Sorcerer… Cyborg???

Kothar walked up towards the large building that served as the main building of the Academy. He marveled at the vibrant flower beds, neon colored flowers peeking out from waving bushes.

Everywhere around him were new and exotic sights, a literal dancing fountain, where the water rose up and formed figures that danced in mid air competed for his attention with a morphing shifting metal sculpture, which would cycle from one beast to the next.

"Ahem." Kothar looked up suprised, the tall thin elegant man dressed in a white uniform had seemingly shown up out of thin air. His aloof air and perfectly manicured hair and moustache reminded Kothar of the butlers that the wealthy had on Garden.

"Welcome to the Academy young man, I understand you are Kothar of Balin, aged thirteen?" The man peered down at Kothar, standing with the posture of a steel rod, peering down at him.

"That's correct." Kothar looked back, gaze unwavering, meeting his eyes. The man seemed a little taken aback, surprised at his fortitude.

"I am Lief, the quartermaster of the Academy, follow me and I shall get you settled in." He took off at a brisk walk, without even a glance back at Kothar to see if he followed. Lief raised a hand, the oak doors of the main building swung open silently, the golden runes dancing to and fro. The floors were carpeted in a soft dark purple material but the building was surprisingly utilitarian.

There were few decorations, and the reception room they found themselves in was dominated by a large desk, behind which sat a very proper blonde middle aged woman. She wore a pair of narrow spectacles and as they entered, she looked over them at Kothar. Kothar felt as if she was gazing right through him, as her yellow eyes flashed.

"He is who he says he is." The woman said to Lief, who nodded back at her. She jotted something down in the massive ledger on her desk as Kothar followed Lief down the right hand corridor.

"The doors along this corridor lead to Novice classrooms, these rooms along with those along the west corridor are where you will be having all of your classes until you become a Beginner Mage. You will stay in the Novice dormitory during until you achieve Beginner Mage. Most students achieve this in one year, however some may take more or even less time. The Academy limits students to 3 years in the dormitories, after which any remaining students are encouraged towards pursuing research instead."

They continued onward, coming to a large red colored door.

"These are the male dormitories, you may choose any room, provided it isn't already occupied, since this is a new intake year most will be empty and they will be indicated by the green door. You will find your uniform and any amenities you require in the room. You may take your meals in your room or in the dining hall behind the reception area. Most students have yet to arrive, so for now the dining area will be empty. Any questions?" Kothar simply shook his head and pushed the door to the dormitory open.

The dormitory had a large central common area, with plush chairs dotted about the rooms, with large tables at each corner presumably for study. Like the rest the academy, the dormitory was abundantly lit with mana crystals, and likewise was scantly decorated.

Two corridors led to a series of mostly green doors, with a few red doors spaced in between. Kothar walked to the end of the right handed corridor, pushing open a door at the very end. He found himself in a small but cozy room.

The room was occupied by a bed, desk and a table with a strange silver container on it. There was a note next to the silver container which read "Lift up lid for meal." Intrigued, Kothar lifted the lid, revealing a steaming hot plate of roast beef, gravy, potatoes and green beans. Setting the plate of food aside, Kothar moved to investigate the rest of the room.

The far side of the room had a narrow door, inside which was a wardrobe with a few white uniforms, similar to what Lief wore but with significantly less embroidery and without the Serpent crest. The wardrobe opened into a fully equipped bathroom, where a steaming hot bath awaited Kothar. Kothar smiled, eager to wash the hard journey from Balin away.

Kothar had just finished demolishing the plate of roast beef when a soft knock echoed at his door. He opened the door to find himself face to face with a portly young man, he looked to be about 17 years of age, and had short blonde hat that was plastered down with sweat and was nervously wringing his hands as Kothar looked at him, waiting for him to say something.

"Umm hello, I'm Fred, saw that your door was green, may I come in?"

"Sure, make yourself at home."

"Well, I guess you're wondering why I'm still here and not off at the Research Building like the rest of the old Novices."

"No I wasn't, but now I'm curious."

"I just know I'm meant to be a battle mage! The thought of being in the battlefield, with swords clashing and fireballs flying, whole squadrons being teleported, magical beasts locked in combat, its absolutely exhilarating to me." Fred jumped to his feet.

"See, I'm getting energizing talking about it."

"I believe you." Kothar said in his usual stoic tone.

"Wow, really. The other early Novices didn't want anything to do with an old timer like me." Fred sighed as he slumped back on to a chair.

"I could really be a help to you, people make fun of me caling me the Eternal Novice but that just means I know everything there is about being a Novice mage."

"Thanks for the offer, I'll be sure to come to you if I need anything." Kothar smiled at Fred, Ophil's soft nature had definitely rubbed off on him. A wide grin spread across Fred's face as he reached over to Kothar and enthusiastically shook his hand.

"I'll see you around, ok!"

"Sure thing Fred."