6 Enrollment Part II

Another four months flew by. It was now August and today was orientation. I was excited to attend the academy. This was my dream since I found out that magic existed in this world. I didn't have much so the only things I had to bring was my bag, a few outfits, the shoes on my feet, and my winter coat and hat.

Titus called out to me. "Callum, are you ready?"

I smiled. It was finally happening! "Yep, be out in a moment!"

I picked up my bag and exited my bedroom. Who knows when I'd sleep here again. I was greeted by Commander Titus, Archmage Janna, James, Sonia, and Tina. They were all here to see me off.

Janna walked up to me and handed me a box. "Here is a little going away present that we all put together for you."

She stepped back as I accepted the box and placed it down on the table. I slowly opened it. Inside were a few things.

The first item was a mage robe. This particular design was made specifically for mages that made use of close quarters combat. It was fitted and didn't have many loose portions. The material was also extremely durable. It would probably withstand some serious spells.

The second item was a formal outfit. Since I was attending an academy, I needed to be able to dress up for the eventuality that I would attend any events.

The last item was a ring. I slipped it on my left ring finger and looked at it.

Janna smiled at me. "Channel your mana into it."

I followed her instructions and felt a connection become established. "What is it?"

Janna chuckled. "It's a storage ring. It can only be opened by you or a royal magesmith."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course you'd give me something that you can open."

Janna shrugged. "Just accept the gift you brat."

I laughed. "Mom, dad, Tina, I'm gonna miss you guys."

The four of us shared a nice hug.

James broke the silence. "I'm so proud of you."

Sonia nodded. "You're gonna do great, sweetie."

Tina giggled. "I'm taking your room."

I pulled away waving my hands. "Oh nononono. Nooooo way. In your dreams, sis."

Tina rolled her eyes. "Fineeee."

I then turned to Titus. "I'm ready."

Titus nodded. "Good. This time you'll be stepping through on your own. I won't be coming with you."

I sighed. "I just hope I don't get bothered." As I said this, I put my things into my storage ring.

Titus waved his hand and a spatial door opened. "In you go."

I nodded and stepped through the door. As soon as I was through, the portal closed behind me. A refreshing smell immediately hit me. Fresh pine and pure nature. I was currently on a dirt path that weaved through the forest I was in.

All around me, spatial doors were opening and students were stepping through. They all were walking in the same direction so I looked to where they were going.

Towering over the forest was a massive fortress. On top of it there was a huge dragon made of stone. It was half black, half white. The entire academy was made of white bricks. I was able to feel the insane amount of mana from where I stood.

I decided to follow the crowd. Not even 10 steps in, someone aggressively bumped into me. "Out of the way, peasant."

I stopped walking and sighed. Another person hit my other shoulder. "Country bumpkin. Go back to the fields."

I shrugged. I quickly waved my hand, raising the ground under each of their right feet. They fell over and face planted into the dirt. Everyone around laughed at their misfortune.

Rather than wait for them to figure out who made them fall, I should get out of here. I summoned a sphere of raging winds around me. I then floated into the air before flying off towards the academy.

As I flew, I was able to feel the massive amount of mana being expended to keep this spell active. 'There's got to be a better way to fly.'

Suddenly a voice called out from behind me. "What a waste of mana."

Being startled, I quickly summoned an ice short sword and put some distance between the voice and myself.

The man laughed. "Well done, newbie. It seems like we might have a promising one this year after all!"

I was very confused. "Ummmm, who are you?"

The man laughed manically. "I am Professor Charles Mason. You are?"

I sighed in relief. "I am a freshman here at the White Dragon. My name is Callum."

Mason smiled. "Well, Callum, I look forward to seeing you in class." He waved and then blinked out of sight.

I sighed. "Great, a crazy professor already has his eye on me." Not wanting to waste even more mana, I sped towards the front entrance of the academy. I landed off to the side of the path, catching the eyes of many students. There were various gazes filled with disgust, lust, and greed.

