The day of their admission to the National Magicia Academy had finally arrived.
As the trio of Azrael, Luna, and Theo were ready to disembark from their flying ship, the grandeur of the National Magicia Academy unfolded before them in all its splendor.
They disembarked from their flying ship, each of them carefully lugging their suitcases filled with anticipation and a touch of anxiety.
The ship hovered above the academy, casting a transient shadow upon the grounds before it smoothly descended to the landing platform.
Exiting the ship, they were met with an impressive view of the academy's sprawling campus.
The imposing structure, adorned with intricate, ethereal architecture, reached skyward, its spires seeming to touch the heavens. The main building gleamed with an enchanting combination of marble and enchanted crystal, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display.
It was a masterpiece of both magic and engineering, standing as a testament to the institution's dedication to honing young magical talents.
They stood in front of the academy in awe at the grandeur of the view.
Theo marveled at the sight, his eyes wide with awe. "This place is incredible, Akki," he remarked, taking in the splendor.
Azrael nodded in agreement. "It truly is," he replied, his voice filled with wonder.
Luna, equally captivated, chimed in. "I can't believe we'll be studying here. It's like a dream."
They followed the flow of cadets towards the academy's entrance, where a massive white gate stood ajar, granting them passage into the inner sanctum.
The entrance plaza was a symphony of activity, with students from all walks of life coming and going.
Cadets from various backgrounds carried their suitcases, with some engaged in animated conversations about their expectations and aspirations.
A group of well-dressed cadets, accompanied by a cadre of maids, strolled by, their chatter filled with excitement about the days ahead.
Theo couldn't help but overhear a snippet of their conversation as they passed. "I heard the academy library is one of the largest in the country," one of them exclaimed, eliciting enthusiastic nods from the others.
"They weren't kidding when they said this place was enormous," one cadet commented, his eyes wide as he took in the surroundings.
With their luggage in tow, they followed the flow of cadets toward the main academy building.
Once inside, they reached the academy counter, where a school official, adorned in the academy's colors, greeted each student with a warm smile as they handed out the garments.
The staff efficiently provided them with their uniforms—both standard and battle attire—as well as an academy bracelet that served as their identification, and a device that connected to the academy's data and dimensional storage.
After getting their essentials. Azrael, Luna, and Theo followed the guidance of a friendly staff member to a dormitory area.
Each cadet had their own small dormitory, complete with a comfortable bed and study space.
As they settled into their respective dorms and unpacked their belongings, an announcement reverberated throughout the academy. "Attention, all cadets. Please proceed to the battle arena for orientation."
Azrael stepped out of his room and met with Luna and Theo in the corridor.
The trio wearing their academy uniform. Their attire spoke of both tradition and grandeur.
Each wore a long, dark chocolate coat that flowed behind them like capes. The coat had gold accents on the left shoulder. On the right chest, a meticulously embroidered arcane crest of the National Magicia Academy is placed, adding a touch of luxury to their attire.
Beneath the coats, they sported tailored black shirts and perfectly matching black ties. Completing the ensemble were well-fitted black trousers that seamlessly melded with the overall aesthetic.
Azrael said, "Let's go, you two."
With eager nods, they set off toward the battle arena, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited them at this prestigious academy.
************
The Grand Battle Arena at the National Magicia Academy stood as a testament to the institution's magnificence.
The enormous building boasted an almost square shape, with its ends gently rounded. The cadets filled the tiered tribunes surrounding the arena, their faces etched with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
In the center of the arena, a raised platform commanded attention.
It was here that the cadets would face off in battles that would determine their future class placements. Pavilion-like structures adorned the sides, providing the academy's instructors with perfect vantage points to observe and grade the cadets' performances.
The cadets themselves represented a kaleidoscope of faces, a true melting pot of diversity. Hailing from countries across the globe, they bore distinctive ethnicities, each contributing to the academy's rich tapestry.
Whether from Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, or the Americas, they had journeyed to Zurra, a foremost magic superpower country, in pursuit of their magical aspirations.
