“Ahem. Weren’t you making pancakes before this whole tail-snuggling fiasco?” the owl squawks, his feathers puffing up dramatically. “If you’re going to abandon breakfast, at least have the decency to feed me first.”
Rune chuckles, his tail still nudging to your hand. “He’s got a point. Can’t explore on an empty stomach.”
You sigh, realizing the owl is right. The enticing smell of pancakes still lingers in the air, and your stomach grumbles quietly. With a nod, you head back inside, Rune following with an easy grin. Fibble perches on the back of a chair, already eyeing the kitchen with anticipatory glee.
The pancakes are still warm, and you set about finishing what you started, flipping the last batch onto a plate. As you prepare the table, you invite Rune to join you. He hesitates for a moment before smiling.
“I already had breakfast,” he admits, “but I’ll try one. They smell too good to pass up.”
The three of you sit around the modest table, Fibble immediately diving into his portion with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. Rune takes a cautious bite, then hums appreciatively.
“These are really good,” he says, reaching for another. His tail, seemingly in agreement, curls happily around one of the chair legs after sneaking a bite.
After breakfast, you wash up quickly, using the toiletries Percival had provided. The simple act of splashing your face with cool water feels grounding, but it does little to shake the surreal nature of your situation. As you glance in the mirror, your mind races with thoughts of this strange, fantastical world and what lies ahead.
When you’re ready, Rune and Fibble are waiting by the door. Fibble, as always, looks mildly irritated, while Rune’s grin is as bright as ever. “Let’s go,” he says, opening the door with a flourish. “Time to see what we can find around here.”
The moment you step outside, you’re struck again by the sheer beauty of the campus. The air is crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. Rune takes the lead with an enthusiastic stride, his tail swaying behind him as he glances around.
“This place is huge,” Rune says, his voice filled with wonder. “No way we’re going to see everything in one go, but we can try!”
The two of you head toward the heart of the campus, Fibble occasionally muttering sarcastic remarks from his perch on your shoulder. The first sight that catches your attention is the Main Castle, an awe-inspiring structure that dominates the horizon. Its gleaming white marble walls shimmer in the sunlight, while its blue roofs glint like sapphires. Tall, arched windows and intricate carvings decorate every surface, exuding both majesty and warmth.
“So, uh, that’s definitely the main building,” Rune says, stopping to take it all in. “I guess that’s where most of the action happens.”
Students bustle in and out of the castle, their chatter blending into a lively symphony. Some glance curiously at you, but most of their attention seems to fixate on Rune. Their expressions range from wary to outright hostile. Rune’s grin doesn’t waver, but you notice the way his tail stiffens slightly. He’s pretending not to care, but the tension is palpable.
You’re tempted to say something but decide against it. Instead, you focus on the castle’s breathtaking exterior as Rune nudges you forward. “Come on,” he says. “Let’s see what’s inside.”
The grand hall within is lined with a multitudes of paintings and illuminated by floating crystal chandeliers. A mural depicting legendary figures and stories adorns the ceiling, its vibrant colors and intricate details leaving you in awe.
“That’s incredible,” Rune whispers, his eyes wide. “I could probably stare at that all day. Hey look, there is one painting about my Resonance !”
He point at the image showing what looks like an ugly leprechaun, surrounded by straw that he spins into gold.
The two of you wander through the halls, finding classrooms, the library, and even the cafeteria that smells like freshly baked bread and roasted coffee. Fibble sniffs disdainfully but says nothing as he perches on your shoulder, his eyes darting around.
After exploring the castle, Rune leads the way back outside. “Okay, what’s next?” he asks, his voice tinged with excitement.
You continue walking down the path toward the main gates and pass facing the Gymnasium and Pool, a modern building with glass walls that offer glimpses of state-of-the-art equipment and pristine swimming lanes. Facing it, the other side of the path was the Staff dorm, a beautiful structure looking like a mansion.
