Caelum woke to the soft light spilling through the ornate curtains of his private suite. The room was far more luxurious than anything he had ever experienced—a high-arched ceiling with intricately carved beams ran above his bed, and faint traces of morning mist hung in the air beyond the window. As the pale sunlight filtered in, it illuminated the soft textures of the tapestries hanging from the walls, depicting ancient battles, peaceful landscapes, and abstract interpretations of mana flows.
He stretched and blinked the remnants of sleep from his eyes. The remnants of a dream swirled in his mind—pages of text in a dozen different languages, many unfamiliar. Words glowing in gold, silver, crimson, and blue had spun around him in chaotic unison, each more vibrant than the last. They flowed in and out of books, coming together and pulling apart again, with each combination forming new meanings and insights. As he watched in his dream, Caelum had understood it all, and yet as he sat in his bed now, the memory of their precise meaning slipped away like sand through his fingers.
Still, he felt... fuller. As if some part of that knowledge remained, waiting to reveal itself. The soft chime of the dumbwaiter broke his train of thought. He stood, the cold wooden floor feeling almost welcoming beneath his feet, and crossed the room to retrieve his breakfast.
The suite was elegantly simple, with stone walls that had been polished to a soft glow, and an enchanted fireplace that provided warmth without the need for wood or fuel. A small eating alcove with a circular table was nestled by a wide window, offering a view of the expansive grounds below. Caelum could see rolling hills dotted with trees, and in the distance, the high towers of the university, silhouetted against the rising sun.
He set the tray of food down and glanced at the bookshelf beside the window. The books caught his eye, their spines gleaming with gold and silver lettering. He absentmindedly picked one at random as he settled into the chair and began his meal—a warm bowl of porridge sweetened with honey, alongside a small loaf of fresh bread and butter. The title of the book he had grabbed was On the Essence of Mana: A Beginner’s Guide.
As he ate, he thumbed through the pages. The words flowed easily, familiar—too familiar. He paused, staring at the page. The content wasn’t just familiar, it was as if he had already memorized it. He closed the book, set it aside, and then recited the next paragraph from memory. Every word was perfect, down to the punctuation. He flipped to the next page in the book to confirm it. Again, he had gotten it right.
A cold sensation crept up his spine. How was this possible?
He tested the theory further. He closed his eyes and recited another passage, then checked it. Correct again. He stood, a strange feeling stirring inside him, and crossed the room to the bookshelf. Each title there seemed to call to him, each one feeling like something he had already read, absorbed, and committed to memory.
Was this from the dream?
He picked up a second book, then a third, thumbing through the pages. The contents were there in his mind, ready to be recalled. But why? How had this happened? He had to get answers. Maybe this wasn’t just some strange coincidence—maybe it had something to do with the knowledge he’d been absorbing since he arrived in this magical world.
Before he could delve any further into the mystery, a knock at the door snapped him back to reality. It was Aelric, his mentor, a mischievous 17-year-old boy with tousled dark hair and a roguish smile.
“Good morning, Caelum. Ready to see the grand tour?” Aelric said, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Caelum nodded, eager to get his mind off the unsettling feeling and explore the campus. “Yeah, let’s go.”
They stepped out into the hall, which was bathed in warm sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows. The stone walls were polished, with deep, dark wood paneling halfway up, making the place feel ancient and dignified. Small sconces dotted the walls, emitting soft magical light that flickered faintly in rhythm with the mana flows embedded in the building’s structure. As they walked, their footsteps echoed through the arched ceilings, and the distant sound of chattering students provided a steady hum of life.
“The university is pretty massive,” Aelric said, gesturing to the hallway. “There’s no way we’ll see everything today, but I’ll show you the key places.”
As they walked, Caelum couldn’t help but notice the rich tapestries hanging from the walls, depicting scenes of magic being woven and battles fought with spells and elemental forces. The scent of old parchment and faint traces of incense filled the air, blending with the fresh morning breeze from the open windows. It was a world unlike anything he had known—a world alive with power and history.
Their first stop was a lecture hall—a wide, open room with rows of wooden benches curving around a central podium. The walls were lined with shelves, holding various magical tools, tomes, and artifacts. At the front of the room stood Professor Evander Raelis, the enchantment professor. His black hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his eyes glinted as he spoke to a group of students.
He was in the middle of a demonstration, enchanting a fountain pen with intricate hand movements, drawing invisible patterns in the air. As he finished, the pen glowed with a faint light, humming with power. The students leaned forward, eager to inspect his work. Raelis glanced up as Caelum and Aelric passed by the open door, giving them a brief nod before returning to his lecture.
“Enchantment class,” Aelric whispered. “Raelis is one of the best. But you’ll get to know him soon enough.”
The tour continued, taking them through corridors lined with suits of armor and magical relics encased in glass. Each item seemed to radiate its own story, its own history. Caelum couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder as they passed them by.
