Noah stood in front of the mirror, inspecting his reflection. He was dressed in simple yet practical clothing—a plain white shirt tucked into sturdy brown trousers, accompanied by a leather belt. His dagger, a modest weapon but one he was comfortable with, was securely fastened at his side. He ran a hand through his unruly brown hair and nodded to himself. Today was the day.
The Archon Academy entrance exam awaited him.
Noah stepped out into the bustling streets of Reshan. The city was alive with activity as merchants called out their wares, children ran through the alleys, and carts rumbled over cobblestone roads. He flagged down a passing cart, one of the many that ferried passengers across the city, and climbed aboard.
As the cart moved through the crowded streets, Noah took in the familiar sights of his city. The blacksmith shops emitted plumes of smoke, bakers displayed freshly baked bread, and vendors sold trinkets and tools. Despite the normalcy of the scene, Noah couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation.
The journey to the training grounds took some time. Located on the outskirts of the city, the grounds were a massive open area used for various events, including combat training, exhibitions, and now, the academy's entrance exam.
When the cart finally stopped, Noah disembarked and adjusted the strap of his satchel. Ahead of him loomed the entrance to the training grounds, where two guards stood watch.
The guards eyed Noah as he approached. One of them, a burly man with a stern expression, gave a nod and stepped aside after verifying his intent. Noah passed through the gates and entered the grounds, finding himself in a vast open field.
All around him were students his age, gathered in small groups or standing alone, waiting for the exam to begin. Some looked nervous, fidgeting or whispering to each other, while others exuded confidence, their posture straight and their gazes sharp.
Noah closed his eyes briefly and activated his mana senses. The world around him shifted as he focused on the faint, glowing traces of mana emanating from those nearby. He could feel the strength—or lack thereof—in many of the students. To his surprise, most of them had weak or unstable mana reserves compared to his own.
A loud voice called for everyone's attention, and the students were ushered into a large tent set up on the field. Rows of desks were arranged inside, and Noah found a seat near the middle. The first part of the exam, a written test, was about to begin.
The questions were straightforward, covering basic knowledge of the world, history, and mathematics. Noah's years of study paid off, and he breezed through the test with little effort.
He finished well before the allotted time and glanced around. Many of the other students were still hunched over their papers, some biting their nails or furrowing their brows in concentration.
When the proctor finally announced the end of the test, Noah handed in his paper and stepped out of the tent, feeling confident.
The second part of the exam took place on the open field. The students gathered in a loose circle, their breaths visible in the crisp afternoon air.
A man in his forties stepped into the center, his presence commanding. His dark uniform and the gleaming badge on his chest marked him as one of the academy's instructors.
"We will now assess your mana levels," the man announced, his voice clear and authoritative. "Those who do not meet the academy's standards will be dismissed immediately."
Noah watched as the instructor moved through the group, placing his hand on each student's shoulder to measure their mana. One by one, students were either allowed to stay or sent away with a shake of the instructor's head.
When the man finally reached Noah, he placed a firm hand on his shoulder and closed his eyes. A moment later, his eyes snapped open, and he regarded Noah with a mixture of surprise and approval.
"You pass," the man said simply, but there was an undertone of intrigue in his voice.
Noah stepped back into the group, feeling the stares of some of the remaining students. He ignored them, focusing instead on the next part of the exam.
By now, only about fifty students remained. They stood scattered around the field as the instructor explained the final stage of the exam: a demonstration of their unique abilities.
One by one, the students stepped forward to showcase their skills.
A girl with striking green hair caught Noah's attention. He recognized her instantly—Ivy Aspen, a character from the novel. She stepped into the center of the field, her expression calm and composed.
Ivy raised a hand, and a small branch burst forth from the ground. It twisted and writhed as if alive, responding to her commands. She manipulated it with ease, making it move like an extension of her body. The display was subtle yet impressive, and Noah knew it was only a glimpse of her potential.
Next was a tall, muscular boy wielding a large sword—Thomas Weber. His technique was solid, his swings powerful and precise. While his skill wasn't groundbreaking, it was undeniably strong for someone his age.
Finally, it was Noah's turn.
He stepped into the center, the weight of countless eyes on him. The instructor gestured for him to begin.
Noah took a deep breath and extended his hand. Using his psychokinesis, he reached out to the three mannequins stationed nearby. Slowly, they rose into the air, moving as if guided by invisible strings. Gasps rippled through the crowd as Noah made the mannequins walk, turn, and mimic combat stances.
The instructor raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "That's enough," he said, his voice tinged with approval.
Noah lowered the mannequins gently back to the ground and stepped back into the group.
As the day wore on, more students showcased their abilities, each display a reminder of the diverse talents gathered here.
By the time the exams concluded, the sun was beginning to set. Noah climbed into another cart and began the journey home, the events of the day replaying in his mind.
He felt a sense of accomplishment but also anticipation. The real challenge was yet to come. Archon Academy awaited.