Chapter 176: Training (2)

Michael, Melody and Rudy walked through the bustling halls of the western wing. This was an area usually off-limits for first-years, backed up by the fact there was no one present that they recognized from class.

The area opened up to a large multi-storied atrium of sorts. Natural light fell upon the area through large windows adorning the western wall and up above—giving a first-class view of the scenic castle grounds.

As Michael’s eyes moved across the space, he saw three stories that overlooked the large open space. At a glance, it seemed that the second floor was most packed, while the third had significantly less students.

The fourth and final floor appeared empty.

“Professor Stark said we need to talk to the administrators before we go to the training room.” Melody reminded them, pointing towards a place in the far corner of the atrium.

There was a long wooden desk with a few faculty seated behind it. In front of each of them was a line of at least twenty students, patiently waiting their turn to be seen.

“Is it always this busy?” Michael murmured with slight annoyance.

“It’s Sunday, of course the training areas will be in high demand when there’s no classes.”

Rudy scoffed, “Bah, who would want to train on our only rest day? What is wrong with kids these days?”

Both Michael and Melody shot him a look, “Why do you sound like a grumpy old man? There’s no better time to train than right now.” the girl stated with narrowed eyes.

Instead of replying, Rudy groaned—walking past the two to get into line.

Michael let out a hollow chuckle. For all the complaining Rudy did, the guy never actually half-assed in their training—especially when it came to combat.

After Melody’s explanation the other night about mana manipulation and visualization, the guy had improved leaps and bounds. His aegis was now by far the most sturdy in the class, to the point where Quinn had to resort to magic in order to break it.

Discarding his random thoughts, Michael fell into line behind Rudy and waited his turn to see the administrator. The line moved rather quickly, but before they could reach the front, all three of the faculty stood up.

“We’ve booked all available slots for today, there will be no more training rooms available.” A man in his thirties announced from behind the desk, leading to many groans in response.

“Eh? It’s only nine in the morning?” Michael said incredulously.

“Oh no, that’s terrible…” Rudy said with, his tone lacking the disappointment for one to believe he was being sincere. In fact, the guy was wearing a bright grin, not unlike the one he wore when seated in front of food.

“I guess we’ll have to do it next week guys,” he added, turning on his heel. “Come on, I’m sure they’re still serving breakfast in the great hall.”

However, Michael and Melody ignored him, heading over to the desk. “Excuse me,” he began, trying to address the clerk.

“Didn’t you hear me? We’re out of available slots. You’ll have to come back tomorrow after class if you want to reserve a training room.” The man replied, wearing a frown.

Before Michael could reply, the man’s eyes drew towards his robe, “Wait, you’re first-years. This place is off limits to you, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave now.”

“One moment please, I can explain. We were given—”

“I don’t care, you’re not meant to be here.”

“Sorry?” Michael blinked in confusion. Were all the administrators like this?

“What seems to be the problem here?” An older man walked over from the other end of the table, his hair sporting a wide widows peak that grayed at the edges. He seemed rather distinguished, radiating authority.

It only took a glance to realize that this was likely the supervisor on duty.

“These guys are first-years, they can’t be here.” The rude man replied, jabbing a finger at Michael and Melody accusingly.

Michael frowned, feeling his annoyance rise. He wanted nothing more than to break the finger rudely pointed at him.

Realizing he needed to take the initiative, he swooped into action before the rude man could continue cutting him off, hoping the new arrival would be more receptive to his words.

“Sorry to bother you sir, I have this pass by Professor Stark—he said there shouldn’t be any issues with us using these facilities.” Michael said respectfully, retrieving the pass from his storage ring with a flourish of his wrist.

The plain looking wooden slab appeared, drawing the two men’s eyes towards it. A look of surprise followed by complete and utter shock befell the rude clerk’s face as his jaw grew wide.

Michael wasn’t sure why he was so shocked, but he felt a sweet sense of satisfaction blossom from within seeing the man’s reaction. If it wasn’t clear before that the item Stark had given them was special, it certainly was now.

“I’m terribly sorry for our rudeness…” the supervisor said, bowing his head. “I’ll take you up to the fourth floor now.”

Hmm? Fourth floor? Just what kind of pass were we given by the professor? Michael thought with interest. However, he didn’t want to be held up any longer, so he quickly agreed.

He sent a gloating look to the shocked clerk, enjoying the sight greatly. It appeared as if the guy had been forced to eat a pile of rocks one after the other.

“W-wait, they could have stolen that!” he shouted, pointing towards them.

Michael frowned and was about to retort, but he was beaten to it.

“Shut the hell up Gary! Don’t you think you’ve embarrassed yourself enough in front of these kids? How many of these students are going to take you seriously from now on?” The supervisor said in a harsh whisper, gaining even more attention.

At his words, Gary looked bewildered. Only now when he looked around did he see the entire atrium had stopped what they were doing—their eyes focused upon him.

In an instant his face went beet red and he lowered his gaze in defeat.

Michael ignored the guy, instead turning to locate Rudy nearby. The guy had almost the exact expression of the clerk from earlier, his jaw wide with shock written on his features.

Supressing a chuckle, Michael called out to him with a grin, “Looks like we get to train today anyway.”

“Y-yay…” he replied with negative enthusiasm.

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