Page 55 of Cerulean Truth
After closing the gate behind me, a covered walkway guided my steps towards the front door of the school. Despite the impressive setting, I encountered neither sight nor sound of another soul during the rather lengthy walk to the clearly ancient wooden doors, towering at least forty feet high.
Arriving at the enormous doors of this gigantic palace, I attempted to push my way inside, only to be met with yet another futile attempt. It seemed a recurring theme at this point. Frustration bubbling up, I grumbled a string of words under my breath and retrieved the black package once more.
Within its confines, I found a black key card with a white dot at its center. Noticing a small black device with a corresponding white dot on the left side of the doors, I held the card's white dot against it. The doors responded instantly, granting me entry. Key cards… For people having magic for over centuries, they didn’t keep it very original.
Stepping into the Universitas for the first time, I was utterly dumbfounded and completely awestruck. I hadn't harbored any specific expectations, but as I laid eyes on the entrance—later revealed to be the "atrium"—it simply took my breath away.
The massive door I had passed through sealed shut behind me, leaving me standing beneath a welcoming canopy garnished with lush green plants and vibrant flowers. Before me, a small staircase led into a stunning garden.
As I hesitatingly descended the stairs, my eyes widened with wonder. The garden was encircled by Roman columns, appearing to safeguard this quiet little piece of heaven. Large luxuriant fountains dotted the landscape, each remarkable in its own right. Mythological creatures leapt from the stone,their laughter echoing through the air, filling me with an overwhelming sense of awe.
I felt a sudden urge to swim. I didn’t, obviously…how weird would that be?
The crashing of the water drowned out any other thoughts I had about my whereabouts and I somehow felt completely at peace.
After a few moments, I tore myself away and ventured further into the garden.
As I wandered through bowers beautified by fragrant blossoms, I found myself enveloped in a tapestry of colors and scents. Oranges and lemons hung like jewels from the trees, their sweet perfume filling the air.
The gardens weren’t just a place of beauty; they were a realm of enchantment. Almost as if the past and the present blended seamlessly together, offering a sanctuary where one could lose themselves in timeless tranquility. I simply knew I had unearthed a treasure which would stay with me forever.
Coming out of the shadows and into the sun, I felt it burning on my face and I cursed myself for not thinking to bring any sunscreen.Surely magi have pharmacists?Would be such a buzzkill to get magical powers and melanoma at the same time.
I walked around the garden for a bit, taking it all in. I had absolutely no idea where to go and it was only by the third time I had circled the fountains, I noticed a door at the side of the building.
I still hadn’t seen anyone else and figured someone had to be inside.
Entering the door, I had my billionth shock of the day as I nearly collided with a throng of people rushing through the corridor. No wonder the streets outside were so deserted—everyone was here. Watching the sheer number of people,navigating what seemed like an endless maze of corridors and columns, I started to feel a little dizzy.
Shaking my head, I instantly longed for the peacefulness of the garden I had just left behind. I should have lingered there a bit longer, or even taken that refreshing swim.
With a parched throat and anxiety shooting through the roof, I clutched the small black package tightly to my side and tried to make myself as small as possible. Realizing I couldn’t just stand there, my eyes darted to all the possible directions. No one seemed to notice my presence.
Just move.
I swallowed. My feet started moving.
Faster.
I upped my speed a little.
Faster!
I hurried through one of the hallways until I was relieved to catch sight of what appeared to be a grand, illuminated hall ahead.
The Grand Hall reminded me somewhat of Grand Central Station in New York. Overarched by a large skylight, the sun shone wonderfully through and warmed the entire area. If it hadn’t been surrounded by walls, I would’ve thought I was back outside.
It was evident the million-something hallways all led to this great hall, and not unlike Grand central Station, it was crowded with people. There was less passage than in the corridors, but the Grand Hall was far from empty.
Some of them were engaged in lively conversations, laughing and chatting with their friends, while others appeared to be studying. My jaw dropped as I witnessed some individuals effortlessly conjuring or translating food and drinks out of thin air. However, the majority seemed to be simply lounging around, casually enjoying each other's company.
My eyes darted to the heart of the Grand Hall, where a magnificent clock stood towering in its grandeur, crafted from solid wood and dressed in gilded accents. I squinted and on closer examination I noticed something was off—the hands didn't point to specific hours but instead seemed to indicate directions.
From the shadows of the corridor, I watched speechlessly as people—magi—approached the clock and laid their hands on its side. It took but a second for the pointer to shift direction upon being touched, guiding them to their destination.
My mouth fell open again. I was going to have to get that physical reaction under control or my jaw muscles were going to get sore.
I lingered in the shadows for a few moments, torn between the desire to remain hidden and the impulse to retreat back to the quietness of the garden. However, I remembered an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, where Meredith’s mother would say to her daughter “People who hover in doorways are coming from nowhere and are heading nowhere.” I figured then and there, thanks to the wise words of a hated woman in a medical TV drama, it was time to rip off the metaphorical bandage.