Eventually, Aelric led him to the library—a towering structure that seemed to stretch endlessly upwards, with row upon row of bookshelves reaching to the vaulted ceiling. The air was thick with the scent of leather-bound tomes and the hum of latent magic. There were alcoves dedicated to elemental magic, with books floating above pedestals, pages flipping by themselves as if eager to be read.
At the center of the library stood Lysandra Elowen, the librarian. She was striking, with jet-black hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through Caelum. She moved with a kind of eerie grace, her black robes swirling around her as if guided by unseen forces.
“Ah, a new student,” Lysandra said, her voice soft yet commanding. “I see you’ve come for your library ring.”
Aelric gestured to Caelum. “He’ll need one. Caelum’s going to be doing a lot of reading, I suspect.”
Lysandra nodded and led them to a counter, where various rings lay on display. “These rings will allow you to check out books,” she explained, her gaze never leaving Caelum. “Each ring is enchanted to hold a certain number of volumes. Simply touch the ring to the spine of the book, and it will be stored within.”
Caelum slipped the ring onto his finger, feeling a faint pulse of magic as it adjusted to him. Lysandra’s eyes flicked to the ring, then back to him.
“Books are more than just words,” she said cryptically. “They carry the essence of knowledge itself. Handle them with care.”
Her words sent a shiver down Caelum’s spine. There was something about her—something unsettling and powerful. He thanked her and followed Aelric out of the library, his mind spinning with questions.
“Don’t mind her,” Aelric said with a chuckle. “Lysandra’s always a bit... intense. But she’s brilliant, and she runs the library like a well-oiled machine.”
As they left the towering library behind, they passed through more hallways filled with classrooms and lecture halls. Some were silent, with students seated in quiet study, while others were bustling with activity, magical demonstrations lighting up the rooms with flashes of fire, ice, and lightning. Caelum could feel the hum of mana in the air, the sheer energy of the place making his skin tingle.
At one point, they passed a courtyard where students were practicing dueling. The air crackled with energy as spells flew back and forth, bursts of flame and shimmering barriers colliding in midair. The duelers moved with precision, their robes swirling as they dodged and countered each other’s attacks.
“That’s the dueling courtyard,” Aelric said, nodding toward the scene. “You’ll spend a lot of time there. Every student here has to learn how to defend themselves—magic can be unpredictable.”
The world around Caelum was vibrant, alive with the energy of magic and knowledge. He could feel it in every step he took, every breath he drew. This place was more than just a school—it was a gateway to something far greater.
But as they walked, a nagging thought tugged at the back of his mind. What had happened that morning? Why did he know the contents of those books without having read them? And how much more had he absorbed without realizing it?
The answers would come in time, but for now, there was so much more to learn, and Caelum had barely scratched the surface.
As they left the courtyard behind, the sounds of crackling spells and laughter slowly faded, replaced by the low murmur of students walking through the main halls. Caelum could hardly believe the scale of the university—everywhere they turned, there were new rooms, hidden passageways, and towering staircases that led to even more mysterious parts of the building. The architecture felt ancient, like something out of a forgotten age. Tall, arched windows let in streams of light, casting intricate shadows across the stone floor. The walls were decorated with tapestries showing battles between ancient mages, while other scenes depicted the elemental forces being wielded by masterful sorcerers.
They continued through a series of smaller corridors, the air cooler here, and the light dimmer. Caelum caught sight of several classrooms through half-open doors, where students sat in quiet concentration, poring over manuscripts or chanting softly in unison. In one room, a professor stood at the front, her hands weaving complex patterns in the air as runes formed and dissolved in glowing golden light.
“That’s Professor Moraphix,” Aelric said quietly, nodding toward the room. “She teaches transmutation and shape-shifting. One of the more difficult disciplines to master.”
Caelum peered inside, watching as Professor Moraphix’s hands moved with effortless grace, the light of her spells reflecting in her eyes, which seemed to shift in color like liquid silver. The room was filled with strange objects—a table that seemed to have shifted from wood to metal, a bird that flitted between avian and reptilian form, and students staring in rapt attention.
“Not today,” Aelric said, pulling him away from the door. “You’ll have her soon enough.”
They moved further down the hall, passing more classrooms—each one with its own sense of purpose and energy. They arrived at a door that was partially ajar, where the scent of fresh herbs and damp soil filled the air. Aelric gestured inside with a grin.
“Professor Elowen Thorngrove—Herbology.”
Inside, a tall woman with long, earthy brown hair was carefully tending to a collection of glowing plants. Her fingers were delicate as they moved over the leaves, occasionally murmuring something under her breath. The plants reacted, shimmering or shifting in color. The walls were lined with pots of strange flora—some glowing faintly, others moving as if they had a mind of their own. It was a quiet, calm atmosphere, completely different from the sparking duels and intense classrooms they had just passed.
