"This is the grand bridge leading to the interior of the Academy. Generally speaking, it remains open at all times. Of course, guards are stationed here to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering."
Mohg listened to Obol's explanation while observing his surroundings. Obol was the sorcerer who had just been responsible for examining him.
As for what had transpired during the test... Mohg had channeled his internal power into the glintstone staff, and in doing so, he had unexpectedly made contact with the Blood Star located deep within the starry firmament.
The resulting eruption of magic was incredibly potent. Immediately after that display, Obol's attitude shifted drastically, transforming from professional indifference to marked enthusiasm. It seemed Obol now viewed him as a fellow pioneer on the path of sorcery.
In truth, even if he hadn't made contact with the Blood Star, it wouldn't have been a major issue. The knowledge he had taken from that previous glintstone sorcerer wasn't just for show; he had genuinely studied and researched it.
Consequently, he did possess a grasp of glintstone sorceries, though he didn't specialize in them. To this day, he only knew a few foundational spells: Glintstone Pebble, Glintstone Arc, Starlight, and the more advanced Swift Glintstone Shard.
Beyond those, he knew nothing else. As for why he rarely used them... it was simply because, given the battles he faced and his current combat style, magic was often too cumbersome. Unless his internal mana grew significantly or he learned more powerful, utilitarian spells, he wouldn't likely rely on sorcery as his primary means of engaging enemies.
Suddenly, Mohg's gaze fell upon a figure perched atop the Academy's main gate.
The figure had a beast-like silhouette yet possessed human characteristics, and a massive curved sword was strapped to its back.
"That is a Bloodhound Knight, sent by the Carian Royal Family to protect our Academy," Obol explained. "It is said that once these knights choose a master, they never betray them. The one before us currently has no master and only obeys the temporary commands of the Carian Royals. I wonder who will eventually be lucky enough to claim its loyalty."
"I see," Mohg replied with a nod, withdrawing his gaze.
The Bloodhound Knight clinging to the wall seemed to sense Mohg's scrutiny. It shifted slightly after glancing at him, but ultimately remained still and took no action.
Following Obol's lead across the bridge, the two arrived before the lift that led truly into the Academy's interior.
"Through here, you can officially enter the Academy. Let us proceed."
"You mentioned earlier that it's 'generally' always open," Mohg remarked casually as he stepped into the lift, steering the conversation. "Does that mean there are times when it is sealed?"
"Indeed. During times of war, the Academy seals all entrances and exits. At such times, only those possessing a Glintstone Key issued by the Academy can pass through the barrier."
Mohg nodded slightly. In his memory, however, there was another way to enter the Academy: a lift located inside a specific cave. But that path was heavily guarded by sorcerers from various conspectuses, and there were even Crystalians in that area. Furthermore, that lift led to the high towers at the very peak of the Academy. A normal person wouldn't be able to enter the main grounds from there, but that obviously didn't apply to Mohg.
As the lift ascended, Mohg and Obol soon entered the heart of the Academy.
The moment he stepped inside, Mohg's expression shifted. A dense, deep-blue magical energy permeated the air, and an inexplicable power began to well up within his body. He immediately turned to look at Obol.
"You feel it too, don't you? This is one of the reasons countless sorcerers are drawn to the Academy like moths to a flame. A powerful spell covers the entire Academy: Terra Magica. Aside from the Academy, no other faction enjoys such a distinction!"
As Obol spoke, his voice grew increasingly fervent.
Mohg narrowed his eyes. The descriptions of Terra Magica contained similar records. During the Academy's golden age, the Terra Magica situated atop the highest bell tower covered the entire grounds, granting everyone within a heightened state of inspiration. It was said that even an infant raised within its bounds could become a sorcerer.
However... could the present day truly be considered the Academy's "golden age"?
Mohg wasn't certain. After all, the Academy was currently under the thumb of the Carian Royal Family. If one considered the Academy as an independent faction, this was likely its lowest point. But if one factored the Carian influence into the Academy's strength, it could indeed be called a peak.
In reality, the current version of Terra Magica was significantly weakened compared to its original form. It fell far short of its ancient potency; what existed now was merely a "castrated" version of the spell.
Nevertheless, perfected versions of Terra Magica still existed within the private rooms of professors and specialized sorcerer towers. Maintaining a version that covered the entire Academy consumed a staggering amount of mana, requiring the constant mining and conversion of glintstones. This was one of the primary reasons the Academy-wide effect had been throttled. The Academy simply lacked the funds and resources to provide every student with the full empowerment of the spell.
"Obol, is this the wandering sorcerer you spoke of?"
A sorcerer on guard duty for the day looked at Mohg with curiosity before addressing Obol.
"Yes. His name is Gwyn, a stargazer."
"Then proceed. The Professor is waiting for you."
With that, the glintstone sorcerer slowly pushed open the large doors behind him.
Mohg followed Obol through the Church of the Cuckoo. Noticing that Obol had no intention of introducing the place, Mohg didn't ask. However, it was clear from Obol's demeanor that he harbored some resentment regarding the presence of the Church of the Cuckoo within their walls.
"This area is a cemetery, dedicated to those who have made significant contributions to the Academy. We must pass through here to reach the actual academic sectors."
As they delved deeper, increasingly familiar sights filled Mohg's vision—locales he recognized from his time in the game.
Before long, the two reached a lift mechanism, waiting for the next platform to arrive. During the wait, Mohg glanced toward the spot where a certain "old geezer" should have appeared, but the area was currently unremarkable.
Taking the lift to the upper level, Mohg soon saw groups of sorcerers walking through the Academy grounds. Some were clutching stacks of books, hurrying toward a specific direction.
"This is the schoolhouse classroom area. Barring any surprises, you will likely be staying in this district. However, that will depend on which conspectus you ultimately join. I personally recommend our Karolos Conspectus."
Obol introduced the area while pitching his own school. To the various conspectuses, new students were a vital resource. After all, more students meant more "labor" to be ordered around.
"I will give it serious thought," Mohg replied with a nod.
In truth, he was leaning toward joining the Haima Conspectus. But more than that, he was concerned with whether his "Teacher" was currently present within the Academy.
────────────────────────────────────────
Support me here: https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
Spring Sale Special – 20% OFF!
Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (369 Chapters – Ongoing)
Join the journey and become part of the story!
────────────────────────────────────────