The Winter's Bloom

Part One - Adventurous Hymn {3}

{3}

The Academy of Vouver

The continent of Elkra, home to hordes of creatures and wild beasts, but also to beautiful landscapes you can't find anywhere else. It encompasses the human territory, also known as the Empire of Elkra, which can be divided into five distinct zones. The Central Zone, house to the Emperor and the political court, as well as the biggest metropolis. The Northern Zone, with focus on military power; the Eastern, with agriculture; the Western, with tourism; the Southern, with commerce. Together, they established a functional economy for everyone within the zones.

In Idris, the greatest metropolis in the whole Empire — things were different compared to the other cities. There, the amount of citizens surpassed six digits, and all of these were loyal and committed to the Emperor and his laws. It not only was noisy and big, but there were houses and shops at each corner and street, which included grocery shops, alchemy shops, and at the center, the most important place — the Vouver Academy.

That giant white building possessed the best magic teachers in the Empire, and the best students too. It was an strict Academy for nobles and talented individuals, where only those who passed in the "Test" could enroll in. Some say that Blair Astarelli, the Principal, often increased the difficulty of the tests for specific students, what made many people suspicious of the Academy's relevance, but it still remained as the most influential and untouchable institution of all time.

"Is that... it?" Alexander whispered to himself as he gazed at the huge, almost intimidating building in front of him. It was constructed in a C format, where center was the base and the tips seemed to be the dormitories. The gate was bigger than him, and it only made him wonder how big the Academy in fact was. "Elena... this is more than I had expected."

She chuckled at the sight of the Academy. Oh, the old times. "It's very nice inside, but it can be hell if you're not lucky."

"Lucky?" He stepped closer to the woman who attended in the gates. "I thought it was about strength."

"It is, but that's the problem. The more you show off, the more enemies you make."

"Sounds interesting."

Alexander then reached for the woman in the gates. They chatted for a moment, and she explained to him about the "Test" and its schedule, which was only two hours away. "The next test will be arranged today, at 5PM. Would it be possible for you to return at that time?"

"Of course, thank you." He said with a small smile, then turned around and waited for Elena to follow his steps. As they strolled around the city, his eyes glistened at the sight ahead. If you looked upward, you'd meet the huge, brilliant golden palace, and if you looked around you'd find many, many people. Some were busy in their daily tasks, while others chatted and laughed together. Many entered and left each shop like they were programmed to do these robotic movements, as if the city worked automatically.

"It feels quite weird... there's too much going on."

"You're just used to Ophelia's quiet streets, Alex."

"Am I? Perhaps I might be sounding like a country person..."

Elena laughed at his words for a moment, then she coughed and stepped aside. "Welcome to Idris, Alexander. You'll soon adapt to this atmosphere, just try not to panic." She smiled as people passed through them, each one concerned with their own personal schedules and businesses.