Professor Thorngrove looked up for a moment, catching sight of them. She gave a small nod, her green eyes twinkling with a warmth that was immediately disarming. “If you ever need a healing salve or a calming potion, you know where to find me,” she said in a soft, melodious voice.
Caelum smiled and nodded back, feeling the gentle energy that radiated from the herbology professor. It was a world he didn’t know much about, but there was something soothing about the environment. He could already tell that this room would become a refuge of sorts for students seeking solace or balance.
Aelric led them away, continuing down another corridor. “Elowen is great,” he said. “She’s a calming presence in a place where things can get pretty intense.”
They rounded a corner and entered a large atrium filled with statues of mages from various ages. The statues seemed to pulse with latent magic, their eyes glowing faintly. The space opened into another wing of the university, where massive iron doors marked the entrance to the Department of Magical Law and Ethics.
“Let’s stop here for a minute,” Aelric said, nodding toward the grand doors.
Caelum followed, and as they approached, the doors opened with a creak, revealing a room that felt like it belonged in a courtroom. Rows of seats lined the space, and at the far end of the room, a tall man stood by a podium, reading from a large tome. His dark robes were embroidered with gold patterns, and his presence was commanding, as if he carried the weight of centuries of knowledge. This was Professor Dorian Calix, the professor of Magical Law and Ethics.
Professor Calix looked up from his book, his gaze steady and piercing. “You must be the new student,” he said, his voice deep and measured.
Caelum nodded, feeling the gravity of the man’s presence. There was no warmth here, only a sense of strictness and discipline. The room smelled of old parchment and ink, and the faint sound of quills scratching on paper could be heard in the background. Several students sat quietly in the back, taking notes from Professor Calix’s earlier lecture.
“Remember,” Professor Calix continued, “magic is not just a power to be wielded. It is a responsibility. Every action has consequences, and it is our duty to ensure that those consequences are understood before we act.”
Aelric leaned in and whispered, “Calix is tough, but he’s fair. Don’t get on his bad side, though.”
Caelum nodded again, not daring to speak in front of the professor. There was a weight in the air here that was different from the other rooms they had visited. It was as if this was where the consequences of magic were truly felt, and where the boundaries of morality and law were constantly tested.
As they left the room, Aelric let out a breath. “Heavy stuff, right? Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Now, let’s head over to the library.”
Caelum followed Aelric down another series of hallways, the atmosphere gradually lightening as they walked. The sound of their footsteps echoed off the stone walls, the hum of magical wards barely audible beneath the surface. Soon, they arrived at a large archway adorned with carvings of ancient runes, leading into the grand library.
The library was an awe-inspiring sight. Massive shelves towered over them, stretching up to the high vaulted ceiling. The scent of old leather, parchment, and ink filled the air, mingling with the faint energy of magic that seemed to hover around the books themselves. Small floating lights drifted through the aisles, illuminating the rows of tomes with a soft, ethereal glow.
In the center of the room stood Lysandra Elowen, the librarian. She was tall and elegant, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of black silk. Her green eyes seemed to glow with an otherworldly light as she glanced over at Caelum and Aelric.
“Good morning,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying easily in the vast space. “You must be Caelum.”
Caelum nodded, feeling a strange sense of awe in her presence. There was something about Lysandra that made her seem both ancient and timeless, as if she had been watching over these books for centuries.
“You’ll need a library ring,” she said, gesturing to the counter where several rings were laid out. “These will allow you to check out books. Simply touch the spine of the book with the ring, and it will be added to your collection. The ring will store a limited number of volumes, and it will return the books automatically at the end of the week.”
Caelum slipped one of the rings onto his finger, feeling the faint pulse of magic as it adjusted to him. Lysandra’s eyes flicked to the ring, then back to him, and for a brief moment, Caelum thought he saw a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.
“Books have power,” Lysandra said softly. “They know when someone is ready to learn their secrets. Be patient, and they will reveal themselves to you in time.”
Aelric chuckled as they left the library, his footsteps light on the stone floor. “Lysandra’s always like that—cryptic, but brilliant. She’s probably forgotten more about magic than most people will ever know.”
Caelum remained quiet, his mind racing with the possibilities. The books, the knowledge, the ring—it all felt overwhelming. But there was something thrilling about it, too. This world was filled with endless mysteries, and Caelum had only just begun to scratch the surface.
As they continued walking, Aelric led him to the heart of the campus, where several of the largest lecture halls were located. The hallways here were wider, filled with students moving between classes, their robes flowing as they chatted in groups or hurried off to their next lesson.
One of the doors stood open, revealing a large lecture hall where a class was currently in session. At the front of the room, a tall woman with draconic eyes and flowing white and gray robes stood barefoot on the stone floor, her hands raised as she guided an intricate spell formation. Professor Zarya Drakonis was in the middle of a demonstration, the air around her crackling with energy as she manipulated the elements—flames danced on one hand, while the other held a swirling orb of water. Around her, the students watched in awe, some taking notes, others simply mesmerized by the display of power.
