The stone gates loomed taller than Kiyoshi expected. They stretched high into the sky, lined with symbols glowing faintly in the midday sun. Beyond them, Kuoh Academy sprawled like a city of its own—a place where dreams and power took form.
Kiyoshi adjusted the strap of his worn bag, his washed-grey eyes flicking from the gates to the growing crowd of students. Some murmured in excitement, and others stood nervously with hands clutching luggage. The academy guards, clad in steel-blue uniforms, quietly inspected each group before waving them through.
"Well, this is it."
Rajieru, grinning as usual, stretched his arms behind his head. His coat—oversized and patchworked—fluttered in the breeze. It clashed horribly with his bright-red scarf, as if he had dressed specifically to annoy anyone with a sense of style.
"You're enjoying this too much," Kiyoshi muttered, eyeing his companion.
Rajieru threw him a wink. "Come on, Kiyo. It's the first day of school. New faces! New chaos! Maybe even some cute rivals."
Kiyoshi sighed, brushing his long black bangs back into place. His own outfit—simple black pants and an old white button-down shirt—looked out of place among the more colourful students. He spotted one girl wearing robes stitched with enchanted flowers that shimmered when they caught the light. Another boy strutted in polished leather armour, a sword strapped proudly to his back.
Beside Kiyoshi, Celosia stood quietly, clutching a thick book to her chest. Her long silver hair spilled over her shoulders, nearly hiding her deep green dress—a simple, earthy garment that suited her soft demeanour. She was already avoiding eye contact, though her eyes occasionally flicked toward the gates with interest.
"This place feels... heavy," she whispered.
"You feel it too, huh?"
Celosia nodded faintly. "The mana here—it's dense. It's like the academy itself is alive."
Kiyoshi hummed in agreement. He felt it too—a thrum in the air, like a silent heartbeat. It pulled at something deep within him, but he couldn't tell whether it welcomed him or warned him.
Haruki appeared moments later; he was another new face that came on the train ride with them, his calm expression unchanged despite the crowded chaos. Dressed in a formal black kimono with faint silver embroidery, he carried himself with quiet dignity, the thin wooden hilt of a folded fan poking out of his sleeve.
"You're all here," he said softly, giving a small smile. "Good. I heard the academy doesn't tolerate late arrivals."
"They don't tolerate bad attitudes either, so you're outta luck, Yoshi," Rajieru teased.
Kiyoshi shot him a look but let it slide.
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The first trial of Kuoh Academy wasn't written or fought—it was waiting. Hours passed as students were gathered into a wide courtyard at the heart of the academy. Towering stone walls speckled with runes encircled them. Fountains bubbled, the water glinting with faint blue light, and enchanted lanterns hovered in the air, casting soft shadows even in daylight.
The crowd grew restless. A group of boys started sparring with practice weapons near the fountain, only to be shouted down by one of the guards. Others exchanged mana tricks—small flame spells, illusions of birds, harmless gusts of wind.
Rajieru fit right in, creating a glowing ball of light that pulsed rhythmically, like a tiny heartbeat. "Behold, my masterpiece!" he exclaimed, earning a few laughs and cheers.
Kiyoshi leaned against a pillar, watching without much interest. He noticed Celosia sitting cross-legged in the grass, flipping through her book while ignoring everything around her. Hokuto stood nearby, hands calmly folded in his sleeves, eyes closed as if meditating.
It wasn't until a booming voice rang out that the crowd fell silent.
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"Attention, new applicants!"
Everyone turned as a man stepped onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard. His armour gleamed silver, and his voice carried effortlessly. Kiyoshi didn't recognize him, but he clearly wasn't here to play around.
"The time for idle chatter is over. You stand at the gates of Kuoh Academy not as students but as hopefuls. In three days, those of you who prove yourselves worthy will earn your place here."
Murmurs spread through the crowd, but the man raised a hand to silence them.
"You will face three tests," he continued. "The written exam, to assess your knowledge of magic and history. The mana depth test, to gauge the strength and control of your magic. And finally, the 1v1 combat trials, where you will demonstrate your ability to fight—and survive."
The word survive sent a chill through Kiyoshi's spine. Around him, some students looked equally uneasy, while others grinned as if the tests couldn't come soon enough.
"The trials begin tomorrow morning," the man finished. "For now, you are free to explore the academy grounds. Those without lodging will find dormitory assignments at the main hall. Dismissed."
The crowd broke into scattered noise again, but Kiyoshi barely noticed. The academy already felt less welcoming—less like a dream and more like something dangerous.
Rajieru slapped him on the back, breaking his trance. "1v1 combat? Finally! A chance to show off."
"You're way too excited," Kiyoshi said flatly.
"You're not excited at all," Rajieru shot back. "This is school, Yoshi. School with swords and magic."
"Sounds like a headache."
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The group made their way to the dormitory lists. The sun was already dipping low, casting long shadows across the academy. The air had cooled, but the energy among the students remained high. Kiyoshi couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him, though every time he looked over his shoulder, there was nothing there.
"Your name should be here," Haruki said, scanning the scroll pinned to a wooden board. "We'll be rooming together."
Kiyoshi let out a relieved sigh. At least he wouldn't be stuck with Rajieru—he wasn't sure he'd survive the week.
"Where's mine?" Celosia asked quietly.
"Here," Rajieru said, pointing. "Looks like you're next door. Lucky you."
"And me?"
Kiyoshi turned at the new voice. A girl with fiery red hair tied in a loose braid stood nearby, dressed in a fitted black coat trimmed with gold. Her eyes, a deep amber, narrowed slightly as she scanned the list.
Rajieru whistled. "Bold look. What's your name?"
The girl ignored him, though her gaze lingered briefly on Kiyoshi before she turned and walked away.
"Friendly," Rajieru muttered.
"She's strong," Hokuto said quietly. "You can tell from her mana."
Kiyoshi looked back at the board, but his thoughts wandered. The academy had a pulse of its own—one that tugged at the edges of his mind as if daring him to step further in.
Three tests, he thought. Three chances to prove myself.
He clenched his fists, fighting the unease pooling in his stomach. Whatever this place demanded, he would face it.
Tomorrow, the trials would begin.
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