The two boys, astride majestic war horses, drew the gaze of several onlookers as they travelled. Their journey led them out of the city, heading east along the city wall. After half an hour of riding, they arrived in front of a colossal metal gate.
Above the gate, an inscription read, "Winden City Adventurer's, Healers, and Arts Academy." "So, this is it, Wil. Academy at last," Alan said with a mix of excitement and a hint of nervousness. "Are you nervous, Al?" Williams asked, to which Alan nodded. "Me too," Williams admitted.
"Let's go," Alan said, and both dismounted their horses, making their way towards the imposing metal gate.
"We're here to report to the academy," Williams announced at the gate. "You're late by 6 months, kids. Try next year," the guard dismissed them.
Alan took out the letter of admission and handed it to the guard. With a suspicious look, the guard read the letter and allowed them inside, saying, "I've never seen a freshman admitted this late into the academy." "Not our problem. It's all that old fool Zain's doing," Williams cursed Zain.
"What?" The guard exclaimed as the boys spoke. Williams, looking puzzled, reiterated, "If not for that old Zain, we would have entered the academy like others."
Zain, standing behind them with a broad smile, made the guard sweat. Senior Zain the guard bowed hastily.
"Never mind, Dean," Zain waved his hand, frustrated. "It's not my fault the Guildmaster asked me to report when it was your turn for the test. I had to obey his orders, right?"
"You could have told him after our test. We would have had some fun," Williams said mischievously. "And would have destroyed the test obstacle course." Zain shook his head in disbelief.
"What?" the guard asked in puzzlement.
"Never mind, Dean," Zain instructed. "Master Jordan will be coming later with a few instruments help him to find staffs to transfer it to the Arts section. Come, you two, Guild Master Stan wants to see you."
Dean, the guard, felt confused about Zain's friendly demeanor and wondered why the Guild master wanted to meet the newbies.
Zain led them to the administration building, knocked on a door, and, after getting permission, escorted them inside. An old man with white hair and a long beard sat across the table, exuding a dominant aura. He smiled warmly, seeing the boys resisted his aura easily. They bowed to him in respect after a few seconds.
Alan felt the strongest sense of Magic from the Guild master. The strongest he had ever felt from anyone till date.
"Sit down, lads," Zain take a seat too. "Now, I know you two were not happy to be left out of the entrance test, but I plan to make you part of the academy for 5 years instead of 3."
Both boys looked puzzled. "Guild Master, how is that even possible?" Zain asked.
"I contacted John and Helen a few months back and learned that these two have interests in other areas," the Guild Master explained. "Williams is proficient in healing arts, surpassing many third-year students. Alan is a fully-fledged healer, knowledgeable in painting, calligraphy, and music."
Zain was stunned. "I didn't know these things, Guild Master. I thought they excelled in trade, economics, and combat," he said, looking at the boys, who shrugged.
Williams will you be interested in joining arts related clases like Alan here? Stan Asked. "No guildmaster. I would like to stick to the healing and combat skills." Williams answered truthfully.
Ok then. " Zain please carryon with your work, I have few more things to discuss with these two and will escort them to their dormitories."
Zain noded his head and took his leave closing the door behind.
Alan, I am sensing a strong magical affinity from you. Have you already invoked it?
Alan hesitated for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. Zain sighed, invoking internal energy at your age.
Guild master can you also sense the Magical Afinity? Alan asked curiously. " Stan smiled and noded his head, but then looked at Alan again, " you mean to say you can sense the flow of Mana ?"
Yes I can guildmaster. Alan confirmed.
Unbelievable!!! He then shook his head in defeat.