Aelric grinned as he nudged Caelum. “That’s Zarya—elemental magic professor. If you think that’s impressive, wait until she gets into the advanced stuff. She’s terrifying in the best way.”
Caelum could only nod, his eyes wide as he watched the elements bend to her will with an ease that seemed almost otherworldly. The lecture hall itself was designed with wide open windows that let in a constant stream of fresh air, and faint traces of ozone hung in the air from the magic being woven.
As they left, Caelum’s mind buzzed with the energy of the place. The halls were alive with magic, and every corner held new possibilities, each one waiting to be discovered. The sheer scope of what he could learn here felt endless, and for the first time since arriving, the sense of dread that had clung to him began to ebb. There was a thrill in the air—a promise of knowledge and power, all within his grasp.
He followed Aelric down another winding corridor, this one narrower and less traveled. The stone walls here were rougher, older, as though this part of the university had been built in a time long forgotten. The sconces lining the walls flickered with soft blue flames, casting an eerie, cool light over the space.
“This is one of the quieter parts of the school,” Aelric said, his voice lowered as if he didn’t want to disturb the stillness. “Not many students come down this way unless they have a reason to. Most of the professors who work here deal with more... esoteric subjects.”
As they continued walking, the air grew heavier, as though the very atmosphere was saturated with ancient, lingering magic. They passed by several doors, all of them closed and marked with strange symbols. Some doors were etched with intricate runes, while others had small wards glowing faintly above them. Whatever lay behind those doors, it was clear that it was not meant for the unprepared.
“Are these classrooms?” Caelum asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aelric nodded. “Some of them. Some are used for private research. Others are off-limits entirely unless you’re a high-ranking professor or have special permission.”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Just as Caelum was about to ask more, they turned a corner and found themselves facing a large, heavy door made of dark wood. The brass handle was shaped like a coiled serpent, and above it hung a small, glowing sigil. Aelric stopped in front of it and turned to Caelum.
“This,” he said, “is the office of Professor Theron Solis. Ancient History and Prophecy.”
Caelum’s heart skipped a beat. If there was anyone who might have insight into the strange knowledge swirling in his mind, it would be someone like Professor Solis. Aelric rapped lightly on the door.
“Come in,” came a deep voice from within.
The door creaked open, and they stepped into a room that felt like stepping into another world entirely. The walls were lined with ancient scrolls, some so old that the parchment was yellowed and fragile, stored carefully under glass. Massive tomes were stacked on shelves, and strange artifacts from forgotten eras sat atop pedestals, each radiating its own unique magic. A large map of the known world stretched across one wall, covered in pins and threads linking distant locations.
Behind a heavy oak desk sat Professor Theron Solis. His silver hair was tied back in a loose knot, and his sharp, hawk-like eyes seemed to pierce through them the moment they entered. He wore deep crimson robes embroidered with gold, the fabric rippling faintly as though touched by an invisible wind.
“Ah, Aelric,” Solis said, his voice warm but commanding. “And you must be Caelum. I’ve heard much about you already.”
Caelum swallowed, feeling the weight of the professor’s gaze. “It’s an honor to meet you, Professor.”
Solis leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. “The honor is mine, I assure you. Tell me, Caelum, what do you know of prophecy?”
Caelum hesitated, unsure how to answer. He had never been particularly interested in prophecies or ancient texts back in the mortal realm, but here, they seemed to hold a great deal of importance.
“Not much, I’m afraid,” Caelum admitted. “At least, not yet.”
Solis smiled faintly. “A wise answer. Prophecy is a fickle thing—always shifting, always open to interpretation. It is not a simple foretelling of what will be, but rather a glimpse into what might be. The future is not set in stone, but it is shaped by the choices we make.”
He stood, crossing the room to one of the shelves where an ancient, leather-bound book lay. He opened it carefully, the pages crackling as though they hadn’t been touched in centuries. “This is a record of the oldest known prophecies in our world. Some have come to pass, while others remain mysteries, their meaning yet to be uncovered.”
Caelum peered at the yellowed pages, the ancient symbols written in a language he didn’t recognize. “Do you believe in them?” he asked.
Solis’s eyes gleamed. “I believe that prophecy is not about belief. It’s about understanding patterns, interpreting the signs that are given, and recognizing when the time is right to act. And sometimes, we don’t see the full picture until it’s already too late.”
The professor closed the book with a soft thud and returned it to the shelf. “But that is a conversation for another time. For now, you should focus on your studies, Caelum. Learn everything you can, for knowledge is the most powerful tool at your disposal.”
Caelum nodded, though his mind was still racing. There was something about Solis—something about the way he spoke that made Caelum feel as though the professor knew more about him than he was letting on.
Aelric cleared his throat, sensing the conversation had run its course. “We should be going. There’s a lot more to see before lunch.”
