Chapter 1:
In the morning, I gathered my gear and started the day walking down the streets to improve my mental map of the area, and of course to familiarize myself with the place. The academy I needed to go to was on the East side of Elenguad, but I was on the South side.
I also have a list of things to do. First off, I need to exchange some of my gold coins for a more common currency. Having a bag full of gold coins will definitely paint a target on my back. I tried asking if there was anything similar to a bank where I could store money, but everyone instead gave me strange looks, I guess there's a different term for it. The best lead I have is the Commerce Guild.
As I enter the guild, I quickly scan the area, noting the expensive furnishings and most people having premium clothing. This… was definitely a rich person area. Everyone here also seemed to discreetly look at me as well, before returning to their conversations. I stopped in front of one of the attendants. "Can I exchange a gold coin for the cheaper versions"? The attendant nodded. "Sure, give me the gold coin and we'll take it from there." I fished out the coin from my pouch, before handing it to her. She took out copper and silver coins with different designs on them. "Uh, how much are those?" She looked at me for a second but explained. Copper coins are worth 1/100 of a silver coin, and a silver coin is worth 1/100 of a gold coin." Wait, that means one gold coin is worth 10,000 copper coins? Now I see why the woman made a huge deal last night. "But the items I have before you are simply different types of those coins. For example this one," she pushed a copper coin closer to me, "Is worth 50 copper coins. And that silver one is worth 500 copper coins." After a few minutes, she finished explaining the amounts each version was worth then finally handed me my tendered change. I believe a distant country in my past life used a similar currency system. Where even the coins had deferring worth and were distinguished by size, color, and design. The knowledge that I've retained since coming into this world will most definitely become useful. That being said, I can't really remember too much anymore. I shake my head, I should just get the coins and leave. This should be enough for daily necessities. I grabbed the change and left.
Leaving the building, I noticed a group of people walking past me, now of course this wouldn't be strange, but they all wore the same outfit. I noticed that they wore a similar insignia attached to their clothes collar. "Either they're in some sort of clique or maybe students", most likely students of the magic academy. I should probably show up today.
I took a stroll around the Southern District, then decided to head to the academy. If I walked to the school, it would take an hour to trail through, so the rooftops seemed much more efficient. I found a space to safely propel myself up onto a small building, but the roofing was extremely slanted, making it a lot harder to keep my footing. I used wind magic at my feet to slightly suction myself to the roof, enough to where I couldn't fall easily. From there I traversed to the Eastern side. The academy resides on the outskirts of the Eastern District, having owned an abundance of land. The academy itself is large, clearly showing off its high status from the common building.
As I reached the front of the academy there seemed to be no security stopping me from walking in. But I had a suspicion that someone was watching me. Getting inside the academy was easier than I thought, and nobody noticed me… That is what I would say except 5 minutes into walking around the building, I found in front of me an "important-looking person". Or at least I would assume so. The person was a red-haired girl who wore the same school uniform I saw earlier but she had a ribbon wrapped around her arm stating "Student Council". Annoyingly, she stood in the middle of the hallway so I decided to speak. I sighed. "So what exactly do you want?" The girl flinched. "I could say the same to you". Confused, I responded.
"I'm trying to get to the principal's office". She points at me, "See what you're wearing?" then she points to my waist. "You've brought a weapon to school without following the proper regulations." There was no one until now, how was I supposed to do that? On another note, I probably seem like a trespasser. "This is becoming a hassle." I turn around and immediately run in the opposite direction. "Hey, wait!" The girl called back, chasing after me. I ignore her and continue running. As I gathered some distance I felt a flow of energy growing behind me. I quickly stopped and turned. The girl had not moved much but seemed to be gathering magic… Seriously?
Chapter 2:
"Crimson Chain Lance!"
At each side of the girl appeared two magic circles which spewed out fiery lanced-shaped fireballs. The two attacks approached at rapid speeds. If possible I'd rather not fight, but in a way, this was a great way to see the strength of the people of this world. I take a deep breath. I run in a zig-zap pattern, and twirl past the first one. Indeed, the speed of the spells was decent, but anyone could dodge the attack if they paid attention—the second fireball flew right in front of me. I duck down and stand back up after the fireball passes me. The first fireball hits the floor following the second causing a huge explosion that expels everywhere, with smoke following. Is she trying to kill me? I get ready to use a spell.
