Chapter 02
The academy's castle-like structure sprawls across 500 acres of land, with a total floor area of 2.5 million square feet. The castle stretches 1,200 feet in length, 800 feet in width, and rises to a maximum height of 200 feet.
To put it into perspective, the academy is roughly the size of:
- 10 large football stadiums
- 50 average-sized schools
- 200 acres of forest
The academy's grounds include:
- 10 grand halls
- 50 lecture theaters
- 200 classrooms
- 500 dormitory rooms
- 20 libraries
- 10 laboratories
- 5 greenhouses
- 2 stadiums
- 1 Great Hall
The academy's sheer scale is a testament to its rich history, magical prowess, and commitment to educating the next generation of magical minds.
Zephyr smiled, while Elena stood in shock. Her imagination had fallen short until she heard the detailed description. Only then did she realize just how vast the academy was. Zephyr looked at her with a knowing smile—he had felt the same way when he first arrived at the academy.
"Alright, let me take you to the important places you should know," he said as they entered the car to tour the Academy.
"Fuck! I'm so tired. I didn't think going around the academy was worth it at this point," I said, entering the dormitory room with my badge that read "Nightshade."with the number one on it, It signified my year at the academy—my first year.
"So, this is the Nightshade dormitory," I thought, taking in the cozy, mystical ambiance. The dark wood paneling, purple and black decor, and wolf-inspired artwork added to its charm. The Wolf Wing was on the right, with the Witches' Wing on the left. It was beautiful. "Fuck! Which wing will I take, left or right? I'm a hybrid, after all. What a pain," I sighed.
"Hey, Elena! You didn't bother to call me, even though I told you I'd be coming to the academy today," a familiar voice said. Turning around, I saw a pissed-off Anastasia glaring at me.
She's my best friend, and yes, she did tell me she'd be coming today. I was so excited that I completely forgot to call her. "I'm really sorry, Sia," I said, using the nickname I gave her.
"Really, Elena? I've been waiting for you, and the least you could have done was pick up your phone, you bitch!" I guess I was really angry, and she deserved it. I had been waiting here for hours, and she didn't even remember she told me to come. I thought this while trying to catch my breath after letting out my anger.
Looking at her now, I could see she had been tired just a few minutes ago, but she had already recovered. With those dark eyes, fiery red hair, and pale skin, and a physique with just the right amount of muscle and strength, she was beautiful as well as strong. As she opened her lips to say something, I couldn't help but notice those red lips too. Elena Grey was trouble; I knew that since we were kids. With her beauty, I could kiss my peaceful days goodbye, sigh.
"I'm sorry, Sia," I said again, looking at her. "Anastasia Frostbite," with her white skin, black hair, and blue eyes, was the cautious type. But I do like her—I'm sure she knows that. She's like my twin sister: Ice and fire.
"Witches' Wing then?" we both said together. "I guess choosing my dormitory was that simple," I said, chuckling. She laughed along. "So, which floor are we going to, Sia?" I asked.
"The fifth floor," I said, checking my badge. On the back of the badge, there was "5/5," which I guessed meant the 5th floor and the 5th room.
"Same with mine too," Sia said, looking at my badge. She smiled knowingly at me.
"Yeah, I know," I replied. "Who else would do it if not my mom? I don't know if this is a gift or trouble."
At Verneville Academy of Magic, the highest floor in the dormitories is the 5th floor. This floor is typically reserved for the most senior students, such as 3rd-year students or the Student Council, who have earned the privilege of living in the most prestigious and sought-after accommodations.
The 5th floor is often referred to as the "Apex" or the "Tower," and is usually accessible only by a separate staircase or a magical elevator. The rooms on this floor are larger and more luxurious, with additional amenities and privileges.
In Nightshade House, for example, the 5th floor might be known as the "Moonlit Tower," with rooms named after constellations and a common room offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The students who live on this floor are considered the leaders and role models of the house, expected to set a high standard for academic excellence, magical prowess, and community service.
"There goes our peaceful life," Sia added.
"Yeah," I replied, nodding. "We better enjoy it while we can."
Leaving the elevator, we found the fifth room and pushed the large doors open. We were welcomed by a bright ray of light streaming into the room.
"Wow, it's beautiful," Sia said.
Looking around, I couldn't help but nod. The furniture, beds, and everything else were designed in purple and black—Nightshade's colors. The room was big enough to fit ten people, yet it was only for two. It even had everything we needed—clothes, jewelry, everything.
"Alright, Sia, I want to sleep until tomorrow."
"What about checking out the lecture hall and classrooms?" she asked, looking at me confused.
"I've already done that," I said, walking to the bathroom for a bath before going to bed.
*Sigh,* sometimes I wonder who the hybrid is between the two of us, I thought, watching her enter the bathroom. Well, whatever. We can just leave it until tomorrow.
I came out of the bathroom to see Sia sleeping. Well, I'm not surprised. She was really tired after waiting for me for who knows how long. I couldn't help but feel guilty. I'll just find a way to make it up to her, I thought as I finished putting on my nightgown—purple and black, as well.
"Goodnight, Sia," I said, going to sleep.
"Wake up, Elena." Why is nanny Lila shouting at me? She usually just shakes me awake; she's not this loud.
"Wake up, girl. I'm not your nanny, you bitch!"
Oh, it's Sia, I realized. We're at the academy. "Good morning, Sia," I said, sitting up. I could feel her excitement. I was excited too.
We dressed up and left through the elevator. When we got to the parking lot, there was a black and purple sports car waiting. I got in with the car keys. The room literally had everything. This dormitory takes their colors seriously.
"Sia said sarcastically," They do," I replied. "But we can always change it if you don't like the color," I told her.
We drove off to the classrooms. It's our second day at the academy—what could go wrong? We parked the car and got out. Standing before us was a big building, with people coming and going. We entered the building and headed straight to the lecture hall.