"Hooo...So this is Calleimus, huh?"
The massive building ahead traps my attention, and I'm bursting with excitement.
This moment, enrolling in a prestigious magic academy, is what I've been waiting for my entire seventeen years of life.
My eyes traveled from the bottom to the top, taking in the academy's grand appearance while squinting my eyes against the bright sun.
"Sorry, excuse me!"
I felt a rush of air beside me as I saw another student in a uniform like mine sprinting toward the gate.
"Alice, I finally fulfilled our promise. I swear I'll be by your side. Please wait for me."
Another student passed by me, muttering quietly with a serious expression, gripping the scabbard at his waist.
More and more people of different kinds were arriving. There was this one guy who talked to himself while swiping and pressing the empty air as he muttered, "Upgrade Skill."
There was also another guy who shouted to the sky euphorically, he said something about ize-isekai and harem? what even does that mean?
These people... I wonder...
Are they stronger than me?
Possibilities raced through my mind, and before I realized it, a wide grin had spread across my face.
"This is going to be interesting."
Walking slowly, each steady step accompanied by my trusty handbag, I finally reach the academy entrance.
Upon my arrival, the gate was already crowded with students jostling around. Some push through the crowded gate, while others use magic to jump or fly over the fence.
Unfortunately I don't have that luxury, therefore I have to line up at the gate like everyone else.
"Tsk, maybe I should just use— Haaah... let's not draw any unnecessary attention... yet."
Looking like a fool, I was forced to wait in line.
After 15 minutes of agonizing waiting, I finally stepped onto the academy grounds. Other students were already lined up in formation, and the whole field was packed. The chattering of the students filled the air as the scorching midsummer sunlight showered us.
While my eyes wandered around, I was taken aback by the sudden silence of the crowd. Apparently, the school council was about to give their greeting speech for the new students.
A group of people in scholar's robes made their way up the stairs to the stage.They must be the teachers and officials of the academy.
"Ehem, Ehem.
Dear new students, as the vice principal I welcome you to Calleimus, where magic and knowledge intertwine to shape the future. As you stand here today, you embark on a journey filled with discovery, challenges, and growth. Our academy prides itself on fostering excellence, creativity, and camaraderie among our students.
Here, you will not only learn the art of magic but also the importance of integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. Each of you brings unique talents and perspectives, and it is through collaboration and mutual respect that we will thrive as a community.
As you navigate your studies, remember to embrace curiosity and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. We encourage you to explore new horizons, push your boundaries, and never shy away from pursuing your dreams.
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I extend our warmest welcome to Calleimus Academy. May your time here be filled with wonder, growth, and unforgettable memories. Welcome, and may your journey be magical."
Concluding the welcome, a barrage of applause erupted from the students, echoing through the air. Everyone's face was brimming with excitement, including mine. After all, it's not every day you get to enroll in one of the seven most prestigious academies in the kingdom.
Calleimus Academy, built to commemorate The Great Sage Ander Calleimus, one of the ancient heroes who defeated the Demon Lord a hundred years ago. He was said to be the strongest mage in history...
Or so they thought.
***
After the opening ceremony, the students were directed to the training grounds for an aptitude test. This test was conducted to assess the capabilities of each student in order to assign them to their appropriate classes.
From top to bottom, the classes were divided into eight levels: Dragon, Gryphon, Basilisk, Chimera, Cyclops, Centaur, Banshee, and Gnome, with Dragon being the highest and Gnome being the lowest.
For me, I know my worth. I'm aiming for the top class because I'm not here to socialize or waste time. My objective is crystal clear: to conquer this academy.
The first test is for elemental magic. These types of magic are the most common and typically manifest during childhood. Elemental magic is versatile; it can be used in battle or for daily necessities. For example, fire can be used for cooking or in blacksmithing, wind can power windmills, water is drinkable or used for watering crops, earth can be used for cultivation and construction, and lightning is often used for breaking rocks and clearing forests.
