As I looked at the names of the academies, my eyes wandered over the details presented under each title: specializations, famous mages who had been there, and even local reputations. All of this seemed designed to guide acolytes like me in choosing the right place based on our affinities.
My affinity was clear in my mind. "My strongest connection is with the elements Light and Brightness, Thunder is secondary, and Space... well, unless I want to remain an acolyte for the rest of my life, that's not something I should focus on right now."
I paused for a moment and closed my eyes, activating the virtual laboratory that resided in my mind.
"Virtual laboratory, examine the patterns, names, and affinities of the tents in the camp. Compare them based on the Light attribute and show me which one has the greatest focus on this attribute."
A confirming sound echoed in my mind:
["Beep! Initial mission initialized..."]
["Starting comparison..."]
["Comparison complete."]
Then, the analysis appeared:
["Rank of Towers using Light attribute magic"]
["1st place: Sun Mountain Tower, 90.3%"]
["2nd place: Bulltrax Tower, 2.4%"]
["3rd place: Eclidiel Tower, 1.1%"]
["...Irrelevant values ignored."]
I opened my eyes, stroking my chin as I thought about the options. "So, these three academies have the greatest focus on the Light element. But it's obvious that Sun Mountain Tower is far ahead of the others."
I remembered a few things I had read or heard: Bulltrax specialized in the elements Blood and Plant, and it was known for creating magical artifacts. As for Eclidiel Tower? It wasn't even remotely recognized for training Light and Brightness mages.
"The decision seems obvious... Sun Mountain Tower is the best choice. They are famous for their specialization in the Light element and are pioneers in spiritual research."
But something bothered me. I frowned, thinking. "Sun Mountain Tower... that name sounds like a cult from my previous world. Something a bit fanatical." I sighed, weighing the implications. "If I go down this path, I'll probably distance myself completely from the dark side. Light mages and Dark mages are like opposites, right? In a way, I'll be declaring war on them just by existing."
I shrugged. "But it doesn't matter. I can't let my progress be delayed just because of a name or potential rivalries."
I recalled the instructions: the recruitment area of Sun Mountain Tower was on the east side of the camp. I started walking in that direction, observing the tents and structures around me.
After about ten minutes, I finally arrived. Before me stood a majestic tent made of shining white fabric, covered in intricate golden symbols that seemed to radiate light. At the top, large words formed the phrase: "Sun Mountain Tower welcomes you!"
The letters were made of molten gold, reflecting the sunlight in an almost blinding way. There was an air of wealth and nobility there, which contrasted with the simplicity of most of the other tents.
"This is... too extravagant," I thought, momentarily speechless. An ironic smile appeared on my lips. "Well, if they're this confident, I guess I've been lucky to be from the Light attribute."
Upon entering the golden tent, I was immediately overwhelmed by the feeling that I was in a special place. The atmosphere was calm, almost serene, and the richness of the surroundings contrasted with the simplicity of the space. Although the area was small, there was a sophistication in the air, as if every detail had been carefully thought out. In the center of the tent, on a purple velvet armchair, sat a woman. She was so quiet and still that she seemed almost like part of the decoration of the place.
And then I saw her. My eyes instantly fixed on her. She was... a vision of indescribable beauty. Her white hair fell gently over her shoulders, creating an almost ethereal contrast with her skin, so pale that it seemed to glow under the soft light of the tent. Her red eyes gleamed with an intensity that seemed to penetrate the soul, and her lips, red as blood, were slightly curved in a subtle yet enigmatic smile.
She wore an outfit that seemed more like a work of art than ordinary clothing: black stockings that reached her thighs, golden high-heeled shoes that seemed made for a celestial being, and a fine red fabric draped around her body in such a delicate and sensual way that it seemed challengingly simple, yet incredibly alluring. Her stomach, practically perfect, was covered by a black fabric so fine it barely seemed to exist.
....
"Image here."
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....
I didn't know how to react. My heart raced, and for a moment, my thoughts became clouded. I almost lost control in the face of her presence, but then an alert sounded in my mind.
["Alert"]
["A scent in the air is infiltrating your mind. As advice, deactivate your sexual hormones immediately."]
With considerable effort, I managed to ignore the warnings and finally bowed before the woman. I maintained my outward composure, but internally the struggle was intense. "Execute advisable command," I thought to myself. I needed to stay in control, no matter how much my body wanted to act contrary.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain control over myself. I felt the force of the ability being activated, and soon the warnings continued.
