A teaser revealed

The scribe led them along the cobbled lane to a large enclosed field.

"This is a rare treat. The recruitment month has just finished. Since most of the noble families have yet to leave after enrolling their young geniuses, the Tower decided on this demonstration."

The scribe explained to them while walking. For this group to receive an invitation personally from the head of the Outer Circle proved their standing. He knew better than trying to display an air of superiority.

"Oh, how long is the application time?"

Chu asked.

"It takes two months since it includes the chosen ones elected by the Churches Union, and then the allocation of supplies and living arrangements."

They walked among the buildings belonging to the Tower. Chu and the others followed Mr. Thomas into the large courtyard.

On both sides were benches provided for the visitors. At one end was a short stone platform with a large desk. Opposite this construction lay a huge stone wall. Scarecrows stuffed full of hay and two large archery targets painted with large bullseye rested before it.

Chu moved like a country boy as he swiveled his head while taking in his surroundings.

Those sophisticated and noble children within the crowd openly showed their disgust at such rude and uneducated upbringing.

Unfortunately, they were too distraught to voice their thoughts. This was because at his side materialized an even more vulgar individual. That thing was spinning his head like a top as if he came down a mountain after years of isolation.

Worse yet his drool from gawking unabashedly at the younger ladies rained unrestrained from his open mouth.

'Who ARE these untrained children?'

'And why the heck is that thing winking at me?'

A loud cough brought everyone's attention to the stage. At some point, an old man with a long beard had ascended the platform.

"Chu is he like the Rapunzel story you once told us about?"

Miki queried while tilting her head.

"My esteemed audience, I now introduce one of our most prominent Elders from the Frost City Tower Mage branch. Elder Norivak has been the bulwark of the Tower Mages in the north, keeping the demons at bay. We are fortunate since he has decided to grace us even with his busy schedule.

After this demonstration, he has to return to Frost City, since the Tower cannot spare someone of his skill and power for too long. One day if you young men are fortunate, you may become part of the Tower Mages and gain fame like Elder Norivak."

Chu looked around hoping to spot this famous Elder. Even in the Adventurer's Guild this Elder's name contained weight. The man supposedly held a position as one of the most skilled combat Mages for Frost City.

Under the bated silence, shuffling rose from the crowd of Apprentice Mages and Elders standing near the stage. Soon the crowd standing there parted, allowing an old man to make his way forward.

An ancient who escaped from an antique geriatric home hobbled his way onto the stage.

Chu could swear every movement was accompanied by the sound of old bones creaking and rubbing.

His mouth could only remain open while gawking at the famous figure.

The person at his side, however, was not so reserved.

"Pfttt!..."

The spray of saliva whetted the spectators nearby who rose from the benches out of respect while clasping their hands in greetings.

Slap!

"I humbly apologize for my cousin's behavior. He suffers from a terminal illness that has also left him with the mind of a fool. His last wish before becoming senile was to gaze on the face of one of our legendary protectors."

Chu bowed a full ninety-degree apology while giving a tearful apology.

Luckily those in attendance were avid fans of the Elder. Instead of being roasted alive, their hostile gazes turned to one of pity. A servant from an old nobleman inquired if they wanted a seat on the front bench.

Chu declined the offer very respectfully while thanking the servant with a few coppers. His hands trembled visibly on parting with the coins.

'Thank the heavens only a few people heard this bastard, good thing most of them took the time to stand in respect thus muffling the sound. He shot a glare at Ming before turning his attention to the stage.

Elder Norivak coughed a few times as he struggled to resist being choked by his own saliva. After some time, it seemed like he had warded off death for the umpteenth time.

"My time is short"

Came the hoarse sound.

'Sure got that one right'

Flashed across Chu's mind.

"I will begin with the most dangerous and destructive magic in our Tower. Many a demon beast has fallen prey to this spell. Luckily for them, it can only be cast twice a day by a skilled Mage."

As Elder Norivak hobbled to the front of the stage and began chanting, the first Elder acting as the host spoke up.

"This is a once in a lifetime event, Elder Norivak is going to cast the advance Fireball spell. It is said that this spell is the quickest and most destructive spell within the Tower. Elder Norivak's Fireball is said to reach the pinnacle of power."

The mage on the podium explained.

'Crap!'

Chu looked around at the area that was about the size of a quarter football field.

