Heroes, Magic and Monsters

I Avone, proud elven archer and D rank adventurer, came out of Adventurers guild and waited for my friends. I kept my hood on my head hiding my face and wanted only one thing - a bath. We just arrived in the capitol after nineteen days old journey. The weather in the capitol was hot, and heated pavement stones made the air even hotter. I was covered with sweat and smelled like a horse, after spending nineteen days near those animals. I will never understand why some people called horses man's best friend. They smelled, my butt hurt after riding one in my opinion they needed too much food and water. My friends mage Myne, catgirl Luara and Trevor followed me to the street. Among as Trevor felt the worse. In the sun his armor heated up and he felt like being in a frying pan.

- I need a bath, - I complained.

- Me too, - sighed Myne.

- Me three and probably Trevor four, - agreed Luara: - Receptionist said that applicants can apply for the academies five more days. Why don't we found a tavern and visit our academies tomorrow.

- A tavern with big bath, - I added.

- Such taverns are expensive, - objected Trevor.

- I'll pay for our stay for next four days, - I tried to calm him down. Some of my not so smart solo adventures earned me more money than the rest of my party members had, and I could easily afford paying for them. Unlike me, my friends had to save every copper to afford lessons in the academy. For that reason Myne silently agreed with my offer, even if she had a guilty look on her face.

- I won't say no to that, - said Luara: - Why don't we found the most expensive tavern then.

- Tavern with biggest bath, - I objected.

- Biggest bath it is.

Trevor tried to object, but we no one listened to him. Luara disappeared inside the guild, but soon came back and nodded to us.

- I got the directions. Let's go.

Luara was our adventurer party's leader and also was least affected by the heat. Probably some strange cat thing - I grudgingly decided.

Luara confidently led us threw town and successfully found tavern called "Golden garden". We rented two rooms, one for girls and one for Trevor. Single room for Trevor costed one gold coin, which was more than low ranking adventurer earned in a week. Bigger room for us costed two gold coins, but I could afford it. Rooms and food for three days costed me fifteen gold coins. That was more than I expected, and a lot even for my wallet. But I already promised to pay and handed over the coins. Cute looking tavern worker took us to our rooms, which turned out big and cool, and half an hour later we were soaking in the bath. It was big enough for dozen people and deep enough to comfortably sit inside it.

Before reincarnating in this world as a female elf, I was a guy and naked female bodies were a feast to my eyes. Both Luara and Myne had beautiful bodies and long hair. I regretfully looked at my hair. I use to have waste long hair, but one nasty monster burned them and I had to cut them off. Now, even more than two months later my hair barely reached past my neck. Is it really so hard to grow long hair?

Maid brought as cold drinks and I felt like in heaven. At least this tavern was worth its money.

- I never stayed in such expensive place, - said Myne.

- I never did too, - agreed Luara: - But I like it here. We should stay in such places more often.

- Once we graduate an academy and become S rank adventurers we will be able to do that all the time, - I said dreamily.

- Sure, - said Luara: - In a year or two.

- Sure, you just forget to add dozen in the end of the sentence, - I sighed: - So what have you decided. Which academy will you go to, and what skills do you want to learn? How about a Weapons master skill, like Trevor?

- No, - shook her head Luara: - It takes two years to learn that skill. I will stick with Infantryman skill. It takes only one year to learn and I still will be able to use almost any weapon.

Usually it took only six month to learn a skill in any of the academies. But among them were skills that were more advanced than the rest. Simple skills like Axe user or Spearmanship could be learned in six month. But such skill users could only use single type of weapon. Infantryman skill, that Luara wanted to learn, allowed its users more efficiently fight using a shield with any kind of weapon, be it spear, sword, axe, mace or a knife. Weapon master skill was most difficult to learn among warrior type skills. Its users specialized in using any kind of weapon be it sword or even a bow. Trevor already had Swordsmanship skill, that he dreamed to obtain since childhood, and now he put in front of himself most difficult challenge. Since learning this skill required two years, then we decided that this will be the minimal amount of time that we will spend in the capitol. Magic academy accepted their students for three year studies, and depending on our financial situation we considered to stay in the capitol for three years.

