"Look! It's our son!"
"He's gonna be a great man someday, I'm sure of it!"
'Wuh?'
Mikhail slowly opened his eyes. He would be lying if he didn't say that he was shocked to see two giant beings watching over him. Almost instinctively, he formed a fist and wanted to smack the two people. But then he noticed that something is wrong. His body felt weak, and he felt so… Small.
What the fuck?
"He's not… Crying? Well, If that's the sign that our boy is a tough man, then I'll take it!"
The sound of laughter could be heard from the man. He have thick beard and a messy black hair. Mikhail knew that this man is someone that has seen bloodshed. An experienced fighter just from one look from his eyes. And another fact to add is that this man is his father. Something that he need to get used later on.
"He have golden eyes like you, Eve. He's gonna be a real ladykiller, like father like son."
Then, the sound of a flesh hitting flesh could be heard. Probably his supposed to be mother hitting his father. If he could laugh—then he would laugh right now. For his father is afraid of his mother that looks weak. Well, not that he underestimated women, he just doesn't know if his mother have any skills or something.
"What should we name him?"
His mother—Eve—smiled and stared at Mikhail's golden eyes. Her hand brushing slowly against his face. She then pulled Mikhail closer and kissed him on the forehead. For a second, Mikhail was entranced by her smile.
"Mikhail. Mikhail Samil."
Well, that was a surprise.
----
Fourteen years later.
It's been fourteen years since he was reincarnated into this new world. One thing for sure is that this world is entirely different from his 'Old World'.
Why? It's simple—magic—something that did not exist in his world before. Sure, people have things like Chi, Ki, Chakra, or whatever you're going to call it. But magic? No, it's just something that is regarded as a fairy tale by practically everyone from his world.
Another thing is that this world is in the Middle Ages. Though, more advanced thanks to the existence of magic. Their science seems to be lacking. He has heard some rumour from his family maids that science is prohibited. Something like it's heretical and the stuff. Bunch of ridiculous stuff.
Now, the talk about his family. His father is called Adam Samil, a man in his late-thirties that is a Magic-Knight for the Empire of Arian. Meanwhile, his mother is called Evangeline Valestya, a noble from the Empire of Arian. Apparently, they both met each other on the battlefield. At that time his father was just a normal soldier, accidentally saved his mother's life when she was surrounded by three enemies.
But that's not the most surprising fact, what made Mikhail really shocked is that his mother is a Mage. With ice element as her specialties. No wonder the house is always at a nice temperature compared to the outside. His mother is using her abilities to create some sort of magic air conditioner.
About the world, Mikhail himself hasn't known much about it, except maybe the name of the empire where they live which of course is the Empire of Arian. Meanwhile the continent itself is called Arandian. There's not only human living in this continent, but there's also other races like Elves, Dwarves, Fairies, Sea-People, Orcs, and Goblins. But, the Human are the most dominant species in Arandian. Having kingdoms or empires spread across the continent. While the others lives in secluded places or always moving around.
Mikhail has expected that people will be racist towards anything that is not human. But there was apparently none of that. Sure, there's still some that think anything that's not human is lowly. The majority of the people really didn't care about what other people races are. Atleast in Arian, Mikhail is not very sure about other places.
He exhaled and stood straight up. Having done his morning routine. Sweat keep pouring down from his body. His personal maid, Maria quickly approached him and gives him a towel and a fresh clothes for him to change.
Nobody would've expected that a fourteen years old would be able do an exercise that is considered to be heavy and painful. Though, if it was a Magic-Knight, they would still be able to do it, they would not be as proficient as Mikhail.
"Young Master, your mother awaits you in the guest room."
"Ah, right, today is the twelfth of October, right? The day where I'm going to be tested so I can enter Orion Magic Academy?"
"Yes, although, I'm sure Young Master would be in the top rank and could easily get to the Phoenix Class in Orion Magic Academy."
Mikhail chuckled, earning Maria's confusion.
"Always learn to keep your expectation low, Maria. I never hoped to have high scores in magic since I never bothered to learn about it. Not that I ever need it. This body alone is enough."
Maria could only smile hearing Mikhail's word. She sometimes wonder if she's serving a fourteen years old kid or an adult who has gone through many things in life. Not that she mind. She's happy that her young master is not like one of those arrogant young master from influential families. Always willing to talk with her about anything if he had the times or when he's not training.
His training is what really confuses her. He never seen any moves that he used from anywhere. Because, before she works for Samil family as a maid. She was a Magic-Knight from a small kingdom. She was disappointed with how the ruler and nobles act. So she decided to escape and live as a mercenary before being found by Evangeline—Mikhail's mother.
Though his moves is still considered as slow in her eyes. It was fast enough for a fourteen year old kid. At first, she thought that he was moving randomly, dodging and jumping to random places. That is until it clicks her—he was fighting an enemy in his own mind—simulating a battle where only he could see the enemies.
Once, she tried to follow his moves, but it was difficult. She can't balance her strength and speed like Mikhail. And she's also not agile enough to execute the more difficult move. Only after Mikhail knows that she tried to learn his moves that he teach her some 'basic' Martial Arts.
