We approached the city early the next day. It was a bit larger than Ronesta, where I had spent all my life. At least all that I could remember. Large walls protected the city. The river Jinso flowed straight through Lupos. It was heavily used for trade and connected the city with the capital. The huge water gates were only closed in emergencies. There was not a solid gate, stopping the river would be problematic, there was a portcullis instead.

Aside from the river the city had three gates. We approached from the southern one. The amount of horses our small group had attracted some attention. But Captain Sarah got us through the gates rather quickly. I observed the city as we made our way to the academy. It was not much different from Ronesta. The cheaper houses were made of wood and clay, while the more expensive ones used a lot of stone.

It was Solday, a day of rest. Most shops were closed and people enjoyed their day off. Traffic was light and we made good time to reach the academy. I was amazed when I saw it. The compound was surrounded by a fence. I could see a couple of large buildings. They were made of stone and featured a lot of arches and columns. The gate stood open but it was guarded. Captain Sarah rode forward and had a short conversation with them. Then she approached me.

“This is it, your new home for the next four years. They are calling for someone to show you around and get you settled. Then we will leave you. Oh, and you can keep the horse. It’s a prize you earned in battle!”

My own horse? And I had earned it myself, in combat. A lot of emotions were going through me. I felt proud, happy and concerned.

“Um… I don’t have any money to take care of a horse…”

Slaves could not own anything. I only had the clothing Major Arthur gave me. And camping supplies, if I was allowed to keep them. Since I lost a uniform in the battle I did not even have a spare set of clothing.

“Ah, don’t worry. Looking after a mount is part of the service the academy provides. Unless it’s an extra large creature. Or if it has a special diet. As for money, they will give you a stipend. But I can recommend looking for a part time job. Assuming you have time between studying.”

“Oh, that is good.” It made me feel better. I was afraid I would have to sell the horse. I did not know if I truly needed it here but hearing that I earned it… I just felt good having it.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Looks like your guide is here. Goodbye Koyuki, I wish you luck at the academy.”

“Thank you, Captain Sarah. You saved my life, I hope we will meet again.”

I also said my goodbyes to John and Edith. Then I dismounted my horse and approached the guide. It was a human woman who wore the same uniform I did, except for the silver bar on her shoulder. Her clothing was spotless. She had shoulder-length red hair and green eyes. The freckles on her face made her look cute. She studied me with a frown on her face.

“Hi, I am Koyuki.” I introduced myself and offered my hand.

She looked at it briefly and ignored it.

“I am Lady Elena. I have been ordered to show you around the academy. Follow me.” Her voice was… cold. Emotionless.

I was not entirely sure what to make of her. What did she know about my circumstances? She did not seem very friendly. Was that because of me, or was she angry that she had to show me around?

“Sure. Where can I stable my horse?”

“Obviously where I am leading you to.”

“Ok.”

I had a lot of questions but my guide seemed rather unwilling to talk. So I followed her in silence. Not too far from the gate where the stables are. They were split in two by the road leading further into the academy. I had to fill in a form to register my horse. It needed a name. Dammit, I should have thought about it sooner. Um… um…

“Your horse is named Coffee?” The stable master asked, looking at the form.

“Yes.”

“Ok. We will take care of your horse here. It’s now registered to you. The stables are always open.”

“Thanks.”

We continued our tour of the facility. A straight road led to the administrative building. We did not enter it yet. We made our way around it on the left, through the parade square, to the massive dormitory. The ground floor held the mess hall, staff and utility rooms. The additional four floors were for the student accommodations. First years were on the first floor, second years were on the 2nd and so on. Each floor was further split, based on gender. Females on the left and males on the right.

The academy also had a small park, a building with the lecture halls and a practice area. Part of it was indoor and part outdoor. Above the training halls were the alchemy labs. The entire building was heavily warded against damage.

All buildings were connected by roads to allow supplies to be brought in. And there was some nice landscaping with trees, bushes, flowers and perfectly manicured grass that connected everything.

Once I had seen all the buildings, at least from the outside we went to the administration.

“I will now lead you to the principal, as ordered. This concludes the tour.” Elena said.

We ended up in front of an office. The sign on the door said: Principal Hailstorm

“Have a nice day.” Elena said, and just left.

“Uh, you too!” I awkwardly answered. I still did not figure out what her deal was. She was not truly hostile. Just emotionless.

Well, it was time to meet the principal. I knocked at the door.