I shook off the disgusting feeling I was getting and walked inside. I was impressed with the interior to say the least. Similar to the outside, the walls were made of white brick. Mana was pouring off of them so the entire building must be enchanted.

The floor was made of marble and had carpets running down the middle. They were black and contrasted with the rest of the design. It was quite interesting how the entire building was black and white.

I looked up and saw some floating signs that displayed directions for the students to follow. I discovered that first years are to report to the arena for orientation. I followed the signs and noticed a short line of students grabbing two items from a window with a clerk behind it.

I decided to follow the crowd and got into line. I reached the front and received the items. The first was a bracelet fit with several blue gems. I slid it over my hand and it automatically tightened to fit my wrist. I put some mana in it. As soon as I did, I felt something pulling at my consciousness.

I focused on it and suddenly I heard a voice in my head. "Callum, are you there?"

I was very confused. "Ummm, how does this thing work?"

The voice laughed. "You don't need to talk. Just think what you want to say."

I sighed. "Wow, I'm stupid. Anyways, who is this?"

The voice chuckled. "It's okay. It's probably your first time using a communication bracelet, or commlet for short. I am Headmaster Lichstein by the way. I had to ask you something."

I sighed. "This sounds like trouble. What must you ask me?"

I could tell that Lichstein was smiling on the other side. "It is tradition each year that the freshman that the faculty deems has the most talent will duel the top ranked sophomore. I am telling you this because you were chosen to represent the freshman."

I scoffed. "What?! Why me?"

Lichstein laughed nervously. "Because you could easily wipe the floor with any of the freshmen. I showed them the recording of your exam."

I shook my head. "Nonono. There has to be more to this. Why not pick some noble?"

Lichstein sighed in defeat. "I guess you are not as naive as I had hoped. There is another motive. We want to display to the other students that just because you are a commoner, you are no less in talent than them."

I sighed and shook my head. "Of course you have to pull me into this. Fine, I'll do it. You owe me though."

Lichstein was definitely ecstatic. "This is great news. Please speak to the professor waiting at the entrance to the arena"

I shook my head. "Very well. See you soon, headmaster." I let go of the mental connection and the call hung up. 'Wow, this thing is pretty handy.'

I then turned my focus to the other item I received. It looked like a button. On the smooth side of it, there was a diagram of the human torso. There was an X in the middle of the chest.

I shrugged as it seemed pretty self explanatory. I placed the disc in the middle of my chest and channeled mana into it. Suddenly it broke open and covered me. I looked down at myself and I was now wearing the school uniform. It was all white with some gray stripes. There was a black insignia on the left side of the chest that showed I am a student at the White Dragon. On my right sleeve was a hexagon with the roman numeral for one in it. On my left sleeve was a golden ring.

Looking around, I noticed that barely anyone had anything on their left sleeve. I sighed as another target was seemingly placed on my head.

Following the hallway for another few minutes, I made it to the arena entrance. I honestly wasn't sure if I would make it. I lost count of how many malicious glares were shot at me during the walk.

Waiting for me was the one professor that I hoped to not see.

Mason waved to me excitedly. "Over here, favorite student!"

Charles Mason was quite the interesting character. Despite his sharp looks, it was easy to tell that insanity resided in his entire being. He had dark brown, flowing hair that was wrapped into a bun. He wore grey professor robes with white accents. He also wore loafers rather than dress shoes. This further proved how little he cared about others. He also exuded an aura of power that barely seemed human. There was something else in there but it was subtle.

I rolled my eyes as I walked over. "Where are we off to?"

Without warning he grabbed my shoulder and we teleported into a room. There were only 3 other people in it aside from myself and this thing disguised as a human.

Mason smiled. "Introductions are in order. This is Headmaster Sammie Lichstain, this is Assistant Headmaster Scary Talon, and this is the top ranked sophomore, second favorite student."

Lichstein rolled his eyes. "Mason, just go keep yourself busy. Callum, I apologize for his behavior. He is quite… unkempt."