"How about you-" A set of doors next to us slammed open, with a rush of students coming out. "Woah! Check this out. The Phoenix, Elaine Hearthstone is fighting!" The groups of students poured out, surrounding me and I guess Ms. Hearthstone. I keep getting delayed, all I want is to get my chores done. I cast a spell on my legs to leap through an open window (on the side of the building) and scale up to the second floor. Luckily there was another opened window so I slipped inside. I could still hear the commotion downstairs. I looked down the hallways, left and right. On the far right side, I could see a sign that read "Head Master's Room". I'm certain this is the right place. I took my time to walk there since I wanted to absorb my surroundings but decided to finish up whatever was to be done today. I reached the office door, opened it, and walked through the door.
Two palms appeared and two people stood at my sides holding a spell on their hands. In front of me, was a desk and the person I was looking for. "Take another step and your head comes off." I raise my hands in surrender. "Wait, let him speak." I direct my attention to the person at the desk. "Who are you? Ah, forgive me, my name is Agnes White, the principal of Noblem Academy '' Oh so that was what the school was called. I guess I'm supposed to answer now. "My name is Theo Miligram." The spells at the side of my face seemed to intensify. "Absurd!" The two people at my side seemed to be male twins, they even both spoke at the same time. "Yes… This would be impossible. Surely you know of Arthur Milgram?" Yes, since you have ears I'm assuming you heard what I just said. Not that I can say that. "He's one of the great heroes who expelled the demon king." She nodded, "Certainly, and he disappeared 10 years ago. Yet you claim yourself to be a descendent of him?" No that's not it. "No ma'am, I'm merely a disciple. Actually…" I rummage through my bag. The twins almost attacked me, but the principal stopped them. I pull out the envelope and hand it to her. She took it and opened it reading the contents. "This… This cannot be possible." What was the big deal? "You truly are a disciple of Arthur?" I nod.
The contents of the envelope were a royal decree, or in my use a direct use of the royal family's permission to administer myself within the school. A recommendation letter, from both the royal family and Arthur. But why would he have a recommendation letter, as if he knew I would appear? "In that case, I'll allow you to attend this academy." Before she could finish the redhead from earlier appeared. "Wait just a minute! I refuse that this hooligan be allowed to join the ranks of the great descendants and those who have worked hard to be able to attend this place." She just had to say something. The principal seemed to be lost in thought. "You make a valuable point. It is decided then" She claps her hands. "You, Theo, I'll allow you to attend the school on one condition." Is she allowed to disregard an order from the royal family?
"You must pass a special exam created by me."
"And what would that be?"
She stood up and walked over to Hearthstone. "You will fight Hearthstone in a duel. Of course, if you're truly a disciple of Miligram, there is much more for you to prove. You will be faced with three combat tests and one written exam. You only have to pass the written exam and two of the three combat tests" A best out of three huh? "Alright, I'll take it. When will I take the exams?" I'd like to take them as soon as possible. "You'll take one each day. At the school's private arena. The other two tests will be revealed later." I bow and then take my leave.
Chapter 3:
I left the academy shortly after and headed to the marketplace nearby. "I'm not quite sure what the written exam will go over, but I believe the notes that Arthur gave me will be enough to pass."
Not much has happened since. I bought a map and food then found another inn to stay at, and headed straight to the academy when I woke up. When I approached the front gate of the school, the twins stood nearby and approached me. "You'll be coming with us." I shrugged and followed them. They led me through the side of the main building and to the back where I saw multiple facilities and a large training ground. But on the far back was a large coliseum, where I could see students entering. "This is where your combat tests will take place, but before that, we will take you to your written exam." Turning left there was a small building, and there was a single room filled with desks. I took a spot and sat down, another woman entered holding a sheet of paper, who scanned the area, and walked to my side. "Here is your test, you'll have 45 minutes to complete your exam." She handed me a blank piece of paper and then left the room. Ding a loud tick bleared across the room. I should start now. Wait, where's the test? There's nothing on the paper. I do recall the principal saying it was a written exam, but I wasn't even given a writing utensil… I pause for a second then I calm down. Hold on, remember this is a magic academy. I wasn't told anything but to take a 45-minute exam. I get up and look around. The doors to the outside are locked, windows are covered by a bright light. Magic is the next best thing to try. "Magic sense." I notice small stands of magic essence trailing to the blank sheet of paper. When I get closer I start to see words forming.
