7 - Vineria Academy

"Goodbye" the dwarf waves his hand, waving farewell to us. 

"Bye bye Rinex" she waves her hand while walking. 

It's been two months since we arrived in Valdiora. All that time, we've wandered through the kingdom with no exact destination, fighting orcs, demons, werewolves, trolls… and meeting countless others, Rinex was one of them. 

"Where are we going next?"

"Blue Forest" she answers with no hesitation. So this is the end of our journey, I think. 

During this journey, I've noticed that I've become somewhat stronger in Attack Magic. Maybe after a year I will master it. Then I'll be free to use other types.

"Only for me though, you'll go back to Orantia" she added quickly. 

"Wait- what do you mean?" Is this the moment when the teachers abandon their students? Didn't expect that it'd happen to me. 

"I mean what I mean, You need to keep developing your abilities in magic and be recognized as an actual mage. Staying with me wouldn't make you one." I look at her serious face. 

"You want me to go to Vineria?" I tighten my grip. This is kinda bad for me... 

"Exactly."

Vineria, the Magic Town. Any mage would have heard of this city, it was named by the legendary magician, Vinerius. And it has the most well-known magic academy, Vineria Academy. 

We traveled for two days, passing through Blue Forest, passing through Orethia, the river, and also the roses, until finally we stepped into the Blue Forest. 

"You have to go now, Rei" she turned to face me. 

"Yes. But first, have you written it? The certificate that proves I was a student for two months to a mage." They wouldn't accept me if I didn't have that certificate. 

"Oops... " she realized. 

"What a great teacher" I mutter. 

She quickly ran to her cottage, and I followed her. When I entered, I saw her holding a magical wooden typewriter. She held a pen and scribbled the letter. After she put the pen down, the letter disappeared, it was sent to the academy. 

"Okay, done!”

"After three years, come back again. I'll be here waiting for you, and there's something to tell you" she smiles gently, holding both of my hands. 

"Alright, I will" since she asked for it. I walked away, leaving the Blue Forest. 

…

"Phostrapis." My light pierced the last orc, and it crumpled to the ground. 

Beating these monsters has become easier, but I think I've drained my mana... 

Shit- the academy. I almost forgot. 

Wasting time fighting all monsters in the forest wasn't a good idea after all. I quicken my pace, but at this rate I won't make it in time. 

I broke through the treeline, then it appeared to me, the Magic Town. I step inside, and yes, mages crowd the streets, some of them flying, and others showing off their flashiest spells. 

This town is packed with magic supply shops, just like I remember. I used to wander these streets many times before. 

I walked to the great building in the east of the town. I finally reached it. I adjusted my glasses, and my blonde hair tied in ponytail flew in the wind. This look wouldn't expose me, I guess. 

The building rises before me, white with navy blue accents woven into its design. I step inside. 

"What are you doing here?" A guard spoke to me "the entrance exam started twenty minutes ago."

TOO BAD! I ran to the exam hall, down the hallway. I stood before the door, knocked, then opened it. 

I pushed the door open. A professor with glasses and black cloak fixed me strictly. Shit, off to a wonderful start... I walk toward her. 

"Name? And why so late?"

"Rei Verleit. I had some trouble on the way."

"Yes, your name has been checked. Sit down." She ordered. 

I climbed the stands then sat on a chair in the middle. All eyes are on me for a while, I've attracted some attention.

I glance at the exam paper and read the questions. I grip my pen, ready to mark the right answers. I should take more time to answer, to look normal. 

How many types of magic? Three. What is Defense Magic? It's magic responsible for protection by absorbing the attack or creating barriers. What are the elements of Attack Magic? Fire, Water, Earth, Wind...

Done. 

Why are they making easy exams now? It used to be harder years ago. I rose from my chair, holding my exam paper. No one finished before me, obviously. 

I look around, everyone is staring at me, shocked. I ruined it again... 

"Are you sure you are done?" The teacher asked, hesitated. 

"Yes" I handed her the paper and walked out of the hall. 

I should get used to my habits. I headed down the corridor toward the interview hall. I looked up at the clock on the wall, ten minutes remaining.

I waited in front of the door as other examinees began to arrive. As they should, they have to be at this level if they want to enter this academy. 

"Enter" a voice calls from behind the door, I open it. 

Behind the large desk, an elderly professor and a young one sitting, professor Rindson and Nala, they study me with their gaze. I walked forward and took the seat opposite them. 

"What's your name?" The young woman asked, smiling. She might look naive but she isn't. 

"Rei Verleit." 

"Nice to meet you, Rei. What made you decide to join our academy?" 

"Curiosity."

"Of magic?" She probes. 

"You could say that."

"Interesting." She laughed, then glanced at the old man beside her. Here it comes. 

"What's your magic type?" Now the old man asked. 

"Attack Magic." 

"Are you sure?" He rested his hand beneath his chin.

"Yes." I gripped my sleeves.

"Show."

I raised my palms, waves of water moving in air, forming a small sphere of water. My mana is still depleted due to the battle before, so that's all I can do. 

"You may leave." 

I got up from my chair, left the hall and the academy ground. I need to find a place to sleep tonight, I don't mind camping though. 

... 

"Rei Verleit" I read my name on the list posted on the wall. Of course, I had been accepted. 

So from now on I'm a Vineria student. I walked into the dorms, the classes start tomorrow. I wonder what kind of people I'll meet.