“Indeed,” Solis agreed. “But Caelum, do visit again. I suspect we’ll have much to discuss in the future.”
With that, they left the professor’s office, the door closing softly behind them. The weight of the room seemed to linger on Caelum’s shoulders as they walked, though he couldn’t quite place why. Prophecy, ancient history, the whispers of forgotten eras—it all felt too vast to comprehend in one sitting. And yet, he felt drawn to it, as though some hidden truth was waiting to be uncovered.
They continued down the quiet hall, the tension easing as the air grew lighter again. Aelric led him toward a series of classrooms where the bustling energy of students practicing magic had returned. The smells of fresh parchment, burning incense, and the faint tang of alchemical ingredients filled the air.
“I know that was intense,” Aelric said with a smile, clapping Caelum on the back. “But trust me, the university isn’t all mystery and prophecy. There’s plenty of time for... well, fun.”
Just as he finished speaking, they entered a large, bright room filled with glass cabinets, bubbling liquids, and glowing crystals. Students sat around long tables, each with a cauldron in front of them, carefully stirring their concoctions. At the front of the room stood Professor Amara Thisbe, her violet eyes gleaming as she moved through the classroom, offering guidance to students with soft, encouraging words.
Her robes were a deep shade of amethyst, shimmering faintly in the light. She was younger than most of the other professors Caelum had seen, but there was a calm authority in the way she moved, as though she was deeply connected to the magical energy around her.
“This is the Potions classroom,” Aelric explained as they watched from the doorway. “Professor Thisbe is brilliant. She can brew just about anything you can think of, and she’s always coming up with new concoctions. But don’t let her kindness fool you—if you mess up, she’ll make sure you learn from it.”
Caelum watched as Professor Thisbe demonstrated the proper way to extract essence from a glowing root, her hands moving with precision as she added the ingredient to a cauldron. The liquid inside shimmered and turned a brilliant shade of blue, releasing a faint mist that drifted up toward the ceiling.
The atmosphere in the potions classroom was lighter than the others he had visited—there was a sense of curiosity and experimentation that permeated the air. The students seemed focused but relaxed, eager to learn and create. It reminded Caelum of the feeling he got when he first discovered his love of reading, the thrill of uncovering something new and exciting.
As they left the classroom, Aelric led Caelum down a spiral staircase that opened into a wide, open courtyard. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting warm light over the stone paths that wound through the grassy lawns and gardens. Small groups of students sat under trees, talking or studying, while others practiced their spells in the designated practice zones.
“This is the central courtyard,” Aelric said, gesturing to the wide space. “It’s where most of us come to relax between classes. You’ll find all sorts of people here—mages, alchemists, enchantment students. It’s a good place to meet people from different disciplines.”
Caelum nodded, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling courtyard. It was a beautiful place, filled with the vibrancy of life and magic. For the first time since arriving at the university, he felt a sense of belonging—a sense that this was where he was meant to be.
As they left the central courtyard, the sun casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths, Aelric led Caelum toward a towering building that loomed in the distance. Its spires reached toward the sky like grasping fingers, and its walls were made of dark stone, almost black in color. The structure gave off an air of solemnity, as though it housed secrets far older than the university itself.
“That’s the Tower of Runes,” Aelric said as they approached. “One of the more mysterious places on campus. Only students studying the art of Runes and Ancient Scripts spend much time here, though it’s open to anyone who has an interest. Professor Orinwyn Arvensis is the one in charge. He’s... well, let’s just say he’s got a lot of quirks.”
Caelum raised an eyebrow. “Quirks?”
Aelric smirked. “You’ll see.”
They pushed open the heavy wooden doors, and Caelum was immediately struck by the musty smell of old parchment and ink. The room inside was circular, with walls lined with scrolls and ancient tomes, many of them bound in worn leather and marked with strange symbols. Tall windows let in shafts of light that filtered through the dust, giving the room an almost ethereal glow.
At the center of the room stood Professor Orinwyn Arvensis, a tall, wiry man with long silver hair and piercing green eyes. His robes were dark and adorned with runes that seemed to shift and shimmer as he moved. He stood hunched over a large wooden table, his fingers tracing intricate symbols on a massive piece of parchment.
He didn’t look up as they entered.
“Ah, Aelric,” Professor Arvensis muttered, still focused on his work. “And you’ve brought a guest, I see.”
Aelric stepped forward, gesturing to Caelum. “This is Caelum. He’s a first-year, just getting his bearings.”
Arvensis finally looked up, his sharp eyes studying Caelum with an intensity that made him shift uncomfortably. “Caelum, is it?” His voice was quiet, yet carried the weight of someone who had spent his life lost in thought and study. “Interesting name. Do you have an interest in runes?”
Caelum opened his mouth to respond, but Arvensis didn’t wait for an answer.
“You should, whether you know it or not,” the professor continued, his hands returning to the symbols on the parchment. “Runes are the foundation of all written magic. Without them, there is no structure to magic. No form. Just chaos.”
