Chapter 53: Contrat
As Alexandre stepped into the immense medieval-style hall, he was immediately struck by how sterile and dry the air quality became. There was clearly some powerful air filtration at work, but it was likely for the purpose of protecting against biological or chemical agents, not for any sort of comfort for those living inside.
Just inside the entrance were two people dressed in long black uniform shirts with red armbands bearing the letter "H," like Latika had been wearing when Alexandre had met her in the forest. That meant these two were members of the academy's militia.
Alexandre turned to one of them and said, "Hello. I've passed the entrance exam and want to join the academy."
The militiaman looked at Alexandre, then glanced past him at the others who had followed behind him. Some were already through the checkpoint by now, while others were still waiting in line to be admitted.
"One second," said the militiaman, "I'll contact one of my superiors." He pulled a radio from his belt and spoke into it. "Professor Hart, the selected candidates are here at the main entrance. Good, we're waiting, Madam Director." Then the militiaman turned back to Alexandre. "Wait here. Someone will come and get you."
About ten minutes later, a pretty woman in a red miniskirt arrived. All the candidates had by now made it into the entranceway with Alexandre, so the woman addressed them all. "Hello, everyone. I'm Elise, the assistant to Co-Director Professor Hart! You're our second group of candidates. Please follow me. We'll fill out the commitment contract first, then we can immediately begin the medical procedure for transformation."
All the candidates shared glances. They'd all been expecting it to be a little harder to get into the academy, but apparently it was a very straightforward process.
Elise led them through several passages until they arrived at a huge inner courtyard at least 1,000 square meters in area. Most of this space was taken up by a luscious botanical garden with immaculate walkways and a masterpiece of a fountain. The scents of plant life and the moist air created by the fountain struck Alexandre like a blow compared to the clinical atmosphere of the rest of the building.
This seemed to be a common place for students to spend leisure time, as many uniformed young people were walking, laughing, having discussions, and sitting on benches to read. Between the fountain and the quiet conversations, a gentle and soothing murmur filled the air.