Book 3: Chapter 105: Vichia College District |
After receiving the spellbook, Sylutia picked out another piece of protective jewelry—a circular bracelet worn on the wrist.
[Sunset Azure Bracelet] (Third Tier·Rare)—Can activate the "Flame Haze Barrier" and "Water Blue Current Ring" protective spells when in danger. The former can withstand and absorb high heat, while the latter can interfere with stray projectiles and reduce impact damage.
After obtaining the two pieces of equipment, the instructor gave her another booklet that detailed the various rights and corresponding obligations of a Third Tier Official Mage.
As a member of the school, she could enjoy benefits and treatment hard to come by outside, but she also had to bear the corresponding duties and responsibilities. However, most colleges did not assign any tasks in the first three years, allowing members to focus on building a solid foundation and improving their strength.
After packing everything away, Sylutia returned to her residence.
Lying on the soft bed, she lifted her wrist and looked at the bracelet with its gradient of blue and orange. She turned it gently, and an invisible transparent shield spread out like ripples, protecting her.
The two-layered shield activated by this bracelet could effectively provide protection, while from the outside looking in, it appeared as though the wearer was inside a transparent amber of red and blue gradient.
After testing it out, Sylutia deactivated the bracelet's shield, then leaned against her pillow and slowly drifted off to sleep. She had been busy advancing recently, and now she could finally rest properly.
Three days later, Sylutia boarded the train heading to Vichia College. Around half a day later, in the afternoon, she arrived at this ornately styled college district.
Although it was a college district, there were quite a few tourists here. Many nobles and wealthy individuals from the Mage Alliance chose this place as a vacation spot.
Soon after leaving the station, Sylutia was persuaded by an enthusiastic street vendor to buy a local map guide, which detailed the major theaters, attractions, and specialty local restaurants.
Vichia College was situated right at the center of the entire block. Surrounding it were five massive theaters, with stages built inside that could simulate various natural environments. Shows were performed almost daily. Many distinguished guests purchased monthly passes to watch performances on a fixed schedule every week.
This place featured long-form operas rarely seen elsewhere. One performance could take a year or two to finish. If someone missed it, they could only rely on others to fill in the missing parts of the story later.
In the current world, where entertainment options were not particularly developed, these long-form stories held unimaginable appeal. Many people would discuss the latest opera shows in their daily lives and work. If you didn't know about them, you wouldn't even know how to chat with colleagues.
[Golden Veil Romance: The Legendary Love Between a Young Lady of a Prominent Family and an Ambitious Youth]
[The Moma Epic: The Rise and Fall of the Blazing Sun Empire]
[Underground Adventure: Encountering an Unknown World and Fantastical Wonders]
[Song of the Three Sisters: Three Women of the Same Origin, Completely Different Futures]
Walking down the street, Sylutia could see numerous promotional banners hanging everywhere, some accompanied by massive posters that made many passersby stop out of curiosity.
She could see quite a few nobles from the Mage Alliance here. Unlike the nobles of traditional kingdoms, they favored elegant, refined attire, preferring simple-colored long dresses and shirts. It was rare to see anyone wearing a sword or riding a horse.
Following the location Lovier had told her in a letter, Sylutia arrived at a side entrance of Vichia College.
"Are you here to visit a student? Please give the student's name and the secret code they left," the staff member sitting behind the marble counter looked up and asked.
"I'm here to see this year's new student, Silius. The secret code she gave me is '78261462,'" Sylutia said, reciting the number from the letter.
"Wait a moment." The other party took out a booklet and checked the new student's name and secret code.
"That's correct, it matches the reserved number." The staff member nodded, took out a card, wrote down the time and name, then stamped it.
"With this pass card, you can enter the college starting tomorrow. You can stay during the day, but you must leave before dusk."
"Thank you." After receiving the card, Sylutia turned back. The sky was getting late, and many shops along the street had already lit up their lights.
She found a nice inn to settle in, then toured the night market. By the roadside, there were some impromptu song and dance performances. Some young people used these to practice their skills and gain tips and feedback from passersby.
Although this was the location of 'Vichia College,' not all young people here were students of the academy. In fact, many actors and singers who couldn't get into Vichia College came here to try their luck and learn their craft. If they spent several years here mastering advanced performance techniques and familiarizing themselves with opera procedures before returning to their hometowns or other towns to perform, they could gain a huge advantage, completely outclassing ordinary performers in backward areas.
Watching these passionate young people by the roadside, Sylutia thought of her former roommate, Aurora. It was hard to imagine what it would be like to see that normally expressionless young lady standing on a stage, performing vividly.
No wonder she didn't want to enter 'Vichia College.' Perhaps she just didn't like this kind of performance by nature.
But Lovier was different. Her overflowing emotions were like a shining little sun, radiating light and warmth—generous and completely unrestrained. Even with the demeanor of a young lady from a prominent family, her innocent and naive appearance made it hard to get angry at her.
After sleeping well for one night, Sylutia arrived at Vichia College the next morning, stepping into this quiet and beautiful place.
Unlike the lively, boisterous atmosphere outside, the inside of the college was much quieter. Occasionally, some students passed by, hugging books and talking in low voices.
Sylutia crossed several squares and quiet corridors, arriving before a palace with a fountain. The ground was paved with white marble, and statues of mermaid-like figures stood on both sides.
Crossing the fountain square, she approached the white palace gates. After asking around, she learned that this was student housing, but only top-ranking students could live here.
"Who are you looking for?" the woman at the gate asked.
"Let me be clear—this isn't a place for chasing stars. Don't harass the students living here."
"I'm looking for Lovier. She gave me a secret code." Sylutia recited a string of numbers.
"Let me check. Hmm, it seems you really are her friend." The other party nodded.
"Wait a moment. I'll go get her."
So Sylutia sat on a bench in the common hall and waited.
About half an hour later, familiar footsteps approached. Lovier, holding up her light white pleated floral skirt, hurried down the spiral staircase from the second floor. The moment she saw Sylutia, her light pink eyes lit up. She ran over and hugged Sylutia tightly.
Feeling the slightly plump, soft body and the faint fragrance from her hair, Sylutia gently patted Lovier's back. Her fingers slid through the flowing golden hair, softly stroking it.
After a long while, Lovier finally let go. Then the two held hands and sat on the bench, talking about the changes that had happened in the half-year they'd been apart.
As they spoke, Lovier's face was full of smiles. She told Sylutia how much she had learned in the past six months. The instructors and everyone at the college doted on her, and she had even been put on stage as the lead, performing in quite a few shows.
"I'm so happy, Hedra."
"But... I wish Hedra could come see my show." She thought of something and spoke softly.
"There's actually a show in two days. I'll go ask my instructor to get you a ticket so you can sit in the front row."
"Hedra, do you have a place to stay? How about you sleep with me tonight? My dorm is a single room, so there's plenty of space, and it won't disturb anyone else." Even after being apart for half a year, Lovier was still the same as before. Sitting beside the young woman, she talked about all kinds of things, occasionally leaning into her arms and acting spoiled, recounting times she had embarrassed herself.
Seeing that Lovier was still radiant and shining, Sylutia felt much more at ease. She also told Lovier about some things she had experienced in the past six months.
"Ah, I heard about the Silver Bell Festival from Aurora. What a shame. I had to attend the college's Silver Bell Festival celebration that day, so I couldn't go."
"Next year. I have to go see it next year." Lovier held out her finger and made a pact with Sylutia.