3rd August

I had stepped into a new world. Unlike anything I’ve seen before, whether it be in games or animation, nothing compares to this. Yesterday Naomi showed me around the city complex, the place was as big as a major suburb, with a lot to show. The marketplace was located near the main gate of the Academy, with a lot of stalls selling all of the stuff a student—magic student—would require. I had no idea what most of the stuff was tho.

The cobblestone streets lead through the marketplace into the town centre. It was a wide open space, connecting to all parts of the complex, it was highly reminiscent of the Shibuya Crossing though it was not as big of course. At the centre of it was a large fountain, serving like a roundabout, but it was nothing short of marvellous. The fountain housed a statue of Athena, holding open a golden book that squirted water out of its pages.

I was captivated by the sight. The statue of Athena was unlike anything I had seen in person. Standing at least ten feet tall, it was carved from marble so pristine it almost seemed to glow in the moonlight. Athena's expression was one of serene wisdom, her eyes gazing out across the town centre as if watching over all who passed through. The open book in her hands was a curious detail—water gushed forth from the pages, cascading down into the pool below with a soft, soothing sound that added a sense of tranquillity to the bustling surroundings.

Naomi had mentioned that the fountain was a favourite spot for students to gather and relax between classes or after a long day of training. I could see why. There was something calming about the place, something that made you want to sit by the water's edge and just… be. The faint glow of lanterns hung around the square, casting gentle light on the cobblestones, and the occasional magical spark flickered through the air, remnants of spells cast by passing students.

Around the fountain, the town centre was alive with activity. Small groups of students mingled and chatted, their laughter ringing out into the night. Some carried books, others carried strange, glowing objects that I couldn’t even begin to identify. There were even a few street performers—magicians, for lack of a better term—demonstrating their craft for small crowds. One girl was making tiny, sparkling butterflies dance in the air, much to the delight of her audience.

Naomi had to practically drag me away from the fountain, and I couldn’t blame her. There was still so much more to see. The city complex was like an endless labyrinth, with winding streets and hidden alleyways that seemed to go on forever. Every turn revealed something new—an ancient-looking bookstore with tomes piled high, a shop selling rare magical ingredients, a cafe with floating tables where students sat sipping from steaming mugs.

“It’s all a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” Naomi asked, glancing at me as we walked. She must have noticed the awe written all over my face.

“Yeah… I mean, this is all so different from what I’m used to,” I admitted. “It’s like I’ve stepped into a dream.”

She smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “ It takes some time to get used to, but before long, it’ll feel like home.”

Home. The word echoed in my mind. Avalon was a far cry from the life I had known back on Earth, but in that moment, I realised that this was where I was meant to be. I still had a lot to learn—a lot to prove—but as I took in the sights and sounds of the city complex, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside me. This was a place where magic was real, where anything was possible, and where I had a chance to carve out my own destiny.

There was a certain energy in the air—a feeling of purpose and determination that was almost contagious. Everyone here was striving for something, working towards their goals with an intensity that I hadn’t seen before. It was inspiring, and it made me want to push myself harder, to see how far I could go.

Naomi gently steered me northward from the bustling town centre, guiding me towards the dormitories. As we walked, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer scale and diversity of the structures around me. Each building had its own unique charm, but one in particular caught my eye—a vast two-story building that unmistakably resembled a cafeteria.

The cafeteria was nothing like the mundane school canteens I was used to back on Earth. This place was grand, almost regal. Its large windows spilled warm, inviting light onto the cobblestone street outside, creating a beacon of comfort in the otherwise dim evening. The structure was crafted from dark stone with intricate carvings that wrapped around the columns flanking the entrance. A series of ornate arches framed the double doors, each arch adorned with delicate gold accents that shimmered under the soft glow of the lanterns. The roof was steeply pitched, with elegant spires rising from each corner, giving the building a somewhat castle-like appearance.

Peering through the tall windows as we passed, I could see the interior bustling with students, the soft hum of conversation mingling with the clinking of cutlery and the occasional burst of laughter. The inside was just as lavish as the outside, with high ceilings and chandeliers that looked like they belonged in a palace. The walls were lined with long wooden tables, each one polished to a shine and surrounded by comfortable chairs that looked more suited to a fine dining restaurant than a school cafeteria. The floors were covered in plush red carpets, muffling the sound of footsteps and adding a touch of luxury to the already opulent space.

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We continued walking, leaving the enchanting cafeteria behind as we made our way further north. As we moved closer to the dormitory area, I noticed several buildings that stood out even more. There were three of them in a C shape, each one towering over the surrounding structures like giants. Their exteriors were a striking contrast to the more traditional designs I had seen so far—these buildings looked like something straight out of a historical movie, the kind of luxury hotels where rich celebrities would stay.

