Modern Magic

Welcome to Heartendale

“Welcome to Heartendale. Just like the Order of the First Light, we have been here for some time now studying magic. This facility has not seen so many students since it was build I’d wager. If you would just follow me, I will give you a quick tour.” Luca began to walk towards the large stone building as the students dispersed.

“So this place focus’s on stealth right? So do you think I’ll leave here knowing how to become invisible?” I asked, still giddy with excitement.

“That is up to you. To become invisible is difficult, we try to focus on more manageable goals. As our twenty four hours go on, I hope to teach you a few potions that would have the desired effect. Also, I’d like to share with you a few spells of mine that I have acquired.” Luca said as we arrived at the large wooden double doors.

“This place is huge, how many students do you have training here?” I asked as Luca opened the doors.

“We currently house sixty three students, save yourself.” He replied as we walked in.

The room we walked into was nearly as big as my old house. Large wooden beams arched across the ceiling as similar wooden columns hugged the stone walls. From here I could see the second and third floor. A large wooden staircase lead to both the second and third floor. There were a few podiums on either side of the first floor holding busts of people I couldn’t recognize. The most striking visual of all was a large crystal chandelier that hung just above the second floor.

“This is huge.” I said as I looked around.

“To the right we have the dinning area and kitchen. To the left you would find the recreation room. On the third floor we have the living quarters and we use the second floor for our studies. For now, I will get you started on your studies. Please follow me to the second floor.” Luca walked straight toward the large staircase that lead to the second and the third floor.

I followed Luca as we climbed our way to the second floor. There were two doors, one on either side of the staircase. Luca lead me down the door on the left. There was a long hallway, to the left, windows gave the hallway plenty of natural lighting. On the right, there were doors around ever ten feet or so. Eventually the hall turned right and we followed it until we reached a door at the very end.

“This is our lecture room, where we hold mass lessons and at times we use it for practice.” Luca said as he opened the door to a huge room. There were tables scattered throughout that looked to seat about four students each.

“It’s huge, nothing like the Order.” I said as I walked around the room freely.

“Well, feel free to take a seat. This isn’t going to be all fun and games you know.” Luca said as he looked me in the eyes. I found his gaze a bit intimidating.

“I know that.” I said as I retreated back to the table and took a seat.

“I’m afraid there isn’t going to be much time for pleasantries. As of right now, you need to be training. From my understanding, you will be doing crash courses throughout different facilities. Here you will learn how to hid, evade, or even protect.” He casually walked in front of my table and set down a pen.

“Should I be taking notes?” I asked as I went to grab the pen.

“No, you only need observe for now.” Next thing I knew, a bright red light flashed and the pen was gone.

“Did you destroy it?” I asked as I looked for the pen on the desk.

“No, its invisible,” Another flash of red and the pen was in the same spot as before, “Before you can become invisible yourself, it is important to practice on inanimate objects, such as this pen. Even so, the ability to hide objects will be an important skill to have.”