Unlike Trevor and Luara, Myne and me were going to Mage academy. Myne was eager to learn three elemental magic skills and Magic resistance skill. I planned to learn Wisdom and Earth magic skills. And after that I planned also to go to the Adventurers academy and learn Swordsmanship skill. I also wanted to learn a Throwing skill, but I would need a whole year to learn it, since Throwing skill meant throwing rocks, spears, knives and any other long ranged weapon that was meant to throw.

- What about you Myne? - Luara asked - Don't you want to learn a warrior skill or two?

- No. I want to concentrate on my magic skills. Besides I heard that learning warrior skills is harder for mages. And I prefer using magic anyway.

- Guess that makes sense. I think I also want to concentrate on warrior skills. With you and Avone around, we have enough spellcasters anyway. Maybe I'll try to learn that Night vision skill that Avone has. It could be handy in dungeons.

- That's true. I wouldn't be alive right now without it.

- Ye, besides dungeon is kind of scary, with all that darkness around you. That's decided then, I'll learn Night vision skill.

We continued discussing our plans for the future and remained in water until we finally felt rested and memories of our uncomfortable journey started to fade.

* * *

Next day we separated. Trevor and Luara went to Adventurers academy, while me and Myne went to visit Magic academy.

Magic academy was surrounded by three meters high wall. Near the gates were four tents. In front of three of them were long lines with more than a dozen people in front of them. While the fourth one, had only a single person that looked like a noble's son in front of them.

We approached the tents trying to figure out which line should we stand in.Young male student approached as and looked at our clothe. He wore clothe that reminded me of school uniform and was around fifteen years old.

- Adventurers I guess. You can take one of those three lines, that are meant for commoners, - he told us: - And apply for registration there, if you wish to attend Magic academy.

- Is the fourth tent nobles only? - I asked.

- Yes, - he nodded: - Well, I need to inform you that it is also meant for people with high ranking mage job, like archmages.

- What about people, who have recommendations?

- What kind? If you have a recommendation from some rural are noble, it won't help you much.

- We have a recommendation from Mage guild.

- Really? That's hard to believe. But if that is true the go to the fourth tent, - he waved towards the tent that was meant for nobles, and went to direct next person.

The boy that was standing near it already left, and we approached the table located at the tent's entrance. Young girl, also dressed in the uniform, smiled at us.

- Hello. Tents meant for adventurers are next ones. Toby should have told you that.

- We have recommendations from Grimsburg mages guild.

We took out recommendations and put them on the table. Girl examined seals on the envelops and turned around.

- Professor Doranius these adventurers have recommendations from Grimsburg Mage guild.

- Mesmer recommended someone. That's rear, - sounded a voice from inside the tent: - Let them in. I will talk to them personally.

We entered part of the tent that was separated by curtains. After hot weather outside, the tent felt cool and pleasant. The floor was covered by a soft carpet, with several chairs and small table on it. One of the chairs was occupied by middle aged man in a blue robe. He was drinking refreshments, that were placed on the table.

Female student gave him our recommendations, and after examining them, he waved at the chairs.

- Please sit down.

We did as he told and professor opened the letters. He carefully read them and nodded satisfied.

- Master Mesmer used to be a teacher in the academy, before accepting Mage guild master position in Grimsburg. He is still remembered and respected for his heroic adventures. A recommendation from him will secure you a place in Magic Academy. He writes that both of you received good reviews from your spell teachers in Grimsburg. According to them you, - he turned to Myne: - Showed talent and dedication to magecraft. He also mentioned that you have a mage job, and already learned several level two spells, - Myne nodded, and he turned towards me: - He also mentioned, that even if you luck talent and necessary job, you showed willingness and worked hard and dedicated while learning several spells from different magic schools.

I also nodded, even if such description of my time in Magic guild surprised me.

- Very well. Most of our students start attending academy between ages eleven and fifteen, depending on their successes in securing a place in academy. Those who fail to do that, after reaching the age of sixteen apply for Knight academy instead. Our young students stay in academy for three years. For the first eighteen months they attend basic studies, and only after passing the exams, they can apply for learning specific skills. Last three semesters they spend learning three magic skills of their choice. By then they are competent enough to make that choice, that affect their whole future. But in cases like yours, for people who already leveled up, learned spells and acquired skills we use different approach.

