Chapter 36
Erik also approached the woman and replied in a soft voice, but his words almost made the receptionist jump in surprise. She looked at him as if he were an idol, though with a hint of doubt, and quickly bowed to him in respect.
"I apologize to the disciple for the disrespect. I hope you can forgive me, but could you please show me your identification?"
"That's not a problem, don't worry."
Erik replied and was about to materialize the rune his master had given him when she accepted him as a disciple. However, he quickly remembered the student card and thought she might be referring to that. With a thought, the card appeared in his hand, and he showed it to her.
A broad smile blossomed on the receptionist's face as soon as she saw Erik's card. The crystal card was unique to the direct disciples of the honorable masters of the faction, so she quickly bowed even more respectfully to Erik and spoke.
"I apologize for my previous rudeness to the direct disciple. I hope you can forgive my mistakes and allow me to assist you in whatever you need."
"You don't need to do that, but could you please tell me a bit about how the university works? I know nothing."
"Of course, please follow me."
The receptionist bowed once in respect and led Erik down a corridor while the other receptionists watched the scene with envy written all over their faces. After all, having the opportunity to attend to a direct disciple was quite rare.
Not long after, the receptionist opened a door and they entered an elegant room with a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a panoramic window that allowed a view of the bustling street outside. In the center of the room was a beautiful coffee table and several exquisite leather armchairs.
The receptionist pressed a button on the wall, and the window dimmed slightly in a white hue. After that, she courteously indicated for Erik to sit while she gracefully placed a beautiful porcelain teapot on the table.
"It's a pleasure to serve you, direct disciple. What would you like to know about the university?"
"Just Erik is fine, and honestly, whatever you can tell me. I only know that the university is called Arcane University, but not much more."
The receptionist's smile widened, and she replied in a pleased tone, yet maintaining her elegance and respect.
"Then I'll start from the beginning, Direct Disciple Erik. As you might know, the Arcane University is the most important educational center in the galaxy, where people from all over and from all kinds of backgrounds gather. The university only admits students every 10 years through a challenging exam, and only the best can enter. The last intake was 2 years ago, but the direct disciples of the honorable faction masters are an exception to this."
"I see... I understand. How do the classes work?"
"All classes are optional. Anyone can take any class and graduate whenever they deem appropriate. However, classes cost points. The more advanced the knowledge covered, the more points it costs. These points are earned by excelling in classes, which are distributed based on the opinion of the teachers in charge. They can also be obtained by performing various tasks or missions for the university. It's also important to note that classes have a maximum quota, so it's crucial to register early. There are no exceptions to this, so one must sign up early.
You also cannot forget that it's forbidden to resell your class entry. If you do, you might face expulsion. Moreover, registration for a class must be done in person here in the tower, and depending on the class's advancement, the higher the floor you must go to. Lastly, all students must be registered for at least one class at all times, or they will lose their student status and be expelled."
"Where can I find the list of classes and prices?"
"You can check it at any time on your student card. Just channel mana into it and say 'Reveal my academic path.'"
Erik quickly followed the instructions, and a vivid, colorful hologram appeared before him, displaying all the classes and their respective prices, along with a brief explanation of the class and the name and title of the professor in charge, as well as the floor he needed to go to for registration.
After looking at the list for a bit, he put his card away and continued speaking.
"I see, this is very interesting."
"Is there anything else I can assist you with, Direct Disciple Erik?"
"Yes, what does 'direct disciple' mean? I've heard it a couple of times."
"Of course, Direct Disciple Erik. Those who hold the title of master within the faction are known as the pillar of the faction, and their disciples are considered direct disciples of the faction's orthodoxy."
"I see. One last thing, how do I get to the 15th floor?"
"If it's for class registration, allow me to accompany you, Direct Disciple Erik."
"Thank you, then."
The beautiful receptionist, with a smile, led Erik to a stunning glass elevator, in which they quickly ascended to the 15th floor. There, they found a reception area full of students being assisted by several workers dressed in a black uniform similar to the receptionist's.
Erik noticed a kind of ticket dispenser on a wall and many students seated in a large waiting room filled with holographic screens. He tried to head that way, but the receptionist stopped him.
"You don't need to wait, Direct Disciple Erik. Please follow me to the VIP area."
"Really? Great, let's go."
The receptionist led him to a very elegant waiting area, filled with comfortable sofas, chairs, meeting tables, and all kinds of food. There were also several people in uniforms similar to those worn by the workers in Eleonora and Sigrún's mansions. In the background, there were a few reception areas, though they had a more elegant and luxurious style than the previous ones.
(This looks a lot like the VIP lounges at airports...)
In the beautiful room, there were a few students chatting among themselves while waiting. However, the receptionist guided him to a slightly secluded area that seemed very special. It was empty, and there was a woman behind a very elegant desk who smiled as soon as she saw them.
"Good afternoon, Direct Disciple. Please, take a seat and let me know what you need."
The woman at the desk stood up from her chair, greeted only Erik with a courteous bow, and respectfully pointed to a chair for him. The receptionist who had guided him bowed deeply to the woman and then left the room.
"Good afternoon, I'd like to enroll in the Unification Magic Theory class of The Great Archon."
Erik sat down and told the woman about the class he wanted to join. She immediately pulled out a 20-inch crystal tablet, which also had several carved runes. After murmuring a few words, it activated, displaying a beautiful and highly defined hologram. On it, one could see a pictogram shaped like the student card, next to all the class information.
"Please place your student card here, Direct Disciple."
The woman pointed to the pictogram with a broad smile. Erik followed her instructions, and the moment he placed his card, it began to levitate in place. A hologram appeared above it, showing the class information, its cost, and options to accept or decline.
The class seemed to be about theories left long ago by a great mage with the title of legend, regarding the unification of humanity's magical systems into one. This greatly piqued Erik's interest when he saw it, and he wanted to enroll immediately.
After selecting the accept option, the holograms disappeared, and the receptionist spoke in a courteous tone.
"You can now retrieve your card, Direct Disciple."
"Thank you very much."
"Is there anything else you'd like assistance with?"
"Just a couple of questions."
"Not a problem, go ahead."
"Alright, then. Why are there different VIP waiting rooms?"
"They are for the use of disciples of those who belong to the faction. One is for disciples of mana users from the wise and arcane realm, and this one is exclusively for direct disciples like yourself."
"Did you know I was a direct disciple because I came here?"
"Exactly, plus the crystal card is only for direct disciples."
"I see. What other types of cards are there?"