I reached the second floor and stepped into a wide, sunlit corridor. The railings here were made of the same dark, polished wood as the staircase, smooth under my palms. Leaning over slightly, I could still see the students gathered around the giant tree on the ground floor below, some reading, some chatting quietly, a few practicing small spells that sent soft sparks drifting upward like fireflies. The whole building felt alive in a calm, humming way.
The hallway stretched in both directions, lined with heavy wooden doors and occasional notice boards covered in schedules and announcements. A sign on the wall pointed toward the library wing further down the left corridor. The air smelled faintly of old paper, ink, and polished wood.
I took a shaky breath, found Mr. Marble's door, and knocked.
"Come in," a calm, authoritative voice answered from inside.
I gently turned the doorknob.
The room was surprisingly spacious and bright, with tall windows letting in plenty of morning light. In the center stood a large oak desk, neatly organized with stacks of papers and a few ink pots. Behind it sat a distinguished-looking man,slick gray hair combed back perfectly, sharp features, and an air of quiet prestige. This had to be Mr. Marble.
In front of the desk sat a… uh, a dwarf, broad-shouldered, muscular, with a long, thick beard that reached his chest and big, calloused hands resting on his knees. He looked like someone who spent more time at a forge than in a classroom.
"That's why your son has failed the spellcasting exam, Mr. Rambocha," Mr. Marble was saying, voice firm but polite. "He lacks discipline in the fundamentals. Raw talent alone is not enough."
"Ah, darn it," the dwarf grumbled, scratching his beard. "I'll talk some sense into his noggin', Mr. Marble. Thank you for informing me."
"Of course, Mr. Rambocha."
"I shall go then. Me wife runs the blacksmith right now. Can't leave her alone too long or she'll break something."
"Have a nice day, Mr. Rambocha."
"You too, sir."
The dwarf stood, nodded politely at me as he passed, and left the room, closing the door behind him with a heavy click.
I cleared my throat and stepped closer. Mr. Marble looked up and gestured toward the chair in front of his desk.
"Please, sit."
"Thank you, sir."
I sat down, suddenly feeling very aware of how dirty and out of place I looked.
Mr. Marble folded his hands on the desk and studied me for a moment. "What can I do for you, young man?"
"I just arrived in the city a couple of days ago," I explained. "I didn't know about the law requiring everyone my age to attend an academy. I'd like to enroll."
He nodded, not seeming surprised. "I see. Name and age?"
"Ace Walker. Eighteen."
"Very well, Mr. Walker." He picked up a quill and made a quick note on a fresh sheet of paper. "Where are you from originally?"
"A small village… very far away. It didn't really have a name."
He raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
"Where have you been staying since you arrived in Kinola?" Mr. Marble asked, quill hovering over the paper.
"At a tavern, sir. Just for one night so far."
He nodded and wrote it down. "Any prior magical training? Even informal?"
"No, sir. None at all."
Mr. Marble studied me for a moment, then set the quill down. He seemed satisfied with my answers.
"Alright, Mr. Walker." He slid a blank sheet of paper across the desk toward me. "Take this to Professor Kroua on the first floor. She should be in her office near the elder tree. Give her this paper. She'll run your test and assign you to a suitable first-year class."
I took the blank A4-sized paper, feeling a bit confused but not wanting to question it.
"Alright… thank you, sir."
"You're welcome. Good luck."
I stood up, thanked him again, and left the room, the blank paper clutched in my hand.
Time to find Professor Kroua.
I headed back downstairs, the grand S-shaped staircase creaking softly under my boots. The main hall was even busier now, students moving between classes, chatting in small groups, or practicing minor spells near the giant tree. I weaved through the crowd, eyes scanning the doors and signs for anything that looked like an office.
As I walked, I accidentally bumped shoulders with someone.
"Oh, sorry—" I started, then froze.
It was a girl with deep ashen-gray skin, the same metallic sheen I'd seen earlier. Thick, curving horns swept back elegantly from her forehead. Her face was sharp and striking, high cheekbones, full lips, and striking crimson eyes that locked onto mine for a moment.
She stayed quiet, then her gaze dropped to the blank paper in my hand.
"You're going to be tested?" she asked, voice low and smooth. I then realised she was wearing some sort of ring, but couldn't quite get the details.
"Y-yeah," I replied, a bit thrown off. "Do you know where Professor Kroua's room is?"
She pointed with a graceful motion toward a door a little further down, near the base of the elder tree. "There."
"Ah, thank you. Have a nice day."
She gave a small nod and continued on her way. I let out a breath and walked over to the indicated door. Taking another shaky breath, I raised my hand and knocked.
"Come in," a clear voice called from inside.
I pushed the door open.