Nearby, the expansive sports field stretches out like an endless emerald carpet.
“Not my thing,” Rune says with a shrug. “But hey, PE and Aquatic mastery are mandatory.”
You look toward the field. On the florr is what seems to be the teacher, yelling some instruction, while a bunch of students are already unsteady in the air, sitting on brooms.
“It’s the first step,” Rune say. “I heard the broom is the easiest tool for flying, but as we get better we can use carpets, boards or even umbrellas.”
You nods, though you try to figure what the others would look like and if you would be able to fly. As you keep waking with Rune, the campus shop catches your eye next, its windows displaying an array of enchanted trinkets and school supplies. Rune lingers briefly, his tail brushing against the glass as he peers inside. “We’ll have to check that out later,” he says. “I bet there’s all sorts of cool stuff in there.”
You agree, adding that you have to come work here at some point anyway.
A little more walking on the left lead to another path. The greenhouse is another marvel, its glass structure glowing softly as sunlight filters through the lush greenery within. Exotic plants in every imaginable color fill the space, creating a vibrant tapestry of life.
Finally, the two of you make your way toward the dormitories. Each one is distinct, reflecting the unique character of its residents.
Approximatively one and a half kilometers to the east from the main building, Astraquartz Dorm stands regal and serene, another magnificent marble castle, surrounded by immaculate meticulously maintained gardens with geometrical forms and without a single weed.
Slightly northward compared to the first one, at roughly two kilometers from the main building,, Scarletfang Dorm is nestled in a forest, its wooden cabins blending harmoniously with the trees, connected by rustic suspended pathways and corridors.
By walking around five hundred meters more, you ended up in front of an immense shimmering lake. A small glass building was there on the sandy shores, showing a single elevator inside. It was leading to Everswell dorm located underwater.
Then, Around one and a half kilometers to the west from the main building, Mousetrail Dorm was encased under a large dome. Inside, a magical savanah biome was keeping the weather hot regardless of the rest of the campus. The dorm buildings are constructed from clay and dry mud, blending seamlessly into the warm, sunlit environment.
One kilometer more, slightly northward, another dome was sheltering Obsidianspire Dorm and it’s desertic biome. The glass-like edge of the dome let you see the sandy dunes covering everything inside, except one path protected by walls and leading to a huge tower, tall and large, made of obsidian.
One and half kilometer more and you found the last dorm, also encased in a dome. Verdance Dorm is a tranquil oasis of bamboo groves, onsen, waterfalls, and cherry blossoms, its serene beauty rivaled only by its sense of mystery.
Though you don’t have the time to go further, a sign indicate the way to the farm, apparently three kilometers away from the main building.
“This place is ridiculously big,” Rune says with a laugh. “How are we supposed to keep track of it all?”
As you take it all in, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder. The world around you is so vibrant, so alive, that it almost feels like a dream. You pinch your arm again, half expecting to wake up in your own bed.
“Need me to pinch you instead?” Rune teases, his grin playful. His tail brushes against your arm, soft and comforting.
You shake your head, a small smile tugging at your lips while petting the tail. Despite the strangeness of it all, there’s something undeniably comforting about this place. Even Fibble seems to be in better spirits, though he hides it behind his usual grumpiness.
Though, you could see that everywhere you go, Rune’s presence draws attention. The wary and sometimes hateful gazes of other students don’t escape your notice. But Rune carries on, his cheerful demeanor unwavering. You admire his resilience, even as you feel a pang of sympathy for him.
Finally, Rune glances at the time and his eyes widen. “Shoo! We’re going to be late!” he exclaims, grabbing your hand. His grip is warm and steady as he pulls you toward the Main Castle. “Come on! We have Lorecraft first! To the main building!”
His enthusiasm is contagious, and despite the rush, you can’t help but feel a spark of excitement. The day has only just begun, and already, it promises to be unforgettable.
(in the text above, he's in the school uniform. The image here show him in the dorm uniform)
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