'Is this old bat really going to cast a Fireball? Does he want to take all of us with him before he kicks the bucket?'

Chu started to back away while the majority of spectators squeezed to the front. He tried to drag Ming and the others, but they were completely sandwiched between this excited crowd.

During his attempts, he had stood on the bench and now had an unrestricted view of the stage.

There Elder Norivak was still chanting like a madman who knew no tomorrow.

About five minutes later, a yellow glow burst out from his right palm and slowly turned into a fiery ball. This ball grew until it was the size of a soccer ball before the old man used his left hand and pointed to a scarecrow target.

"By the heavens, Elder Norivak just used the famed tracking Fireball. Unless the target moves from its position the Fireball will never miss!"

Chu's mouth dropped as the Fireball fell off Elder Norivak's hand and proceeded to roll along the ground like a bowling ball thrown by a child.

The 'Fireball' finally struck one of the scarecrows bursting into flames about two feet in diameter. It then took its sweet time burning the dummy.

The crowd roared and applauded in appreciation, drowning a shout of disbelief.

"What the heck is this!"

***

Chu sat in silence during the return trip to the villa. When they passed the guards at the gate, he signaled to Mr. Thomas. The man drove the carriage about halfway down the long road leading to the mansion before stopping.

Dyna exited the cramped carriage and placed her fingers to her mouth uttering a shrill whistle. A short time after, three familiar shadows circled around them confirming the presence of no eavesdroppers.

"I have been assigned a dorm room within the Inner Circle to make it easier for me to browse the library. From tomorrow I plan to spend a month conducting research."

Chu said. He may as well use the time he would have spent traveling in research.

"We have all decided to do the same. Lucy and I are lucky enough to share a room. Dyna, Sakura and Miki will all share rooms with others in the dorm."

Amanda reported.

"It's the same for us, Brella, Sally and I have new roommates. Our dorm is about two hours walk from Amanda's. We also start from tomorrow."

Sue said.

"The Captain instructed me to begin at the end of the week. Since the Tower assigns a personal guard to any visiting guest, I signed up as yours. With my token, I can handle the communications between you and the girls in the Outer Circle."

Ming said. Chu nodded in satisfaction. He preferred not to coddle his companions and have them experience life away from the safety of the farm. This journey would have them mingle with strangers and learn how to adapt on their own.

He wanted them to see the world and also able to blend in anywhere. An ability to socialize with any crowd while adventuring could prove a valuable asset. Just as Ming fitting in seamlessly, he hoped the girls blended in well with their peers.

"Mrs. Thomas and I will hold down the villa and take care of the animals. The bird might end up a problem if it finds its way into the Tower."

Mr. Thomas mused. Those pets operated mightily similar to their owners.

"Then it's settled. Let's see how the first month goes, and then work on the kinks from there. Consider this the start of your school life. Elder Shi said that during the day, the Tower conducts workshops for girls geared towards calligraphy, music, sewing, and dancing. This is a golden opportunity to make use of it."

Chu remarked. He had found out later during the application process about why the Tower admitted girls and young ladies. The females in the Tower came from noble families, betrothed companions of apprentices who entered or girls selected by the Churches Union who showed promise in herbal treatment.

In exchange for helping out with the general tasks not suited for scribes and apprentices, the Tower conducted training so as to provide the young ladies with suitable skills. A young lady from a noble household who served for two years within the Tower would make prime marriageable material. Many of the men within or leaving the Academy found their soulmates here.

Chu hoped his group would not shy away and make the most of this opportunity. Life at the farm was pleasant and enjoyable, but he didn't want to rob his companions of the joys and also sorrows when living among others.

"We should organize and move to the dorms this week. Luckily the Tower only completed the registrations of the new recruits not long ago, so you won't be too far behind."

He said.

"It's okay for us, but I think Dyna might have to start from next month."

Sakura replied. She followed up with her statement when Chu shot her a puzzled glance.

"A few of the nearby houses and even little farms, have requested her help in one way or another. By the end of the month, she would be free to join us in the Tower."

The attentive, agile deers, and tough, short boars met their match on the open fields. Pest control using natural hunters apparently proved to be a profitable business. Chu waved his hand knowing Sakura controlled the money pouch. Trusting Dyna with coins was like handing it over to Ming.

"Then it's settled. I don't know how long our stay here might be, but let's make the most of it."

Their enrollment in the academy had begun...