Chapter 36 Top-Grade Batch, Classes Begin
"Kid, you have the highest comprehension of all of the present students in the academy, be they nobility or commoners. Hence, many eyes will be on you. You are now an asset of the kingdom and no external forces can harm you, but spars are allowed between students to promote fighting skills after the first year in the academy. The complete course takes 6 years. In the first year, the basic elements will be taught with optional classes for some specialized forces of nature. At the end of the first year, there will be a test which decides what your main focus will be as a mage.
"Both mages and fighters are limited by a lifespan of 100 years in the Human Realm. It is only when one becomes a Warrior that there is an increase in the maximum lifespan. Hence, mages must choose their specialization and focus on it to reach the apex. Remember the saying, 'Humans perish, Warriors march on.'
"Since you have pseudo-legendary talent, I will appeal to the king and the academy's council to place you in the legendary batch that has been empty since decades. Lets see how it will go.
"Take care kid. Work hard, and be smart. I'll come meet you once I know if you can be shifted to the legendary batch, but until then, you are a member of the top-grade batch.", said Kellor, placing his hand on Daneel's shoulder.
His rough calluses could be felt even through Daneel's shirt, as if he still spent his days cutting wood even being the court mage of a kingdom. Daneel nodded, wondering why this man was being so nice to him even though he had offended the king's own son.
"As for that kid Laravel, be wary. He has always been shrewd and his only weakness was showing off. He may try to take revenge when you least expect it. In the first year, all fights are strictly forbidden, so for now just concentrate on your studies.
"As the court mage, my gaze will always be on the whole kingdom. That was how I knew you were being attacked. I will take my leave now.", he said, before again vanishing into thin air.
Daneel had not spoken a single word. All of that information had been dumped on him and he was now left alone holding the bag of coins. As he analyzed everything, the testing was progressing until only a few students were left.
Soon, it was done. The blue robed man sent all of the crying kids who had failed out and personally escorted the selected candidates to a lavish building.
Faxul had also been selected, albeit only by the passing grade. Together, they began their academy life.
The hostel building was at least 10 stories. Apparently, there were over 1000 individual rooms inside divided into the male and female sections. But, it had been centuries since the academy operated at full capacity. Now, it was considered a good year if even 30% of the rooms were occupied.
Daneel chose an individual room and paid the first year's fee with the coins he had won in the bet. After confirming his entry into the top grade batch and obtaining his ID, it was time to go home.
That night was one that would be remembered by everyone in the slums. Both Robert and Maria were in tears hearing that their son had gotten into the most prestigious academy in the kingdom. The huge amount of money he had earned was the icing on the cake, along with the fact that they would all be moving out of the slums to go to the designated living area for NMAL students' families.
This living area was located opposite to the academy and Daneel had already taken the key to a standard villa. They had decided to move the next day and this was their last day in the slums. Robert wanted to throw a huge party in the slums to thank everyone that had made their journey here so far as pleasant as it could be. Times were hard for everyone, but they had always been willing to spare whatever they had.
Carts and carts of food and alcohol were ordered and everyone ate and drank to their heart's fill. The constables were puzzled to see the always drab slums shining with such vitality and when they went to check, they were also invited to the party.
The whole night was spent reminiscing about both the tough and happy times. Daneel was constantly with his parents who couldn't stop showing him to everyone and endlessly boasting about him. Everyone obliged, knowing that the couple were the happiest they had been in years. Even Daneel could not stop smiling and laughing through out the night seeing his parent's infectious atmosphere.
All too soon, the morning came and it was time to pack. There wasn't much luggage to begin with, but Daneel and Robert first carefully covered up the entrance to the natural training chamber and removed all signs that the house hid such a secret. The house would still stay, as that small patch of land was theirs. A trustworthy friend was asked to live here and immediately tell them if anyone came snooping. Daneel decided to transport the natural chamber as soon as he was powerful enough to do so and set up some warning trinkets to be notified if anyone came near. This chamber might be the bedrock on which he would build his future of dominating the world.
The villa was not too big, situated in a plot of land of 400 sq. yards and having a simple interior with 2 floors and 4 bedrooms. Still, it was just the two of them and both Robert and Maria were ecstatic.
After everything was settled in, Daneel handed over most of the money to his dad and told him to use it as he saw fit. He said that they had taken care of him all these years and it was high time he did something for them. After countless protests, Robert only acquiesced after Daneel threatened to throw the gold away if he did not take it.
With all of his matters settled, Daneel started his academy with a fresh mind. All that was on it right now was to study hard and gain as much power as possible in the shortest time in order to take revenge for his father. Even if everything was OK now, those years of suffering and that look of anguish on his father's face still haunted him.
The time table that had been given to him was like a computer from earth, only it just looked like a simple piece of parchment with the information on it changed frequently.
The first class was called "Introduction to the Elements" and was designated to take place in Lawn 5. There was also a map on the parchment, with his present location clearly marked which moved as he did.
Memories of the magnificent Firewind dragon came to mind as he made his way to class, looking forward to the day when he could also be in control of such awe-inspiring magic.