Maximum amount of time that you can spend in academy is also three years. But you don't need to attend mandatory studies. Instead you can right away choose what skills you want to learn. Minimal amount of time that you need to learn a skill is five and a half month or one semester in the academy. It costs fifty gold coins. You must pay in the beginning of every semester, or you will be expelled. You can pay for several semesters right now if you want to learn several skills. Now, are you sure that you can afford attending Magic academy?

- Yes, - we both nodded and Doranius continued.

- Good. You will be provided with rooms in academy and will need to live here and attend all the assigned lessons, otherwise your chances of acquiring the skill will be diminished. Our schedule if five days of lessons and two days of rest between them.

- Can we visit the dungeons and take adventurer jobs during our free time? - I asked.

- Yes. But until you finish the semester you are not allowed to use leveling crystals. You are adventurers are you not?

- Yes.

- I see. There is no problem with you visiting the dungeon then. My I ask what ranks and levels you have.

- We belong to a D rank party. I have level nineteen.

- And I have level fourteen, - added Myne.

- Quit impressive. Not even all of our professors have reached such high ranks. Ordinarily we discourage our students from visiting the dungeon. It is very dangerous after all and we tell our students to stay away from danger, and even after graduating, they need to be careful with dungeon hunting. But in your case that isn't a problem. You are free to accept adventurer Guild quests, just don't forget that missing lessons will diminish your chances of obtaining the skills that you seek. What skills do you wish to learn?

- I wish to learn fire magic, water magic, air magic and magic resistance skills, - said Nelly.

- Do we have to choose all the skills that we want to learn right now? - I asked.

- No, you can apply for necessary studies in the beginning of every semester. Right now you need to chose at least one skill that you want to learn.

- Then I wish to learn Wisdom skill first, and after that Earth magic skill, - I decided.

- Wise choices, - Doranius nodded. But you should know that Wisdom skill is difficult to learn. It takes at least a year of diligent studies to learn it. Our students can learn Wisdom skill in six month, but it is thanks to their prior education, that they receive in first eighteen month. Unless you have already knowledge about magic circles, their history, and difference between magic circles that different magic schools are using.

- Now, I do not, - I shook my head.

- Then you will need to attend basic lessons, along with our first, second and third semester students. If you are fine with it, then please fill these documents.

It was longer than I expected, but I still wanted to learn that skill. I nodded, and Doranius gave as two parchments and feathers for writing. We needed to write basic information, such as name, race, age, our current level and skills that we wanted to learn. I had no idea how old physically my current body was, so I decided to go with seventeen. That sounded nice and fresh.

- Please write the skills in the order that you wish to learn them, - added Doranius.

I chose Wisdom as first and Earth magic as second. Doranius read the papers and nodded.

- Good. Can you pay for the studies right now? And for how many semesters?

- Two, - I answered. We already decided that earlier. And Myne currently could only afford to pay only for two semesters. We were planning to go dungeon hunting, between the studies and earn for her the rest of the money that way.

I took out one of my orichalcum coins, while Myne used the gold coins. Doranius counted the money and put the coins inside small box.

He took out two more parchments and filled several lines on them.

- Please sign these contracts, - he passed down the parchments and we read them. They mentioned our names, payment for two semesters and skills that Magic academy undertakes to teach as. They also mentioned the maximum amount of time and skills that we could learn. We signed the documents, and Doranius put them above the several similar parchments.

- Our studies will start in four days. Make sure you are her three days later, one hour after the sunset. You will receive basic information then and also the dormitory rooms will be assigned to you. And keep in mind that carrying weapons inside academy's wall is forbidden, not even decorative daggers. You can put your weapons inside your magic bags, but keep them there as long as you are inside academy.

- Thank you, - we both stud up and bowed. Doranius bowed in return. - My your time in academy be fruitful and prosperous.

* * *

Studies in Adventurers academy also started in three days. They were much cheaper and Trevor had to pay eighty gold coins for all four semesters in Adventurers academy. We had three days left and spend them exploring the town. We visited all three academies. Magic academy was biggest and richest among them. Adventurers academy was much bigger than Knight academy, but buildings in there were simpler and cheaper looking. Knight academy even had a huge fountain in its front yard.