One of the Martial Art that he teach her is called Renewal Taekwondo or Re-Taekwondo for shorts. The Martial Art heavily focused in strong, linear kicks. God knows where his young master learned this martial arts. Because, just like what she has said before, this Martial Art is entirely strange for her. While although it resembled the Martial Arts that people from the East used, Maria is sure that the one her young master teached her is far more superior.
"Alright! Maria, inform my mother that I am ready. I'm gonna catch up in a moment."
"As you wish, Young Master."
As soon Maria left him alone in the courtyard. Mikhail walked to a big tree on his courtyard. This tree has been here since his father and mother married and moved here. This is Mikhail's favorite place to think about everything that he had done and will done. Such as training Maria with one of the Martial Arts from Earth.
At first, he wasn't sure if he should teach it to Maria. But, considering that she has served his family for a long time and she has been keeping his secret from his parents. He already deemed Maria as a trustworthy person. Thus the reason why he imparted knowledge about Re-Taekwondo to her—although only the basic. But for Maria, it was more than enough, Mikhail liked Maria's face when she first saw the full strength of Re-Taekwondo. Especially when he used the 3rd Stance Hwechook on her.
When the first time she has experienced the 3rd Stance Hwechook. She tried to evade by moving back. How wrong she is when the after-effects of the kicks finally kick in. Only after he explained that the damage only increased when the opponent flinched or tried to evade by moving she finally understood.
He patted the bark of the tree before walking towards the manor. He greeted a few servants and the guards as he pass by. When he finally arrive at the living room, he could see his personal maid Maria standing alongside his mother. Not only that, he saw a couple of unfamiliar faces. A woman the same age as his mother, and a girl two years older than him. A look of haughtiness could be seen on the girl. She's going to be a hassle to be dealt with.
"I assume you're Mikhail Samil? My, you look handsome." Said the woman, followed by a little chuckle.
"Ah, where are my manner? My name is Elizabeth Varon, and this is my daughter—Carla Varon—it's a pleasure to meet you."
His mother smiled at Mikhail and tapped at his shoulder. Prompting him to look at her.
"Go get yourself familiarized with Carla, we'll be talking for a while."
Mikhail sighed, he actually don't want to talk to Carla. Sure, the girl is pretty, even by his standard. And that mean something considering that everyone who practiced Martial Arts have at least a good looking face because their physique is constantly refined by their practices and Qi/Chi in their bodies.
Mikhail gestured Carla to follow him. At first, she doesn't want to follow and harrumphed at him. Only for him to roll his eyes and leaves her behind. Forcing her to follow him to the courtyard. Where he takes her to his favorite place—the Big Tree.
"Just because our mother is here. Don't think that I would be willing to talk to you."
"Whatever, princess."
Carla fumed at Mikhail's response. Where other people would try to talk to her for even a second. This boy—Mikhail—doesn't seems to care about her. At first, she thought that he was like any other men that would fall heads over heel after seeing her. But on the contrary, she only saw a shock appeared in his eyes for a second before vanishing, and no change in how he treat her.
"You gonna sit or what? Don't blame me if you're tired from standing all the time." Mikhail then lied down on the grass. His golden eyes stared at Carla. She then sat beside him, although keeping her distance from him.
Nobody talked for a while. Mikhail just stayed silent and lightly sleeping beside Carla. Meanwhile, Carla herself is staring at Mikhail. Trying to figure out Mikhail's strength. But to her surprise, she couldn't find any trace of Mana inside his body. At least not at the same amount of any Mage or Magic-Knight.
Is he unable to wield Mana? Or is he just hiding his strength?
"Young Master, Young Mistress, it is time." Said Maria as she waited for them at the door.
Mikhail quickly got up and stretched his body. Even though Carla couldn't feel any Mana from his body. She could see that his body packed serious strength. For how strong—she didn't know. But without her realizing it, she have a little blush on her face. She quickly shook her head and followed Mikhail from behind. Watching him walk leisurely even though they would be tested for their magic aptitude.
They then arrived at the front gate of his manor. Where a carriage already waited for Mikhail and Carla. Their mother followed them before stopping behind them. Mikhail knew that they would not come to watch their test. They could just ask later after they've done doing the test.
"Mikhail, come here." Mikhail complied and approached his mother. She then crouched beside Mikhail and whispered to his ear. "I know what you're doing behind my back. Training yourself with that strange Martial Arts of yours. I don't really care what you're doing. But, don't be too disheartened if you fail the test. There's always other ways to become strong."
She then kissed Mikhail's cheek before waving him goodbye. Carla already waited inside the carriage and looking at anywhere except him. He could only chuckle before he too got inside the carriage. He waved his mother goodbye before he fell asleep inside the carriage again.
The trip to Orion Magic Academy took around two hours. On their way towards the academy. They encountered many people going to the academy. Mikhail could also feel the presence of Magic-Knight and Mage hidden along the road. Probably protecting the soon-to-be student of Orion Magic Academy.
