Orlandine (Part 2)

"I think it is great that you have a passion for singing and making music. Your future is wide open for whatever path you choose.

You may find yourself in a position where you can use your talents for good. That is how things should be.", he said.

"If you become a musician, you will be able to support yourself and your family. It is a respectable job. It is also a somewhat safe career choice.

But, as someone who is enrolled in the only magic university of Orlania, there is no doubt in my mind that you will become a great mage. The world needs people like you.

The world has many problems to solve. And, I believe that mages are the ones who can fix them. If not, I would not be standing here talking to you today. I am sure you are aware of the situation in the world.", Leran lectured.

Morgantus tightened his fists as was reminded of the vision of doom he and Fediluv had earlier.

Just thinking about the possibility of standing there, powerless whilst Teckleville was being destroyed made him feel sick.

"I have seen a vision of doom myself, but there is always hope. There is always something more powerful waiting for us down the road.

The world has survived for thousands of years because of the power of mages.", Leran said as he ruffled Morgantus' hair.

"That's why you and other gifted students need to join the magic university of Orlania. You are the future.", Leran added.

Taking in Orlandine's atmosphere, the three of them soon arrived at the entrance of the magic university.

The building itself seemed to be a massive castle, towering high above the surrounding buildings.

Its white walls were almost completely covered with intricate carvings of magical creatures and arcane symbols that were each unique, and they seemed to be watching over the school.

A great golden door loomed ominously in front of them, and a pair of guards stood before it.

Leran waved to them politely as a golden insignia flew out from his hand and hovered in front of him, flashing bright light into their eyes for a brief moment.

The guards looked at his hand in awe and he nodded, they opened the gate and he stepped through, followed closely by Fediluv and Morgantus.

As they walked through the great gate, Morgantus couldn't help but notice that there were even more guards stationed inside the entrance.

Each was more impressive than the last ones, wearing ornate armour with sharp swords hanging from their belts.

They watched Fediluv and Morgantus walk through the gates with stern eyes as if they were unwelcome intruders, but Leran waved to them and they bowed deeply to him before allowing them to proceed unhindered.

Morgantus felt himself get intimidated by the guards and looked at Leran, who noticed and smiled at him reassuringly.

"They are just doing their job.", Leran said with a laugh as he patted Morgantus' back, making him feel better, but the guards did not relent at all when Morgantus and Fediluv passed them by.

They followed behind Leran as he led them through the inner corridors of the university.

The three of them walked past countless students and teachers going in all directions, and occasionally they would pass someone dressed in robes that would bow their head in deference to Leran.

He walked with purpose, with a sense of authority and strength that made people take notice of him as they passed by him on their way to and from the classes.

Some of the students they passed would barely glance at him. Others would point at him, whispering amongst each other as he passed them by.

They passed through many halls with different kinds of doors on each side and finally arrived at an office where Leran knocked on the door and opened it without waiting for an answer before stepping inside and motioning for them to follow him.

Inside, sat a stern-looking elderly woman with her grey hair pulled back into a bun.

She looked at them with disdain, but her eyes widened when she saw who was entering the room with Morgantus and Fediluv.

She quickly rose from her chair and stood beside her desk as she curtly nodded at them.

"Leran...! It has been far too long!", she said in an irritated voice as she stared at Leran.

Leran shook his head lightly in amusement as he closed the door behind them.

"You know I can't stay long today, old mother.", he said as he sat down on one of the chairs facing her desk and gestured for Morgantus and Fediluv to sit down as well.

She looked at him in disbelief then looked at Morgantus and Fediluv who were sitting beside him on the other side of the desk, then back to Leran.

"Leran, please do not make me ask you again about your whereabouts for such a long period...", she sighed. "This is not like you at all."

"I'm sorry, mother, but I was simply busy with something else at the time.", he replied apologetically.

Morgantus was caught off guard by seeing Leran act so bashful.

"Leran...", she said again as she began tapping her fingers against her desk impatiently and then finally stopped and leaned forward towards him across her desk.

"What did you get yourself into this time?", she asked with an expression that made it clear she was concerned.

Leran turned to Morgantus and Fediluv and grinned happily before answering his mother.

"Nothing! Just the usual!", he answered with a smile.

She huffed and folded her arms over her chest, "Leran..." she sighed before turning towards Morgantus and Fediluv.