344 Walker
There was no gender separation between male and female, at least not in the researchers’ dormitory. So, by choice, Luke and Meredith stayed in the same room.
The reason Luke and Meredith were in the same room was simple.
The two didn’t know anyone else at the academy, even with Hazor’s recommendation and the time spent alongside Zhanid, the two still didn’t completely trust him. So the most logical decision was to stay close to each other.
At first Luke was wary of this option, which was proposed by Meredith. But he soon accepted because he understood these reasons. After that brief conversation between the two, Adrian guided the couple to a spare room in the dorm.
Entering the researcher’s dormitory area, it was possible to see a marble floor and the structure finishes in a white stone and oak wood. The place was lush and appeared to be quite large. However, it still wasn’t as surprising as the Strogueher mansions.
After walking through the dorm door, there was a receptionist.
“We need to register these two new researchers,” Adrian told the receptionist. She was an elf with brown hair and blue eyes, dressed in an outfit similar to those seen before.
The Elf agreed, got up and went to a door behind the counter. After a few minutes, she returned with a large leather book. Aside from the book, she also held two white cards.
“Just sign the book and apply some mana to the ID cards. After that you need to register at the academic center” Said the Elf, letting out an extremely friendly smile. That smile made the half-fox lady extremely jealous.
Cards in hand, Luke and Meredith promptly signed their names in the book. He had a table next to the names with an academy registration number. The list of names was extensive, which showed that even though it was a secluded place, it still had an active community.
Soon after, the two channeled mana into the card, which had a small magic circle engraved on both sides. With the application of magic, the card pulsed in a red light, slowly it stopped emitting light. The place where the magic circle was now glowed with a faint blue light when charged with mana.
“These cards are used to get around the academy, they also unlock some magic circles” Adrian explained
. They worked like a key, depending on your academic year, or even how many permissions you had to access the school’s information. It worked like a key. For example, if you wanted to borrow a book for research, it would first confirm that you are entitled to take the book out.
The same was used to open doors, both in his own room and in parts of the academy or research centers. It was a sort of general key and a clever mechanism for organizing the academy.
The three then went to the rectory, the building was one in the big clock tower in front of the main square. Adrian explained that most of the classes were held there, as well as the headquarters where the three main ones managed the academy divisions.
The architecture was much better finished than in the dormitory, after entering, it was possible to see several oak doors and long corridors supported by white concrete arches. The building’s numerous windows kept the atmosphere bright and made the space seem much larger.
In front of the front door was another receptionist, this time it was a much more flashy woman. She was a half-bunny, something extremely unusual. Which made Luke thoughtful about the academy’s norms.
“Now that you’ve registered in the dorm, you just need to finish registering at the academy as researchers. Mr. Zhanid should approve the registration later” Adrian explained, pointing to the front desk.
This time, both Meredith and Luke placed their hands on a stone panel. They were asked to apply some mana and were given two pendants like an adventurer.
They had one of silver, with a small detail of a green stone. Upon noticing this, Luke began to identify the same type of pendant around the neck of everyone who walked nearby.
“This is the area identification pendant. It only serves to explain whether you are a combat mage, magical researcher or teacher. It’s cute isn’t it” Adrian said with a small laugh.
Meredith nodded, while Luke was trapped in his thoughts.
All these magic circle utilities were making the young man more and more excited to learn magic. Now, he would focus on learning as much as possible at the academy and then applying his knowledge to the outside world.
After walking out of the rectory building. Luke started questioning Adrian about some thoughts that couldn’t get out of his head.
“Why is there that barrier off the island?”
Said Luke, in a calm tone, however, his thoughts were much more aggressive.
‘I’ll take advantage of the fact that he’s a little careless and see if I can get some information’
“It’s not much of a secret, the Academy is a neutral field away from Melki. The first principal was a noble who dedicated himself completely to building the academy, it makes more sense to have a place of study if you’re far from such a confusing empire.”
Adrian’s answer startled Luke.
“Like this?” Said the half-wolf.
“Oh, you know. Melki is not the best of realms, well that’s my view. I think most people have the same opinion. There are many foreign students here, like Orion from Zhao and I myself was born in the parato islands” Said Adrian while nodding his head.
“Hmm, so for example, are genes used here?” Luke said, still trying to get information out of the boy.
Adrian then opened his eyes and looked at Luke
“Genes are useless and expensive, you can get a lot more by studying elemental magic and learning how to use magic circles”
This answered the Half-wolf’s doubts. In the end, the Academy, even though it was a distant place of the Melki empire, still had its restrictions on the use of Genes. As long as Luke was at the academy, he would be unable to use his abilities freely.
“Mr Adrian, can you help me with this?” Said a younger student holding a notebook. The two began talking about theoretical magic.
In general the Academy’s thinking was against the Melki empire. After discovering this fact, Luke realized that his goals were closer than he thought. Throwing the Melki empire’s elite mages into a revolution was easier than he thought.
In Luke’s mind, his plan should be two-step. The first, recruiting a team to start the revolution. After that, he would try to exterminate the dungeon being used by the demons.
After completing the second part, he was supposed to create a revolt in the capital of Stahurt, likely killing the Emperor and driving away the region’s elite.
Several thoughts ran through the young man’s head. His face was thoughtful, a fact that was noticed by Meredith.
“Don’t be so nervous Luke” She said as she held youth’s hand.
Adrian then approached the two again
“Sorry, I was helping another freshman. Well, today there is not much you can do. Grab your bags and tidy your room, tomorrow you will start helping Mr. Zhanid”
The two agreed and returned to the boat. It was already starting to fall in the afternoon. The sky was glowing orange with the setting sun, which reflected off the horizon illuminating the calm sea surrounding the Diamond Plateau.
After nightfall, lights began to shine across the city. All imbued with magic, having the appearance of a lamp, but with a small white glowing stone inside.
On the academy relief, now in the rock of the mountains it was possible to see where the name “Diamond Plateau” originated. Along with the purple ones, now several crystals and diamonds shone around the island.
Making looking at the region’s mountains not so different from looking at the sky. The crystals gave off a blue glow, which was reflected in the many diamonds in the uneven terrain.
After Luke and Meredith arrived at their rooms, the Half-wolf headed for the bathroom. He opened the door and the moment the door opened, a light came on. Surprising the young man. The technological innovations of the academy seemed to have no end.
After undressing, Luke got into a bathtub and turned on the faucet. Hot water began to flow, relieving all the stress going through her body. Looking at the ceiling, he again started to think.
‘I wonder what Ayumi and Alexis are doing’
As his head began to ponder about his wives, the bathroom door opened. It was Meredith with a towel covering her body.
“Do you mind if I keep you company?”