The Adventurer Academy is still looking for an emblem (Colour is white and navy blue) , any suggestions? Just leave a comment. Any questions, logic errors or other mistakes you have/find are well appreciated, too! I'm running out of interesting Ideas for the excerpts at the beginning of a chapter.

And now, enjoy!

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“The power to use aura and mana awakens during puberty. The age differs greatly between individuals, hence the age of people who enrol into the academies differs greatly. Most pupils start at the age of twelve or thirteen. To have less tension in class, the academies try to group those of the same age together. Together they will learn, together they will fight. In tournaments, though, it's not the age, which counts, but the level. The rookie tournament gathers pupils with levels ranging from one to eight.”

-Griffin's Compendium

*Aeron*

I'm exhausted as hell, my legs are unsteady and my whole body aches, but it's my win. Victory!

“AERON!” While I'm still panting heavily I turn around and see Alex jumping joyously towards me, following another female.

*thud*

Looking back again, I find Steve collapsed on the floor, but the healer next to him isn't disturbed at all by the situation.

“Don't worry, it's just fatigue. Are you hurt? It was a fierce fight, considering it was just an examination.”

“Yes, forget that blockhead, serves him right! Are 'you' OK?” The female who Alex followed spoke first and is the healer in charge of my shield, Mrs Banks if I remember correctly. She takes my left hand and checks it.

“A bit exhausted, but I'm alright. Although I'm pretty sure that I will get the worst muscle ache of my life.”

“Oh dear child! Just wait for the basic training! Your condition now doesn't look concerning, nothing a good rest couldn't cure. I will take my leave then, I'm pretty sure we will meet again. See you soon.” I bid her farewell, too, but I definitely don't plan on troubling her any time soon again. Although I must admit, the fight was fun.

“That fight was awesome! Where did you learn to fight that way?” About that question... It puzzles me. I did some sports like Kendo back then, but I never had any serious combat situations. My body, though, reacted almost on its own and I pay the price for the unaccustomed movements. I did a lot of sport and of course I had muscle soreness before, but never to that extend or that soon. Still those movements seem to be familiar to me.

Thinking about it, it reminds me of Mia's training. She didn't have many friends because of circumstances and the many fighting lessons were essential for her. I sort of accompanied her through our bond, but it's not the same thing as practising yourself. Just because you see someone playing a song on an instrument, it doesn't automatically enables you to play it, too. Even if you know how to play and even if you have the notes, you have to practice it on your own in order to play it perfectly. Especially if a rapid pace is required, where you don't have much time to think. It's not that I'm ungrateful, it's just weird. Since coming here many things were odd, but there were also so many new and exciting things.

“It's OK if you don't want to answer, everybody has some sort of secrets and keeping your fighting style or school hidden isn't something extraordinary.”

“Oh, sorry Alex, that's not the reason, it's just... my memories are messy since my coming-out a few days ago.”

She's giving me an astounded look? Crap!! I should have kept it a secret, it's clearly not normal to learn that fast or ascend to level two in just a few days. Don't panic! Looking at my freezing posture, she says: “Isn't it a bit too early for a coming-out? After all we are just 11 and our preferences are still developing. I may hate boys like Steve, but it doesn't mean I hate all boys.”

She completes the sentence with a light smile, which quickly changes into a stiff poker-face, while observing my expression. What does she...?! It took me longer than I'm proud of to realise what she means.

“T-that's not it! Of course I d-do like girls...”

“I know.” *fu fu fu*

She can't hold it any longer and starts to laugh. Did she just played a prank on me?! After calming herself, she keeps talking with a radiant smile, though it doesn't conceal the traces of mischievousness.

“Sorry, I was just teasing you. Using the term “Coming-out” is antiquated. Although it may still be used by some very old fashioned nobles. Don't worry, I won't ask or tell anybody, but you should use the term “awakening” instead. Perhaps someday you will tell me more, at present it was nice meeting you. See you in school!”

Baffled, I somehow return the farewell. Are all girls like this, or is it just this world? But the stalker back on earth was a also a girl. Mia seems to be the only normal girl around me, although battle-crazy and being able to trash most older kids, may not count as normal. Or maybe it's just me? I'm not good at handling girls. Am I easy to see through? Alexandra seems to be nice and astute, though. Never mind, it's great to know someone from school already. It may look like I was a loner before, but I always had Mia by my side, literary. Now that our bond is almost gone, it's perturbing, it's like a missing limb. Even though we spent the last days next to each other and there were so many exciting new things keeping me distracted, I can't help and feel lonely. It's not just missing my best friend, Mia, there is more, but... ouch! Great, I got a headache, too, that fight was really taxing, damn that Steve!

