I'd never seen a magical beast before, so being put into a carriage that was being pulled by two dogs with bird heads... was strange, to say the least.

I finished 'learning' to read two nights ago. As soon as i was able to read a page from one of my mother's books, she instantly sent a call to Koran, letting him know i was ready. I'd never seen her so hopeful before, it was a great change.

I sat in the carriage across from Koran. His eyes never left me. The tension has been slowly building for the past two hours of our trip, which in turn made me quite hungry.

"There are a few things you need to understand about where we're going." Koran sat with his elbows on his knees, making his upper body take up the majority of the space between us. "We are currently on our way to the Toros Royal Avademy. From there, you will be enrolled as my personal apprentice. I will train you in whatever magical arts you wish to learn, I will help you broaden your mana pool, and I will help you master your control over mana. And, with any luck, I can help you discover whatever hidden secrets might be locked away within that body of yours." He leaned back, taking a deep breath, he continued his monologue, "Because of your age, and your talent, you will gain many allies for support. But you will also attract many enemies, rivals, and those who just wish to use you to do their own bidding." He sighed as he let his body slump into his seat.

Two knocks were heard on the carriage door, followed by one more.

Koran patted down his robe, "We're here, are you ready?" 

I shook my head, affirming my descision. Koran then gestured for me to stand and open the carriage door. He then led me down the carriage steps and up the steps of a massive academy. It had to be the biggest building i'd ever seen.

In the front, there was a massive gate at the top of a 100 step staircase. The gate was bright and silvery in the light of the sun, giving the entrance a noble air. The staircase itself was made of a white marble-like stone; strange runes and words in different languages were etched into the stairs at random spots and angles, making it seem like one huge magic formation. As we walked through the gate, I saw dozens of kids anwhere from 14 - 20. they all wore the same style uniform which was a simple light robe with a hood. They had other accessories over their robes; such as light armor, quivers, sword sheathers, I think I even saw a stringed instrument of some sort. 

"You there, kid!"

I turned my head to see a tall teen walking toward me.

"Also," Koran added "Any student can challenge another at any time. It's up to you if you accept or decline." He pointed to a tall building surrounding the courtyard. "Once we get you enrolled, you can look around. Then we'll start your first lesson tomorrow."

"Hey kid! You're new here right?" The teen had finally reached us. Though from his voice and body language, i'd say he hasn't notived Koran yet.

I turned to greet him, keeping a friendly smile on my face. "I am new, on my way to enroll now." I wanted to walk away, but I noticed Koran watching us with curiosity written all over his face.

"How about a duel, an exchange of pointers, if you will?" Man, this kid is pushing his luck. Though, I have no idea how to even fight in this body.

"Koran?" I looked over my shoulder for his input.

"I will make sure no one is severely injured. Go ahead."