Lichstein was at the pinnacle of overworked individuals. Despite this, a powerful and nearly unmatched aura surrounded him. The only one that seemed to even be close to his level was Mason. There was also a peculiar characteristic to his aura that he seemed to share with the mad professor. He was of average height, 5'8", and had a slim build. I am sure that there is plenty of power behind that skinny body though. He had black eyes and black hair. Like Mason, he wore grey professor robes with white accents. There was also a glowing patch that probably indicated his position as headmaster of the White Dragon.

I laughed. "That's one way to put it."

Lichstein chuckled. "Anyways, let me tell you our actual names. I am Headmaster Samuel Lichstein. This here is Assistant Headmaster Beatrice Talon. Lastly, this is the top ranked sophomore, Stephen Macallan."

Stephen scoffed. "Headmaster, do I really have to duel this loser? I'm embarrassed just standing in the same room as him."

Lichstein glared at him. "One more word out of you and you won't like the consequences. Don't underestimate him or you'll actually be the one getting embarrassed."

Stephen rolled his eyes and walked away from the group.

I sighed. "Headmaster, it will be a pleasure to kick his ass."

Lichstein sighed and shook his head. "Callum, don't go overboard. Take the high road or they win."

I shrugged. "I guess you're right. Mrs. Warren told me to be careful of nobles. I've already had a few incidents. Nothing major though. I handled them easily."

Lichstein grimaced. "And here I was thinking you were a blessing. Anyways, let's begin the ceremony. Follow me, please."

Lichstein walked through the tunnel at the far end of the room. At the end of the tunnel was a bright light. Emerging from the tunnel, the entire arena came into view. Aside from the thousand or so freshmen, plenty of students from other years were here to see the duel.

Lichstein reached the center of the arena and cleared his throat. "Achem." He used air magic to amplify his voice. "Welcome to the White Dragon. As the freshmen class, you are the future of this kingdom. Each of you was chosen because of your exceptional talents and abilities. I doubt many of you have heard, but things will be changing a bit this year. Starting with your class, we will be eliminating outside influence on the academy. The only thing that matters here is how you perform in your courses. If you are caught attempting to leverage your social status, you will be considered for immediate expulsion and then be banned from ever returning to the White Dragon. Please take this seriously. I highly doubt any academy would take someone that was kicked out of another."

Lichstein smiled. "Now, onto standard business. According to my records, every student we expected has retrieved their uniform and commlet. Please take care of these possessions. Replacements will cost you merit points. Now you might be asking what merit points are. Essentially they are the system we are putting in place to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity. When you accomplish something notable, or whenever a member of the faculty feels like it, we can award you points. These points will be used to establish the official rankings after your first semester. The current rankings are only unofficial so do not fret. Every single one of you has a shot at getting number one."

"The other purpose of the points is to use them in the academy's emporium and stores. In the stores, you can purchase a variety of items including food, clothes, and furniture. In the emporium, you can purchase magical items of all kinds. Spending your points will not harm your ranked total."

He then got serious. "Before we get into the main event, I must inform you all of something. Discrimination will no longer be tolerated. Don't even think about transferring because something similar is occurring at all the Royal Academies. If you are caught, and we will catch you, the consequences will be severe."

"If everyone understands, let's get to the fun part. From the entrance exams, the incoming students with the most potential were chosen. Through a group decision made by the faculty, I will now introduce the freshman representative, Callum of Shellham!"

Silence pervaded the arena. No one cheered or applauded the mention of my name.

I sighed. "Headmaster, just go on."

Lichstein sighed and shook his head. "Representing the sophomore class is the current top ranked student, Stephen Macallan of the Macallan house!"

Almost everyone cheered. I shook my head in disappointment at this. As my second experience with the world outside of home, it was quite the let down.

Lichstein wore a fake smile and whispered. "Some things will not change so easily." He then raised his voice again through air magic. "These two young adepts will take part in a duel, no holds barred. Students, take your positions."

