A young man in his late teens stood outside the gate of Sera City's one and only Magic Academy, Fria.
The young man was very buff for someone his age. He had long black hair neatly tied in a ponytail. A scar ran across his left cheek that made him look quite attractive, rather than menacing. His name was Aeon.
Aeon swaggered through the gate with a wide grin on his face.
If confidence was the only factor to pass the examination he was going to take today, he would have received perfect marks already. Hands down!
Sadly, it wasn't.
The test was divided into three parts. The first part tested the mage's knowledge, the second part tested the mage's individual combat strength, and the third part tested the mage's combat strength within a group.
He didn't care, though. All he needed to know was that he could do it, regardless of what it was!
When he finally got to the end of the line, he started observing his surroundings.
He looked towards the sky. The sun isn't even up yet, but the academy was already packed full of people.
People who dreamt about letting their names be known across the continent.
These people are really punctual.
Aeon noted that, although he was a goofy person, he had to get serious during the exam. Because all of these people were the real deal. Although they were not the most powerful mages, for those who have awakened in the past five years, they should be the best.
Why?
Because no weakling dared to take the Magic Academy's Grand Magic Examination!
The Grand Magic Examination.
An event held every five years. Once you fail, you can never take it again. The exam administrators would tattoo the applicants who failed to keep track of those who are not eligible to take the test anymore.
Those who passed would have the privilege to be enrolled in the Academy. They would have access to research materials, various spellbooks, and records regarding magical breakthroughs made by the Academy's research team. Of course, the best combat training would also be provided.
Aeon clenched his fists. Out of ten thousand applicants, only a hundred would be chosen. Despite that fact, he was confident that he could take a spot in there.
Because he was prepared.
....
Aeon waited patiently for four hours before he finally got to meet the administrator assigned for the registration of applicants. He was handed a form that he silently filled up and turned over to the administrator. After checking that he had no tattoo that indicated his repeated attempt in taking the examination on his right wrist, the assistant asked him to hold onto a magic stone.
A tingle ran through Aeon's body the moment his palm touched the stone. It felt as if his essence was slowly being funneled into the material that he gently held onto.
The magic stone glowed, confirming that his body contained magic and that he was eligible to take the test.
The assistant nodded then led him inside a room. Before parting, Aeon returned the magic stone which the assistant pocketed without further notice.
When Aeon faced forward, he was greeted by an almost empty room. Looking around, there were less people in the room than he expected. In fact, way lesser than the amount of people who entered.
Where were the others who entered? He had been waiting in line for four hours. Those who came before him couldn't just vanish, no?
Aeon soon got the answer to his question. Another administrator entered the room from the back door. The man mentioned two names before going through the back door again.
Two people followed suit.
The deserted room became much more deserted with the two's departure.
Aeon did not bother and sat on his chair comfortably. He went through all his notes inside his head. He didn't need a notebook for that, because it was all drilled inside his head — knowledge about the different elements and their weaknesses, about the different types of mages, their specialty, their advantages and disadvantages, and a lot more.
No matter what questions they would throw at him, he would welcome them with open arms and answer them, one by one. And no matter who he fought, he would beat them up.
After a few hours of waiting, Aeon got bored. He was wondering when they would start taking the knowledge test.
He realized that there was absolutely nothing to do as the room was only filled with seats. Walking around was the only way for him to entertain himself. He still had the mind to not bother the other applicants whilst they go over their own notes though.
When he got near the back door, he suddenly heard some muffled sounds of explosion. He had a sharp sense of hearing but he still could not determine where the sound came from.
Curiosity got the best of him. He silently crept towards the back door and, slowly, he reached for the doorknob. His right hand was shaking as it got closer to the knob. He thought that this act might get him punished, but instead of being discouraged, it pumped him up. The thrill of recklessness!
I swear, I will just take a peek. No harm there.
Aeon smiled and was about to twist the knob when it suddenly twisted on its own. The door swung wide open and he came face to face with the administrator.
The two stared at each other for a good five seconds before Aeon spoke. "Hi."
The administrator eyed Aeon while slowly walking past him then resumed his usual work.
Aeon heaved a long sigh of relief. Good thing the administrator was not offended.
He scolded himself internally for being too nosy. He started thinking that he might have some sort of mental disorder that made him do dangerous stuff. He was about to feel bad when he suddenly realized that he might be able to feign a disorder to get away from doing stupid stuff.
"Aeon Morgan, Suri Samo." the administrator called out.
Aeon was still debating whether or not he should act like an epileptic when he heard his name. By reflex, he turned around and replied. "Here!"
The voice came from directly behind Aeon, so he knew that it was the administrator calling him out. By the corner of his eye, Aeon saw a bulk, young man stand up at the back of the room and slowly walked towards the back door where he and the administrator stood.
Oh, that must be that other guy, Sorrelyano. He's damn big.
The buff young man was at least six feet tall and all his muscles bulged. Aeon was already buff, but the person was, at least, one level higher. Surprisingly, though, the young man's face looked gentle which made him look handsome. For some, he may well be the perfect image of a prince charming.
Seeing this, the administrator cocked an eyebrow. He checked the list one more time before asking, "Samo, age 18?"
The administrator's tone was filled with skepticism but the young man took no offense.
Samo wasn't proud as well. He just nodded in response.
A voice came from behind the administrator, "Ah, I'm Aeon!"
