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Having finished unpacking, Gideon walked to the window and opened it. Enjoying the gentle breeze, he surveyed the area around the dormitory. The ever-blooming kaoris trees were lush with greenery, the sun shone brightly through the branches, casting whimsical shadows on the brightly lit courtyard, where a majestic and beautiful statue of Levia Starlight stood. Although the academic year had not yet begun, life was already bustling here – students were going about their business, some were jogging, some were practicing with swords, unable to wait for the official combat training, and some were simply strolling between the buildings. It offered a good view from here; Gideon didn't regret climbing so high, although there were also vacant rooms on the lower floors. Perhaps the view was even better on the floor above, but that was occupied by the professors.
Voices could be heard from the corridor. Apparently, his neighbors were talking. From here, the words were indistinguishable, but among the voices, he discerned… a female voice? Here, in the male dormitory? For a moment, curiosity piqued him. He didn't really want to eavesdrop on a private conversation, but he took a few steps towards the door to listen and see what was happening. However, the voices faded and finally died down; it seemed that there was no one in the corridor anymore. Turning back, the young man looked at the bare walls of his room and thought that it would be nice to decorate them with something. But that could wait…
For some time now, something had been subtly pricking his neck. Gideon raised his hand to check and noticed something flitting before his eyes. A fat, blood-filled mosquito landed on the windowsill, rubbing its proboscis contentedly with its legs. Was it not too early in the year, at the very beginning of spring? Strange. With a quick movement, the young man swatted the insolent insect; a bloodstain remained on the windowsill. Looking at his fingers, where a similar mark was imprinted, he felt an inexplicable anxiety. All sorts of alien thoughts crept into his head, none of them formed or logical, but all of them were crude and cruel. He shuddered, quickly wiped his hand, and glanced out the window again.
Something was wrong. In the middle of the day, it was dim outside, as if during a thunderstorm, but no sound came from the street. Black clouds hung motionless in the sky, as if woven from smoke – the sun was not visible behind them, and daylight barely penetrated through this dense veil. The blackened kaoris trees were devoid of any leaves – dead and charred, they cast vague, ominous shadows on the empty, sooty courtyard. Flakes of ash were flying through the air, although there was no wind. The statue of Levia Starlight was completely covered in soot and looked more like a demon, pointing its finger into the abyss.
Gideon opened his eyes, sat up in bed, and rubbed his forehead in confusion. What a silly dream… What a relaxed brain can come up with. He walked to the window and made sure that everything was alright. Figures of students were already appearing in the courtyard, hurrying to find out the results of their entrance exams; it was time for him to go too.
His own result did not bring him joy. For some reason, he had the impression that it was due to the final part of the questions, almost all of which were a meaningless circus. If all the exams were like this, then perhaps he had overestimated NAILS, and it would be better to go to his grandfather's factory after all, rather than waste time here. And he didn't really like the class he had been assigned to – it was not yet clear how astrology would help him achieve his goals. Still, it wasn't the worst option, so it would do, especially since the best option was non-existent – Clivia Everfragrance, who taught modern technology, did not have her own class.
Clenching his teeth, he cursed inwardly and went to the opening ceremony.
Ment
Heroist