We also asked about nearest dungeons in Adventurers guild. There were three dungeons located near the capitol. Closest one was four hour walk from the capitol and was called Golden goose dungeon. Upper floors of the dungeons were mapped and quit detailed. We bought maps for Golden goose dungeon's upper floors and agreed to explore them during our next free days. Luckily the schedules in all academies were the same, and we could continue adventuring as a party.

Three days later we arrived at the Magic academy. We came earlier. Excited Myne barely slept all night, and woke me up even before the sunset. We were not the first ones to arrive and several people were already there. Some of them were accompanied by guards and servants.

I yawned. I was still sleepy, and unlike Myne, was not as excited. Attending lectures with bunch of stuck up nobles was not my dream time. It will inevitably led to same problems. I sighed. Hope it will end up well. Just like Myne I put all my weapons and armor inside my magic bag and now felt naked without them. Among people around us, only guards carried weapons, rest of the future students abided by the academy's rules.

Students slowly gathered near the gate. Almost all of them were accompanied by guards or servants. Most of them were young, eleven or twelve years old. Finally gates opened and the guard came out of them.

- Welcome students! - he shouted: - Students my enter academy, but your companions will have to stay behind and depart.

Young people started to enter academy walls, while they escorts started to leave, after making sure that they charges safely entered the academy walls. We also entered the academy and gathered in front of the entrance to the main building. I noticed huge sundial build in the small park on our left side. On the stairs in front of the main building, stood several people, dressed in blue robes. In the middle of them stood old man in white robes and pointed hat. After all the students passed through the gates and gathered in front of teachers, man in the white robe raised his hand and all children felt silent.

- Welcome to the Magic academy! - started the man. His voice was loud and clear, and could be mistaken to belong to someone much younger: - My name is Alvarick. I am the principal of magic academy. You all were chosen to be here judging on your accomplishments and the jobs that gods blessed you with, after your birth. Magic academy is a proud follower of Mage guilds traditions, that don't judge anyone based on their race, gender or background, but only on their dedication to magic arts. You all were carefully chosen to be here, after we examined your innate abilities and hard work that you put in, before coming here. Our rules are strict and our lessons are hard, so not all of you will graduate. But those of you that will be able to endure all three years will have made a first step on becoming great mages, that our kingdom is so proud of. Stay strong and diligent. Now those of you who will stay here and attend all our lessons, got to your left. And those of you, who will only stay here to learn skills go to your right side.

We went to the right side were three academy students waited for us holding papers in their hands. Around a dozen students came with us, most of them older, than those who went to the left side.

- We will call for your names and distribute your individual schedules for your lessons, - said one of the girls with two pigtails: - Once you hear your name please approach and once you receive your schedule and explanations, please step back.

I waited until she said my name and approached her.

- You are Avone? - I nodded and she handed me one of the papers: - Here is your schedule. Since you wish to learn Wisdom skill, you will need to attend several classes that are meant for basic studies. Those lessons are not mandatory, and if you already possess such information, then you don't have to attend them.

I nodded and stepped aside. Once everyone received their schedules, girl raised her hand.

- Now follow me. I will show you around the school and then take you to your dorm rooms.

She went ahead, showing as the way, while her companions stayed behind us. Probably making sure, that no one would get lost.

- Magic academy is located on quit a bid territory, and it's easy to get lost in here. Sometimes Magic academy is even called little magic town. There are several stands with maps located around the territory, so feel free to use them if you get lost.

She showed us the stand. It was hand carved from wood, with detailed drawings on it.

- Your location is shown by red dot, - she showed us our exact location on the map. We all took a look at it and then followed our guide.

- Next are training grounds, - she took us to large area separated by wooden walls: - They are used by mages who have permission to practice spells. You are forbidden to uses them without a teacher or written permission.

- This is academy's library, - she continued after a while. Library was big marble building. It was round with semi circle roof on top of it: - Library was build thanks to generous donations from princess Leanisia almost two hundred years ago. Princess Leanisia was a student in the Magic academy. She was a genius who created several spells. Her theories about magic became fundamentals that are used as basis for many school lessons. Library is open from dusk till dawn. With librarians permission you can take out books from it, but it is forbidden to take the books outside academy. And not all books can be taken outside the library. The building that is located next to eastern walls has a pool in it. Some of students are allowed to use it, but its purpose is to help students learn Water magic skills. You won't be using it, unless you applied for the lessons that are necessary to learn Water magic skill.

