The next morning, the procedures for our academies began! We left our homes with our essential belongings and met in the square just before departing.
Each of us had our destination: me for the Luminous Cryst Academy in Kaoin Tri Orn, Hitomi for the Mechanics Academy at Mechan Cryst in Doreto-Noto, and Galaxia for the Knowledge Academy in the Metropolis Aethercrystal in Apex.
We made a promise to move forward with enthusiasm, though none of us truly wanted to leave. We would reunite in seven years.
As I arrived at the academy, the building looked like a palace of light, with walls that shone like diamonds, as if the entire structure breathed magic. There was greenery everywhere, colorful flowers, and singing birds.
But something wasn't right. "What's going on? Why is it so dead? There's no one here! What happened?" I thought.
I headed to the secretariat. Inside was a young woman. I introduced myself and explained that I needed to start classes. She gave me a key and a wrist device, the Codex.
"Well, third floor, corridor six, room nine. The Codex will become one with your hand and will allow you to communicate telepathically and see important information. If something happens, they can locate you."
"Great. So... I can't lose it?"
The secretary laughed. "Not even if you try."
As I put on the Codex, I thanked her. I then noticed her smile, a little more charming than I expected, as if she knew exactly the impression she was making. The Codex had indicated her as a Silver Rank, something I completely ignored.
"Umm... yes, where is everyone?" I asked.
She showed me a pamphlet. "Field trip to the capital's library. You're unlucky, but maybe you'll see them tonight."
I thanked her, said goodbye, and left. I went up in the elevator, found the door, inserted the key, and... the room was like a monk's cell. Barely meters wide, 3.5 meters long, a wardrobe on the right, the bed, and a desk. Paradoxically, it also had a bathroom. But the window overlooked the valley, which cheered me up.
On the desk were books for newcomers. I had no work, so I decided to read. "What should I read first? Healing, crystals... herbs? Hmm... the hierarchy of powers sounds interesting!"
"Alright then, I'm going to drown in reading..." I thought.