Chapter 94: For Testing Purposes (1/2)
The two doors on either side of Ronolf's passage seemed to serve different purposes. The one to the right saw a steady stream of people entering and leaving. Guards were posted near the entrance, but they merely watched as people entered and left.
The door on the left had lower levels of traffic, but every person was having to check in with a bored looking guard in a booth near the entrance.
It seemed that the University could only be entered by foot. However, long rows of stables and wheelhouses were constructed along the wall, evidently providing students with places to store their carriages and mounts when at school.
Figuring that it would be his best bet, Mike joined the line for the door on the left, the others trailing behind him. When it was his turn, he stepped up and waited for the bored looking guard to address him.
”What is your business with the University of Almirn?” He asked from behind a steel grate.
”I'm actually here to apply. I have a letter of recommendation.”
The guard looked Mike over before flicking his gaze back towards the rest of the group, ”Is that the same for all of you?”
”These are the members of my household. I was told I could bring them with me.” Mike answered confidently.
Sighing, the guard waved them through. ”You'll have to check in at the Administration Building. Another guard will escort you there. Your household will need to wait in the lobby.”
They passed through the open doorway, walking for nearly 5m through a tunnel of stone before they exited on the other side. Another guard, this one looking a bit more animated, was waiting for them when they arrived.
”Right this way, ladies and gentlemen. Please follow me.” He spoke enthusiastically while directing them towards a stately stone building. Architecturally speaking, it resembled a Gothic structure, but with more stylistic embellishment in the crenelations and columns. Overall it exuded a quiet elegance that was in keeping with a school for the rich in powerful.
They were ushered into a large and tastefully decorated lobby. Several leather couches and chairs occupied much of the front half of the room, while the rest was dominated by a massive desk, behind which sat several individuals dressed in a matching black and silver outfits. Figuring that this was the lobby that everyone kept mentioning, Mike directed the other three to have a seat while he went up to the desk.
”Hi, I'm looking to apply.” He announced, when the male staff member gave him a questioning glance.
Putting down his quill, the man asked, ”Do you have a letter of invitation from the school, a letter of recommendation from a member of the high nobility, or are you attempting to apply through the scholarship program?”
”I've got this letter of recommendation from Count Graveston, if that works.” He said while pulling said letter out and laying it on the counter.
”Very good, sir. If you would follow me, I will take you to an admissions specialist who will be handling your case.”
The staff member led Mike through a nearby door and into a series of hallways. He stopped at one of them, and after opening it, invited Mike to pass through.
”Please have a seat, sir.” Said a dignified, slightly plump woman that looked to be in her late forties, from behind her desk.
Once he had seated himself in simple chair, she continued. ”I am Margret, and I will be your admissions specialist for today. Now, may I have your full name?”
”Michael Rasmussen.”
”Ah, we got a message about you from Wyrport not too long ago. You are to have full tuition and board covered by your sponsor. Additionally, a line of credit has been opened with the Almirn Bank, where you may draw a stipend every month.” She explained while shuffling through documents on her desk.
Handing him a form to fill out, she asked, ”Have you decided what department to apply for first? Please keep in mind that if you fail the admissions test once, you will be unable to apply again to that department for three years.”
”I'm aiming for the Magic Department.” This elicited a simple nod as Margret making notations on another sheet of paper.
Mike started noting down some personal information on his form. ”Do you need the letter of recommendation?”
”No, Count Graveston has already provided all the materials needed to start your admissions process.” She replied offhandedly while filling out another form in a quick efficient manner.
[That sounds like the Count, making me carry his letter all the way here for no reason.]
He buckled down and started working on the sheet, but he couldn't help but notice its quality. Not for the first time, Mike wondered at the apparent sophistication of the paper and printing industries in this world. Despite being a feudal culture, the bureaucratic forms he'd seen since his reincarnation were roughly on par with the ones from his past life. He guessed that magic must play a role in production for a number of products and industries, but he couldn't quite see how.
[I'll have to pick up some crafting skills sometime soon.]
”Alright, it looks like everything is in order. If you follow me, I will take you to the Magic Department so you can take your entrance test. While we walk please take the time to familiarize yourself with the campus map.” She handed him a paper while a detailed rendering of the University.
At its center was a tall, thin, and pointy building. According to its somewhat ominous label, it was simple called The Spire. Eight wedges formed around it in a circular pattern, giving the entire map a slightly pizza-like appearance. At the very bottom was a section marked Administration. To its left was one labeled Arts, followed by Sciences, and finally Faculty Offices. At the top was Student Dormitories, and to the right, Martial Arts, Magic, and Finance.
As soon as they left the Administration Building, The Spire stood out. So much so that Mike was amazed he hadn't noticed it sooner. Standing well over a hundred meters, it looked like a sliver of glass impaled into the center of the campus. The reflected light of the late afternoon sun was dazzling to see.