At sixteen years old, Noah's life was a blend of hard work, family, and preparation for the future. He had come a long way since his transmigration into this world. With his heightened awareness of mana and his unique perspective, he devoted himself to training, honing his skills as both a fighter and a craftsman.
The clang of hammer against steel resonated through the small forge, accompanied by the hiss of steam as molten metal was quenched in water. Noah, under his father's watchful eye, had finally crafted a sword of his own. It wasn't a masterpiece—certainly not on par with the legendary blades his father sometimes spoke of—but it was his.
The sword had a simple yet elegant design. Its hilt was wrapped in leather for a firm grip, and its blade shimmered faintly with the etched magic circuit Noah had carefully carved into it. These circuits allowed mana to flow through the weapon, enhancing its sharpness and durability.
Magic weapons like this were the pride of skilled blacksmiths. Crafting one required more than brute strength—it demanded an understanding of intricate subjects like magic circuits, mana flow dynamics, and the harmonization of materials. While Noah was far from mastering these concepts, his father had taught him the basics, guiding him through the painstaking process of forging a functioning magic weapon.
"This blade may not be perfect," Noah's father said, examining the finished product with a critical eye, "but you've put your heart into it. And that makes it special."
Noah nodded, gripping the sword tightly. It wasn't just a weapon—it was a symbol of his growth, his dedication, and the bond he shared with his father.
Noah wasn't the only one in the family whose life revolved around magic and discovery. His ten-year-old sister, Sophie, was a curious and energetic child who had a knack for getting into trouble—usually because she followed Noah everywhere.
With her brownish hair and innocent smile, Sophie was a constant source of joy for the family. She adored her older brother, often mimicking his actions and bombarding him with endless questions. Over time, her curiosity extended to magic, especially after witnessing Noah use his psychokinesis.
"Brother, how do you make things float like that?" she had asked once, her eyes wide with wonder.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Noah began teaching her the basics of magic and mana. He showed her how to sense mana in the air, how to focus it within her body, and how to control it. To his surprise, Sophie was a natural. Within weeks, she displayed an extraordinary affinity for fire magic, developing the ability of pyrokinesis.
Watching his little sister conjure and control flames with ease filled Noah with pride and amazement. While he credited his own abilities to his knowledge and mature mind, Sophie's talent was pure and raw. She had an instinctive grasp of magic that Noah knew was rare, even in a world like this.
"You're incredible, Sophie," Noah told her one evening after a training session. "If you keep this up, you might surpass me one day."
Sophie beamed at the praise, her small hands glowing with faint embers of fire magic.
Noah stood at the window of his small room, staring at the city of Reshan bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun. Tomorrow was the entrance exam for Archon Academy, but he wasn't nervous. Over the years, he had prepared himself for this moment. With relentless training, studying, and an unshakable resolve, he felt ready.
Archon Academy wasn't just any school—it was the pinnacle of human achievement and training. Founded over 400 years ago, during the turbulent times following the Second Great War, the academy had been established to nurture individuals who could protect humanity and reclaim its lost glory.
The academy's sprawling campus was located in the central highlands of the Kingdom of Muran, surrounded by towering mountains and enchanted forests. Its grounds were said to stretch for miles, housing state-of-the-art facilities, training grounds, libraries, and dormitories.
The academy's chairman, a man known only as Elder Reinhardt, was a figure of awe and reverence. One of the strongest humans alive, his power and wisdom were legendary. Though rarely seen, his influence was evident in every aspect of the academy, from its rigorous curriculum to the strict selection process for students.
At Archon Academy, students could master a wide range of disciplines:
Swordsmanship: Training under battle-hardened masters who had seen countless skirmishes.
Magic Studies: Learning from ancient tomes and experimenting with mana under the guidance of brilliant scholars.
Archery and Martial Arts: Sharpening precision and strength.
Alchemy and Blacksmithing: Crafting elixirs, potions, and magical weapons with techniques passed down for generations.
For the talented and determined, the academy offered an unmatched opportunity to rise above one's station. Nobles with prodigious abilities honed their skills here, but it was also the one place where commoners with extraordinary potential could stand on equal footing—if they could pass the entrance exam.