"Who was that girl? Why she did not have to queue?" Some children started to complain to the academy staff. Some of them were born in aristocrat families but they had still been told to queue.
"If you come from Menzel Clan, you may be treated the same." A knowledgeable elder sneered. Everyone finally realized the girl's background. No wonder she came by riding an ice phoenix. Menzel clan was one of the top four clans in Black Snow Empire. The current matriarch of Menzel clan was also Empress Resha's best friend.
As everyone kept waiting for their turns, more and more talented children came to register. Most of them still needed to queue and be tested. The test involved a blood test to ensure they were not demons or gods, perception and mind test where they would be given a set of problem to solve, and lastly their willpower where they would be attacked by certain level of illusion magic.
There were few exceptions who did not need to queue and be tested. One of them was that Menzel girl. The others were young men, one named Qi Long came from Seven Colour Pagoda clan and another one was Paul Glacier coming from Glacier family.
Seven Colour Pagoda clan and Glacier family together with Valentine and Menzel clans were known as the Big 4, Black Snow Empire' strongest forces. While Valentine and Menzel clans had been around since the immemorial, Seven Colour Pagoda clan and the Glaciers just came around 100 years ago.
"What's your name?" the academy staff asked. "Nicole Law, senior" replied a little girl.
"Noted, this is your test token. Go to room no.3 to take your test." The staff instructed.
"Thank you." The girl nodded and moved toward the test room. "Next!"
"My name is Steve Rod." ….. "Go to room no.7." …. "Next!"
"Lisa, sir"…."room no.2"….
"I'm Tod"… Some were happy with their results, some were disappointed. The test continued on. Regardless of the strict control and supervision from academy elders, there were still small accidents during the test.
Few staffs were caught deliberately making problems for some test takers due to personal reasons. Some failed noble youths boasted their backgrounds and trying to still be qualified using back door methods. Few of them managed to get in after their families willing to pay exorbitant prices but most of the trouble makers got kicked out.
A space crack suddenly opened above the academy entrance and a beautiful little girl came down. Seeing the way she came, an elder came forward to greet her.
"Welcome to Black Snow Royal Academy. How should I call you, girl?" The elder inquired.
"Erza"
"And your surname?"
"Valentine." Erza replied. Her voice was not low, so nearby people could still hear it. "Valentine?! She is someone from Valentine clan."
"Wait a minute, she said her name is Erza Valentine…. Is she Valentine clan's Flame Child?!" A well-informed elder recalled.
"What?! She is the Flame Child?" The elders focused their attentions on the girl. Two other academy elders came forward to greet.
The name of Flame Child of Valentine clan was quite famous. The news of her performance during the clan destiny test and the fire pillar incident six years ago had long circulated among the people of Black Snow City.
As the capital city of Black Snow Empire, Black Snow City never lacked of informants and spies.
"Is there any problem?" Erza asked. She was actually aware of her fame as this was not the first time she went out after the incident six years ago. At first, she was surprised and uncomfortable with people attentions, but now she was used to it.
"No, we are just surprised as we are not informed of young lady arrival. Am I right to assume that young lady wants to enroll in our academy?" asked one of the academy elders.
"I see. Yes, Elder. Kindly help to arrange the necessary things for me." Erza politely replied.
"Hahaha.. Good, very good. You don't need to undertake the test. Please follow us to complete the necessary documents." The elders were pleased with her reply.
In the end, Erza and one of the elders went inside the academy, while the other two elders were staying behind. They still needed to supervise the remaining of selection tests.
"Once again, welcome to Black Snow Royal Academy. My name is Tommy Black. And in here, I teach Dark Magic related subjects. It is truly a pity that you are not a dark elemental mage. However, you could still find me if you want to ask some general questions about magic."
"Thank you, Elder Black. I will definitely come to visit you in the future." Erza replied. Elder Black was pleased with her reply and thought she said that out of politeness. He did not know that in the future he would really teach Erza about magic and significantly contributed in her growth.
Soon, they reached the administration hall of Black Snow Royal Academy. A female staff came to greet them and helped Erza to complete the necessary documents.
"Every Monday to Friday, morning class will start from 8 AM and there will be 10 mins break between classes. The lunch break is at 12:30 PM – 2 PM. Then, the afternoon class will start sharply at 2 PM and finish at 4 PM. On Saturday, you could choose to attend your selective class, otherwise you will be free. Sunday is a holiday." The staff started to explain.
"As you probably know, in your first two years, normal classes will teach you everything from magics, martial arts, robots, beasts, histories, and ethics. Regardless of your interests and specialties, we believe that basic knowledge is still very important. For example, as a mage, you would be more prepared to fight against a warrior if you know their habits and powers. As for the selective class, that is up to you. Elder Black's Dark Magic class is one of the selective class. You can select one which fits your interest or talent. So far, do you have any question?"
"What choices do I have for the selective class?" Erza inquired.
"Here is the list of last year selective classes. You could have a look at it first. As for this year, the updated list will be distributed in your first class."
"Okay, thanks." Erza received the list. She planned to read it tonight.
"Our academy require every students to stay in the dormitory. You could go back on the weekend if you miss home but make sure you would be back at the dormitory before 10 PM on Sunday night."
"Understand."
"Good, let me finish the administration procedures then you are good to go." After a while, the staff came back bringing a room key and said "All done. We will contact your family for the last confirmation, but you are good to go. This is your room key and I wish you all the best in your studies." She knew the girl in front of her was from a preeminent family and definitely wanted to be in her good side.
"Thank you for your help." Erza thanked her then left with Elder Black.
"Elder, it's okay. I can find the dorm on my own." Erza spoke. She was feeling a bit shy making an elder showing her around the academy.
"Hahaha.. It's fine. I won't find another good seedling even if I go back to oversee the test today. In addition, there are still another six days. Relax." Elder Black casually replied.
Elder Black accompanied Erza along the way. It attracted the attentions from nearby seniors and they were left guessing the identity of the new student.
She passed by few castle-like buildings made from bricks and most of the buildings were unexpectedly rather tall with pointed roofs. It was very different compared with her home where the buildings were rather short and mainly built from woods.
Fortunately, girl dormitory for the new students was not too far from the administration hall. There were not many new students present because today was still the first day of the enrollment.
Few girls saw Erza being accompanied by an Elder and made a note for themselves to be careful around Erza. After thanking and saying goodbye to Elder Black, Erza entered the dormitory.
"Hmm... Excuse me, do you know where is room no.2?" Erza asked one of the staffs sitting at the reception desk.
"No.2?" The staffs looked a bit surprised before one of them replied "Welcome, please follow me." Erza followed the staff to the top floor of the dormitory where she finally found her room.
After thanking the staff, she went inside her room. The room was quite big with a queen-sized bed and its own living room. There was a study desk and a make-up table with a big mirror. The bathroom was also equipped with a big bathtub enough for two grown-up men.
After a while, there was a knock on the door. Erza opened the door and she saw a beautiful girl with long blue hair standing in front of her.
"Hi, I'm your neighbour living at room no.1. Pleased to meet you."