Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 142: The Academy of Magic

The <Crystal Academy>. According to Erel, it's an old academy known for producing the greatest magicians, wizards, and sages <Lucidus> has ever had. Not only do they offer courses for new and aspiring magicians, but they also have a wide variety of courses including one that combines magic with swordsmanship or ranged weapons. I have to admit, if Wind was here right now, he might be interested in these classes, too.

Looking around, it looks so beautiful despite being an old building. I don't see any cracks around the walls and pillars as I follow Erel around and most of the banners, plants, and medieval decorations are shining without any signs of aging on them. Yet for a big academy like this, the hallway seems oddly empty. It doesn't seem like anyone is here roaming about and it's a bit eerily quiet, it kinda creeps me out.

[Is this your first time in a magic academy, young Kazu?]

I snap out of my amazement and turn to see Erel staring at me. "Uh... Sort of... I haven't been to an academy like this back home. Most of the time, my Dad is usually the one who taught me magic."

Well, he doesn't in real life. But I don't want to break the scene with those RL info right now.

[Your [Backstory] has been updated.]

And it seems like the game also agrees with me.

[I'm not surprised. Most of the [Insignis] magicians I know tend to start with general education. The same can be said with ones who took the path of adventuring,] Erel explains. [So there is no shame for you to be a latecomer in this academy. In fact, most of them I know were now known as the [Sign Sages] of <Signatio>. You might have heard these names before. <Sentio Ductus> and <Specta Quaerite>.]

Sentio and Specta... Oh, those names...!

"They're the ones from the [Sign Creation Ceremony] I was in a few weeks ago! Sentio was the one who guided me through the ceremony while I heard Specta did the same with my brother's [Test of Courage]. I didn't know they attended this academy." Then, a thought came to mind. "What about Earth Dux? He's my Dad and maybe he might be a graduate, too."

[Earth Dux... Yes, I heard about your father. But he didn't attend <Crystal Academy> years ago.] Oh... Well, it makes sense since Dad is supposed to be an adult in this game. So unless he used the same [Backstory] feature, I doubt he did the same thing. [However, he was a teacher last year. He was a great role model to most of the students and some of the faculty were grateful for his help defending the academy on a few occasions.]

Whoa... Dad did all of this in the beta test? Man, he sounds more like a fantasy hero than a Dad to me.

[There are a lot of stories of his heroism in and out of the academy. But if I prattle on, we will be here for hours,] Erel explains. [But if you're lucky to come across several publications of his accomplishments in the city, you might have an inkling of your father's adventures.]

So he already got books about him already? I don't see any windows popping up about it, but this is one "quest" I can't skip out on!

I want to ask more about the graduates. But it seems like it will have to wait since we've just arrived in front of an ornate door with gold frames spreading around like vines. Erel approaches the door and makes a few knocks. [It's me, sir. I brought the [Insignis] mage requesting your audience. I know you still have a visitor, so...]

[It's alright, Erel. Let him in.]

A visitor? Does that mean another player found the academy, too? So much for being first... Still, I let Erel open the door and follow him inside the office.