07: The Rylinth Academia Of Mages

All three of them - Evelyn, Elvis, and Griff - stood before the towering gates of the Rylinth Academia of Mages, the largest academy in all of Humaldor. Evelyn's and Elvis's eyes widened in astonishment as the gates opened before them, almost as if acknowledging their presence. The gates, adorned with intricate patterns, were emanating a faint magical aura, welcoming them into a realm where the arcane arts thrived.

Passing through the humongous gate, they found themselves inside the academy, which felt like a different world. Their gaze was drawn to a magnificent statue that stood proudly in the courtyard at the entrance of the roundabout. The bronze statue depicted a venerable mage, carved with exquisite detail. The mage's outstretched hands held a shimmering crystal orb that reflected the myriad hues of magical energy.

Just above the statue, the inscription of the school's name shimmered in dazzling golden letters: Rylinth Academia of Mages. The letters appeared to be imbued with a mystical energy of their own, as they shifted and glimmered, captivating all who beheld them.

Beyond the gates and the gargoyle statue, the expansive grounds of the academy unfurled like a mystical tapestry. The architecture of the surrounding buildings and structures seamlessly blends classical elegance with whimsical embellishments. Marble columns and archways are adorned with enchanted crystals and floating lanterns, casting a soft glow upon the surroundings.

Their footsteps carried them across cobblestone paths that wound through meticulously maintained gardens, where vibrant flowers bloomed in hues unseen in the outside world. Glistening fountains danced with crystal-clear water, their gentle melodies providing a soothing backdrop to the bustling atmosphere. The academy's grounds seemed to exist in harmony with nature, a testament to the deep connection between magic and the world that surrounds it.

The corridors they traversed were alive with activity, vibrant with the presence of several students, both new and old, from all corners of Rylinth and Humaldor. Robed figures hurried past, their excitement palpable as they discussed the intricacies of their chosen disciplines. As they passed each department, a unique allure beckoned them. The clanging sounds of swords in the training grounds and the crackling energy of the Elemental Arts Hall were particularly captivating.

Guided by Griff, they soon arrived at the imposing door of the headmaster's office. Griff gently knocked on the door and opened it slightly after a voice from inside had invited them in.

Inside, they could see a man in his late sixties comfortably seated before a table piled high with various files, books, and scrolls. That was the headmaster of Rylinth Academia of Mages, Mr. Timbeley, rumoured to be a Lord-level Mage at the peak of his powers.

The man, who had been occupied with his paperwork, raised his head and gestured for them to take a seat in the visitor's area. His brown hair was bald at the center, and his face was full of wrinkles, testifying to the toll that age had taken on him. One thing that was remarkably noticeable on his face was his long, curled mustache. Looking at his frail body frame, one might think that this geezer could be blown away by a strong wind. However, it is important to note that he is a Lord who is about to ascend to the rank of an Overlord. You won't need anyone to remind you to be cautious around him.

"Welcome to Rylinth Academia of Mages!" the man exclaimed.

The figure of wisdom and authority greeted them with a warm smile. His office exuded an aura of quiet power, with shelves lined with ancient tomes, scrolls, and artifacts from distant lands.

Griff engaged in conversation with the headmaster, recounting their journey and the special admission given to the twins standing by his side. They appeared to be old acquaintances based on the way they were disregarding all formalities while conversing.

Mr. Timbeley listened intently, his gaze shifting between Evelyn and Elvis, as he offered words of wisdom and encouragement. "You have entered a realm of limitless possibilities," he said, his voice resonating with quiet confidence. "Within these walls, you will not only discover the depths of your magical potential, but also the bonds that will shape your future."

Evelyn and Elvis simply nodded, unsure of what to do while standing before such a revered individual.

With their discussion concluded and all necessary registrations and confirmations completed, Griff bid them farewell. His guidance and support left an indelible mark on their hearts.

As Griff bid farewell and departed, Evelyn and Elvis clutched the papers that had been given to them by the headmaster. The papers contained their room numbers and dormitory names, as well as a detailed map of the vast academy grounds to assist them in navigating the expansive campus. After expressing their gratitude to the headmaster, they left his office and were determined to find their respective dormitories.