It read, "To those who can read this may grade themself." In that case, I douse the tip of my pointer finger with magic and carefully write out "passed" on the paper. When I did so the magic from the paper disappeared, along with the words. I heard a door open. It was the woman who gave me the paper earlier. "Good job, you completed the written exam. I suggest you move to the arena quickly." I left the building and saw the twins waiting outside. They led me to the coliseum and going inside I saw a large crowd of students circling the center. I made my way to the center and waited.
"Welcome, dear students of Noblem Academy. Thank you for making it to this special occasion so early in the morning. Today we are holding a special exam for none other than the self-proclaimed disciple of the Great Hero Arthur Miligram, Theo!" The crowd of students began to boo at me, hurl insults at me. I felt strangely irritated. At the same time, I remembered a distant memory.
I found myself blocked by a wall, with a group of boys around me, behind me was Huyuk who at the time was much smaller than me. "Hey Xu! Move out of the way, why the heck are you defending that rat? He's the son of a murderer! If we don't make sure he doesn't mess with us he'll kill us all!" Huyuk was crouching down and pulled on my leg. "Just leave, I'm going to be fine." I ignore him. "If you guys try anything I swear I'll beat the crap out of you." The group hesitated then decided to back off. They stared at me before leaving.
I remember that was the first time I heard Huyuk speak, even in his final moments he was still worried about me. I shake my head, I should get ready.
"The first test will be a swordsmanship test with no magic allowed. The battle will end when either one surrenders or is unable to continue." In front of me was a large set of doors that slowly started to creak open. From the shadows of the door, a man stepped out from them. He had green hair and a slim lanky figure. "Everyone please welcome the current martial arts champion, Bale Reed!" Loud cheers chorused about. The doors fully opened, no longer casting abiding shadows. I noticed a long spear attached to his back. That means I'll automatically be at a disadvantage since we'll be placed a far distance from each other. "Coming from a famous military family, he boasts the best skill in close-quarter combat at the academy!" The crowd began to sound happy. No… They were no longer spouting insults but pity remarks. The crowd already thinks I lost. Well if I win at least I'll be taking more than just a pass.
"Hey, new guy. Ignore those chumps, just keep your eyes on our match." Easy for him to say. But he's right, I can't get distracted now.
Chapter 4:
We both settled to our designated spots and drew our weapons. "Both participants ready?" we both nodded. "In that case begin!" I run towards Bale at an angle to close the gap and target the weakness of spears. Bale thrusts his spear toward my direction, but I evade the swing continuing forward. Arthur told me countless times that if I ran into an unknown enemy. I should focus on collecting information, but I need to prove I'm his disciple.
I swing my sword at a vertical incline, taking a step forward. Bale narrowly dodges the blade by stepping backward. Noticing his balance was unstable I took another step forward, swinging my blade downward. But his spear was already in a position to block the attack. As my blade made contact with the spear shaft. Bale swung it left pushing me away. That was a good chance to end it, but I messed up. It's going to be a lot harder to close the gap between the two of us. Before Bale readjusted himself, I slashed the opposite of my trajectory to control my movement. Then he thrust his arms forward sending the spear towards my chest. I slide the spear past my arm with my sword. At the same time, Bale went closely in front of me and kneed my stomach. Launching me a distance away. I could hear the crowd cheering as I hit the ground. I've been relying on magic far too much. I cough weakly, using my sword to help myself up. The only way to overcome the disadvantage between the sword and spear, I must create either a distraction or overcome the gap between us. Wait. What if I try a bluff, to get him to hesitate? I relax and raise my hand to taunt him. He smiled and then ran towards me
He took the bait. He knows what I'm planning, but that won't help him. We played a bit of back-and-forth until I neared a wall. From there I waited for him to try and strike me, where I dodged and grabbed the polearm holding it firmly to my arm. This was the first part of the plan. He tried to yank it out, to no avail leaving him no choice but to let go of the spear and try hand-to-hand combat. I drop the spear purposefully and let him take control of the rhythm of our battle. Allowing him to secure the spear but at the cost of being pinned to the wall. The difference is that I'm much closer to him than when I was against the wall. I tried a swing at him, and he prepared to block it but before fully committing I let go of my sword, ducking down underneath his polearm and landing a direct blow underneath his solar plex.