His fingers traced a final symbol, and the entire parchment flared with a bright, golden light before the symbols faded into the page. Arvensis stood back, admiring his work.
“This,” he said, turning toward Caelum and Aelric, “is a binding rune. It keeps objects or magical forces in place, preventing them from escaping. It’s one of the most basic runes, but it has infinite applications if you know how to use it.”
Caelum’s curiosity piqued as he watched the professor work. There was something fascinating about the precision of it all—the careful strokes, the intricate patterns, the way magic seemed to flow from the page. It was an art form in itself.
“You’ll learn more about runes in your second year,” Arvensis said, turning his attention back to his parchment. “For now, focus on your foundational studies. You need to understand the basics before you can appreciate the complexity of runes.”
Aelric gave Caelum a nudge. “Come on, we’ve got more to see.”
They left the tower, the air outside feeling lighter after the intense atmosphere of the Tower of Runes. Caelum’s mind was still spinning with thoughts of the strange symbols and the professor’s cryptic words. There was so much to learn here, and each professor seemed to have their own unique way of approaching magic.
As they walked, Aelric gestured toward a sprawling building at the far end of the campus. It was made of gleaming white stone and had wide, open windows that let in the light. The sounds of hammers on anvils and the hiss of molten metal filled the air.
“That’s the smithy,” Aelric said. “If you’re into crafting, that’s where you’ll spend a lot of your time. Professor Kaelin Ironvein is in charge. He’s a bit gruff, but he’s a master of his craft. He teaches everything from metalwork to magical forging.”
Caelum glanced over at the building. Even from a distance, he could see students hard at work, their faces flushed from the heat of the forges. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, a shared purpose as they worked together to create magical weapons, armor, and tools.
“Do you spend much time there?” Caelum asked.
Aelric shrugged. “Not as much as some. I’m more into arrays and enchantments, but I’ve taken a few classes. It’s worth checking out if you’re interested in making your own gear.”
They continued on, passing through a wide archway that led into a quieter part of the campus. The buildings here were smaller, with ivy creeping up their stone walls. The air was cooler, and the sounds of the bustling university seemed distant now.
“This is where some of the more specialized studies happen,” Aelric explained. “Things like herbology, horticulture, and magical botany. A lot of students who are into alchemy spend time here, learning about rare plants and how to cultivate them for potions.”
Caelum’s interest was piqued. He had always enjoyed learning about plants and their uses in magic. As they passed by a small greenhouse, he peered inside and saw rows of glowing plants, their leaves shimmering with magical energy. A group of students was gathered around a table, carefully tending to a particularly large, luminescent flower.
“Professor Elowen Thorne is the one in charge of herbology,” Aelric said. “She’s got a real connection to nature. Some say she can speak to the plants, though I’ve never seen her do it myself.”
They walked a little further, and Aelric pointed out a tall tower with a narrow spire that seemed to pierce the sky. “That’s the Astronomy and Divination tower. Professor Selene Arvalis teaches there. She’s... interesting. Definitely one of the more mystical professors, if you know what I mean.”
Caelum nodded, though he wasn’t quite sure what Aelric meant. “What’s she like?”
Aelric grinned. “You’ll see. She’s got a way of knowing things before you even say them. A little unnerving at first, but you get used to it.”
As they neared the tower, Caelum couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer variety of subjects and professors here. Each one seemed to offer a different perspective on magic, a different way of understanding the world. It was overwhelming, but in the best possible way.
They rounded a corner and found themselves standing in front of an enormous set of double doors. The wood was dark and intricately carved with symbols and runes, and a faint glow emanated from beneath the cracks.
“This,” Aelric said, “is the library.”
Caelum’s eyes widened. He had heard about the university’s library, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The building was massive, its walls stretching high into the sky. It looked more like a fortress than a place of learning, and the energy radiating from within was almost palpable.
Aelric pushed open the doors, and they stepped inside. The air was cool and thick with the scent of parchment and leather-bound books. Row upon row of towering shelves stretched into the distance, each one filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and manuscripts. Students moved quietly between the shelves, their voices hushed in reverence for the knowledge contained within.
At the center of the room stood a large, circular desk, and behind it sat Lysandra Elowen, the university’s librarian. She was a striking figure, with long, silver hair and eyes that shimmered with an otherworldly light. Her presence commanded attention, though there was a quiet grace about her.
“Lysandra,” Aelric greeted with a nod, his tone respectful. “This is Caelum, a first-year.”
Lysandra looked up from the ancient tome she had been reading, her violet eyes locking onto Caelum. She studied him for a moment before offering a soft smile. “Welcome to the library, Caelum. I trust you will find everything you need here.”
Caelum nodded, his throat suddenly dry. There was something about Lysandra that made him feel as though she could see right through him, as though she knew more about him than he knew about himself.
“Thank you,” he managed to say.