“Aeron Evans?” Surprised I look to my side, and see an older man approaching me.

“Yes?”

He's bearded and wears a simple white robe with a navy blue cloak. The most striking feature is his staff, though it looks more like a dreamcatcher on a rod with a mesmerizing black gem in the middle.

“Oh, Director Herrero, you don't have to concern yourself with the admission of a mere student. I will go through the formalities with him, if he works hard, chances are good that he will be successful in first class 11I.” Mr. Dewis chases hectically after the older looking man, who seems to be our Director. The director scrutinises Mr. Dewis before answering him with a knowing, predominant smile.

“Jarod, I know you like to amass promising people in your classes, which of course is desirable, but as an examiner you should be more impartial. Wouldn't first class 10H fit better for a level 2?”

“B-but director! You cannot give him to that witch! Her class contains al...”

“Jarod Dewis! This is a School, keep your intrigues out of it.”

“What about the standard of knowledge? And skipping a class is always problematic, the parties are already formed!”

“Give it up, Jarod, Lily is currently in Altos and I heard she will be staying here.”

Lily again? Is she famous? Oh... seeing Mr. Dewis' paling face, she has to be more like notorious than famous. Something I am able to relate to. Poor Jarod, what has he been through?

“Sorry Aeron, I'm the director of the Adventurer Academy, Jordon Herrero. Just give your weapon to Mr. Dewis, he will bring it back to the armoury. Let's see what we are going to do with you.”

Giving the rapier to the depressed teacher, I quickly follow after the director. Thinking back to their conversation, I have to keep my vigilance up. Why is everyone so obsessed with power and intrigues? I have to swallow the bitter pill and consult with Lily. The only person in this world I can trust wholeheartedly is Mia, and Lily is trustworthy if it's related to Mia.

We exit the arena and walk in silence. Thanks to the negative thoughts, the lonely feeling comes up again, and with it the headache increases. Not bearing my thoughts any longer, I break the silence.

“Mr. Herrero? I'm admitted, aren't I?”

“Of course you are. A recommendation of a former honour student is sufficient after all.”

'Honour student', her? Keeping my sceptical thoughts for myself I inquire about other things.

“Then why the examination?”

“Although Altos dungeon probably is the biggest dungeon, we have seven academies. We already accommodate more than 10.000 students. It's not just our facilities, if we accept more students, the upper dungeon floors will be too cramped and over-farmed. Hence we have to select the most promising ones. Another aspect is the allocation of students. We need balanced classes, as parties are usually formed within a class.”

“Sounds logical, but why was Mr. Dewis vehemently trying to get me into his class? Are there great bonuses for teachers?”

“Oh, just connections... Power... Loot... But don't worry, we keep a close eye on our teachers. That reminds me. What do you get if you multiply 124 with 11?”

Baffled by the prompt question I need more time than usually, but luckily it's an easy question. 124 multiplied with 10 than adding 124 again.

“1364. Why are you asking?”

“General studies. Most pupils have problems to keep up in maths. Ten plus 5, multiplied with 2? No brackets.”

If you know the rules, multiplication and division first in this case, maths isn't too complicated, and back on earth I had to learn more complicated things in maths than Mia.

“20. Finished?” I answer without hesitation, which earns me an a appreciatory smile from him.

“That will do. Smart and talented, too bad that my position doesn't permit a protégé.” He added half mumbling. After sending him a questioning look he keeps on talking. “Ah, never mind, it's just rare to find a promising fellow wind magician. Although your fighting style reminds me more of a Battlemage or a Paladino. Perhaps I can introduce Edward to you.”

“What's a Paladino, Sir?” Battelemages use magic and aura equally, making them versatile, but the path they take is quite arduous. I never heard the other term, though.

“Sorry, I wandered from the subject. Let's keep it simple, important things first. We have 9 regular classes. Beginning with I, then H, G, until A. Usually you start in I, where you learn the basics. In your case it's fine to skip it and start in H. To get to H you have to be at least level 1, which we are going to check right now. Beginning at H, you have to level up at least two times each year in order to take the next class. Don't worry, an average student levels up three times a year.” He talks fast and I have to concentrate to comprehend it his words quickly. After taking a small break to draw breath, he wants to continue his tirade.

“Director Herrero! You have to do something about Steve Grey! Someone like him in the student council? That has to be a tasteless joke!”

“Oh dear, how often have I said to just call me Mr. Hero.”

