Larven, Academy Road.
Just as its name suggested, both sides of the road were lined with academies.
There was Morning Star Academy, which focused on astrology, prophecy, and illusions; Mithril Forge Academy, established by the Dwarves; Emerald Court, the highest school of bardic arts; Spell War Engineering Academy, with its militarized management; Silver Moon Society, which maintained close ties with the High Elves; and many others.
There was a saying in Larven City: "Close your eyes and throw a flowerpot off a rooftop along Academy Road, and you'll hit three top students from spellcasting academies."
Among the many schools packed along this road, the most famous and prestigious was, of course, Saint Delro, at the northern end...
And Vita Sage Academy, at the southern end.
Everyone knew there could be two number ones, several top threes, and a whole lot of top tens.
No one could remember how many years Saint Delro Academy and Vita Sage Academy had been competing over which was the best spellcasting academy in Larven.
The two academies also had completely opposite educational philosophies.
Saint Delro advocated freedom of career choice and a wide range of options. Its students usually studied a little bit of everything.
Vita Sage Academy, on the other hand, championed specialization. Students were expected to excel in a single profession before deciding whether to pursue additional fields.
It was hard to say which approach was better.
That didn't stop both sides from thinking the other's philosophy was utterly stupid.
After years of rivalry, the relationship between the two academies could hardly be called mutual admiration. They were more like sworn enemies.
"Archrivals" in the same city!
They admitted the other side was capable, while also insisting they were no good.
A contradiction, to say the least.
Under the influence of this longstanding