Upon opening the gates to the training ground, Kaito was greeted with a sight that filled him with awe. He was standing in a colosseum comparable in size to the one in Rome. Flags with intricate designs encircled the top and were billowing in the wind. Lining the stands were rows of spectators, seemingly from both the student body and faculty. Down in the arena, a 3 metre tall floating blue crystal about could be seen. It was levitating above a large golden base around a metre off the ground. Surrounding the crystal was a golden ring with 8 points, each with a red jewel at the end. The students who were able to pass the written exam slowly poured into the empty arena. As everyone was taking in the sights, a voice could be heard coming from a megaphone, drawing everyone's attention.
[Ahem.... greetings all of you. I am Lionel Pendragon. Congratulations to all of you. If you're standing here right now, it means you passed our written exam. That in and of itself deserves praise. While the test itself may have seemed unfair and unreasonable, it was not without purpose. It was a screening to ensure that you have the knowledge to protect yourself and those around you in any given situation, and pretty soon those answers you gave will play a vital role in determining if you are accepted into Prism Academy. ]
The one making this announcement was a slim but well built man around 180 centimetres tall that looked to be in his late 20s. He was dressed in a completely white suit and had a black cloak over his shoulders. The cloak had grey fur that resembled a lion's mane and red lining on the inside. Printed on the back of the cloak was the golden head of a lion roaring which reflected the light. He had short, slicked back blonde hair and blue eyes with a scar that ran over his left one.
[Now as everyone can see, there's a giant crystal here in the arena. This device measures your potential output and power. It will also glow a different colour depending on your affinity. It will then take the measurement and convert it to a numerical value. After that you will have the chance to demonstrate your ability to use magic by hitting that target over there. Don't worry about damaging it, the targets are made of star stone.]
Lionel then pointed to the right of the stone, and as if on cue, a training dummy rose from the ground. It was a black stone that shone as if you were observing a starry night sky.
[As you're all probably well aware, this stone is highly durable and a great conductor of magic. It's also extremely rare but don't worry this school has plenty, so even if you do somehow break it there won't be any issues. Anyways let's get started, you'll be called in order by number.]
In the stands, the crowd was starting to grow bored. After all, many of the examinees displayed subpar abilities and seemed to only meet the bare minimum requirement for entry. It had been about 2 hours since the practical exam had begun and 50% of those that had passed the written exam and had their turn had already been eliminated.
[This year's batch doesn't seem too special either does it?]
An old man in a teal, long sleeve silk robe that stretched down to his feet asked his colleague next to him while stroking his long, white beard. He had a gold hair ornament and medium length white hair. Under his robes, his sandals poked out.
[I wouldn't be too sure. After all, we did get notified about their being a few talents to keep an eye on.]
The woman sitting next to the old man replied in an expecting voice. She was a woman that seemed to be in her early 20s. Her long, lavender hair was tied up in a pony tail with her side swept bangs covering the right side of her face, obscuring one of her beautiful violet eyes. The proportions of her large chest was clearly defined by the robe she was wearing. It was a form fitting, jade silk robe that was open at the back and shoulders decorated with the image of dragons. She wore a white sash with pink accents and a gold floral design printed on it around her waist. The bottom half of her robe was split into front and back, which revealed her long legs wrapped in white, silk stockings and her jade coloured heels. On her shoulders was a light green cape with a popped collar and gold tassels. Imprinted on it, the image of a phoenix spreading its wings, surrounded by wisps of flames that seemed to fall like petals. In each of her ears, there hung emerald earrings shaped like a crescent moon.
The woman leaned forward in her seat and rested her chin above her clasped hands.
[Look, the next girl seems rather interesting. Silver hair and green eyes... she must be part of the Kingsgarden family. The results should be exceptional]
[Ohoho I see. That lass might just be the best student we get this year.]
[Care to wager old man?]
[What are the terms?]
[How about that grimoire you keep locked away?]
Hearing the mention of a grimoire, the old man shuttered before laughing it off.
[Ohoho, you want one of my greatest treasures? Sure, why not? My bet is on the lass being the best we get this year.]
[And my bet will be on a boy who apparently came in carrying a certain recommendation.]
Down on the field, a certain silver haired girl was walking up to the floating crystal. A young woman who's beauty captivated onlookers had stepped forward when her number was called. Noticing the girl, Kaito remarked...
[Hey...I know that girl. Didn't think I'd see her again so soon.]
Zhuo Qianlong turned his head to Kaito and wrapped his arm around his shoulder, smiling.
[Then you want to introduce her to your brother?]
[Who's my brother? Besides that girl is crazy. I was just standing in front of the entrance and she just starts yelling at me for no reason.]
As they were chatting, Alice had closed her eyes and placed her hand on the floating crystal. The crystal had begun glowing with a brilliant red hue before shifting to a bright green and finally a deep blue.
[Hmm an affinity for fire, earth and water magic, and a strong one at that. Now then, fire off your magic at that dummy over there. Just choose whatever magic you're comfortable with.]
At Lionel's words, Alice started to chant. Water seemed to swirl around her before gathering into the shape of spears. Alice then waved her hand at the target as if commanding the spears to strike it. The spears of water flew through the air at a speed that created a sonic boom. When they collided with the star stone dummy, a large cloud of smoke erupted forth. When the dust cleared, a small crater could be seen surrounding the dummy.
[Not bad at all girl. You're the best examinee we have so far.]
A few more examinees had gone after Alice, none of them measuring up. By the time it was Kaito's turn, it was already late afternoon and the sun was starting to go down.
[Next up, entrant number 1507.]
Hearing his number, Kaito walked towards the crystal. Zhuo Qianlong gave him a pat on the back as he started to walk.
[Good luck up there.]
Kaito turned his head and smiled back to Zhuo Qianlong.
[Thanks.]
When Kaito reached the crystal, Lionel looked down at him.
[Don't be nervous kid. The process is easy. Just put your hand on the crystal and concentrate.]
[Got it.]
Kaito reached out his hand and placed it on the crystal. He closed his eyes and started to focus on feeling the flow of energy within himself. As he was doing this, the crystal started to glow. It shone in multiple colours and grew brighter with each passing moment. Watching this, Lionel seemed impressed and started to remark....
[Hmm not bad, with this kind of reaction, this boy is among the top of the entrants this year in terms of ability alone.]
The light emanating from the crystal kept getting brighter and brighter until...
BOOM!!!!