Unable to block the attack correctly he took the full brunt of the attack making him collapse and kneel. I picked up my sword and held it to his neck
He dropped his spear and raised his hands to his head. "I lose." The crowd surrounding the arena blurred.
"How could Bale lose?"
"He must've used magic!"
The crowd constantly sneered insults as they were in disbelief. The announcer didn't say anything, which surprised me. But then I saw the principal appear in the announcer's booth. "Silence!" The crowd immediately quieted down. "How dare you call yourself students of the best magic academy in the country. Theo Miligram did not use any sort of magic. He defeated Bale Reed in a fair duel." She looked at Reed. he nodded. "The fight is over, all students return to your normal duties." She left the booth.
I heard clapping in the distance. I kept looking to see where the sound was coming from and saw it from the entrance to the area of the coliseum. The principal was clapping. I also saw the red-haired girl from before, who left. I kinda stood still for a little while, as I didn't know what to do next. "Congratulations on completing the first test." The principal walked over to me. "Well, It's something to be expected if you are Milgrim's disciple." Is she congratulating me or not? Either way, I'm glad I had the opportunity to fight another student. I'm curious how strong the top students are here. Bale walked over afterward, bringing his hand out for a handshake. "You fought valiantly, I'm impressed a talent such as yourself has stayed hidden for so long." I tried to not let his compliment get to me. I took his hand and shook it firmly. "By the way Bale, You said you were gonna go all out, but your attacks were too simple and easy to dodge." Bale chuckled and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hmm? What on are you talking about, I truly tried my hardest out there. Anyways…" He pats my shoulder, "I look forward to fighting you again later." After that, he left. I stood there dumbfounded.
A red-haired girl walked outside the coliseum, confronted by a blue-haired boy (denim colored). "So what do you think?" The girl scoffed, "Huh? What do you mean?" The boy crossed his arms. "Do you think you could've beaten Reed?" The girl stayed silent. Then scoffed and left. The boy watched her leave and a slight smile showed on his face. "Good luck Elaine, that boy is a lot stronger than he seems."
Ms. White showed me the way out and waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow~." Now I'm free to do what I want. I already know what the next test is, fighting the redhead. I'm looking forward to the moment we battle. Well off to find another tavern to stay at.
Chapter 5:
I purposely woke up early (6:00 AM) to warm up before the fight, since each test starts at 9:00 AM. I spent the 2.5 hours I had practicing my spells and swordsmanship. When it became 8:30 AM I went to the academy. Just like when I took the writing exam, a person at the front gate greeted me and led me to the coliseum. How they knew it was me, I'm not quite sure. Yet again I went inside the coliseum participant entrance and stepped onto the battlefield. Ms. Hearthstone was already waiting for me, she leaned against a wall staring at the ground. She looked up at my direction and stood up. "Ladies and gentlemen, today we are holding another special exam for Theo Milligram. The exam will be a duel against Elaine von Hearthstone. Ms. Hearthstone is known for her unique control over fire. Thus her nickname, The Phoenix. The battle will start when the challenger and challenges are ready." Ms. Hearthstone unsheathed her sword and I did the same. "It seems both participants are ready! The battle will begin with a horn blow." We both got into a sword stance, standing on opposite sides of each other. The crowd in the back cheered wildly, but only for Ms. Hearthstone. My first plan of action was to get the first attack in by using my wind magic to accelerate toward her. A horn blows, and I immediately plant a wind spell underneath myself and leap forward. As I leap the spell activates launching me at Ms. Hearthstone, where in almost 2 seconds I was face to face with her. I raised my sword and slashed at her. As if she predicted what I would do, she leaped back right before the sword could touch her and activated a spell where I was standing. First small flickering flames emitted from the magic circle, until a large explosion came out of the circle. "In just a moment Theo has been caught in a huge fire spell! Is this it?" I jump out of the smoke, sliding backward. "Theo managed to take the hit, but how much more can he take?" My body shook in pain. My skin was bruised and burned, but I still managed to stand. Thankfully, I enhanced my legs before I dashed forward, allowing myself to jump back avoiding most of the explosion. But it seemed, my challenger wasn't done yet. "Crimson Spears!" The same spell from when I first met her. She directed the spears at me and launched them. I am directly facing the spears. From my experience from before, the longer they last the more power they accumulate. The first spear spirals to my left, with the second following to the right. With my legs still enhanced by the wind spell, I accelerate, dodging the first spear. The second spear, slightly behind, was still moving towards me. This time I had to deflect the attack. I squeeze the handle on my sword with both my hands, using the momentum from my acceleration I twirl and slam the second spear up into the air. I continued to advance toward her.