Consulting the map, they made their way to the female dormitory first. It was important for Elvis to drop off the baggage he had been carrying for his sister in the pouch. Once they reached the female dormitory, Elvis headed towards the male dormitories.

As Evelyn opened the door to her room, she was greeted by a sight of sheer elegance.

The room boasted twin beds neatly arranged on opposite sides. Since the room was still unoccupied, Evelyn felt a sense of relief, knowing that her would-be roommate had not yet arrived. She would have some privacy to focus on controlling her mana and practicing her flames in preparation for the upcoming test. With a sense of contentment, she began to unpack her belongings.

After settling in, Evelyn left her room and made her way to the training grounds where she had planned to meet her brother. As she approached, she spotted Elvis standing with a fellow student, watching some older students participate in sparring matches. She walked up to them and joined their company.

"Evie, you're here already," Elvis greeted her warmly with a smile.

"Did I take too long?" Evelyn replied with a hint of playfulness in her voice.

"Not at all. Evie, this is Cedric, my roommate. He arrived at the academy yesterday, so he knows his way around better than I do. Cedric, meet my twin sister, Evelyn," Elvis introduced them to each other.

"Hi, Evelyn. Nice to meet you," Cedric said, extending his hand for a handshake. Evelyn reciprocated with a polite handshake.

"Same here," she replied with a friendly nod.

"Since you already have company, Elvis, I won't disturb you. I'll take a stroll and familiarize myself with the premises," declared Evelyn, leaving without giving them a chance to respond.

As she walked away from the training grounds, Evelyn realized that the bustling atmosphere wasn't conducive to her current needs. She needed a quiet space to focus on her training and didn't want to waste time observing others around her. She decided to head towards the main academy buildings, where each department was clearly labeled on the edifices. Unsure of where to start, she found herself aimlessly wandering and feeling somewhat lost.

However, her wandering led her to a building that caught her attention. The inscription reads "Library Department." Evelyn's curiosity was piqued as she remembered her mother's teachings about the academy's extensive library. She wondered if she could find any information about the strange amulet she possessed and if it had any potential uses beyond mana's control. Driven by curiosity, she made her way to the entrance of the magnificent library.

As Evelyn pushed open the massive doors, she was greeted by the sight of hundreds of bookshelves stretching as far as the eye could see. As she stepped inside, she was momentarily overwhelmed by the vast collection of knowledge that surrounded her. Feeling a bit lost amidst the sea of books, she wondered how she could find the book she was looking for.

"Hey, are you new here?" a boy's voice inquired, causing Evelyn to startle and turn around. She met a pair of hazel eyes belonging to a boy around her age.

"Yeah, I just arrived today. I don't even know how to begin searching for what I came here for," replied Evelyn honestly. Her straightforward nature shone through, as always. The boy, seated at a nearby table with a book in front of him, seemed willing to offer assistance.

"I'm new here too. By the way, which book are you looking for? The books here are organized by categories, so maybe I can help," offered the kind hazel-eyed boy.

"I didn't have a specific book or category in mind when I came. I'm just exploring to see if anything catches my interest," Evelyn replied, choosing not to blow her cover to a stranger. Satisfied with her response, the boy nodded and returned to his reading, thus allowing Evelyn to commence her search.

Hours passed as Evelyn tirelessly scoured the library's extensive collection, flipping through various books and unrolling several scrolls. Despite her efforts, she could not find any information about the mysterious amulet she was searching for. Disheartened but not defeated, she left the library and returned to her room, determined to practice using the amulet for tomorrow's test.

With the discovery of her elemental affinity earlier, Evelyn concentrated on improving her mana control skills.

Harnessing her spiritual energy, she summoned her elemental power once again. To her surprise, the flame that had erupted from her hand was larger than before and unlike any ordinary fire. It radiated a golden-red brilliance, accompanied by a blinding light and scorching heat that held immense destructive power.

Evelyn was satisfied with her progress, but she knew that she still had much more to learn and explore. Tomorrow's Magical Prowess Test awaited her, and she was determined to showcase her newfound abilities and make her mark within the hallowed halls of Rylinth Academia of Mages.