Chapter 14 : Navigating Nortale: Freshman's First Day

I exited my room, descended the stairs, and discovered Elijah seated at the dining table. I approached him. " hi perfect! "

" James , you're the one I've been waiting for ! I have instructions here ! " 

" Sorry ! Had to change , any way , what instructions? "

He replied" safety instructions. The local poltergeist is quite vicious."

That's scary" Great...I guess " 

" Relax. I was kidding. Our poltergeist is pretty peaceful. I'm talking about learning and stuff. 

Oh. yeah! You're a freshman. I need to brief you. I'm personally responsible for making sure you're fully prepared to study. So I need you to get your textbooks . "

 He reached into his pocket, retrieved a card, and handed it to me. " here, take your student card...show it to the library. They don't give out textbooks without it. 

And after you get it. You can go to class. 

Question. Objections. Requests ? "

I replied" why do I even need a card? Who can be here except students and teachers? "

He answered" shapeshifters, evil entities, and spirits from another realm , strange question, dude , don't forget what place you are studying in! In nortale you can meet unexpected things anywhere, even in the library.

By the way, about the temple of knowledge. The library is open in the morning and afternoon . Stop by during that time and pick up some textbooks from Amelie . "

I mumbled in confusion." And Amelie is... " 

He responded" Our librarian. She's super hot. If you ask my opinion. "

" Got it, got it. And the library is..."

He gazes at me as if perceiving a foolish individual " It's a big room with lots of books . You go to the academy, and there.in the courtyard, first door on the left . Any questions?"

I continued to inquire about the classes. " yes , I wanted to know more about classes. "

He start explaining" first semester you'll have two core courses . Keep your student card with you. With it, you can attend fundamentals of magic and potions. You probably already know her . The class is in the classroom where you had your exam . 

I think Victoria, as usual , will focus on battle magic , i wouldn't say that's a bad thing . Combat magic is rough, but it's very impressive. It's great for beginners. 

Watch out for your eyebrows, though, very easy to burn ." 

" Good thing to know "

He continued" Potion is taught by miss Sabrina spellman . You don't know her , so make sure you go to class. "

" Is there anything I should know about her ? "

" She's a sweetheart. I kind feel sorry for her"

Feeling perplexed by his description, I inquired further. " Why , what's going on with her " 

" Most of the time it's more fun for newcomers to do magic than it is to brew potions . And she really resents that . Try to show a bit of interest during her classes. And you'll already be in good standing. "

" Sounds simple enough. "

" It is . I've got a lot to do . When you're done both fundamentals of magic and potions...find me at the cafe . I almost always hang out there in the evening. "

" You got it . " 

I left Elijah and headed to the academy. Upon entering, I was struck by its immense size. How could one possibly remember where to go? Oh look there's a guy going upstairs .. maybe he's a freshman. But why is he going there ? .

 As he began ascending the stairs, Mr. Jacob intercepted him. " where do you think you're going mr. Brown ?" 

The boy answered" good afternoon Mr. Frollo . emmm... where ? Why.... I mean , yeah .I was going to the libraries and to class. "

" And the What are you doing on the second floor, then ? " 

" Isn't that where I need to go ? "

He commenced mocking him. " I thought crowhive took bright students. It's sad to see jaina's standards fall so low. 

First year students have no business being on the second floor of the academy. "

 " But, sir..... where I should go then ? "

Then He started providing directions on where to go. " the entrance to the library and the classroom is in the inner courtyard of the academy. To get there. Just go through one of two arches on either side of the stairs. Then turn to left . You need the first door. "

" But sir there are to many arches."

He sighed " You're a messed up case , aren't you? You need those arches over there . If you look from the entrance to the academy, they're straight ahead. 

 I hope you can work it from there. You were there when you took your exam. Do you understand? "

He replied" I think so . Thank you for your help "

" Don't mention it . Try to be more attentive. Mr. Brown. the rules are there for a reason . It would be a shame to get expelled for such foolishness."

The boy began trembling with fear. " ye..s, s

...ir " 

Phew, it's a good thing I didn't have time to follow him . Or I'd have gotten my ass kicked by Jacob . 

I wonder what's on the second floor that's students aren't allowed up there . Okay , I'll leave that out of my head now . I have so much to do before school starts . 

And first of all learn how not to get lost here . There are entrance to the garden on either side of stairs. And that's all I need to know during my first year . 

I started walking until I found myself lost once again . Standing behind a large door, I decided to open it and discovered myself in the main hall.

It's look different when there's no session. So spacious. I wonder what else going on here . The tables are laid out like you could have a real feast here. Perhaps there used to be such a tradition. And these statues of angels . They look like guards. I wonder if they can come to life under spells.

They must be guarding the folio. Strange that such an important relic is left lying unattended. 

" Conferring with your ancestors? "

" Ah? Who's there ? "Is it just me, or did someone speak to me? I turned to look, and there was our headmaster. Is he wearing jeans? That's a bit weird. 

" Don't be alarmed. James. It's me , Arthur "

I sighed in relief" Director, I confess, I didn't immediately recognize you in that outfit "

" Heh. Well. What I can say .... Old men like to look neat, too. I'm sure you're wondering why the academy has such a large hall. I myself sometimes wonder if this pompousness is necessary. 

But all the important meetings concerning the academy held here. Besides, this room is ideal for keeping the folio. 

It is always best to keep the most valuable things hidden in plain sight. Isn't it ? " 

" Huh, I guess...thank you so much for the tour "

" You're welcome, we're here to educate you. By the way, I'm sure that Victoria And Sabrina are already waiting for students . "

I responded " I was just on my way there... I just get lost "

" Okay , hurry up, you don't want to be late, do you ?"

" Of course not , sir. Goodbye, sir " 

Well, that's a pleasant surprise – the headmaster dressing like a teenager. However, no time to dwell on that; I need to hurry so I won't be late.