As Emery thought more about things, the words in his throat got stuck.
He was speechless. Was he the odd man out, even in this world? Back on Earth, he was bullied and mocked, and no one had any expectations of him.
Even here? He couldn't believe it.
This was his chance to become special, but even that was taken from him. He didn't like the attention, for sure, but at least it made him feel good. He felt he had something to show for himself. A quadruple element acolyte appeared in only one in ten thousand youths, which included countless worlds with billions to trillions of people!
Emery clenched his fists so tightly that they were almost white. He stared at the measurements of the Eye of Power and felt indignant.
He asked, his voice shaking, "Can.. can I do the t-test again?"
Minerva nodded, but her face didn't seem hopeful. The text of Emery's examination erased itself. The Eye of Power shone once more and displayed the same number.
When Emery saw Minerva's expression, he knew it was futile. He felt crestfallen. He indeed had the lowest battle power, spirit power, and aptitude in the class. Even though he didn't fully understand what those meant, based on Minerva's face, it was as obvious as clear water how disappointed and surprised she was.
Emery could also hear the youths from the upper-class world of Kalios gloating. He vaguely heard remarks like, "It has been a thousand years since the last spirit aptitude rank B appeared in this academy... This primitive... he truly is one of a kind... Hahaha…
Minerva glanced toward the location of those youths before turning her attention back to Emery. Her expression conveyed that they were right as she said in a heavy tone, "I am sorry, Emery. Spirit aptitude is the most important factor in becoming a magus. Low spirit power can be enhanced by having high spirit aptitude."
She dispelled the Eye of Power before continuing, "But since you're here, I suggest you still do your best." Minerva turned to the others and said, "Everyone! Please take a seat for now and listen carefully."
The youths returned to their seats, and Emery dragged his feet. Klea, in particular, tried to cheer him up, but it was to no avail. He kept silent and managed a weak smile to somehow acknowledge their efforts.
After everyone had taken their seats, Minerva began explaining the importance of aptitude. "Having an elemental affinity means you can tap into the energy of the universe because your body is a vessel. Spirit aptitude is how well your vessel circulates the energy of the universe within you. For example, a person who wants to learn how to use water spirit techniques will first need to circulate that energy. The faster and smoother it flows into your body, the better. So, a person with a spirit aptitude of rank S will be able to complete the circulation in one day, while those with a spirit aptitude of rank A usually need three days, and those with rank B need more than a week.
"The circulation, however, can only focus on one elemental energy at a time. Hence, people with multiple affinities, need to spend more time circulating the energy individually. If you try to circulate two or more elements at the same time, the energy in your body could clash, and in the worst-case scenario, your vessel—your body—will explode."
Minerva sighed again as she paced around the platform. "I'll remind everyone once again: all of you have seven days. Make sure not to waste this opportunity."
She raised two fingers. "There are two things all of you need to complete within these seven days. First, you have to reach 30 spirit power and become a rank 2 acolyte. Second, you have to get a letter of acceptance from any of the institutions in our Magus Academy. Failure to complete even one of these means you'll fail, and your memory will be wiped."
After Minerva explained, Emery pieced together the information. Based on her explanation, a spirit aptitude of rank B would take more than seven days to reach the initial stage of an element. On top of that, he still had to get admitted to one of the institutions and achieve spirit power of 30. The test would occur in seven days, so the only conclusion anyone would reach was that Emery would fail.
Emery was watching Minerva when he noticed several young people from Kalios in the front row turning their heads. He could feel them talking about him, gloating and mocking. They were the ones who had first shown expressions of jealousy, but now their noses were in the air, adorned with expressions of scorn or pity.
He looked down again, staring blankly at the floor, but his thoughts were shaken when someone suddenly placed an arm over his shoulder.
A sweet fragrance filled his senses as a soft, warm feeling pressed against his arm. "Don't worry, cutie. I'll help you. Maybe it's because of the things our high priest taught me that I have such high spirit power. I'll teach you some of those tricks."
It took him a moment to realize that it was Klea who had placed her arm around him. He quickly pulled away from her embrace.
"Since we're from the same world, I'll also help you, Emery," commented Julian, who was sitting in the farthest corner.
"Klea, Julian..."
"Hmpff," snorted Thrax, but his eyes clearly said otherwise.
Chumo remained silent, but his gaze held a hint of warmth.
Emery felt a warmth inside. They had barely known each other, but these people acted better than those mean noble kids back in the kingdom he belonged to. These were the first people to show him any care other than Gwen. The kids in his father's estate always maintained a certain distance from him. But these four strangers, whom he had met in a different world, seemed genuine.
Emery turned his attention back to Minerva, who was still explaining a few things. Somehow, those negative thoughts faded from his mind.
"...In Magus Academy, even though we have many institutions, they will not accept an acolyte if you simply show up and ask to be enrolled. This academy isn't a place for begging. Prove your worth by meeting their requirements, and they will provide you with the facilities and lessons they can offer."
Minerva waved her hand, and colossal magical images of two doors appeared. "The institutions we have are divided into two main paths: the Ten Elements Path and the Destiny Path.
"The Ten Elements Path consists of institutions where you will improve your spirit power as well as learn about your elements. Since it is a given that all students we gather from different worlds have at least one element, all of you are entitled to take the entrance test for their classes. You can only take the test according to your elemental affinity; for example, if you have a single elemental affinity, such as fire, you can take the test for our fire academy but not for the others."
The Destiny Path then glowed, and Minerva continued, "The Destiny Path consists of institutions for those who are interested in learning a particular field of expertise. The common institutions are destruction, illusion, conjuration, alteration, alchemy, combat, and many others. All of them require tests you must pass before taking their classes, except for the combat class. Another way to enter these institutions is through a letter of recommendation or a personal invitation from a person of authority within them."
"All of this talk must be making all of you bored by now, so let's wrap this up. I'd like for everyone to focus on the symbols on their hands."
Emery focused his thoughts on the symbol on his palm. The symbols, formed of lines and writing he did not understand, emitted information.
[Emery]
[Male, 15 years old]
[Battle power: 5]
[Spirit power: 20]
[Spirit Aptitude: B]
[You are invited to take the entrance exams in four schools of the Ten Elemental Path: Water Institute, Earth Institute, Plant Institute, and Darkness Institute.]
[No messages received from any school under the Destiny Path.]
Minerva clapped her hands, regaining everyone's attention. "This is the end of our class. All of you can start taking your tests, and day one begins tomorrow. Right now, everyone may rest and prepare in your living quarters. Just follow the instructions of the guard outside the portal. I wish you all success. Class is dismissed."