Chapter 93: Admissions (2/2)
”That said, there is nothing preventing you from simply taking classes in other departments once you have a chosen field. Since the faculties' salaries are partially dependent on their student load, you generally won't be turned down. However, you can only graduate in your chosen department. Does this make sense so far?”
”Yeah, I'm following. So, assuming I have a department in mind, what's my next step?” Mike asked.
”You'll need to check in with Administration. There, they will check your eligibility to even take one of the admissions tests. Since, you have a letter of recommendation, they will likely examine it then. Assuming everything else is in order, they will direct you to your department for testing.”
”Seems simple enough. Thank you, Broderick.”
Smiling, the noble waved a hand dismissively. ”Its nothing at all compared to how much you've helped me. Once you are finally settled in, please make sure to visit so I can thank you properly.”
Mike started to politely decline, feeling that the young man was being overly grateful, but Sera cut him off. ”We would be delighted.”
Broderick told them to leave a message at Administration when they were ready, so that he could dispatch a carriage to pick them up. The rest of the ride was spent between exchanging pleasantries and listening to Elaine expound on the virtues of her many pets. (She has sixteen.)
Finally, after an hour of traveling, which had seen the surrounding buildings growing increasingly large and opulent, they arrived at the University's gates. An massive stone wall separated the center of learning from the rest of the city. A large double door, made of a strange glossy material, seeming served as the primary entrance, but was currently closed. Traffic seemed to be entering and leaving through two smaller doors on either side of it.
”You may be aware of it, but I would be a poor guide if I didn't explain. That,” He said while indicating the double door, ”is Ronolf's Passage, named for the tenth headmaster of the University. Supposedly a powerful mage, he is credited with erecting the walls around the campus. This gate was the capstone, made using a subsequently lost magical technique. It has proven impervious to nearly all attempts at damaging it. Upon Ronolf's death some years later, the door sealed itself and has never since opened. Eventually, the faculty created the two secondary entrances, which are used to this day.”
”Interesting. I presume we enter through there?”
Broderick hesitated slightly. ”Indeed, students and applicants are allowed entry through those two doors. Other visitors may be required to wait in the Administration Building's lobby, though. Are you planning on living in the dormitory?”
”I intended to. Is that an issue?” Mike asked curiously, glancing around at his companions.
Seemingly understanding the unasked question, Broderick continued. ”Not particularly. Once you are admitted into a department, you can move into the dormitory. At which point you may collect the rest of your group. A student staying on campus is allowed to bring members of their household, such as servants, spouses, or children. The University generally doesn't interfere with your private life, so, as long as the three of you don't mind being labelled as such, you are free to live there.”
”No problem. Lover.” Tal broke in suddenly, hugging Mike's arm.
”Bwah?” Was the only response he could muster.
”Wha-wha-WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?” Sera yelled while jumping to her feet, already blushing furiously.
Tal gave her an unreadable look, then stuck her tongue out. ”Relax, joke. No jealousy.”
Sera remained beet red, this time for a different reason, and sat back down with a huff, crossing her arms and staring out the window sulkily.
Broderick laughed at their antics. ”It seems like you have your hands full. Anyway, this is where we must part. I wish you all the best of luck.”
”Thanks again. We will make sure to visit.”
Once again, they were forced to separate Elaine and Audra, which took a fair amount of time. With another wave, the siblings departed, leaving them on the road next to the gate.