16 Chapter 16

As Aaron stepped into the veil, he had faced absolute darkness for a moment before he stepped into a totally different place. Although it was for a moment only, it was the darkest place he had ever been.

He saw Anthony, Ryan and the two other future students waiting for him.

"Welcome to Indigo city branch of the Mage association."

Aaron saw a Middle aged person greet him and everyone. Looks like he was waiting for everybody to gather first.

"Hello I am Aaron."

The other two students introduced themselves as well.

The middle aged person turned towards everyone as Aaron moved towards Ryan and the others.

"I am sure you all must be tired. So I wont bother with the formalities. You all may leave once you put down your names on the register for the spatial gate." He left everyone alone after saying that.

Turned out, you had to pay for in order to use the gates. The cost for their journey was beared by the mage institute.

Aaron would later know that it was the mage association who actually bore the cost.

Once the procedures were done, Aaron stepped out of the mage association building. What he saw outside finally impressed him a little.

It was a city which left Modena far behind. It had tall spires. It had wide paved roads. It was remarkably clean for a city this size. The streets were busy and people dressed much better overall. He even saw a store which proclaimed they sold magical products.

He learned the city was divided into two parts. The inner ring held the mage institute and the royal palace, while the outer ring had everything else. This showed how important the mage academy was. Also he noticed the climate. It was much drier and hotter here than the wet climate of Willow's Den.

Ryan led them to a carriage. The carriage was already waiting for them it seems.

When everyone settled down in the carriage, Ryan made eye contact with Anthony and he gave Ryan a nod. Ryan cleared his throat as he was about to say something.

"My and Anthony's job is done once we reach the institute."

" I want you to tell something. It might sound harsh but we are not your care takers in any sense. In future if you face some problems, you need to follow the procedure provided by the academy and not come to us. Each year, we travel out to bring students back. Over the journey young mages like you do make some relationships with us, it's understandable. But its a great waste of our time already to bring you here. We really can't afford to care for every student we bring along."

"Also I would remind you to work hard. You could get success, but only if you are determined enough. Being a mage is very tedious job. You will understand."

Saying that Ryan looked at Anthony. Anthony seemed to give a nod to the two kids who accompanied him conveying that he agreed with Ryan.

Aaron thought it was a total change of attitude from Ryan, but he also understood it. Even babysitters got money for their job. They didnt do it for free. If they let it, everyone would be running to them for smallest of things. Plus, he said they brought in students every year. If they started a charity, they would have lots of kids on their hands. So although it sounded harsh, it was reality.

"I understand mage Ryan. I won't be a bother to you in the future. I also would like to thank you for whatever you have done for me so far. I will remember it always. " said Aaron.

Ryan was surprised to hear that. Every year when he makes it clear to students that he wont be with them any longer or wont provide any support, the kids generally frown and looks at him with displeasure. Some even verbally express their displeasure or some cry and beg and ask him not to leave. He had seen it all. But he never saw anyone as casual as Aaron who easily said that he didnt mind it.

"You dont need to thank me, it was part of my job. Plus you weren't a bother at all. You were better than most of my assignments. " After Ryan said that, rest of the journey went by in silence. The statement made by Ryan pulled the air out of the kids.

Even Aaron was silent and simply gazed out of the window. As they approached the inner city, he saw it was there was a gate seperating the inner and outer city.

There were guards placed on both side of the gate and a small outpost which held even more guards. The security looked brisk. Anthony stepped out and showed the guards some papers. The guards peeped into the carriage and let them pass without further inspection.

The inner city was much spacious. There were less construction and lots of open spaces. Few trees were planted here and there but the scene lacked greenery. Perhaps that was because of the weather.

As they travelled farther on the road Aaron could see the silhoute of a massive building. It wasnt too high. About 4 storied height. But the length and breadth of the building was much, much larger. It was almost as big as a football stadium.

It was grey in colour and had a simple design to it with lots of glass windows. The whole building looked like a modern rectangular giant office building. It had a boring kind of feeling to it.

Ryan and Anthony looked at the expression of the kids. The first look of the academy always left a deep mark on srudents. It was truly a massive and domineering structure.

What was even more shocking was the name of the institute 'Eleven stars Mage institute'. The name wasnt surprising, they already knew it. What was surprising was that the name was floating in the air. It wasnt written or engraved, it floated in giant alphabets in front of the building.

"Welcome to the academy" said Anthony.