The administrator turned around and looked at the young man who, he assumed, was about to peek through the door just a minute ago. He looked at Aeon without any emotion. He was too tired to scold Aeon earlier so he let it slide. Once again, he walked past Aeon and beckoned the two to follow him through the door.
Naturally, the two followed.
Behind the door was actually a tunnel. There were no torches on the wall or any candles. Luckily, it was straight. It saved the two from bumping into the walls. The only thing that guided them was the light at the end of the tunnel that gradually grew brighter with every step.
"There's a change in format for this Examination," the administrator suddenly said, "we'll skip the first part and directly go into the second part, the individual matchups. You will be judged according to your performance. Do your best."
Aeon and Suri nodded in the dark.
The two acknowledged the administrator's statement, but in reality, Aeon was bothered about the new format. Something might have happened that caused a half-century-old format to change, no? Regardless, he shouldn't be too concerned. He learned his lesson about being nosy just a few seconds ago and he wasn't prepared for another lesson just yet.
....
After reaching the end of the tunnel, the three of them squinted due to the bright light. The administrator was the fastest one to recover and sat on the chair beside the tunnel.
It was an open field. No. To be exact, it was an arena.
The arena was surrounded by bleachers. Although the bleachers could easily accommodate more than a thousand people, there were only about 20 people who were sitting. Aeon assumed that these were the ones who took the test earlier and passed. There were only a few of them though. Was the test hard? Aeon didn't know.
Across the tunnel was a platform with a roof and there were three people sitting behind a long table. Apparently, they were the judges. The one in the middle, an elderly man with a head full of white hair and a beard that extended towards his chest, stood up.
"Welcome. The two of you, please choose a weapon from the rack, if you wish to use one, and stand on your designated circles."
The elderly man's voice was gentle, yet contained so much authority that the two found it hard not to follow.
The weapons rack was full of standard grade weapons. It was probably provided so the participants couldn't bring weapons that would give them an advantage over the other. Items that boosted one's magic existed, after all.
Each of them approached the rack and took a weapon.
Suri chose a gigantic broadsword, well suited for his build, while Aeon chose a dagger.
Normally, Aeon's choice would be frowned upon. Although he had a pre-determined weapon of choice, seeing that his enemy chose a heavy class weapon, he should have at least shifted to a grade higher than a dagger's. He should have chosen a sword! A dagger... how could it defend against a broadsword's swing?
However, this wasn't a normal circumstance.
This was a battle between two mages.
People who possessed superhuman strength...
When people hear the word "mage", they instinctively think about people wearing robes spitting fire and throwing whatever at their enemies. But this was only half of the information. What people don't usually think about is the fact that, underneath those robes, is a body tempered by magic.
Underneath those robes, is a titan.
Aeon and Suri swung their weapons to test their weight. Due to their unplanned synchronization, the two's eyes met. With no words spoken, both of them started walking towards the circles near the center of the arena. The two circles were separated by exactly 50 meters.
....
Aeon looked behind and saw that there was still a large expanse of space behind him, probably as a room to maneuver. Noticing the arrangement, Aeon smiled. He realized that the placement of the circles gave an equal advantage to the two types of mages.
Aside from the difference in elements mastered, mages differed in one more field: the spells they specialize in.
Those who predominantly used spells that required no medium are called Remorans.
On the other hand, those who mostly use spells that imbue properties on inanimate objects, also known as mediums, are called Serans.
Up to a certain extent, people could use both types of spells. However, because mages normally had an affinity to one type, they tended to specialize in that particular area.
Of course, there are also those mages who have an affinity for both. Those who could master both types of spells and do not feel handicapped when using one or the other. They are called Dios. And they are very rare.
Aeon didn't need to think about that right now though. It was obvious that his opponent was a Seran. The opponent's large sword said so. Remorans fight from afar and would not use weapons unless it boosted their magic, otherwise it would only be an additional weight to carry.
Aeon took a deep breath and waited for the administrator's signal to start.
After confirming that both of them were ready, the administrator nodded.
This nod was the signal to begin. Even though it made no sound, it almost seemed as if it did because the moment that the administrator's chin dropped, a series of footsteps followed.
Without thinking twice, Aeon rushed towards his opponent. His figure blurred and disappeared from the circle he was standing on.
Suri's eyes furrowed in concentrations, trying to mark his opponent down. His calm and gentle demeanor was immediately replaced by that of focus.
"Fast," Suri thought, "but not good enough."
From the start of the match, Suri had already assumed his fighting stance. The broadsword was held behind his back, ready to swing. He didn't rush towards his opponent. Instead, he started casting his spell, Explosion.
A few moments after his incantation, his broadsword started glowing red. Aeon was now only 10 meters in front of him.
Aeon's eyebrows furrowed after seeing the sword glow. It was brighter than he expected.
Suri's broadsword swung forward and slashed through the air.
Boom!
A huge explosion erupted.
The twenty or so audiences simultaneously stood up from their seats!
Strong!
Yes. For their level, that sort of power was indeed terrifying.
Suri Samo enchanted his sword so it would create an explosion if the user willed it to. It was supposed to be a common spell for a fire mage. Surprisingly, it had more power than what people expected.
The elderly judge smiled, obviously impressed.
A figure shot out from the mushroom cloud.
The figure had a huge build and was holding a glowing broadsword.
It was Suri!
Suri actually lost on their first exchange.
The crowd fell into a deeper state of confusion.
….