This time Ms. Hearthstone didn't have enough time to set up a trap, but it seemed almost as if she was expecting this like before. The first spear retracted into the magic circle it came from. But the second turned and was going towards me. The two spears shared the same length. By retracting one of them, the other can go even further. Meaning since the spear has lasted longer than usual the magic concentration inside the spear was more potent. The spear was practically radiating fire, there was a slight wave of heat surrounding it as it moved closer. I continued to run knowing that if I stopped I would lose the battle right then and there. I sped up, enhancing my legs again. Before I am hit I need to deliver a finishing blow to win. Ms. Hearthstone knew exactly what I was planning and began to chant a spell, waiting for my collision. It was only a matter of time before the spear reached me.
20 feet away,
10 feet away,
5 feet away…
"Now!"
I slid down narrowly avoiding my skull being fractured. The spear continued forward, moving towards Ms. Hearthstone instead. But she smiled. "Combust." The spear exploded as it went past me, pushing me away. I quickly cast a wind spell to cancel my fall, but I still staggered to the floor. I felt my skin sear, my body screaming in pain. Is this all I am capable of? No, I said I would prove I'm Arthur's apprentice and I will stand by my word. After two years of training my magic control significantly increased and today I'll show them all what I mean.
"Sky's veil."
Chapter 6:
A streamless lining of wind sailed around my arms and the clouds above began to descend onto my palm.
"Just what are we seeing here folks?! Only people who achieve 100% proficiency can use this type of spell. A "full core" spell (spells which require 100% or more proficiency in a specific element.)!" The wind felt warm like the sun. I could feel my strength recovering. I turn my attention to Ms. Hearthstone. I held the clouds at my fingertips, "Nimbus." A thick amalgamation of clouds formed from my hand and shot out aiming directly at Ms. Hearthstone. She quickly weaved left, right, in multiple directions, but that was just a distraction. The clouds had created a smokescreen as she was dodging to allow me to get closer. I waved my sword at her face. "I win."
The crowd stayed silent at first until some started to clap, then the rest followed. "What a turn of events! Theo… no, Theo Miligram has beaten Elaine Von Hearthstone!" Ms. Hearthstone fell to the ground, alarming me. "Ms. Hearthstone are you alright?" I held out my hand. She signed. "I'm fine." She took my hand and spoke again. "Call me Elaine. It sounds awkward having to hear you constantly say that." I nodded and helped her up. "Ugh, this simply annoys me. You completely fooled me." I chuckled nervously. "You noticed?" She crossed her arms and looked at the ground. "I initially thought you actually knew a full core spell, but you bluffed. You used wind magic to lower the clouds. You also made sure the clouds were just slow enough for me to dodge, making me believe that the clouds carried weight and could damage me. The purpose of this tactic was to create a smokescreen while keeping my attention elsewhere." She scoffed and walked away. At least she took the loss well. Though I am really tired now. The amount of mana I used almost made me lose consciousness. In the corner of my eye, I saw the principal and another person following her. "Once again I would like to congratulate you on passing the second test and the entire exam. Welcome to Noblem Academy, Theo Miligram." I looked at the blue-haired boy next to her. "This is one of our best students. He is going to be the 3rd test if you decide to fight him." He pulls out his hand for a handshake. I grab it firmly. "It's good to meet you, my name is Marcus Blanké. I've been thoroughly impressed by the way you fight and if possible at all I'd like to become friends with you." The boy who stood before me was Marcus Blanké, I've heard of his excellence before. He felt like a main character type of person to me, he knew three of the elements, and he was supposedly close to matching the top mages in the entire city. He also resembles a fictional character I've seen in a comic before. I don't mind being friends with any powerhouses here. "I feel the same, I also look forward to our battle."