"Boss heard you're taking the academy admission test, so boss give you this."
Before him, Joe handed over a sleek magic gun, a new model known as the Seraphium Pistol V.
He assured Azrael, "Don't worry, I've already obtained a license for it. This pistol is quite special—it can be powered by your inner mana, the surrounding mana, or mana-infused bullets."
The gun had a refined appearance, with a gray exterior adorned by intricate golden magic patterns. Its elegant design showcased a white gem embedded in the center of the pistol body, the source of its magical energy.
— Eye of The World
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Name: Seraphium Pistol V
Type: Magic Weapon
Rarity: Rare
Description:
A gray pistol adorned with golden magic patterns, capable of harnessing elemental power. The white gem at its core serves as the wellspring of magic, enabling it to store and release energy like fire, ice, and lightning.
The pistol can be recharged using the user's inner mana, mana from the surroundings area, or mana-infused bullets. Its shots carry varying magical properties based on the stored energy.
Stats:
- Damage: 50-70
- Accuracy: 80%
- Range: 100 meters
- Reload Time: 2 seconds
- Magazine Size: 10 bullets
Special Effects: The bullets have a 25% chance to inflicting one of the following effects on the target:
1. Fire: Deals 10 extra damage per second for 5 seconds and reduces the target's defense by 10%.
2. Ice: Slows down the target's movement speed by 50% for 5 seconds and increases the target's vulnerability to physical damage by 10%.
3. Lightning: Stuns the target for 2 seconds and deals 20 extra damage to nearby enemies.
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Azrael examined the item using 'Eye of The World' as the explanation by Jing Qiáng. This skill granted him the ability to inspect a lot of different things.
The pistol's charm was undeniable, with its delicate patterns and enchanting design. It exuded an aura of power and sophistication, symbolizing a tool of both precision and potential.
"Deliver my thanks to the boss," Azrael replied, as he accepted both the pistol and its license. With the items secured, he left the room and headed to the flying ship station.
"Sure thing, do your best, boy," old Joe called after him.
Upon reaching the bustling flying ship station, Azrael found himself amidst a testament of advanced magic and technology.
The building structure was a blend of metal and mana energy, defying the natural order of things. Towering and sleek, the buildings were illuminated by vibrant neon lights and shimmering holograms.
Flying ships traversed the sky, carrying passengers and cargo across the sprawling metropolis. Among them was the EtherWing Cruiser, the vessel Azrael would soon board.
Stepping onto the EtherWing Cruiser, Azrael found himself in a sleek and elegant ship, designed for both speed and comfort. Four blue engines emitted a soft glow, powered by magic crystals, propelling the ship with grace.
Inside, a spacious seat features with a holographic dashboard displaying entertainment.
Azrael utilized the EtherWing Cruiser to travel to District 1, the location of the admission test for the academy. The journey from District 8 to District 1 would take just about two hours.
Azrael, Theo, and Luna no longer go to their previous school as for people that awaken their magic talent. They could directly become official Magicia or enroll in esteemed Magicia academies.
Zurra country had been founded by the renowned S-rank Magicia, Stain Zurra, back in the year 875.
Located right side above Japan in the Pacific Ocean, the nation's unique shape resembled a circle with seven stars adorning its curve.
In the middle of the circle, a central flying city, known as District 1, held an integral place in the nation's identity—a manifestation of Stain Zurra's power as an 8-circle Magicia.
District 1, was a metropolis in its own right, boasting an area of 725,5 km² (280,11 sq mi), almost comparable to the size of Singapore.
The entire Zurra country, on the other hand, spanned a vast 1,895 million km² (731,663.59 sq mi), an expanse almost equivalent in size to Indonesia.
Yet, District 1 wasn't just impressive due to its size; it held a unique significance.
Floating above the heart of Zurra country, it was home to prestigious Magicia academies and served as the nation's highest magic industry hub in Asia and the capital of Zurra.
Among these academies, the National Magicia Academy stood as one of the top three in the nation. While there were others who might hold higher positions in the hierarchy, Azrael's choice held purpose.
In every three years, following the Magic Examination Day, all these academies in Zurra opened their admissions.
Azrael's choice, the National Magicia Academy, was not only backed by the government but was also less entangled in guild politics compared to some of the other Magicia academies.
In a country where magic reigned supreme, the academy offered a unique path for aspiring Magicia, emphasizing rigorous training, comprehensive education, and growth opportunities.
It was a choice grounded in a desire for knowledge, skill, and a future of unlimited potential.
The academy's establishment was a testament to the Zurra government's dedication to nurturing talented citizens in the art of magic.
**********
After landing in District 1, Azrael wasted no time and headed straight for the National Magicia Academy, following the procedures for the admission test.
Guided into the vast expanse of the grand hall, he was met with a grandeur that transcended imagination itself. The scale of the hall could effortlessly accommodate the 10,000 participants who had assembled for the admission test.
At the very heart of the floor, an emblem representing the National Magicia Academy—the Arcane Crest—held court. This emblem was an intricate fusion of a circle and the embodiment of a phoenix.
