The banquet drew to a close with the new students still wanting more.
He Xi followed the crowd out of the hall. The night wind carried a hint of chill, blowing away the heat of the food and the clamor within the hall.
He did not return to the dormitory right away. Instead, he wandered aimlessly through the academy, familiarizing himself with this place where he would leave his mark over the coming years. Unlike when he had come for the test a few days ago, the academy tonight brimmed with vivid life.
All along the main road, people could be seen walking in groups of twos and threes. Students in new student uniforms excitedly pointed at the mage towers in the distance, their outlines still sharp against the night, discussing future classes and the legendary instructors.
Upperclassmen from different schools of magic gathered together as well, apparently discussing activities for some club.
It seemed that local Fernandez students indeed made up the overwhelming majority.
He Xi thought that only those whose homes were here would make the academy this lively for the first time on the night of the entrance ceremony. By the time he returned to the Southern District Three dormitory building and stepped onto the stone stairs leading to the third floor, that liveliness became even more tangible.
On the landing at the turn of the stairs, several people in new student uniforms were gathered in conversation, their voices echoing through the empty corridor.
"...That was Princess Aislin! I almost worked up the courage to go say hello to her just now!" a flushed-cheeked boy said excitedly.
Another voice retorted, "Give it up. Didn't you see the guard beside her? I feel like my Magic Missile would do nothing but tickle him."
"Ugh, even though we passed