Our guide—a lanky fourth-year Spirit Tamer with a badge reading "Marcus, Senior Liaison"—clapped his hands, summoning our attention. He's relatively short but seems to have quite the build, As expected from a fourth year.
"Right then, fledglings! Welcome to Elenos's Institute of Magical Academics of the Academy. Before we begin the tour let me ask you all this. How was the MCAT?"
A collective groan emits from our groups, specifically from the 6 around Alyssa. Replying with responses like:
"Jeez, it was so nerve racking"
"I felt like I was gonna faint seeing everyone projecting"
"Hahaha, Yes yes, I agree the MCAT was stressful as well. Seeing all my friends doing under average really threw me off. But never mind that, you all made it with decent classes, hopefully. For this hour or so, just forget about your ranking and enjoy the campus oka-?
His eyes snap towards Lysandra and immediately kneel on a knee. Bowing his head.
"Forgive me for not addressing you earlier, your highness. Pardon my ignorance."
Of course, Lysandra remained authoritative while questioning the timid Kael. She turns her attention to Marcus.
"You're pardoned," a cold yet precise response.
Come to think of it, EAA never really fleshed out their relationship before entering the game.
It's just quite off putting though, the golden glint I saw in Kael's eyes is completely gone, Now replaced back with the empty void of darkness. I can't logically infer anything yet but it is very strange.
Marcus was quite great at befriending people, he's the type of social guy everyone gets along with. I can only hope that in the later Acts he finds himself safe and away from the danger.
Rising from his knee. He coughs for attention.
"Ahem. W-well then let's begin! As you know, we are in the heart of EIMA. This is the main building that houses your academic lifelines. Textbook classes in the west wing—"
Jabbing his hand toward a row of arched windows. We peer into the classroom, the layout in a distinct and hierarchical formation. The room is tiered, with three main levels of seating that descend toward the front where a wide central aisle divides the space. On both sides the desks are similarly arranged with rows of long black desks with ornate gold-trimmed chairs facing forward.
"—MagiTech engineering chambers downstairs—don't touch anything unless you fancy losing eyebrows—and the infirmary's in the east. And, Oh, you'll visit it sooner than you think."
A collective giggle from the entire group erupts. But he is quite true, just wait till we go on that field expedition.
"And finally, the library in the east. Now for facilities."
We pivoted northward and follow Marcus , taking in the sheer beauty of the academy. Rows of flora line the marble and stone paths. In the distance where a monolithic structure loomed, its pillars carved of unyielding stone.
"House Goran. This is their dormitory and this is their training center. Think of brute strength meeting tactical patience."
He smirked as he opened the door to the gym. A loud thud echoing. The source> Someone bench-pressing boulders, while others train in callisthenics.
"Primitive? Maybe. Effective? Ask the craters in their training yard."
We travelled Eastward, the air grew humid.
"House Nereza as you know." Marcus gestured to a shimmering aqueduct system.
"Water mages. Their sports complex is legendary—especially the pool. The water density is increased to simulate ocean trenches."
A first-year whispered, "Do they really fight sharks in there?"
"Well… You go find out," a mischievous chuckle leaves Marcus's mouth.
I know. That "rumor" is 100% true. The Advanced-Class Water Spirit served as both a mentor and rival for the students in the House of Nereza. In fact, I might go train with it myself one day.
Southbound, we returned to familiar terrain—the House Sylvas training grounds. Marcus's voice turned wry.
"You've all met this spot intimately during the MCAT. Dueling rings, magic drills, and optional survival exercises. Like dodging wind blades at dawn."
I check the corner of my eye again. Lysandra staring at Kael sharply.
Nobody would get the hint implied by her stare. However I know Lysandra's idea of "morning cardio" are war crimes disguised as sparring.
Lastly, west to House Ignis. We all return to the delectable scent of roasted meat wafted through the open gates.
"Dining hall's here. Pro tip: The spicy dragon-pepper stew will melt your tongue off. But it boosts your spice tolerance greatly since the capsaicin binds to your TRPV1 receptors for longer than regular chili's."
Make it a note Isaac. Learn or steal the recipe and mass produce it for yourself. It will be useful when eventually the academy's clown decides to prank everyone by sneaking extra "spice".
"Bet they couldn't handle the 'volcanic' chili." He said.
Marcus clapped again.
"And with that the tour's over. Just go back to the auditorium for the closing speech by Headmaster Orthellius. As for me, justemember to obey all the rules yea? I got some experience from being in trouble with the Professors and don't get me started on that hehe."
In unison, the eight of us bowed—some deeper than others—to our senior guide.
"Thank you for the tour."
The words rippled through our group with varying degrees of sincerity. Alyssa's tone dripped with genuine appreciation and warmth, Mine?... Well, mine was logical and formal polite.
As we turned toward the auditorium, I caught snippets of conversation:
"—did you see the size of Goran's training weights—"
"—Nereza's pool has actual whirlpools—"
"—why does Ignis' kitchen smell like sulfur and barbecue—"
These NPC's have their own thoughts. They don't know they're in a game. They don't know the future events. And in a way, I can't pity them. Their circuit after all. But nevertheless, the end of the Orientation Arc is coming soon. And personally, I can't wait for the next.