Melissa stood at the front of the examination grounds, her excitement barely contained. After years of serving as the Sage's assistant, the opportunity to teach her own class—and oversee the Academy's entrance examinations—had finally arrived. It was her moment, her chance to prove herself as an official magic instructor.
The sheer number of students filing into the grounds was overwhelming, and despite her enthusiasm, a wave of nervousness crept in. Still, she reminded herself that this was what she had worked for. It felt surreal to think how far she had come. Defying her father, Count Watson Harlsehide, had been the scariest decision of her life. His disapproval and her subsequent disinheritance had cast a heavy shadow over her, but the Sage's mentorship had been her salvation. Now, she stood on the precipice of her dreams, ready to teach and guide others in their pursuit of magic.
Taking a deep breath, Melissa began her announcement.
"Hello, everyone. I am Professor Melissa Harlsehide, and I'll be overseeing the entrance examinations today. Let me explain the process." Her voice carried across the courtyard with clarity and confidence.
She gestured toward the two massive gates, each distinctly styled to reflect the paths they represented. The gate on the right, reserved for nobility, was an elaborate masterpiece of iron and gold. Intricate filigree ran along its edges, depicting heraldic symbols, flourishing vines, and winged creatures in flight. At the very top, the crest of the Royal Academy gleamed in polished gold, catching the sunlight and casting radiant patterns on the cobblestone below.
In stark contrast, the gate on the left, designated for commoners, was simpler yet no less dignified. It was forged from sturdy wrought iron, with a deep, matte black finish. Its bars were straight and unadorned, but they bore subtle etchings of the Academy's motto: Merit over Birth. Beneath this engraving, faint traces of sigils glimmered, symbols of the magic that fortified the gate and symbolized the commoner's potential to rise through effort and skill.
"Nobility, please proceed through the gate on the right, while commoners will enter through the gate on the left. Once inside, you will take a series of tests to determine your eligibility for the Academy. Professor Arnold will conduct the combat evaluations for both groups, while I will handle the magic evaluations. Additionally, I will oversee the royal evaluation."
Melissa paused to ensure the students were paying attention. "For the magic evaluation, both nobles and commoners have an equal opportunity to pass, provided they show aptitude. Commoners who fail will be sent home and may return to take the test next year. Nobles, however, may retake the test twice before being reassigned to the Fair Nobility Subdivision."
She offered an encouraging smile. "I wish you all the best of luck. Believe in yourselves and give it your all. Thank you."
As the students moved toward their respective gates, Melissa decided to observe the swordsmanship evaluations before her magic tests began. The preparations for the exams had been exhausting, especially with only Professor Arnold assisting her. A brief respite in the dueling dome seemed well-earned.
Inside the dome, Arnold's commanding voice echoed as he addressed the students. "Attention! Here's how the evaluation will proceed."
The students stiffened under his stern gaze. "Typically, you would face the professors one-on-one. However, due to our limited staff and the sheer number of you, we'll be doing things differently. First, find a partner."
The students scrambled to pair up, chaos erupting briefly before Arnold restored order with a sharp tone. "Has everyone found a partner?...I said, has everyone found a partner?"
"Yes, sir!" the students replied, their voices unsteady.
"That's better," Arnold grunted. "Now, proceed to the other side of the dome and select a weapon. They're training weapons, not real ones. If you prefer, you can use your fists. Once armed, face your partner and begin dueling. Now, go!"
Melissa watched as the dome filled with the sounds of combat. It was difficult to follow every duel, but Arnold, a Tier 6 Sword Saint, seemed to have an uncanny ability to track each one, offering corrections and advice to students as he moved through the arena. The fact that Arnold was a Tier 6 Sword Saint meant that any student who could last against him or defeat him had to be Tier 6 or higher—a level few could ever hope to reach.
Eventually, the field thinned, leaving a handful of victors standing. Arnold nodded approvingly. "Good. Many of you show potential. For those still standing, if you want a higher score, come and attack me."
The challenge left many hesitant, but a few stepped forward. Among them was a golden-haired boy.
"I'll go," he declared confidently.
"Me too," said a girl who looked strikingly similar to him.
Melissa leaned forward in her seat, recognizing the siblings. Prince Leon, a known high-tier 4 Spirit Blade, was renowned for his sharp, precise movements. His sister, Princess Ivy, was an enigma, though rumors placed her as a high-tier 3 Blade Knight or possibly a low-tier 4 Spirit Blade.
Arnold raised an eyebrow. "Siblings, huh? Fine. You can either team up or fight me separately."
"I don't need her help," Leon retorted, stepping forward.
Leon's duel showcased his raw talent, but Arnold's experience proved insurmountable. Within a minute, the prince was sent sprawling.
Next was Princess Ivy. Unlike her brother, her style was fluid and graceful, almost like a dance. Melissa found herself captivated by the princess's elegant movements, though the result was the same: Arnold emerged victorious.
Then, Arnold's attention shifted to a crimson-haired girl standing aloof from the others. "You there!" he barked. "Why aren't you participating? You finished your duel first—you clearly have ability."
The girl crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "I'm only here because I have to be. This is a waste of my time."
Arnold's eyes narrowed. "Arrogant, are we? Step forward. Let's see if you can back up that attitude."
The girl shrugged. "Fine. But don't hold back. It'll only embarrass you."
Arnold's grin was wolfish. "Cocky, aren't we? Very well. Let's see what you've got."
The duel that followed was a blur of motion, so fast that Melissa struggled to follow. In mere seconds, the crimson-haired girl emerged victorious, leaving Edward on the ground.
"I warned you," the girl said simply, her tone devoid of mockery. "Don't take it personally."
Melissa sat frozen, the girl's sheer power leaving her both awed and unsettled.
Later, as the magic evaluations began, Melissa guided the aspiring mages to the testing area. Most students displayed respectable mana levels and attributes, though a few fell short. Then came the turn of the crimson-haired girl, who introduced herself as Rae Vermont.
When Rae stepped forward, the testing apparatus an improved mana meter reacted strangely, displaying an unfamiliar symbol. The Spirit Attunement Analyzer—designed to measure elemental affinities—had only four crystals, meant to detect the four basic elements: fire, water, earth, and wind. Rae, however, had an affinity for all six elements, including light and dark. The analyzer wasn't equipped to handle such a phenomenon, which was why she was officially classified as a quad mage, despite her true abilities.
During the demonstration phase, Rae bypassed chanting entirely, summoning magic through glowing circles that produced multiple elements at once. Melissa's unease grew.
By the time the royal evaluation arrived, most students struggled with the test of drawing the sword. Prince Leon succeeded effortlessly, his blade glowing with a golden hue. Rae, however, drew the sword with ease, and an ominous red mist enveloped it, tinged faintly with blue and gold.
Melissa couldn't shake the feeling that Rae Vermont was an anomaly— an irregular whose presence would change everything.