"Place's crowded." Said Mikhail as he slowly opened his eyes. Carla lift her eyebrows when she heard him talking.
"Of course, after all, Orion Academy is the most prestigious magic academy in Arian. They produced many great Magic-Knights and Mages. Some even becoming legends. So of course there would be many people coming to Orion Academy."
"Hoo… I see."
The lack of reaction annoyed Carla. But she quickly composed herself. She would not be seeing him again in the future. She would be entering the Phoenix Class. As for him? She doesn't know. Sure, she know that she's a bit arrogant. But she still doesn't want to pray that people she know fail. Even if that said people annoyed her.
Their carriage stopped at the designated area. Carla and Mikhail got off at the same time. Many children from nobles families appeared, there's also some peasant attending to the test. Mikhail could see the disdain from children of the nobles families to those who are peasant.
Already off to a great start.
"Welcome! Everyone! Today marks the day where you will change your fate! The day where you will be able to change your destinies!" A man appeared out of nowhere. Floating in the skies and surprising everyone including Carla. But not Mikhail, he has seen someone able to do it in Earth before.
The man waited for a while until everyone stopped gawking at him. A smile hung on his face. He then saw Mikhail who are yawning. His interest towards Mikhail piqued. And he become a little bit surprised when Mikhail realized when he was staring at him. Seeing Mikhail waved at him, he could only smile back before continuing his speech.
"For those who failed the test, don't be discouraged! It's just mean that you need to train harder for next year! The Orion Magic Academy always welcomes you!"
The big gate behind the man opened. Showing the academy in it's full glory. Everyone quickly moved to enter the academy. Mikhail then hold Carla's hand so they don't get separated. Seeing that everyone is pushing each other trying to get in. Which would be dangerous if they got separated.
They were guided to a hall big enough to fit them all. Mikhail still holding Carla hand—forgot to release it when they arrive. Because he was too focused watching the stage in front everyone. Where an old man was standing beside a crystal ball.
"Welcome to the magic aptitude test! As you can see here, this crystal ball will show you how talented you're in the field of magic! This thing right here, will be one of the factor that decide if you stand at the top—or at the bottom!"
Every test participant murmured to themselves. Nobody want to be the one on the bottom. Everybody wanted to be the one to stand on top of everyone else. Some clenched their first and talked to themselves, trying to stay calm. While some stayed calm and not caring what's happening around them. From how they carried themselves and how they dressed. Mikhail could guess they're from the much more influential families.
"Alright, silence! Mark Fosner! Step right up!"
A boy in his fifteen walked to the stage with confidence. He dressed extravagantly and has a smile full of arrogance. Clearly, believing that he is going to be on the class for geniuses—the Phoenix Class. He then used his right hand to touch the crystal ball. A green light slowly shone on the crystal ball.
"Green Light! Mediocre! Do not be saddened young man, you can still try and rise to the top!"
Everyone tried to hold their laugh or just straight up laughing in small voices. Carla too laughed as she gripped Mikhail's hand tighter. For reasons unknown she still doesn't let her hand go. Not that he mind.
"Carla Varon! Step right up!"
When her name got called, she finally let go of his hand. By the time she got on top of the stage. Almost every male in the hall gawked at her beauty. She smiled at the audience. Poor bastards already fallen for her. It would take much more than that to entrance him. So far, only his mother capable of doing that.
"T-this is!"
A golden light shone from the crystal ball. Sillhouettes of dragons could be seen floating on the light. Earning the surprise of everyone including the examiner of the test. Nobody would've expected that someone with heavenly talent would show up. Not even the old man expected it.
"G-golden Light! Dragons of the Arian! You, Young Lady, have talent capable of reaching the Heavens itself! Congratulations!"
Everyone clapped at the revelations. Meanwhile those that came from the influential families stayed still on their place. But Mikhail could see that they were watching Carla. He probably need to watch those people closely. While he himself doesn't have any close tie to Carla. He doesn't want anything happen to her. Just because their mother knows each other.
Carla slowly walked and stopped in front of Mikhail. A small space was created for Mikhail and Carla. They don't want to offend Carla and decided to give her some space. They thought that Mikhail are being arrogant and did not want to give way for her. That is until she stretched her hand for him to grab on.
"You should be honoured that I let you hold my hand."
Mikhail chuckled and grabbed Carla's hand. A tinge of blush appeared for a second on her face before it quickly disappeared.
"Whatever, princess. Not like holding your hands going to give me anything satisfying."
Carla snorted and pinched his hand. But surprised when she found out that no reaction whatsoever came from him. She looked up to him and stared at him. Only to find that Mikhail have a shit-eating grin on his face.
"I'm tough as nail, young lady. Gotta try harder than that."
"I'm two years older than you, Mikhail."
"Yeah yeah whatever, short."
Realizing that trying to argue with him would only end up with her losing. She gaves up and decided to watch people being tested silently. From time to time she would glance at Mikhail. Trying to find out what kind of strength he is hiding. Is he somehow have talent like her too? Or is it something else? Many questions appeared in her mind, but nothing could answer it.
Only time would tell the answer. And it is coming soon.