“As often as I have said that I will never call you that! And cut that oh dear crap, do something about Steve! First day in the council and he already used his authority to harass a maid!”

Arriving in front of a double door, an agitated girl awaits us. The first thing which comes to my mind is - beautiful. She's older and a bit taller than me. Her magenta coloured hair flows down gracefully, almost reaching her waist. Is this a natural hair colour here? She has a tender, but still athletic build, with clear signs of maturity. The most striking features are her lapis lazuli blazing eyes, complementing her drop-dead gorgeous face.

“My my, shouldn't you wear a proper uniform? A vice-president needs to be a role model.”

“Don't try to distract me, school hasn't started, yet.”

Her gaze roams towards me. Meeting her gaze I'm almost mesmerized, it's enough to take one's breath away. Trying to break the spell, I force myself to focus my gaze away from her eyes, inspecting the clothes Mr. Herrero mentioned.

The upper part is white with a few red spots and she has a fitting red skirt, all in all it's resembling a miko outfit. A curved sword sheath with the fitting handle is hanging from her left waist, all black. Two dark blue ties are adorning her hair, surprisingly the hair colour doesn't clash with the red hue of her clothes.

“You should look up into a persons face and introducing yourself is courteous. I'm the vice president of the student council, Eryn Delaney, first Class 10E.”

Feeling the heat, which accompanies a blushing I quickly apologise to her and introduce myself properly. Upon hearing my surname she smirks lightly. Luckily the director saves me: “By the way, Aeron is the latest victim of Steve. He's here for enrolment.”

After hearing Mr. Herrero's words, she looks anew at me, this time with a sympathising expression, even her voice, instead of a reprimanding tone carries a gentle note: “I'm sorry for this idiot. The student council should help students, but we caused you trouble, sorry.” She bows gracefully and seems to be honest and sincere. Who could be mad at her? It's not even her fault to begin with.

“Never mind, no harm done and the dispute wasn't about me in the first place.” Happy with my answer she sends me a small smile before turning to the director again.

“There you have it, you have to kick him out!”

“We can talk about Steve's case later, I have to allocate Aeron first.”

“Allocate? I thought he's here to testimony the troubles with Steve? Allocating new pupils is something examiners should do, kicking troublemakers out of school is something the director, 'you', should do! It'll be best, if we do this before he causes more trouble!” Her blazing eyes apply pressure to the director, who isn't fazed at all, though.

“Don't worry, he won't cause troubles again, for today.” After her questioning look he explains further: “Aeron took care of him.” The director isn't much of a help. Still looking confused and before it take years, I decide to help Eryn and explain the incident with more details.

“Steve Grey harassed Alexandra and I disturbed him, in doing so. As a member of the student council, he 'took care' of my examination and fought me in return. Eventually I was able to defeat him and before I left with Mr. Herrero, he broke down due to fatigue.”

“He's just a rookie himself, he can't examine pupils!” Looking accusingly at Mr. Herrero she questions him: “Director, please, don't tell me you allowed it!?”

“Mr. Dewis permitted the fight and acted as referee. I was just there to stop his trophy hunt.” The director uses his most innocent smile to deny the accusation. Relieved she breaths out, before realising something. Looking at me she asks: “You won?”

“It was a tight fight, but yes.”

Evaluating me for a short moment, she replies: “Impressive. This earns you 100 sympathy points, though I have to subtract 50 for gaping at me and another 50 points for your late introduction. Manners are important.”

Sympathy points? Please, don't tell me she's a weirdo, too! And I wasn't gaping, I was just trying to... never mind, it will just sound like a cheap excuse, but I can play that game, too! “You started the staring and didn't introduce yourself along the way either.”

“You're right, it's Mr. Herrero's fault, it was his duty to begin with. You are 50 points in the black, keep it up! Director, I don't have to tell you about your negative amounts, do I? Just take care of Steve and I don't have to come here again, anytime soon. Bye.”

Instead of a the cold glance, which our Mr. Hero gets, she gives me a small smile as farewell, probably worth 50 sympathy points. I return the smile while the director just waves his hand. Although oddish in some ways, I have to admit, that she gained an excess of sympathy points from me. Great, now I'm starting to use this 'measurement' too. Maybe it's just the way girls are?

“That's the vice president for you. As long as you don't cause trouble, you should be on her good side. Just a little warning, you shouldn't tell anyone that you are 50 points in the black, her fans are quite 'avid', jealous would be a better word for it. Not a single guy had a positive amount, until now! You're quite a lucky one, I wish I were a 'few' years younger... Now get in, I also have to take care of a troublemaker today. Although, she coming back isn't a threat at all.”

