Asher tripped on the front steps, his luggage flying out of his hands. He landed with a thud, his dignity bruised but his humor still intact. As he scrambled to gather his belongings, he grinned wryly - this was not exactly the entrance he had envisioned for his first day at the Silvermist Academy.
The other students stared at him and thought his behavior strange, they nevertheless ignored him and each continued with their business. He looked around and smiled. The Silvermist Academy is renowned as the most prestigious magic school in the entirety of the Jardel Continent.
It had produced extraordinary mages and fighters every year and this year would be no exception as the final year students were gearing up for their final exams and the first prince, Arin Jardel was the most popular and most powerful student in the school and this year is the year he graduates.
"Asher Blackwood. Aged 15. Known magical attributes - 4." The woman in front of him said as she handed him his student card. "Your room is on the 4th floor. Room 101."
"Thank you ma'am."
Asher clambered up the stairs, he stared at every door frame in search of his room although he been clearly told that his room was in the 4th floor. And there he stood in front of the door of room 101. He knocked and then opened the door.
He saw a bunk bed and on the bottom bunk, someone was lying there apparently reading a book.
"This is interesting." The boy on the bed muttered as his gaze shifted from the pages of his book to Asher who still stood staring at him.
The young lad had blonde hair and blue eyes, he seemed a bit taller than Asher and he was extremely handsome as well.
"Hi, I'm Asher Blackwood. I'm a new student."
"I'm called Victor Salena. I am also a new student."
"Then it seems we're roommates."
"Yes it seems we are. Although I don't like the fact that you're stating the obvious fact in front of you but I'll let it slide." Victor laid back down and then his gaze returned back to his book.
Asher arranged his belongings in a corner of the room and made his way to the top bunk but Victor stopped him.
"I'll be taking the top bunk." His eyes calm as it seemed he wanted to make Asher feel at ease.
"Alright then can you please move, I need to get some rest. Classes start tomorrow you know."
"Yeah, yeah I know. But going to bed by this time? It's just passed 12:00 PM."
"Hmm…"
"I mean, we should get to know our surroundings better you know. I've been here for two days already and I know a little of the school's layout so maybe I'll show you around."
"Alright. It would be strange to waste a day such as this." Asher nodded in agreement and then put on something that would be more comfortable to take a simple stroll in.
The both of them walked out of the room and made their way down the stairs after locking up. Victor showed Asher the training room, the library, the cafeteria and the duel field.
"The training room is used for what it's name stands for, training. The library has a vast amount of books that will aid in your development as a mage and fighter as well. The cafeteria is where you'll get your meals and the duel field is where duels take place." Victor explained.
"I see."
They made their way back to their room. As they walked, someone bumped into Asher.
"Oh?! Sorry." Asher apologized as he turned to walk away but the person put a hand on his shoulder and turned him round, delivering a punch to his face.
"As expected of a peasant. Did you think that a simple sorry would free you from your punishment." The boy who Asher had bumped into.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Victor asked as he tended to Asher who stared at the other student menacingly.
"I am James Sorrel. Son of Count Sorrel. I see this school has fallen to the level of accepting peasants." The other student replied.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to bump into you or trouble you in any way." Asher apologized again with his head bowed very low. "I hope we'll be able t-." Asher stopped short as James kicked him in his stomach which dropped him to his knees with his head on the floor.
"What is wrong with you?!" Victor asked his eyes flaming in anger.
"This is how it should be. Peasants should be on their knees with their heads bowed as low as this." He laughed.
"You bastard!" Victor screamed as he aimed a punch at James which he dodged effortlessly.
"Oh? It seems you have some fight in you." James threw a punch of his own aimed at Victor's midsection which connected.
Asher saw Victor falling to the ground and rushed to his side in an attempt to help.
"Magic is prohibited on school grounds when it's not in a practical class or in a duel." James said. "So don't even think about using magic if you want your stay in this school to continue."
"Hmm…"
"What is it?" James asked as he saw a smirk on Asher's face. Asher didn't reply and attacked James with a punch which the Noble blocked and then frowned.
"How did that feel?" Asher asked with a glorious smile on his face.
"How dare you? A peasant such as yourself shouldn't think that you're on the level of a Noble such as myself."
"Hmm, you do have a point. I am not equal to you or on your level. I am far greater than anything you've ever seen."
"That does it! I James Sorrel formally challenge you to a duel!"
"I Asher Blackwood accepts your challenge and I promise you that I shall show you that peasants are far stronger than you'd imagine."
James turned around and left them. Asher turned around and helped Victor up, he had been out cold from the punch he had received from James.
"Are you feeling alright?" Asher asked.
"Yeah, what happened?"
"He challenged me to a duel and I accepted."
"What?! He'll kill you, you saw how strong he was!"
"It doesn't matter. I have a point to prove
and I'm going to do it."
"Phew." Victor sighed. What the hell am I going to do with this guy?