After Zhanid exterminated the group of Mana Wyrms, the wizard put his staff back on his back. The first question that crossed Luke's mind was how the wizard would bring this pile to the Academy island.
Luke then turned to Zhanid and inquired:
"How do you intend to carry it?"
"We don't need to carry it now. When we get to the Academy I'll have some students collect it," replied the old wizard.
Zhanid climbed back on his horse and the group continued their journey, riding through the waters on horseback, as in a great blue field, the waves were light and the water reflected the sunlight. After a few more minutes the view to the horizon was still empty, as if nothing but water lay ahead.
However, Zhanid then took the lead of the group. And out of that endless horizon mysteriously appeared a boat, which appeared as if invisible. With its bow appearing slowly as if it were appearing in small layers, it was a scene that completely confused the eyes of the onlookers. Little by little the boat came out until it was possible to see it completely.
The boat was small, with a closed cabin. It was made of a dark wood that resembled oak, with gold and blue details. On the side of the boat was a coat of arms with a golden owl and a book, a symbol that also appeared on Zhanid's luggage and books.
The ship stood still for a few seconds, until Luke could hear footsteps rushing out of the ship and onto the deck. The panting figure then kept running until he put his face out.
The panting Boy then took a few breaths and looked at the group, waving he called out, "Welcome back Mr.Zhanid!"
The young man possessed blond hair and his aura, in general, was elegant. He was wearing an outfit that resembled a social outfit, he possessed a blue tie and a white blazer buttoned with gold and blue details.
"The boy said as he ran to the side of the boat.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe group reached the side, which had a rope to climb up. The three then got off their horses.
Zhanid walked to the back of the boat and bridled the horses with a rope. According to the magician, they would ride to the island of the academy and then their students would return the horses to Little Adam's house.
Luke did not understand Zhanid's mind, but apparently this was already routine for the old wizard. In the end, he preferred not to comment and just went with the flow. Luke and Meredith climbed into the boat first, coming face to face with the blond-haired young man.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Adrian Hortfield. I'm one of Master Zhanid's students." The boy then made a gesture by lowering his head and one of his knees and bowing a little and putting his arms by his sides. It appeared to be a sort of bow, but it made Luke and Meredith uncomfortable.
"Luke Lange."
"Meredith Scully."
The two replied with a little trepidation.
Just then, the mage Zhanid climbed aboard.
"I just saw a Maritma Carmesin Serpent, they are quite eye-catching. Adrian make a note for the research group to try and capture one of these alive, I've thought of a new project to do." Said the old mage as he placed his staff and luggage on the ground.
"Yes sir" replied the young student promptly.
When the boat returned turning around, the question of how the boat appeared was answered on the spot. After crossing what appeared to be a mana barrier, it was possible to see the academy that was completely hidden behind the barrier. The sensation of crossing it was like a surging wind with speed for a few seconds.
Behind, the view was the same, the giant empty sea with birds in the sky. On the other side, it was now possible to see the island completely. The academy building was gigantic, following the relief of the island, there was a gigantic tower on the highest part of the island.
Several buildings covered the island, it was like a small camouflaged city. In the island's port you could see several boats with the same coat of arms, the owl from the book.
On top of a tower in the center of the island it was possible to see a clock and just below it the same coat of arms, and there were two other large towers on the island. In the sky it was possible to see two people flying overhead with swords, which frightened Meredith.
The boat docked near several similar boats, the beach had extremely beautiful white sand and a wall of rocks that elevated the area already supporting constructions.
After getting off the boat, the group's presence was noticed by several students who were dressed in an outfit similar to Adrian's. The moment Zhanid appeared in front of the students, everyone bowed in respect to the mage, he was indeed a figure of importance in the academy.
"Adrian, give me a report please" Zhanid said turning to the blond haired boy.
"Yes sir! The research regarding the use of spells blended with the spirits of Zhao has been a success. The experiment you left of mana crystallization was also a success. The gravity reversing circle Stabilizer broke in your absence, we were able to recreate a functional one by adding a fifth magic circle by varying the Telekinez spell."
Luke and Meredith could not understand what the boy was talking about, however, Zhanid nodded as he listened. This report lasted a few minutes, the young man was explaining about several different experiments that the wizard was conducting.
After the report was finished, Zhanid led the group. After climbing some stairs, they quickly left the beach and came to an open area that seemed to be the academy's main square, in the center was a sundial, but the tower with the clock was just in front of the square.
It was possible to see several students in their academy costumes. Several more mature faces appeared as well, however, with more golden details. Sometimes people in robes would also pass by, and at other times older magicians in black or red clothing.
The academy looked like a city, it was lively and bustling. But what surprised Luke the most about this whole trip was how quiet the area was, there were no people shouting or selling products. You could see students talking, but always in a low tone. It was an entire city with the manners of a library. At least, that's what he thought at first.
Luke suddenly began to hear a strange sound, it seemed to be a sword cutting the air. When suddenly, the group spotted a man walking on a large sword, towering over the four of them.
The young man was dressed in the robes of a student. His hair was black, and he possessed a ponytail. His face was slender and his appearance was also very elegant. He was around Luke's height, after approaching, he jumped off his sword.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Welcome back master" The black haired young man said as he bowed to Zhanid. This time, not with the usual bow, but by kneeling on the ground and putting his head down.
"Hohoho, it's not that much! Stand up, Orion," Zhanid replied.
The sword that had been floating, then returned and fixed itself on Orion's back. It was a gigantic Greatsword. Its handle was red, but the sword was completely black, only the blade had a white detail that made it stand out.
Orion had the features of a citizen of Zhao, something that Luke and Meredith noticed immediately because of his resemblance to Ynosuke. Orion then stood up and greeted the two visitors to the academy.
"My name is Orion Hitsukaze, I am a student and researcher at the academy"
Again, the two introduced themselves, Orion needed to leave soon after. His sword came out of his back and suspended itself in the air, standing at a certain height from the ground. After climbing a step, Zhao's mage said goodbye and flew off.
The moment Luke saw the sword take off, one thing became certain in his mind
'I need to learn to walk on this'
And that's exactly what Luke asked Zhanid. Without fear this time, for his will was greater than the fear of a long answer from the old mage.
"How can I get a flying sword?" Luke inquired to Zhanid
"Hohoho, they are actually quite useful. You can ask in the craftsmen's area, and then go train in the flying group."
This was engraved in Luke's head, who mentally was already imagining himself flying with a sword.
After the brief conversation, Zhanid asked Adrian to guide the two of them to the dormitories.
The dormitory area was really large, with several spacious rooms. The academy had one more building for accommodation, which made Luke and Meredith wonder how many people there were in that area. There was no gender separation between male and female, at least not in the researchers' dormitory. So, by choice, Luke and Meredith stayed in the same room.