Everyone is flaunting their best magic to impress the instructor, but only a few truly stand out, one of them being the 6th princess of the kingdom, Alice Ancantrea. Her ice magic is in a league of its own; she leaves the instructor gaping as she freezes the entire ground solid.
Another mysterious individual named Axel Hagan also displayed a startling sight. He cast a fire magic so immense that it nearly engulfed the entire training ground in flames. The instructor had to intervene to prevent him destroying the test site.
When it finally came to my turn, the instructor called my name.
"Lam Hoffman, please step forward onto the training ground."
Instead of stepping onto the ground, I turned around and addressed the instructor.
"Um, sir. I can't perform elemental magic."
"Oh, that's fine. Do you excel in another type of magic?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"Alright then, you can skip this test and head to the next area."
The instructor directed me to another site. This one appeared to be a test for enhancement magic.
The students here use magic imbued into their weapons or to strengthen their bodies. Individuals with this talent are often referred to as magic warriors or magic swordsmen.
Again, some students here displayed impressive prowess. There was this guy using body enhancement, and with a single swing of his claymore, he reduced the wooden dummy to pulp.
Another guy with a smaller sword displayed astonishing feats of speed and agility, slashing the dummy to pieces.
When it came to my turn, the instructor called me to the front. With the training sword in my hand, I attempted to slash the wooden dummy, but it didn't even budge. I tried a few more times, only managing to leave some shallow scratches.
"Uhhh, Lam Hoffman, isn't it? It seems like this is not your strong point. You may skip this test and head on to the next one."
Once again, I was sent off to another site. This time, the site was specialized for people who possess unusual and unique magic, also known as special magic.
Students here possess unique abilities such as clairvoyance, vision, matter manipulation, illusion, mind reading, telekinesis, and so forth.
"Alright, whenever you're ready."
"Um... sir, I can't do any of those psychic abilities."
"Huh? Are you sure? Not even a small trick? A small illusion is fine too."
"Nope."
"I see... Well, there's nothing left for now, so you can wait until the written exam."
"Aight."
With nothing else to do, I seated myself at the edge of the field under a shady tree, glancing at the other students who were still struggling with the test.
"Look at those people trying so hard, only to become my stepping stones later."
I chuckled to myself while relaxing in the shade.
Once in a while, a yawn escaped my mouth. The summer breeze and the sound of cicadas were truly intoxicating. Before I knew it, I had already dozed off.
...
...
...
"Okay, everyone, practical test wrapped up. Let's huddle up for the written exam."
The instructor's voice jolted me awake from my slumber, causing me to jump a little.
"Ughhh, that was a good nap."
I stood up and began walking, joining the line to the main building.
The inside was just as impressive as the outside; marble walls and granite floors gave the impression more of a palace than an academy.
As we walked down the hallway, I paid attention to my surroundings. The details and ornaments were impressively done. I couldn't help but wonder who funded the construction of this academy.
Eventually, we arrived at a large lecture hall. The seats were arranged in a semicircular shape, back to back, with the teacher already waiting at the front.
"Please find an empty seat, everyone. The exam will start shortly. I'll go over the rules and terms first."
With everyone seated, the professor began to speak.
"hello everyone, I'm Professor Johan Evanssius, and I'll be supervising this exam. Let's begin by going over the rules."
"First, talking and eating are prohibited during the exam. Second, if you have any questions or need to use the restroom, please raise your hand before speaking. Third, any attempt to cheat or sabotage the exam will result in expulsion."
"If there are no more questions, we will begin the exam. You have two hours starting now. Good luck."
Everyone swiftly unfolded the papers on their desks and began jotting down answers.
I flipped through the first few pages, staring at them for a while before tossing them back onto the desk. As I suspected, I had no idea how to answer these questions. In the meantime, I decided to just continue my nap.
The initial frenzy of scribbling gradually gave way to a tense silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of papers or a stifled cough. Some students furrowed their brows in concentration, while others tapped their pens nervously against the desks.
Some wore expressions of determination, their eyes focused intently on the questions as they diligently filled in their answers. Others looked perplexed, chewing on the ends of their pens or furrowing their brows in frustration as they wrestled with the exam questions.