Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 19: Grapevine

Zanhagen Academy was a boarding school with a curriculum solely focused on training mages. It promised so much freedom for Selene and she was already excited to see this prestigious school. How different would it be compared to the schools on Earth?

Something she wished with all her heart was that they have their own version of chemistry in the course. It wouldn't be impossible since there were potions and other chemicals in this world, too. In fact, it's very likely for them to have this as a subject. It's an entire industry, and Selene will be part of it no matter what. Even though her world has changed, her dreams and passion did not.

So, several weeks later, Selene arrived at Zanhagen Academy with her cousin, Shana. Shannon Zarina Hawthorne, the woman with blonde, shoulder-length hair, and exaggerated puff sleeves. Yes, she was that lady.

They had to go through a series of physical tests first in order to determine whether they are fit to study in the Academy. This was the first part of the screening.

Zanhagen Academy was the oldest school in Zetheria. Its history and reputation was known even in different continents. So, naturally, their standards were quite high. Unlike Royal High whose only requirement is to be a Royalty, this school only accepts those who have potential to become full mages and help their continent enrich its understanding of magic.

Stepping inside a massive building, Selene looked down to see flowing patterns on the floor. The ivory walls were decorated with all sorts of things. From landscapes to portraits and abstract paintings. The ceiling was high with an open space, wherein sunlight passed through. Selene could have sworn she saw rainbow-like swirls glimmer above it.

Aside from its outstanding reputation, Zanhagen Academy was also known for having the strongest security. The barrier was casted by the last blue mage, Princess Cassiela herself and was believed to be a spell unique to blue mages. Many scholars come to Zanhagen to study it. It was like a wonder of their continent. The last of its kind. So, it was incredibly precious, not to mention incomprehensible. Other schools and palaces had barriers whose spell structures were based on it.

Selene and Shana were checked several times before they were let inside its grounds.

'If she's capable of casting such a strong spell, even withstanding the ravages of time, how come her empire fell?'

There could be various reasons to it. However, Selene shoved the thought aside as they approached the counter where a mage in a navy blue robe was stationed.

Shana was the one who did the talking. After a while, they were brought to a teleporter where other applicants waited.

---

Some time later, Selene and Shana found themselves in the middle of a wide field the size of ten soccer fields, in Selene's estimation. It was completely flat covered in green grass that she imagined was lawned before the start of the enrollment.

A long table was in front of them where three adults sat behind. These adults were professors of Zanhagen Academy and they will be the judges for the second part of the screening.

Enrollees were scattered around in their extravagant outfits. The sun was warm on Selene's skin as she stood on the side with Shana.

She was smiling from ear to ear and kept on throwing her glances.

"We'll be in the same classes, right?"

"If we get accepted..."

The adults began caling the names of the enrollees and asked them to showcase three of their most impressive spells.

A bulky man was being called in front. He stomped on the grass, his head was slightly tilted upwards, giving him a prideful look. All the other enrollees awaited his performance with keen interest.