Stephen and I walked away from each other. Just from that, I could tell that Stephen was from a noble household. Every step, every breath, they all reeked of pride and nobility. Even though we wore the same uniform, there was no comparison.

Stephen was tall, about 5'10. This was massive for a thirteen year old. He had deep blond hair and dark blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul. His white uniform with black accents stuck tightly to his muscular figure. His aura seemed relatively normal compared to other people. He also had a beautiful sword that was sheathed at his hip.

After we both took twenty paces, we turned to each other. Stephen unsheathed his sword and revealed a jet back blade. It was a long greatsword made of some kind of magical metal.

I looked at it and smirked. "If you are using a sword, I guess I should as well."

Stephen scoffed. "What kind of sword can you afford that could possibly match mine?"

I just shook my head as I summoned a cylinder of water from my right hand. It slowly shaped into a handle, and then a blunt blade with a gentle curve. I slowly froze the water, forming it into a katana made from ice.

Stephen smirked. "You think a measly piece of ice can compete with the blade forged by my father? You are sorely mistaken."

I shrugged and then nodded to the headmaster. "I am ready."

Lichstein nodded and then turned to the crowd as he floated up into the air. "Without further adieu, you may begin!"

Stephen let on a sinister grin and then charged towards me. I could tell, even from my almost nonexistent combat experience, that I could not make this into a contest of strength. He would win easily.

Thus, I decided to conjure some distractions. I began backpedaling as I conjured spikes of ice in my left hand. I continuously launched them at my opponent.

Stephen casually swung his blade, back and forth, blocking each and every icicle.

I quickly realized that this was not going to be easy. I even began doubting if I even had the slightest chance.

I then remembered the words of Mrs. Warren. "There is a certain procedure that you should follow if… when you find yourself in combat. If you can not defeat, then distract. If you can not distract, then disrupt. If you can not even disrupt, then you should depart."

An idea came into my head. I put my hand out with the palm up, and started raising my fingers and putting them back down rapidly.

Underneath Stephen's feet, chunks of stone arose from the ground right where he was stepping. He immediately stopped his charge and focused on avoiding the uneven ground while strafing.

Becoming frustrated, the sophomore charged forward again, smashing the ground with each step.

I was intrigued by this. Was he enhancing his body with mana? It would make sense since doing so with one element seemed to be a basic skill. It was one of the first things I learned after all.

He quickly approached my position and was about to swing his sword.

I smirked and snapped my finger, shoving out as much of the light element as I could. It generated a flashbang of sorts and temporarily blinded the charging noble.

I sidestepped his blind swing and held my sword to his neck. "Yield."

Stephen just smirked and shook his head. "Peasant, you are sorely mistaken. Look behind you."

I slowly turned around and noticed a huge spike of rock, the point of it just inches from the back of my neck.

I chuckled. "I believe this is a draw, then. Shall we go again?"

Stephen and myself looked towards the headmaster to see him nod. We then both relaxed, rescinding control of our spells.

Slowly, the various earth protrusions sunk back into the ground. The ice melted and quickly evaporated, becoming water vapor in the air once more.

I noticed an interesting thing while training. Once in elemental form, mana almost shows a desire to follow the will of Aetheria. The planet's will is for the elements to remain in equilibrium. That equilibrium is represented by the natural state of the environment.

Some examples are earth and water. Earth makes up the terrain of the planet. It comes in the form of the ground, the hills, and the mountains. Earth mana is willed by Aetheria to return to it's natural state once the will of a mage is no longer applied to it. Water is in the ground, in the air, or in the seas. Of course, there are countless other sources of water but those are some. Like earth, it will always return to its source.

Stephen and I, once again, took our positions facing one another.

He looked at me and smiled. "I have to say that I am impressed. Not bad for a commoner."

I shrugged at the double edged compliment.. "I had some good teachers."

Lichstein raised his hand in the air before swinging it downwards. "Begin!"

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