The building was quit big. Even if I take into account dressing room, storage room and such, there will still be enough space for the pool bigger than any pond.

Next were dorm rooms. They were farther away, and consisted of two separated buildings.

- On the left, are dorm rooms meant for the students who attend basic lessons and on the right are dorm rooms that are used by students who are studying specific skills. You all will be placed in dorm rooms that are located on the right side. Also both buildings are separated in the middle. There are two separate entrances on both side of the buildings. Left are meant for boys and right for girls. You are forbidden from entering dorm rooms that are meant for the opposite gender. Later you will be assigned your own rooms. But first we will take a tour in the main building.

She took as to the building, near which principal gave his speech. Other students were exiting the building, and continuing their tour outside. Inside building our tour guide showed as main locations such as classrooms, dining hall and teacher's rooms. Once our tour was over, we returned to the dorm rooms.

- Most rooms are meant for four students. Does anyone want to stay in the same room?

- We would, - I picked up my hand and together with Myne we approached the young student.

- You are Avone and Myne, right?

- Yes. Very well. Here are your keys, - she gave as two keys and wrote something down in her notes: - Your room will be number eighteen. Don't forget that you need to use entrance on your right side. In the dorm rooms you will find a caretaker, she will provide you with uniforms. You can change in your room. Your first orientation lesson will start an hour after midday. Do you know how to use sundial to tell time?

We nodded and she gave us our keys. We went to the dorm rooms, where we were greeted by a large woman dressed in apron.

- Greetings young students. Are you just starting to attend the academy, or have you been here before?

- It's our first day, - answered Myne.

- I see. Then you will need to learn our rules. Since most of the students are under age, they apply to all, to ensure the safety of all our students. No visiting boys dorm rooms. No staying outside later than one hour after sundown. There are bells that ring five times a day, during lesson days. First ring is at sunrise. That's when you need to get up and go to have breakfast. Lessons start one and a half hour after that. Second ring is one hour before midday. Third is in midday, that's when your lessons usually end, unless there are more scheduled for you later. Lunch is just after midday. Fourth ring will alert you to diner. Last bell is at sundown, that's when you need to return to your dorm rooms. Is it clear? - we nodded and she continued: - Let's see you sizes, - she took a good look at us and nodded: - Wait here.

She entered the room behind her and returned with two sets of close.

- Here, these should fit you. Let me know if you need a different size. I wash the clothe during your rest days, but you can get new ones if yours get dirty. Uniforms must be worn all the time during your stay in the academy. What room number you have?

- Number eighteen, - I showed her the key.

- Good. Eight door on the left.We went to search for our room, and woman greeted next student.

Room was locked and we used our keys. It was not fancy but there was enough space for four beds, along with four tables and chairs. Near every bed was a chest, with a lock and a key inside it, and a closet. Since all beds were empty we chose two that were the closest to the window. We examined our uniforms. There were long ankle long skirts, white shirt, sandals and black robes. I sighed. Well it could be worth. We started to change, when someone knocked at the door. It opened and around fifteen year old girl came inside.

- Hello, my name is Cleo. I was given the key from this room.

- Come inside, - smiled Myne: - My name is Myne, and this is Avone. Look likes we will be roommates.

- Nice to meet you, - she looked around and chose the closest bed. Unlike us, who had only their magic bags, she carried a huge bag. She put it near the bed and also decided to change into a uniform.

Another girl soon joined us. Her name was Sheyla. She was cute blondie, around fourteen years old.

We still had time, before our lessons and we spend it getting to know each other. Both Cleo and Shayla were born in a small villages, but after reaching age of six, priests discovered that they had a mage job. That was not good enough to get them a place in Magic guild, but local lords decided to send them to Magic academy and pay for two year lessons. That gave them enough time to learn four magic skills, so later they could became powerful mages in the lords employment. Their lords did not want to spend money for three year education, and before sending them to magic school hired them private tutors, who thought them how to read and count, and some basic knowledge about magic and spells.

First magic skill that they needed to learn was Wisdom, so they were my classmates at least during first semester. Soon we heard second bell and went to school to get some lunch.