you're just here to verify your enrollment," she told the two.
[Okay] answered Sebastian, taking out a blue slip from his cloak.
"We'll meet you at the Magic Proficiency Examination Room later," she told the two who nodded back and left for the second floor.
"Now, let's get to the registrar's office to get you enrolled," said Prof. Althea.
"Have you chosen a major, Dorin?" asked General Muller as they passed a line of students that seemed to extend to the end of the long hall.
"I think I would like to join the Magic Defense classes," Dorin beamed, "Sebastian said I can enchant weapons there!
"Wonderful!" Gen. Muller exclaimed, making most of the students in line look at their direction. "I'll apply as lecturer for the Enchanting Weapons class so I can teach you myself!"
"Aren't you handling enough classes in the military department?" asks Prof. Althea.
"I haven't finalized my schedule yet, so I can still drop some of `em classes," the General said with a smug smile. "I wouldn't pass a chance to teach Dorin again!"
"It would be great to learn from you again as well, Marcus... Sir!" said Dorin.
"Yes, yes...." Gen. Muller nodded, "This brings back memories..." he sighed, "I met your mother and Agate here as students in my Elemental Weapons class too," he related, "I was still a new teacher then, and your mom was my brightest student!" They turned a corner, still following the long line of students.
"She and–" general Marcus paused. "She was always at the top of her class," he continued, "Even in the years to come, your mom and her friends were all well known for their excellence in the Military, as well as in the Magic Division. They were the stars of Aubrianne University!"
"My mother had friends?" Dorin asked, a bit surprised.
"Yes, we were all part of the same group," said his aunt, Prof. Althea. "But she decided to cut all connections with us after some time."
Dorin wanted to ask more questions, but Prof. Althea stopped by a door and faced him. "This is the Head Registrar's office," she said. "She'll be asking you some questions. If you pass, you get a recommendation to take the Magic Proficiency Test at the 8th floor." Althea knocked on the door. "Come on in," she told Dorin, avoiding his gaze.
Inside, Althea went straight to the table at the end of the room where a middle aged woman was reading a sheet of paper.
"Mistress Ravant," Prof. Althea called to the woman behind the desk, "good morning."
The woman placed the newspaper down. She had reddish black hair, the left side highlighted with a silver mane. A plaque on the table says 'Lady Chantrell Amunet Evangeline Ravant, Head Registrar'.
"Good morning, Prof. Althea," the woman replied with a thin smile. "Is this the nephew you told me about?"
"Yes, we've come to enter him in the University." Prof. Althea took out some papers from the portfolio bag she was carrying. "I've got all his requirements here." She handed the documents to the head registrar who inspected them thoroughly.
"So, you plan to apply for a scholarship," Mistress Ravant said, looking at Dorin. "And the major you wish to join is...?"
"Magic Defense, Mistress Ravant," Dorin respectfully replied.
"Hmm..." she continued reading the files. "You came from Quercus Kingdom?"
"Yes, ma'am..." his aunt stepped forward before Dorin could say more.
"He was born and raised there," Prof. Althea said. "He's actually from a far off branch family." The registrar momentarily put the file she was reading down and looked at Prof. Althea. "His parents actually sent him earlier to see if he could fit in. They contacted me and asked for a favor, saying the boy has innate talent in magic."
Mistress Ravant looked at Dorin from head to foot. "There are hardly any students coming from the Quercus kingdom, particularly after the revolt. Some say they are raising the mages themselves, others say the magic was seeped out of the area after the revolt years ago." She reclined on her seat. "Frankly I believe the latter."
"Yes, I believe an expedition was sent there before to record the mana readings in the Quercus capital," General Muller uttered. The head register looked at his direction. "They reported that the readings were close to zero."
"Ah, Major General Muller, are you a guardian as well?" asked the registrar.
"Yes, his mother was an acquaintance of mine," replied General Muller, "I am to train her child in the military ways."
"Is that so?" Mistress Ravant shuffled the documents and placed it on her desk. "Well, everything seems to be in order here," she said. "Here's your temporary ID." She handed Dorin a blue card. "I'll make up a quote for your tuition fee later, for the meantime, go to the Magic Proficiency Examination room for your entrance exam and level analysis."
"Thank you, Mistress Ravant, we shall take our leave then," said Prof. Althea as she led Dorin out of the room.
Dorin was quiet the whole conversation, looking only, from one speaker to another. When they left the room, he looked at his aunt and quietly asked, "Why did you tell her all that stuff?" Prof. Althea continued walking without even looking at him. "Would it be bad to tell her the truth?"
Their group went up 2 flights of stairs. When there were no more people around, Althea faced Dorin and took hold of his hand.
"Dorin, your mother was known in this university as a top student, and to some, even a war hero," she said, Gen. Muller silent beside her, "but after the revolt, she just disappeared without a trace, and in... not so favorable circumstances."
"Your mother was actually under investigation for treason, though the family hushed it up and were forced to pay blood money instead," said Gen. Muller. "There are still a lot of people who are looking for her. Some for legal reasons, others for her talents, but there are many who are after her for revenge."
"Revenge?" asked Dorin, confused, "Why revenge?"
"Someday, young one," Gen. Muller said, his expression sad, "Someday we will be able to tell you."
"For now, we need to get to the Magic Proficiency room to get you tested," said his aunt. "Word of advise, don't attract too much attention," she added, "I am confident that the bands on your legs will hold most of your magic, you'll probably get 2nd rank at most, but try not to show off too much."
"Remember, you are supposed to be a low level mage that the imperial mages decided to leave behind," Gen. Muller reminded him. "Even if you can't get into the scholarship program, it's okay, your aunt and I can take care of your fees..."
"What is the requirement to get into scholarship, anyway?" Dorin asked.
"You need to be a Special Class," said Gen. Muller. "Any class, actually, as long as it's an A on your specialty magic."
"Specialty magic?" Dorin asked, confused.
"For example, my specialty magic is Healing," his aunt explained, "I am a class S magic Healer. Marcus here's specialty is Enerkinesis."
"I'm a class S Enerkinetic," the general said proudly. "I can control energy and bind them to weapons to create magic arsenals for our military."
"Ranks and classes range from D to A with A as the highest, and S as an advanced rank," Prof. Althea continued.
"Most of the generals and professors here are S ranked," said Gen. Muller, "A handful of students as well."
"But for now, I suggest you settle for a B, you can apply for a partial scholarship then," said his aunt.
"But, I want to pay for myself, like Sebastian used to do," said Dorin, "Can't I just get a full scholarship and work in the kitchens for the rest of my expenses?"
"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt, but remember, we are extending our help to you, I suggest you take it," said Gen. Muller, "You have no idea how hard the real world actually is..."
"Then I'm afraid I have to decline," replied Dorin. "I have reached this age relying only on my mother, and even then, I mostly had to fend for myself..."
"We insist..." Prof. Althea began, but Dorin raised a hand to silent her.
"It is my choice to stay here and study. My mother finally allowed me to leave the nest, and if she decides to take back the money I took from home, it only means that she wants me to work for the things that are important to me." He also stopped Gen. Muller who was about to interrupt. "On my own, by my own means." he added, "Without the help of my guardians."
Gen. Muller sighed. "I can't say I'm not proud of your decision... so if this is your wish, then I will not stop you."
"But..." his aunt objected.
"Let him be, Agate. Can't you see your nephew is growing into a fine man?!" said the General.
"Don't worry aunt Agate," the boy smiled, "I promise I would go straight to you if I ever get into trouble."
Agate could do nothing but sigh. "If that is your wish..." she finally said. "Now come, we're taking the elevator to the 8th floor."