Two days before orientation, we moved into our dorms. There are three in total: North Hall and South Hall for Elementis students, and Stoneward for Vanguardis. I was pced in North Hall since my position was an odd number—5th. Even-numbered students went to South Hall.
My room was on the second floor, shared with another student I hadn’t met yet. I suppose I arrived early. After settling in, I came down and took a seat in the common room. A senior walked in. “Hello, I suppose you’re a first year,” said the boy. He was tall, with bck hair and brown eyes. “Yes,” I replied. “May I ask your position?” I stared at him. He asked for my position before even asking my name. Does he judge everyone based on that? “5th.” “Ahh… Oh, I forgot. I’m Rohan, second year. Vice Captain of this hall.” “I’m Anwar,” I said, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.” He gave me a nod and left. I watched him walk away—that guy’s a vice captain? Beats me.
Every year, around 90 to 100 students get into the academy. By the second year, the number drops to 50 or 60. Survival of the fittest, I guess.
Later, while I was having lunch in the dining hall, a nervous-looking boy sat beside me. He leaned in. “Are you a first year?” I nodded. “Which room?” “It’s…” I paused, trying to remember. I’d been lost in thought all day. “205.” “Oh, mine’s next to yours—206.” I chuckled. “Then we’re neighbors.” He smiled. “Yeah.” “What are you eating?” he asked. I looked at my dish. “Fish fry. I don’t remember the name, but it’s tasty. Give it a try.” “No, thanks. I’m full. Just wanted to talk to someone.” I nodded. Only a few first years had arrived so far. It was good to have someone to talk to. “So, what’s your name?” I asked. “Shimat.” “I’m Anwar. Gd to meet you.” He seemed friendly.
After lunch, I went back to my room and id down on the bed. It had two beds, two tables, two wardrobes, and a shared bathroom. The best part was the window. The view was gorgeous.
Nyasi Academy is on the eastern side of the isnd. Mountains loom to the south, forests stretch across the northwest, and to the east—endless ocean. From my room, I could clearly see the sea.
Just as I was soaking it all in—Bang! Someone kicked the door open. I jumped. A boy stood there, gasping. “At st I found my room.” He didn’t even look at me at first, too busy with his mountain of luggage. Then, finally, he noticed me. “Ahh… I suppose you’re my roommate.” I nodded. “I’m Tasib.” “I’m Anwar.” “Looking forward to living with you.”
After dumping his bags, Tasib said, “Oi, I’m starving. Let’s get dinner.” I was hungry too, so I joined him. “What do your parents do?” he asked while chewing. “My father’s a businessman. He exports rice and sugarcane to other isnds. Yours?” “Doctors. Both of them.” “Shouldn’t you be at medical school, then?” “Nah. I want to be an ambassador.” That caught my attention. You don’t hear that often. In our world, wars are frequent. If conflict breaks out, ambassadors are often the first to die. “You have a death wish, man!” “I know it’s risky. That’s why I want to learn magic—to protect myself. My grandpa was one too.” “Then it’s in your blood.” “I guess so.”
Just then, a voice interrupted.
“Hey, 5th boy!” Rohan again. He pointed me out to another senior. “Captain, that’s the boy.” So that’s our dorm captain. He looked cheerful, but there was a seriousness behind his eyes. He approached me. “I heard about you from Professor Mahbub,” he said. Professor Mahbub is the head of our dorm and teaches Elemental Interactions. “Do you like it here, Anwar?” I was a little confused. “Like what?” “The dorm.” I grinned. “It’s awesome. I think I got the best view from my room.” The captain ughed. “Mine’s better than yours. Want to bet?” I didn’t expect the seniors to be this friendly. “I’m Noman, the captain of this dorm. If you ever have free time, come by. My room is 313. You’re always welcome.”
As they walked away, Tasib pinched me. “Hey, are you famous or something?” I thought for a second. They’ll find out about my power eventually—but not now. “Maybe I’m just one of the toppers,” I said casually. Tasib frowned. “What’s your position?” “5th.” “Hey! I’m 3rd. Shouldn’t I be more famous than you?” I swept my hair dramatically. “I don’t know.” Then I asked, “Got any pns for tomorrow?” He sighed. “Nope.” “Then let’s explore the academy. I’ve got a friend in South Hall I want to visit too.” Tasib nodded. “Sure. As long as I’m free, I don’t mind.”