With a laugh he enters the double doors. Dispelling the thoughts of Eryn and her fans, I focus on my surroundings. Only now do I recognize the plate with the inscription “Director” on it. At first he made a serious and reliable impression, but the talk right now disabused me. Should I ask him about the Mr. Hero stuff and his leisure at handling his business? No, it's better to pretend I never heard it.

I enter the director's bureau. A huge desk, two chairs in front of it and a comfortable looking armchair behind it. Old-fashioned, but comfy. After placing his staff carefully in a corner, Mr. Herrero takes a small box from the desk's drawer, opens it and places it on the desk. There's a small familiar looking crystal clear shard in it. “Help yourself.”

I grab the shard with my right hand. It doesn't take long before it glows in a faint pale blue hue. On closer inspection, just a small pattern in the shard glows, forming a symbol. The number two.

“Level two, as in the letter. Sorry, it's not about trust, but about formalities.”

And letting a rookie test an applicant is compliant to rules? There's no benefit in enlightening him, though, hence I keep my thoughts for myself. “I understand, after all it's your duty to do so.”

“Now let's talk about your future class. You have two options. Either you take class 11I or 10H. I recommend taking class 10H, you beat a level four, who is twice as strong as you. I don't think you can learn much from class 11I, but that's up to you.”

Class 10H sounds optimal for me, I'm a fast learner and have to gain power quickly in order to help Mia, but just to be sure I play safe and ask a few questions which are bugging me.

“What about the things Mr. Dewis said? About standard of knowledge and the already formed parties? Oh and what's the meaning of the numbers?”

“Standard of knowledge is about general studies, like Maths, history, writing and reading, rules and so on. Another important part are battle studies, but don't worry, it's not too much to catch up to and I may have the perfect tutor for you, Edward.” He tries to reassure me with a kind smile before talking about the other questions: “In the first year you become acquainted with your classmates and eventually form small groups, parties, of 3 to 6 persons at the end of the year. It's important, that they are balanced and with your skills as a melee fighter, a wind and water magician, I don't think you have any problems to get into one of them.”

Water magician? Damn! He noticed! Did someone else? Wait, that means he missed the other part, though! The spell I used to counter Steve's last power strike contains three different kinds of magic. It's the reason I call it triple blast, no need to tell me, I don't have the best naming sense, but it'll have to suffice for now. Concealed through my hand, I created a small sphere of water. Next I used fire magic to heat it up while compressing the sphere. If Lily hadn't shown me how to protect oneself from his own magic, I would have severely burned myself back then. At least she's great at teaching, I guess I need to thank her later. Releasing the spell is easy, just stop compressing the water. The hard part is to redirect the whole pressure in one direction. Using wind magic is essential for this step and it conceals the other elements additionally, though apparently it didn't work all too well.

“Don't look that shocked. Learning to sense mana is fundamental as an adventurer. You have to use wind magic first to cover the water sphere, if you don't want others to sense the water magic. Do you want to keep it secret? Though I'm pretty sure that Jarod noticed, too. Double affinities are very rare and it usually takes a long time of hard work to develop the secondary element.”

That explains why he didn't noticed my fire affinity. It's the first time that I hear about double affinities, but it's a great cover up. “I want to keep it secret. There is more than enough to catch up to, even without another element.” Of course it's good to have an ace or three up one's sleeve, too.

“It's your choice, but you will be sought-after, if you announce it.”

No, it's better to keep a low profile for now, there are too many crazy people around. I have to get a better understanding of this world first, hence I shake my head. A little dejected he says:

“Too bad, another dual elemental would have been a great boost for our reputation. Now, for your last question, the numbers... It's simple, it's the age when they start to attend this school. Those who are ten or younger will start in 10I, those who are 16 or older will start in 16I. 10H hast two classes, divided into first class 10H and second class 10H.”

In other words, those in 10H will also be 11 years old by now. Same age as 11I, but stronger and probably less immature because of the early puberty. I have to work harder, but count me in: “I choose 10H.”

“Then it's decided. School starts the day after tomorrow, go to the third teachers lounge before eight o'clock and ask for Miss Small, she's your class teacher. I assume you will meet Lily today?”

“Yes, why?”

“Take this sheet, but don't loose it, it's your admission. Go to one of our approved tailors, show it and you will be able to buy our uniforms. She will know where to go. Dorms will open tomorrow, be sure to check in before eight pm. You are in building D2. Any questions left?”

“No.”

“Then, good luck. I will notify you in time about your tutor.”

After thanking him, I bid farewell and left to meet Lily and Mia.