Apolo continued "driving" the carriage until they could see the Ministry of Magic on the horizon. The group could see that the ministry wasn't much different from a set of 4 large castles connected by a grand circular tower in the middle. The structure itself was immensely huge. Nevertheless, Apolo could observe that almost every window of the castle had people moving from one place to another, so this place seemed highly frequented. The large central structure was surrounded by gardens, paths, and several small structures scattered throughout the garden. Among these, Apolo managed to catch sight of some nurseries and what looked like rundown sheds. Just like the interior of the Ministry of Magic, the surrounding gardens were bustling too. The young noble could see people in white and black robes constantly moving from one place to another.

As Apolo observed with curiosity, the carriage finally reached the main gate of the grounds surrounding the ministry, and a guard dressed in silver armor came out of his post to see the visitors.

—Nice to meet you. Is this the Ministry of Magic?— Apolo asked as he saw the guard approach Orrin's carriage.

—Yes, are you here for the enrollment exam? You're a bit late, lad— the guard commented with a smile, looking at Apolo's elegant noble attire and giving a more thorough check to the two black carriages that transported him.

—Is it no longer possible to become a wizard today?— Apolo asked the guard with concern, not at all aware of the procedure for becoming a wizard.

—Your ancestors were lucky; you're late, but just in time...— the guard responded as he groomed the thick mustache on his face, glancing at the carriage Apolo was in and confirming it was apparently empty —Let me warn you though: being late has its disadvantages, lad! The wizard conducting the enrollment exam hardens his heart as the day goes on. However, remember to be patient and don't skip the line. If you do, I assure you passing the exam will be impossible.

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—Then let's not waste any more time!— Orrin exclaimed eagerly, feeling guilty for not warning his master about this situation. It was his responsibility as a future steward to be informed about these bureaucratic procedures. However, he couldn't have foreseen this situation this time since the old servant had never been informed about such an exam's existence —Where in the ministry is the exam held?

—Follow the path and turn when you see a signboard: head to the fourth castle and join the line of aspiring wizards. You'll be informed of the rest when it's your turn to be evaluated— the guard said, removing his hand from his mustache and pointing to a tree-lined path behind his post.

—Well, thanks for your advice. Don't waste my precious time any further and move on!— Apolo commented instinctively, feeling the rush to join the waiting line.

—No worries. It's my job to give directions. And by the way, remember to travel inside the carriage, or you might be mistaken for a servant...— the guard replied with a smile hidden by his bushy mustache, as he returned to his post.

Ignoring the guard, Orrin hurriedly followed the directions, and the horses in Apolo's carriage automatically followed. It didn't take the group long to find themselves in a long line of carriages, waiting to enter the fourth castle.

—How many people are trying to enroll as wizards today?— Apolo asked angrily, seeing the line stretch all the way to the castle.

—Easily a thousand carriages. Looks like we'll have to wait a while— Mateo said patiently, accustomed to waiting —If you want, sir, you can lie down in the carriage. We'll wake you when it's your turn.

—No, that's alright. I'll wait with you guys— Apolo said hurriedly, yawning at the mention of lying down.