Lysandra’s smile deepened. “The library is always open to students, though some sections are restricted to those with the proper clearance. If you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. Knowledge is a gift, but it must be earned.”
Caelum nodded again, unsure of what to say. He felt small in the presence of such vast knowledge, but at the same time, he was filled with a hunger to learn, to uncover the secrets hidden within the shelves.
Aelric gave him a light nudge. “Come on, let’s get you set up with a library ring. It’ll make checking out books easier.”
"They made their way to the counter, where Lysandra handed Caelum a simple silver band etched with faint runes.
“This is your library ring,” she explained. “It allows you to borrow books without having to carry them around physically. Simply touch the ring to the spine of a book, and it will store a copy of the text inside. The ring can hold up to ten books at a time, but be mindful—each week, the books must be returned, or the ring will automatically send them back. You won’t be able to check out more books until the current ones are returned.”
Caelum turned the ring over in his hands, admiring the craftsmanship. It was a small, unassuming object, but he could feel the hum of magic within it, pulsing like a heartbeat.
“Is there a limit to the kind of books I can check out?” Caelum asked, slipping the ring onto his finger.
Lysandra tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as if considering his question carefully. “There are some restricted sections,” she said after a pause. “Advanced magic, celestial texts, and certain prophecy collections are off-limits to first-year students. However, the majority of the library’s material is available to you. Just be mindful of what you seek. Knowledge is powerful, and not all of it is meant to be wielded by those who are unprepared.”
Caelum nodded, though the mention of restricted sections piqued his curiosity. He was sure there were valuable secrets hidden away in the higher floors of the library, but he wasn’t about to push his luck just yet.
“Thanks, Lysandra,” Aelric said with a grin, pulling Caelum away before he could ask any more questions. “Come on, there’s plenty more to see.”
They left the grand library, and Caelum felt the weight of the ring on his finger, a reminder of the knowledge waiting for him within the towering shelves. He had always loved books, but there was something different about this library. It felt... alive, as if the knowledge inside each tome had a consciousness of its own.
As they walked back into the courtyard, the midday sun warmed Caelum’s face, but his mind was still racing with thoughts of the library and the endless possibilities it held. He felt a renewed sense of purpose—this place was more than just a school. It was a treasure trove of ancient wisdom, and he was determined to unlock its secrets.
“So, what do you think so far?” Aelric asked, breaking Caelum from his thoughts.
“It’s... overwhelming,” Caelum admitted. “But in a good way. There’s so much to learn, and the professors are... different from what I expected.”
Aelric chuckled. “Yeah, each of them is unique in their own way. Some are stricter than others, but they all have something valuable to teach. You just have to figure out what you want to focus on.”
Caelum thought about that. There were so many paths he could take—runes, herbology, crafting, divination... The possibilities were endless. And then there was his own mysterious ability to absorb knowledge. He hadn’t told anyone about that yet, but he wondered if it could help him in his studies.
They continued walking, passing more groups of students as they went. Some were chatting animatedly in the courtyard, while others practiced magic in open-air classrooms. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the energy of discovery.
Aelric led Caelum toward a building with an ornate stone archway. “This is the Dueling Hall,” he explained, pushing the heavy doors open. “You’ll probably spend some time here if you’re interested in learning combat magic or honing your skills with a weapon.”
The hall was vast, with tall ceilings and stone walls that echoed with the sound of metal clashing against metal. Several students were engaged in sparring matches on the floor, their movements swift and precise. The air crackled with magical energy as spells were cast, some defensive, others offensive, creating a dazzling display of light and sound.
In the far corner of the hall stood Professor Kaldran Varnak, the dueling instructor. He was a tall, blue-skinned man with a muscular build and a stern expression. His eyes glowed faintly, reflecting the same icy blue hue of his skin. He wore simple training robes, and in his hands, he held a massive sword that seemed to hum with latent magic.
Aelric raised a hand in greeting. “Professor Varnak!”
The professor glanced over at them, his expression unreadable. He gave a brief nod before turning his attention back to his students, correcting their stances with quick, sharp instructions. His voice was deep, carrying effortlessly across the room despite its low volume.
“He’s intense,” Aelric whispered to Caelum. “But if you want to learn how to handle yourself in a fight, there’s no one better.”
Caelum watched the students for a moment, mesmerized by the fluidity of their movements. Magic and physical combat blended seamlessly in the dueling hall, creating a dance of power and precision. It was clear that Professor Varnak demanded excellence from his students, and they rose to the challenge.
They didn’t linger long in the dueling hall, as Aelric seemed eager to show Caelum more of the campus. As they left the building, Caelum couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. He had never considered himself much of a fighter, but something about the dueling hall called to him. There was a raw energy there, a sense of discipline and mastery that intrigued him.
As they walked toward the main courtyard, the soft chime of a bell echoed across the campus, signaling the end of the midday classes. Students began pouring out of the various buildings, their robes fluttering in the breeze as they chatted animatedly about their lessons.