["Beep!"]
["Hormones inactive..."]
["It is not recommended to keep your hormones inactive for too long, as this may cause future problems for your body and mind."]
The woman didn't seem bothered by my presence; her calm posture remained the same, as though I was just another person entering her tent. Her soft and sweet voice broke the silence, and I could barely resist the effect her words had on me.
"Hello, child..."
I managed to stay focused, though my mind was still struggling to concentrate. "Come closer," she continued, and her voice seemed like an invitation to something deeper. "I am the teacher of the Light element. You may call me Marcelina!"
Despite my body still wanting to give in, I took the next step and approached her, still maintaining a respectful posture. "My most esteemed Miss Marcelina, hello!" Bowing again, I tried to remain firm.
"You came here, meaning you want to enter Sun Mountain Tower??" Her question was direct, but there was a curious tone, as if she were studying my reaction.
"Yes," I responded, now with a bit more firmness. "But before anything, could you show me the rules established by Sun Mountain Tower?" I wanted to fully understand what was being offered before making any important decisions.
She nodded, a gentle smile on her lips, and then took a yellow scroll that seemed to appear out of nowhere, floating into her hands. With a smooth motion, she handed it to me.
"According to the ancient agreement," she began to explain, "after choosing Sun Mountain Tower, you will gain the right to participate in basic classes, a set of elementary meditation techniques, five years of residence, free lodging, and meals. We also allow you to use magical crystals as payment to exchange for knowledge with the teachers or other services, should one of them desire..."
Marcelina's soft voice continued to echo as I read the scroll at lightning speed. Each word she pronounced matched perfectly with the information the virtual laboratory was providing, as if both were aligned in the same pattern. The basic hospitality offered by Sun Mountain Tower didn't differ much from the other academies; in terms of food, lodging, and classes, everything seemed standard. But I was focused on something else.
My mind analyzed the details, while the virtual laboratory provided constant feedback. One crucial piece of information stood out to me: although the laboratory couldn't scan the person before me, it indicated something impressive. Marcelina had unintentionally released a floating radiation implying that her strength was far above any low-level mage. This sent chills down my spine, and I realized she was far from being just a simple teacher.
"I now understand the basic terms," I said, interrupting my thoughts. "But may I know what kind of payment is required to join Sun Mountain Tower?"
Marcelina didn't hesitate. "Thirteen magical crystals or an item of equivalent value!"
This made me think quickly. The inheritance from my family had been something precious, but perhaps it was time to use it. "I will use this item to pay," I responded firmly, pulling out the ring my father had left me.
Marcelina looked at the ring with an intrigued smile. "You seem to have an interesting trinket!" She approached and, with a gesture of her hand, the ring floated to her. She inspected it, observing its details carefully, and then her expression lit up. "Hmm... This ring... It is really quite interesting! I haven't seen these patterns in a long time!"
She seemed genuinely surprised. "A low-grade magical artifact, but very valuable. It's worth at least fifteen magical crystals!"
"Now!" She looked at me with an intensity in her eyes. "Are you willing to mortgage this ring for your school fees? Once you've decided, sign the Sun Mountain Tower contract!"
I didn't hesitate. "I accept!" My voice was resolute, firm as a rock.
Marcelina smiled, and in the air, before me, appeared a new scroll, along with a red ink quill. The smell of blood filled the air, and without hesitation, I grabbed the floating quill and signed my full name. The handwriting was the most refined. When she saw the quality of my writing, she furrowed her brow with a slightly bewildered expression but soon said, "Hand me your form."
When she took the scroll from my hands, a soft laugh escaped her lips. "Light and brightness, no wonder you chose our academy. Here, in Lucario lands, we are the most notable!"
She then looked at the ring and, with a triumphant smile, said, "Since you provided a value greater than necessary, I officially announce that you have been accepted. You will not need to undergo an entrance test. Now, take this key. Go back and rest. Tomorrow we begin the journey back to Sun Mountain Tower!"
Marcelina extended her hand, and a metal key appeared, engraved with the number "7." I took it carefully, feeling the weight of the decision I had made. The key was simple, almost like a castle key.
However, as I received it, the scroll in the air began to burn and dissolve into ashes. A shiver ran through my body, and I knew, with a deep sense of discomfort, that the contract had been irrevocably sealed. If I wanted to break it, I couldn't even imagine the consequences.
...
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