The outer circle formed the boundary of the emblem, encapsulating stars in its outer ring and an elegant phoenix at its core. The phoenix itself was adorned with a star-like crest on its head and wings that were elegantly swept upward.
The shape of the emblem is meant to convey a sense of harmony and strength.
The hall's dual levels served distinct purposes. The first floor was designated for the participants of the test, while the second floor hosted the audience.
On the lower floor, a sea of 10,000 participants had gathered, some donning armor and grasping their weapons, while others remained in their casual attire.
Azrael himself stood prepared, clad in a suit of light brown armor. At his hip, a magic pistol found its place, while his grip on the steel staff was resolute, ready for the trials that lay ahead.
As the participants settled in, a female figure entered the hall, capturing everyone's attention with her commanding presence.
She exuded confidence, her appearance marked by brown skin and short, brown, curly hair. Her attire—a combination of black and red—consisted of a form-fitting top and leggings, designed for both agility and freedom of movement.
The depth of her brown skin appeared as a testament to her warrior spirit, and clinging to her thigh a black dagger in a scabbard, a clear indication of her readiness for any situation.
Her remarkable presence was amplified by the presence of silver circular bands, known as booster bands, hovering around both of her legs.
These are rare magic artifacts that enhance the user's physical abilities and elemental affinity. The bands served to amplify her lower body's capabilities, surpassing what skill alone could achieve.
— Eye of The World
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Kaiya Sable
Race: Human – Class: Enchanted Combatants
Title: A-rank Magicia
Potentials: Enchanted Combatants
Health Point (HP): 5780/5780 (+780)
Mana Point (MP): 6200/6200 (+1200)
Stats:
Strength: 57 | Agility: 53 | Vitality: 50 | Intelligence: 50
Skill: (28)…
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"I am Kaiya Sable, and I will be supervising the 2030 National Magicia Academy's admission test."
Her voice projected authority, capturing the attention of all present.
"The test will run for 8 hours, with only 100 spots available. It will take the form of a battle royale, with admission granted to the top 100 participants. Each of you has been equipped with a magic bracelet that tracks your points."
A hush spread across the participants as they glanced down at their bracelets, noting that they had started with a single point.
"Every participant begins with one point. Eliminate another participant, and you'll take their points. The test ends when either the time runs out and we select the top 100 based on points, or when only 100 individuals remain. For those who break into the top 10, there will be a reward of 100 academy points that you can exchange for various resources within the academy."
On the second floor, separated by transparent glass, recruiter agents observed the test with keen interest. These agents eagerly documented the potential talents of the participants.
Among the observers were academy cadets who had secured scholarships into the academy, watched with anticipation, eager to see who would join their ranks.
Among the spectators, Luna and Theo were present, though Azrael couldn't spot them amidst the sea of faces on the second floor.
In a corner of the second floor, a brother and sister shared a keen interest as they observed the participants below.
The brother, Kim Hyunwoo, stood out with his vibrant purple hair that contrasted sharply with his pale skin.
His violet eyes held an allure that captivated those who met his gaze. He wore a black and white jacket that matched his confident demeanor.
He had gained admission through a scholarship letter, making him both talented and promising. Adding up with his confidence and charm made him a popular figure, attracting a considerable following of admirers.
Standing beside him, Kim Yerin projected an air of elegance with her short purple hair that cascaded down slightly below her ear, which framed her delicate face.
The addition of blue butterfly earrings added a touch of whimsy to her appearance.
Her choice of attire—a black dress—complemented her fair skin, radiating a sense of grace and femininity. Like her brother, Yerin too had earned her place in the academy through a scholarship letter.
The siblings were from the prestigious Kim family, a conglomerate in Zurra country with considerable influence.
"Oppa," Yerin turned to her brother with curiosity, "who do you think will stand out in this test?"
Hyunwoo responded confidently, "That battle maniac Thant Zin is participating solely to having fun. So he'll likely claim the top spot. There's also a guy named Zephyr. Though he only has a rare-tier talent, he's already in the Aero Swiftblade class. As for the rest, they mostly possess rare-tier talents or even lower-tier ones. They just tried their luck in here."
"National Magicia Academy's 2030 admission test begins!" Sable's voice reverberated through the grand hall.
With a resolute nod, the supervisor signaled the start of the event, setting the participants in motion.
As the announcement echoed through the hall, a cascade of game-like blue particles enveloped the participants on the stage, causing them to vanish from the hall.
Down on the first floor, the once bustling stage was now vacant, and the 10,000 participants had been seamlessly transported into the artificial field.
Suddenly, three enormous screens materialized in midair, suspended above the stage. These screens displayed live footage of the contestants within the artificial field.
In the surveillance room, the event supervisor strolled in with an air of anticipation.
"Let's see who's going to shine in this test," Sable remarked, her eyes fixed on the monitors.
The admission test had officially begun.
**********
Stepping into the artificial realm, Azrael was met with the dense embrace of the jungle. Above him, the timer reads 07:59:48, signaling the eight-hour countdown.
"This artificial field holds an intriguing design." Jing Qiáng commented, engrossed in analyzing its intricate mechanisms.
From within the thicket of dense bushes, a rustling sound of leaves can be heard indicating the approach of another participant.