Chapter 3
I dashed back into the city, my feet pounding against the cobblestones as fast as they could carry me. Almost tripping as I passed through the gate.
In the distance, multiple lines of people were already beginning to form.
Good… I made it just in time.
The examination was being held in the city’s central courtyard—a wide, open space surrounded by tall stone buildings with arched windows, with numerous knights on standby presumably to watch for troubles.
In the front stood the noble applicants, guarded by those knights and behind them were the droves of commoners.
I slipped into line behind a man who stood a head taller than me. I’ve always considered myself above average in height, but I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy. Petty? Absolutely. But still there.
I looked ahead and saw some of the instructors giving instructions to people in front of the line. One caught my eye—a tall man with broad shoulders, his silver hair neatly pulled back. He was dealing with someone, a deep frown plastered across his face.
I squinted, surprised to recognize the figure. That blondie noble from before, again? Did he cause trouble already? I mean, I’d always heard rumors about nobles being arrogant, but seeing it firsthand was something else.
They seemed to be arguing over something, though I couldn’t quite make out the details. After some back and forth, the instructor finally said something that made the noble give up. With a frustrated sigh, he strutted his way to the back of the line, shooting sharp glares at the onlookers as he passed.
I was startled when he suddenly turned his head toward my direction, I immediately looked away trying to act natural. Surely he didn’t catch me staring at him.
Just then, another person approached from behind and patted the silver-haired instructor on the back. The instructor let out a tired sigh before turning his attention back to the crowd.
Suddenly, a sharp voice tore through the murmurs—one of the instructors had infused his words with mana. Everyone instantly shifted their attention to a muscular man with a huge scar on his face.
“Everybody listen up! Before we proceed with the examination, the Academy dean would first like to have a word with all of you.”
Everyone turned their heads, myself included, as a bulky man stepped forward. He had a round face and dull eyes, with soft features and a pale complexion that gave off an air of quiet arrogance.
He glanced through the audience as if evaluating their worth, his gaze lingering just a moment too long on the commoners, a subtle frown forming at the corner of his lips.
He cleared his throat.
“I would first like to welcome everyone who has made it to this special occasion,” he began.
“My name is Malrick Voss, the current acting dean of Ascalon Academy.”
“Given that this is the largest number of applicants we’ve had in ten years, I have a few words to share.”
“As you may know, Ascalon Academy is one of the most prestigious institutions in the empire, founded by the legendary Archmage Elion centuries ago.”
He continued
“Over the centuries we have nurtured and produced numerous talented, noble individuals. It has become a beacon of excellence…a place where those with the right blood come to unlock their true potential.”
The dean glanced over the crowd again, his eyes lingering just a bit longer on certain individuals.
“The Academy’s legacy has always been to cultivate not only skill but the qualities befitting leaders of this empire.”
Before he could continue, a sharp voice cut through the air—it was the silver-haired instructor.
“I believe that’s enough, Dean Voss. Thank you. Let’s proceed with the examination.”
The dean’s eyes flicked sharply toward the instructor, his expression tightening briefly.
“Very well. I leave it to you, Professor Lucian.”
He turned and began to leave, then paused to glance back one last time.
“Oh yes, one last thing. I wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming exams.”
He paused, then, with a sneer, glancing towards the back.
“Some of you might need it more than the rest”
I watched as his figure slowly retreated from the podium. There was something off about his expression—my instincts told me that dean was definitely a nutcase.
And what the hell was with that ending remark? I frowned, recalling what he had said. I glanced around, and as expected, I noticed a group of nobles standing nearby, snickering and exchanging mocking glances at the commoners scattered through the crowd.
I sighed and decided to focus on what was in front of me right now.
The lines had started to shuffle about. Led by an instructor, each one was heading towards a nearby building. Soon my line started to move too and I followed along.
Eventually, we made it inside of a tall red building made of bricks and into a large empty room with a podium that held what seems to be a collection of crystal orbs.
Seeing that we’ve reached our destination, the other applicants started chattering.
“Hey, isn’t that Lyra Evermoon up front?” someone whispered ahead of me.
“Holy shit, you’re right. I didn’t expect such a big shot to actually be here.”
Another one chirps in
“I was honestly expecting her to be automatically admitted, considering her father is one of the three dukes.”
One lamented to himself
“What do you expect us to do against her?! We can’t even compare!”
I glanced ahead, and there she was—a young woman with azure hair cascading down her back, shimmering softly like moonlight. Her presence radiated effortless elegance, every movement graceful and composed. She was flanked by numerous knights, their armor gleaming under the sun, and trailing just behind was a single maid
Beautiful… I thought in a daze.
Wait, what am I doing? I shook my head quickly, snapping out of it.
“Can I have everyone's attention! We are now beginning the exam!”
Professor Lucian’s voice rang across the court, snapping the crowd to attention.
“The first test is straightforward,” he said, gesturing to a curious crystal-like device. “Place your hand in front of this apparatus, and it will measure your mana affinity.”
His tone hardened. “For those who fail to meet the standard—my apologies—but you will be disqualified on the spot.”
Wow, that's pretty brutal, I started to feel my stress and nerves going crazy. Worst-case scenarios began flashing through my mind like a cruel slideshow. I forced myself to take a deep breath, steadying my racing thoughts before anymore showed up.
Whatever happens, happens. Just gotta accept it and move on with my life.
I watched ahead as other applicants slowly made their way toward the crystal devices set in front of them. I clenched my fists and made my way up too.