As the sun hung high above, a figure emerged in the middle of the arena, standing on the battle platform.
With a single stomp of his foot, the ground responded, raising him high above the cadets. This man introduced himself as Hendra Pratama, his voice echoing with authority.
"Congratulations, cadets," Hendra Pratama began, his words carrying through the arena. "You are the chosen ones who have earned a place in the National Magicia Academy."
He went on to explain the purpose of their gathering—to determine the classes each cadet would join. There were three classes: Ordinary, Extraordinary, and Elite.
"Out of the five hundred cadets here today, only fifty will make it to the coveted Elite class, while one hundred and fifty will belong to the Extraordinary class, and the remaining three hundred will find themselves in the Ordinary class."
Hendra meticulously elaborated on the benefits of each class, his voice unwavering and clear.
"As for the Ordinary class cadets," Hendra continued, "they will find themselves remained in our dormitories. They shall be granted a monthly allocation of 200 academy points and bestowed the privilege of selecting one weapon and one skill scroll from the academy's offerings."
He paused briefly, allowing the significance of each benefit to sink in before moving on. "Extraordinary class cadets will discover themselves living in comfortable flats, equipped with all the necessary facilities. They will enjoy a monthly stipend of 300 academy points and will have access to two free weapons and skill scrolls of their choice.
"As members of the Elite class," Hendra Pratama continued with an alluring tone, "your accommodation will be nothing short of prestigious manors, each adorned with five spacious rooms, equipped with all the necessary luxury. You shall be the recipient of a bountiful monthly allowance totaling 500 academy points.
"Furthermore, the academy extends to you the privilege of selecting not just one, not two, but three weapon and skill scrolls meticulously chosen to aid you on your path to greatness. Most notably, your journey will be personally guided by our academy's preeminent instructors, who shall mold you into the paragons of magic you aspire to be."
The description of the Elite class painted an alluring and coveted picture in the cadets' minds.
As the rich benefits of each class were laid bare, the expressions of Azrael and his resolute companions, Luna and Theo, underwent a significant transformation. What had begun as curiosity had now crystallized into unwavering determination.
In stark contrast, the Kim siblings, Hyunwoo and Yerin, maintained an air of nonchalant indifference, as if these perks were nothing out of the ordinary.
Thant Zin experienced a newfound surge of enthusiasm, ignited by the prospects of both formidable battles and unwavering determination to challenge Azrael.
Hendra added with a knowing smile, "Keep in mind that the class divisions are not set in stone. Each year, cadets from the Ordinary and Extraordinary classes have the opportunity to challenge those in the Elite class. The victor will ascend to the Elite class, while the defeated shall descend."
He continued, delving into the importance of academy points. "Academy points," he explained, "are the lifeblood of our academy, the currency with which you will navigate your journey here. They can be exchanged for a plethora of goods and services—food, weapons, armor, potions, skill scrolls, and even access to the higher echelons technique from our extensive library, brimming with invaluable knowledge."
Excitement and curiosity flickered in the eyes of the cadets as they absorbed this vital information, realizing the boundless possibilities and challenges that awaited them.
"Now, here's how it will work," Hendra declared. "All of you will engage in one-on-one battles. The top fifty cadets will secure their place in the Elite class. The cadet who ranks number one overall will receive one thousand Academy points, and those in the top ten and top fifty will be rewarded as well based on their standing."
Hendra Pratama's stern gaze swept across the arena, lingering on the cadets. "For those who do not make it to the top fifty. You will be appointed to your respective classes based on the instructor's evaluation of your performance. This evaluation will take into account your skills, strategy, and overall potential."
Hendra Pratama's gaze swept across the arena once again, and he gestured toward the surrounding arena. "The entire arena is covered by an artificial healing realm. You can give it your all without fear. Any injuries sustained in the arena will be healed as soon as you step outside the arena."
Thant Zin's expression lit up with anticipation, his eyes locked onto Azrael. He had longed for a match against Azrael, eager to test his fighting abilities.
"Now," Hendra concluded with a confident smile, "let the battles begin!"