The architecture was distinctly Baroque, with elaborate detailing that seemed almost excessive, yet somehow perfectly suited to the atmosphere of Avalon. The facades were adorned with intricate stone carvings, from floral patterns to depictions of mythical creatures, and the windows were tall and narrow, framed by decorative moulding that emphasised their height. The roofs were a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with multiple layers of ornate tiles and elaborate domes that glistened under the soft light of the moon.

Each building had its own unique colour palette—one was a deep, royal blue with silver accents, another a rich burgundy with touches of gold, and the third a pristine white, almost glowing in the moonlight, with delicate details in a pale lavender hue. The entrances to these buildings were grand, with wide stone steps leading up to massive doors that looked like they could withstand the test of time.

“This is the dorm for the first and second-year students,” Naomi explained as we stepped into the gleaming white building. The interior was bright and airy, with high ceilings and wide hallways that made the space feel even more expansive. “I honestly don’t get why they build these dormitories so enormous when there are so few students here,” she added with a hint of frustration in her voice.

“How few are we talking about?” I asked, my curiosity piqued as we began ascending the stairs.

Naomi chuckled softly. “The first-year class barely has thirty students,” she said, her voice taking on a slightly exaggerated tone as she finished, “and that’s including you.”

“Damn, that’s insane,” I exclaimed, genuinely surprised. “Are there really that few students in every class?”

“Not usually,” Naomi replied as we continued our climb. “For some reason, this year has had an unusually low number of potential candidates. It’s been a bit of a mystery, honestly. I’m surprised you even showed up on the list.”

By this point, we had climbed up a few floors, and Naomi paused to catch her breath, looking around as if assessing the space. “Anyway, here we are—your floor,” she announced with a small smile.

I glanced around, realising that I had lost track of the floors during our conversation. “Which one is this?” I asked, slightly embarrassed.

Naomi smirked knowingly. “It’s the fourth,” she answered, her tone teasing as she pointed out my lack of attention.

We continued down the corridor, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors. The hallway was lined with doors, each one leading to a room that would house another student like me. Despite the building’s size, the dormitory felt strangely intimate, almost cosy, as if the walls themselves were designed to foster a sense of community among the few students who lived here.

As we walked down the corridor, Naomi finally broke the silence, “We’ll have to get you some new essentials to live here,” she said matter-of-factly. “The school provides the basics, but trust me, you’ll want to pick up a few things of your own.”

I nodded, trying to process everything. It seemed like there was always more to learn, more to do, in this incredible new world.

Finally, we reached the door to what would be my new home for the foreseeable future. Room no. 416. Naomi handed me a key with a reassuring smile. “It’s a lot to take in, I know,” she said softly, “but you’ll get used to it. And if you ever need anything, my room is on the sixth floor, room number 602.”

As I stepped into the room, it was clear that it was already being shared. The other half was occupied, with a neatly made bed on the opposite side and a desk that was meticulously organised. Books were stacked precisely, and a few personal items were arranged carefully—a framed photo, some pens in a holder, and a small potted plant that added a touch of life to the space. Even though the person who lived here wasn’t around, their presence was evident in how everything was kept in perfect order.

Naomi glanced around, taking note of the immaculate condition of the room. "Looks like your roommate is pretty tidy," she remarked. "They’re probably busy with something and won’t be back until tomorrow."

I nodded, still processing the fact that I’d be sharing this space with someone else. The room, despite being lived in, was spotless. The floor was clean, the furniture dust-free, and everything seemed to have its place. Whoever my roommate was, they clearly cared about keeping things organised and hygienic.

"I’ve never had a roommate before," I admitted as I set my bags down on the empty bed. "I’ve always lived alone, so this is going to be… different."

Naomi gave me a sympathetic smile. "It’ll take some getting used to, but you might find you like it. Having someone around can be nice, especially in a place like this."

"Yeah, maybe," I replied, though I wasn’t entirely sure. The idea of sharing my space with a stranger was daunting, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel curious about who my roommate was.

Naomi handed me the key with a reassuring nod. "For now, just settle in. We’ll hit the marketplace tomorrow to get you some essentials and make this place feel more like yours."

"Thanks," I said, appreciating her effort to make me feel more at ease.

After she left, I began unpacking my things, trying to find a balance between making the room my own and respecting the order my roommate had established. Even as I placed my belongings on my side of the room, I couldn’t help but glance over at the other side, wondering about the person who had arranged everything so neatly. Despite my initial apprehension, there was a small sense of comfort in knowing I’d be sharing the room with someone who clearly valued cleanliness and order.

As I lay back on my bed, the room felt strangely quiet, but also welcoming in a way I hadn’t expected. The cleanliness and organisation spoke of someone who took care of their space, and it made the idea of sharing a room feel a little less intimidating. Exhaustion began to creep in, and as I closed my eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder what tomorrow would bring—both in terms of settling into this new life and meeting the person I’d be sharing it with.

<14 - SurgeーEpisode 4 - Fin>