The Professors' Dilemma

The enrollment hall was filled with students excitedly discussing their choices for the future, buzzing with energy. Magical blue light glowed softly on a floating board at the booth, where names of lecturers for each department shimmered into view. The names updated and shifted every few seconds as students hovered nearby, trying to absorb the information displayed.

Melch and Leif stood amidst the crowd, their attention drawn to the booth for the Medicine Department.

"Why does this thing feel like some enchanted version of a menu?" Leif joked, nudging Melch. "Choose your teacher, but no refunds if they yell at you in class."

Melch gave a small smile, laughing with himself. "It's bigger than that, Leif. This is about who shapes your future. Professors make and break your knowledge."

Leif waved a dismissive hand. "Relax, Melch. You're going into Medicine. Worst-case scenario, they'll teach you how to bandage a cut. How hard can it be?"

Melch shook his head but couldn't help a small chuckle. "You have no idea."

Approaching the magical booth, Melch squinted to get a clearer look at the glowing names. Each lecturer's name hovered in bold blue text, accompanied by a smaller description beneath. Three names caught his eye.

The first name was Professor Isell and her description noted that she had forty years of teaching experience. She was further described as senior professor meaning someone who has taught for so many years with an advanced experience in the field. Melch mumbled under his breath to himself "Forty years. She knows nearly everything there is about medicine."

"Forty years? Are you sure she's not turning into a potion herself?" Leif quipped, earning a glare from Melch. "What? I'm just saying, she must be old"

Melch ignored the remark and continue reading. The next name was Prof. Galpsi, a druid with seven years of experience teaching. His description stressed the fact that he was well-versed in herbal medicine and ancient remedies,with an emphasis on pratical not just theory, but by practice too. Melch murmured "A druid? Learning from someone tied to nature itself could be useful."

"I bet he spends most of his time talking to trees" Leif whispered conspiratorially. "If you choose him, make sure he doesn't turn you into a plant."

Melch rolled his eyes but couldn't help hide his grin. "At least I'd be a useful plant."

He immediately eyed the last name: Prof. Bones. Unlike others he was a guest lecturer so that meant his classes occurred less often, but another description had him being a well-known treasure hunter, an alchemist and a historian researching old relics. Melch's eyes widened. "A treasure hunter? That's amazing. He might be knowing about ancient relics and forgotten knowledge."

Leif leaned over, raising an eyebrow. "Guest lecturer, huh? Sounds like he's here to give a lecture or two and then vanish on one of his adventures. You'd better hope he doesn't leave midterm."

"Still, someone like that could teach things no one else can" Melch countered. "Imagine learning about ancient artifacts firsthand."

Leif shrugged. "Just don't forget to ask him for a treasure map before he disappears."

Melch studied the list, weighing his options. "I need to find out more about their personalities from the seniors. Choosing the right professor is critical."

Leif sighed dramatically. "Why do you have to make everything so serious? Just pick the one with the coolest name and call it a day."

Meanwhile, Edwin and Elissa went to their booths to check up on the lecturers available for their departments. By the time they returned, Melch and Leif were done with their research.

"I take it you're still overanalyzing everything." Edwin teased Melch as they regrouped.

Melch crossed his arms. "Choosing a professor isn't something you should take lightly."

Elissa chimed in. "Melch is right. Professors set the tone for how much you learn. I already know which one I'm choosing."

"Yeah, yeah." Leif interjected, grinning. "I bet you've already planned your whole academic career, Elissa. The rest of us mortals have to take it one day at a time."

She gave him a knowing smile. "Some of us prefer to be prepared."

After their visit to the booth, the group decided to unwind. The hall for enrollment was crowded and the noise was starting to get on their nerves. They walked out onto the grounds of the academy, letting the crisp air fill their lungs.

The academy was like a small city in itself, sprawling across the landscape with cobblestone paths winding between tall buildings and bursting gardens. Magical lanterns hovered mid-air, glowing warmly even during the day. Students were always milling about in groups chatting or practicing short bursts of magic in open spaces.

It is Leif as always who turned out to be the most expressive member of the crew. "You know." he started "this place feels like one of those kingdoms one reads about. I half-expected a dragon to appear out of nowhere, grade us in dodging its fire."

Elissa gave him a sideway glance. "Dragons do not grade students, Leif.

"You sure about that?" he shot back. "Because I'm pretty sure Professor Isell could be one in disguise."

Melch stifled a laugh, shaking his head. "Don't say that too loudly. Someone might hear and think you're serious."

They eventually found themselves at the academy's central garden, a massive circular park with fountains that sprayed water in mesmerizing patterns. Trees with shimmering, silver leaves lined the pathways and benches made of polished stone provided resting spots.

Leif plopped down on one of the benches and stretched out dramatically. "Ah, now this is the life. Who needs classes when you've got a view like this?"

Melch rested against a tree close by, looking thoughtful. "This could be the last time we can really just sit back and relax for a while. When classes start, it's nonstop work."

Leif sat up, smirking. "And here I thought I was the dramatic one."

As evening fell, the group made their way to the dining hall. The academy's meals lived up to the hype. Platters of roasted meats, fresh vegetables and steaming bowls of soup were laid out buffet-style, alongside an assortment of desserts.

Leif piled his plate high, earning amused looks from the others. "What? I'm a growing boy" he defended.

Melch raised an eyebrow. "You're always eating like it's your last meal."

"That's because I don't trust the food tomorrow will be this good" Leif joked, biting into a roll.

The dining hall was alive with chatter, students from all years mingling and exchanging stories. Some seniors shared tips about surviving the first year, while others boasted about their accomplishments.

Elissa nudged Melch. "Have you decided on a professor yet?"

"Not yet" Melch admitted. "I need more information. Each of them has something unique to offer."

Leif with his mouth full, chimed in. "Just pick the one who's least likely to fail you. That's my strategy."

"Brilliant" Edwin said dryly.

After dinner, they went back to their dormitory. The sky was clear that night, stars twinkling brightly above the academy. Melch sat by the window in his room, staring out at the view. Thoughts of the future swirled in his mind from his goals, then the challenges ahead and the choices he needed to make.

A knock on the door pulled him out of his reverie. Leif strolled in and flopped down on the bed without ceremony. "So, what's the play, Mr. Serious? Are you going to stress all night about your choice?"

Melch let out a heavy sigh. "It's not that easy, Leif. Everything will be changed."

Leif waved a dismissive hand at Melch. "You'll be fine. You always are. And regardless of which professor you choose, you've got me to make things interesting."

Melch couldn't help but smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the two friends talked late into the night, the weight of the day began to fade, replaced by the comfort of camaraderie and the thrilling promise of what lay ahead.