Chapter 4 - Part 48 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

As they traveled deeper into the Academy, the buildings became larger and more scattered -- further away from the dormitories. A few buildings were significantly larger than the dormitories and could be seen upon entering the Academy. Some didn't have as many windows but still maintained the natural feel with their smooth and curved exterior. She could imagine the activities taking place inside them, some training areas for students to practice entering into areas where monsters would congregate. These were also helpful for student clubs that needed the space to develop their skills in a safe environment -- one of the many areas available for them.

One of the major libraries in the Academy was in the shape of a massive dome. Inside the library would be a sea of bookshelves -- feeling like a cave with how little light entered into the deeper areas. The Academy had designed the structure to help preserve books due to how light could negatively impact and damage them. Mana lamps would help provide light for students delving deep into the caverns of knowledge. As a member of the Student Council, she was aware of the underground tunnels filled to the brim with books, scrolls, and artwork to be protected from not just monsters but factions that would desire them destroyed.

For most of the younger students, the main libraries weren't used -- instead, the smaller locations were preferable. She didn't envy the staff responsible for maintaining the facilities and organizing everything. At the same time, the Academy's vast library was what allowed them to continue to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Valessandria watched as students made their way into the buildings on their way to their daily activities, wondering what the world looked like for them. She hoped that they remained ignorant of the horrors of the world while also worrying that they were ill-prepared to handle what could be waiting for them.

Reaching the center, her eyes couldn't help but look at the imposing tower which dominated her field of view. The base was broad, close to a mile in diameter. With white walls that were smooth and curved, they caught the light to the point where the tower seemed to glow. Surrounding the base was arched entryways with students coming in and out, going about their day.

"It truly is something I can not imagine to be made by man," She smiled and gazed at the structure that filled her with wonder.

Approaching one of the entryways, she noticed several students in black and white uniforms approach them, indicating their position with the Administration Division of the Academy Guards. Seeing how young they were, it was clear that they were lower-level guards of the division tasked with guiding students.

"My Lady," One of the guards, a boy with short black hair, bowed to her.

Valessandria casually dismounted her horse. Giving the animal an affectionate pat on its neck, she directed her attention at the young guard, "Please hand over my horse to the Disciplinary Committee's area. Let them know to give her some snacks to reward her hard work, getting to Leaf Village and back to Illumin. She will also need to be brushed down and examined for the usual after such a hard run."

"As you wish, your commands will be fulfilled," The boy indicated for one of the other guards to take the horse.

A young girl with braided brunette hair respectfully approached the horse. She accepted the reins from Valessandria before guiding it away toward one of the entrances to the underground stables beneath the tower.

Samantha and the other Special Division members dismounted and handed them to the other Administration Division guards. The horses would be taken to the stables controlled by the Academy Guards.

A few students casually glanced in their direction, curious about what was happening since people with horses would head to a different area to access the tower. Mainly, students would walk to where they needed to go, not including the large carriages that transported students along set routes to different parts of the Academy.

Going inside the tower, Valessandria enjoyed the open area with how high the ceiling was. It felt open and free. What helped was how there were windows on the ceiling, allowing sunlight to enter and light up the interior. Hanging from the top were large crystal balls with several mana lamps inside for when the sun set for the night.

Just like any other time, the interior was filled with students. With how the tower's ground floor was designed, there were plenty of areas for students to relax and hang out with their classmates. Couches and comfortable chairs were organized close to one another.

Plants were scattered throughout the area, even groups of trees that created tiny forests. The forested area created a nice contrast to the seats, desks, and other constructed items used throughout by students and staff. Considering how being outside instead of stuck inside, the greenery relieved mental stress that could be built up as students studied for classes or turned in items for their various courses.

In the nearby forest, elves were resting against the trunks as they socialized with one another. There were also beast people that also tended to enjoy nature, similar to the elves. A few students were taking a short nap in the branches after a hard day of work.

Navigating through the students, Valessandria checked whether any obvious issues could be seen. It was a habit that she developed with her position, needing to check if anything nefarious or detrimental to the Academy was occurring. Typical of a school, there were a few students that were arguing about some matter, but it was only a short time until Disciplinary Committee members approached them to see if there were any issues. She nodded in approval, glad to see the peace maintained inside the tower.

"Busy as usual."

Valessandria looked to Samantha, who was looking at the line of students waiting to talk to someone at the Administration Division. Ahead of the line was a row of stations where members of the Administration Division were assisting students.

Some of the students were next to carts with monsters lying on top, having been hunted by the group. The creature would be presented to the Administrative Division to show that the assignment had been completed, so the students would get credit. It would then be taken away by members of the Logistic arm of the Support Division to be dismantled and turned into resources for the various departments in the Academy.

"That is one of the nice things I like about Illumin, how it never gets quiet. People are constantly doing something, whether related to their studies or connected to the Adventurer's Guild." Valessandria grinned.

Due to the sheer size of the tower, it took some time until they reached the stairs, which would lead to the next level. But despite the distance, she didn't mind since being back in Illumin was something she enjoyed -- the reason why she never left despite the offers.

Matching the architecture of the tower, the stairs were like ivy, growing along the side of the central area where students not part of an organization were not allowed access. Compared to the buildings outside for classes, training for different departments, or libraries, many organizations that helped keep running Illumin were located inside the tower. This meant that the central area was restricted to only those who had permission.

Reaching the wide stairs carved into the wall that separated the public and private areas, students made their way to the upper levels. With how the stairs curved along the walls, the journey was a significant effort but enjoyed by most since it allowed them to see the sight of the ground floor.