When the elevator doors finally slid open, I stepped out into what looked like a small plaza—floating high above the rest of the campus. The entire dormitory area was suspended in the sky, tethered by giant glowing crystals that hummed quietly like some sleeping beast. Around me were walkways made of smooth obsidian stone, floating platforms drifting between different buildings like lazy clouds.
Students moved around, chatting, laughing, teleporting short distances, and even flying. Some had wings, others wore magical cloaks or rode odd-looking hoverboards. There was no single style here—some wore uniforms, others dressed like they'd just walked off a fantasy movie set. I saw horns, tails, glowing eyes. I wasn't sure if I was more impressed or intimidated.
My name flashed on a glowing orb that hovered nearby. "Room 707," it said. A small, floating creature shaped like a cube with wings popped into existence beside it.
"Follow me, mortal," it squeaked in a high-pitched voice. "Your room awaits."
"…Sure."
It zipped ahead and I followed it across the courtyard. As we walked, I got a better look at my surroundings. Dream College wasn't just a fantasy—it was a dream. Giant floating waterfalls poured into the air and vanished into nothing. Gardens full of plants I'd never seen shimmered in colors that didn't exist back on Earth. Every corner of this place felt like it was built by a god with a love for detail.
Eventually, we reached a wide, arched doorway made of dark silver. "Room 707," the cube chimed, and with a soft hum, the doors opened.
The room was… huge.
It was more like a luxury apartment than a dorm. Wooden floors, a king-size bed covered in dark crimson sheets, a small library wall, and even a kitchenette. The ceiling was enchanted to look like the night sky. Stars moved slowly above me.
"Wow…"
I dropped my bag on the bed and walked over to the balcony. From up here, I could see most of the floating island. Towers, forests, rivers. All suspended in the sky. A few flying creatures zipped past like giant birds—or dragons? I wasn't sure.
The air smelled faintly of magic. Or maybe flowers. Or both.
I leaned on the railing, letting it all sink in. Yesterday I was nobody. No college. No future. Just a guy wondering what the hell to do with his life. And now…
"Now I live in a castle in the sky," I whispered to myself.
A loud knock shook the door. I turned.
"Hey! New guy!" someone called from the hallway.
I opened the door and found a guy with silver hair and sharp eyes grinning at me. He wore the uniform version of the college outfit—black coat, silver trim, magical runes stitched into the sleeves.
"Orientation starts in ten minutes, rooftop garden," he said. "Don't be late. The Headmistress hates that."
"Right. Thanks."
He gave me a thumbs up and disappeared—literally. Just blinked out of existence.
"Okay then."
I looked around the room one last time, grabbed my notebook, and headed out. As I walked, I passed other students—some with glowing staffs, some whispering to familiars, others looking just as lost as me.
But one thing was clear:
Dream College wasn't a normal school.
And I had a feeling things were only just beginning.