AN: Hey guys this chapter and series of chapters will be a perspective change to Ravens point of view while Alex is training with Percival. This is to explain how Raven enters the Xymaris Magic Academy.
Please enjoy
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Raven walked up to the gates of the academy. It was beautifully built, almost like it was from a novel. The beautiful garden with every type of flower you could imagine, a small pond surrounding a small park-like area.
The crowd was packed with potential students of the academy and their families, along with the older students wanting to watch all of the possible new students.
"Are you ready, Raven?" Anna asked Raven.
"Yes, I've been getting prepared for today; I promise not to disappoint." Raven responded with little emotion.
"I know you won't, dear; just show that talent I know you have; you haven't been training for nothing after all." Anna said, smiling.
Since Alex left, Raven has shown little emotion and focused deeply on her training. Her only goal was to become stronger and wait for him to come back.
"Everyone who's taking the entrance test, please follow me down this path. All parents, friends, and current students, head this way to your seats at the event!" A woman called out wearing a professor-like uniform.
"Okay, Mom, I guess it's time." Raven said.
"You'll do great just show them what you're made of and you'll be the top student easily." Anna said.
Anna along with Lyanna, Amelie and the maids all followed the audience path while Raven went down the entrance exam path.
As she arrived in the crowded room the professor from earlier stood up on the podium.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Professor Azora, and this year I'm in charge of leading all of you here through the entrance test. Now it's pretty simple to explain. The first test is based on your magic combat; each of you will be assigned an opponent against whom you will fight in an exhibition matchup. Now, winning or losing doesn't matter; however, winning does improve your chances of being selected. It's mainly based on your performance. Your job is to show the 2nd-year observers we have selected that you're worth admitting. These 2nd year students will choose one person each to be your mentor; if you are not selected by a 2nd year student, you will not be admitted. The second-year students who select you will teach you throughout your first year on all three major tests we have in the first year of school. Fail any of these tests, and you will be expelled. Now that there are over two hundred and forty of you currently taking this test, I will tell you, there will be a lot fewer of you who pass it, but that doesn't mean it's the end of your academics; it would just mean you have to either attend a smaller school or one of the local ones in your region as the other of the big three capital academies will not accept you.
Well, good luck, and may the odds be in your favor today."
After Professor Azora's speech, many whispers were shared in the meeting hall; many people were worried, while some were extremely overconfident.
Raven, however, was one of the few who stayed silent.
"Who's this beauty?" A man said walking to Raven.
"Damn, she's fine." another guy said.
"What's your name, beautiful?" the first man said.
Raven, however, ignored them both and walked away.
"That's fine; we'll be back for you." the second man said.
"Annoying pests, right?"
A girl who was near where Raven walked over started to talk to Raven.
"Very accurate description." Raven said.
"They are the sons of some high lords. I believe the one who first talked to you was Isaac Saville, and I don't know who the second one was, but I believe he is from a similar social class." the girl said.
"They're weak anyway; it's not like they can actually try something." Raven said.
"Oh, confident are we, good. If they got in your head, then you wouldn't stand a chance in this exam." the girl said.
"There's only one man who I'd even talk to, and those two aren't even worth the dirt on his shoes." Raven said, closing her eyes.
"Oh, boyfriend, huh? Or maybe even fiance?" The girl asked.
"Neither, at least not yet." Raven replied.
"Interesting..." the girl said. "Well, my name is Freya Crawford; it's a pleasure."
Raven looked at the girl; she had long silver hair and the same silver shade in her eyes. She was quite beautiful, even Raven had to admit.
"My name is Raven Blackwood. Nice to meet you." Raven said, however, she was still not showing much emotion.
"Oh, Blackwood, I think I met your family before, years ago." Freya said.
"Really?" Raven asked.
"Yeah, me and my father visited the Blackwood mansion during a birthday celebration; I believe his name was Alex. He was turning 10, I think." Freya said.
"You were there?" Raven asked.
"Yes, my father worked closely with most noble families in the western region of the empire; I also met that...no offense, pig of a half brother of yours in Edmund before." Freya said.
"Trust me, none taken." Raven said.
"Yes, I heard he had died under mysterious circumstances. Well, nothing of value was lost after all." Freya said. "Anyways, how is Alex? I haven't spoken to him in seven years, after all."
"I...don't know. He went somewhere without us." Raven said, as she was starting to show her sadness on her face.
"I'm sorry for mentioning something painful for you." Freya said taking notice of Raven's emotions starting to show.
"It's fine; I just know he will be back, and I will be the first to greet him when he does." Raven said.
"Oh, well, I hope he comes back soon." Freya said.
Just then, an announcement came on. "Can we have Freya Crawford and Joseph from the town of Eldham please take position in the tunnels for the next matchup."
"Oh, seems I'm up; wish me luck, Raven." Freya said.
"Yeah, good luck." Raven spoke in a monotone voice.
Raven, while appreciative of the conversation, didn't want to get too close to Freya. After all, who knows if she even passes or not.
After a few minute wait.
"The winner of the matchup is...Freya Crawford, winning in a time of 1 minute and 34 seconds. Impressing the second-year students, she was picked by the third-ranked second-year student, Lilianna Farbridge, from Laencaster City. Congratulations on passing."
"Seems she passed pretty easily." Raven thought to herself.
The announcer came back on.
"Next matchup is between Raven Blackwood and Nora Hagan from Millstone City. Will both participants please enter the tunnels."
"It's finally time." Raven thought to herself. "This is for you, Alex."
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