BXBX NOVEL Chapter 13: Orientation
Kyle was already heading into the restaurant after he had gotten his much-needed rest.
He went to a counter on the other side of the ground floor, he had enquired about the other floors but realized he needed to book a reservation in advance.
Kyle looked at the menu list that was on the counter. He noticed that there were different grades of some foods with different prices.
Kyle scanned the list some more before settling on a Tier-0 Beef and mushrooms with mashed potatoes, for 5 credits. He used his comm to transfer the required credits before settling to enjoy his meal.
At this rate, this 50 credits wouldn\'t last me up to 3 days. I wonder how you earn credits, kinda weird how they threw us all into this academy without providing us with any information.\'
Kyle thought as he ate his meal but was soon interrupted by an announcement.
"Attention all Year 1 awakened! You\'re expected to converge at the Year 1\'s hall for your orientation. The buses would arrive by 8 pm."
"Orientation? Makes sense," Kyle muttered before having a look at his comm. \'Four more minutes to eight.\'
As expected, the busses arrived by eight. The 10-meter-long, mana-core powered buses, were plain white and had the academy\'s insignia on them. (a dragon surrounded by fire, air, earth, and water elements. The most outstanding feature of the buses was that they could fly.
Though it was called a \'bus\', it seemed more like a cart instead. As it was just like a crate with chairs in it and no roof. The only opening on the \'bus\' other than its roof was a small section on one side that functioned as a door.
There were 3 buses in total, each could contain 100 academics. Immediately they got on the busses, it took off and flew into the sky!
The awakened were awed at the feeling of flight, something they had got to experience twice in one day. Many of them even stood up from their chairs to enjoy a better view of the academy.
The bus flew out of the Year 1 dormitory as it approached one of the flying constructions. It was a large compound, about 10,000 square meters!
They were four wide buildings that encircled a large field. One that took over eighty percent of the compound!
The buildings were of four different colors; white, yellow, red, and black. The bus approached the white building, the Year 1\'s hall, before allowing the awakened alight.
The hall was arranged like an auditorium that had a larger-than-usual stage.
After the academics took their seat, a woman came on stage to address them.
Elizabeth Quill, the year 1\'s head, was a vision of elegance and power. Clad in flowing robes of deep azure, she had an aura of both wisdom and formidable strength. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes, a piercing shade of violet, seemed to see into the very souls of those before her.
Elizabeth stepped forward, her voice clear and resonant.
"Welcome, young mages, to the Vyne Academy. Today marks the beginning of your journey into becoming warriors, a path that will test your limits, challenge your understanding, and mold you into true wielders of magic."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"You have each been chosen because you possess a gift," she continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. "The element you have awakened is not merely a tool nor a weapon. It is a part of you, a reflection of your inner self, and it is through understanding this bond that you will harness your true potential."
Elizabeth raised her hand, and with a subtle gesture, conjured a sphere of shimmering light. "Those of you with the power of fire," she said, and the sphere transformed into a flickering flame, "will learn to control the fierce and consuming nature of your element. Fire is passion, destruction, and rebirth. It can warm or it can burn. Mastery comes from understanding balance."
The flame shifted to a sphere of water, fluid and glistening. "Water mages will explore the depths of their element\'s versatility. Water is life, change, and adaptability. It can either cleanse or drown. Your challenge will be to remain fluid yet focused."
She closed her hand, and the sphere vanished. "Throughout your time here, you will be guided by our esteemed faculty, each a master of their respective element. You will train, study, and grow together. The bonds you form here will be as important as the knowledge you gain. Remember, mastery of magic is not just about control; it is about understanding and harmony."
Elizabeth\'s expression softened slightly as she addressed the group more personally. "There will be challenges and trials, moments of doubt and fear. But know this: each of you has the potential to achieve greatness. The power within you is vast and wondrous. Embrace it, respect it, and let it guide you."
With that, she gestured to a row of instructors standing along the sides of the hall. "These are your mentors. Seek their wisdom, learn from their experience, and trust in their guidance. The journey ahead is yours to take, and the Vyne Academy stands ready to support you every step of the way."
Elizabeth let the silence linger for a moment longer, allowing the students to absorb the weight of her words. Then, with a graceful sweep of her hand, she conjured an ethereal map of the Academy in the air, its buildings and grounds glowing softly.
"Now, let me acquaint you with the Vyne Academy," she began, her voice carrying a note of pride. "This institution has stood for centuries, a bastion of magical knowledge and a sanctuary for those like yourselves who seek to harness their elemental powers."
She pointed to a majestic structure at the center of the map. "This is the Grand Library, where the collected wisdom of mages throughout the ages is stored. Here, you will find texts on everything from basic spellcraft to the most advanced theories of elemental magic. Our librarian, Master Orlin, will be an invaluable resource in your studies."
Next, she highlighted a series of buildings surrounding the library. "These are your classrooms. Each element has its dedicated wing, where you will attend lectures and practical sessions specific to your powers. Classes are held every morning from the first bell at eight until noon.
In the afternoons, you will have specialized training sessions, where you will practice and refine your skills under the guidance of your mentors."
Elizabeth gestured to a sprawling courtyard. "This is the Elemental Arena, where you will engage in controlled magical duels, demonstrations, and collaborative exercises. It is here that you will learn to apply your powers in real-world scenarios, honing both your offensive and defensive capabilities."
Her hand moved to a series of smaller buildings near the edge of the map, one that they were already familiar with. "These are the dormitories, where you will reside during your time at the Academy. Each dormitory is Year-specific, fostering camaraderie and mutual support among your peers.
However, there will be many opportunities to interact with students of other years, your seniors, as cooperation and understanding are key components of your education here."
She paused, letting her gaze settle on each student in turn. "In addition to your elemental training, you will also attend courses on history, ethics, and the broader principles of magic. These classes are crucial, as they will provide you with the context and understanding necessary to wield your powers responsibly."
"Your days will be full, but the structure is designed to ensure a balance between rigorous training and personal growth. In the evenings, after dinner, you are encouraged to study, practice, or engage in leisure activities. The Academy offers various clubs and societies, from alchemy and enchanting to artifact creation.
Participation in these groups will enrich your experience and help you develop a well-rounded mastery of the arcane arts."
Elizabeth\'s tone turned serious. "Discipline and respect are paramount. Until your second year, the use of magic outside of designated areas and times is strictly prohibited, except in cases of emergency. Violations of this rule will be met with severe consequences, as uncontrolled magic can have dire repercussions."
She allowed her words to resonate, ensuring the gravity of her warning was understood. Then, her demeanor softened once more. "We are here to guide you, to support you, and to help you unlock your full potential. Remember, each of you was chosen because you have shown the promise and the capacity for greatness.
Embrace the challenges ahead, and let the Vyna Academy be your foundation as you rise to meet them."
With a final, reassuring smile, Elizabeth concluded the orientation. "Now, I invite you to explore the grounds and familiarize yourselves with your new home. From tomorrow, your classes will begin. You can check your comm for your timetable. Welcome to Vyna, young mages. Your journey begins now."
The students rose from their seats, a mixture of excitement and determination evident on their faces. As they began to disperse, Elizabeth watched them with a sense of satisfaction. Each step they took was a step toward their destinies, and she knew that within these walls, greatness awaited. She knew they would be the defenders of Zekkoa!