“Looks like it’s time for lunch,” Aelric said. “The dining hall’s this way.”
They made their way to a large, open-air pavilion lined with long wooden tables and benches. The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries. Caelum’s stomach growled as they approached, and he realized he hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
“Food here’s great,” Aelric said, grabbing a tray and piling it high with a variety of dishes. “One of the perks of being a student.”
Caelum followed suit, loading his tray with roasted chicken, vegetables, and a warm roll. They found a spot at one of the tables, and as soon as Caelum took his first bite, he sighed in contentment. The food was delicious, and for a moment, all thoughts of magic and study faded away as he enjoyed the simple pleasure of a good meal.
As they ate, a few other students joined them, introducing themselves and asking about Caelum’s first impressions of the university. He answered their questions politely, though his mind was still buzzing with everything he had seen that day. It was a lot to take in, but he was excited about what lay ahead.
After lunch, Aelric led Caelum to a quieter part of the campus, where the sound of the bustling dining hall faded into the distance. The paths here were lined with tall, ancient trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. It was peaceful, almost serene, and Caelum felt a sense of calm wash over him.
“This is where a lot of students come to meditate or practice their spells in peace,” Aelric explained. “It’s a good place to clear your mind and focus.”
They walked in silence for a few moments, the tranquility of the surroundings allowing Caelum to reflect on everything he had seen and learned that day. There was still so much to discover, but he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be here, in this magical place.
As they rounded a bend in the path, Aelric stopped and gestured toward a tall, elegant building with ornate pillars and large windows that overlooked the surrounding gardens.
“That’s the Headmaster’s office,” Aelric said. “We’ll probably see him again soon enough, but for now, let’s keep exploring. There’s still so much to see.”
Caelum nodded, his curiosity piqued once again. The day was far from over, and he had a feeling that the university held many more surprises in store.
Aelric led Caelum further into the quieter areas of the campus, past the grand building that housed the Headmaster's office. The cobblestone paths curved gently, winding between old oak trees whose branches formed a natural canopy overhead. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, creating an atmosphere that was both peaceful and brimming with untapped energy. Birds chirped from the treetops, and a soft wind carried the scent of wildflowers that grew in clusters along the edges of the path.
Caelum’s mind buzzed with thoughts of what he had already seen—the towering library, the dueling hall, and the aura of magic that seemed to permeate everything. But this quieter side of the campus had a different energy, something more subdued yet potent, as though the very air hummed with the accumulated magic of centuries.
“Next up is the practice grounds,” Aelric said, breaking the serene silence. He gestured to a large, open space ahead, bordered by stone pillars engraved with runes that flickered faintly with magical energy. “This is where you’ll be spending a lot of time honing your spells. Don’t worry—it’s warded to keep any accidental explosions contained.”
Caelum smiled, though his thoughts drifted back to his strange ability to absorb knowledge. He wondered how this would affect his training. Would he pick up spells as easily as he seemed to with books? Or was there more to magic than simply knowing the theory?
They walked through the practice grounds, where a few students were already at work. One young woman stood in front of a stone target, her hands glowing with a fiery red aura as she concentrated. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a controlled fireball toward the target, which exploded on impact, leaving only a small scorch mark.
“Impressive,” Caelum said, watching the students perform magic as casually as they might toss a ball.
“Yeah, you’ll see all kinds of spells here,” Aelric replied. “It’s a good place to practice without worrying about breaking something valuable. Though, I’d recommend staying away from Professor Moraphix if you’re practicing transmutation—she can be... intense.”
Caelum made a mental note to avoid turning anything into something unintended in her class.
As they walked past the practice grounds, Aelric led him to a secluded garden, hidden behind tall hedges and tucked away from the main paths. A small pond sat at its center, surrounded by benches and flowering plants that swayed gently in the breeze.
“This is one of my favorite spots,” Aelric said, his voice quieter now. “It’s good for clearing your head. Sometimes when the university feels overwhelming, it’s nice to come here and just... be.”
Caelum nodded, understanding. Though he had only been at the university for a short time, the sheer scale of everything—the knowledge, the power, the magic—was enough to make anyone feel small. He could imagine coming here to reflect, to let his mind rest for a while before diving back into the intensity of his studies.
After a few moments of silence, they continued on, leaving the tranquility of the garden behind as they headed toward the next part of the campus.
Aelric clapped a hand on Caelum’s shoulder. “Come on, we’ll be late for the first-year dinner if we don’t get moving.”
Caelum followed Aelric out of the garden, casting one last glance at tranquil pond, the quiet intensity still clung to his mind.
“Now,” Aelric said as they made their way toward the dining hall, “you’re about to meet the rest of the first-year students. It’ll be interesting to see how you fit in.”
Caelum wasn’t sure what to expect. He had only been at the university for a day, but it already felt like a lifetime had passed since his arrival.