The sound of carriage wheels echoed as they moved along the dusty road leading to the training grounds. Kaeleen, sitting by the window, silently watched the landscape slowly sliding by. The mountains in the distance appeared as distant shadows, and the light blue sky contrasted with the earthy tone of the ground. Around him, the other summoned youths exchanged uncertain glances and anxious whispers. No one knew for sure what awaited them in the coming days, and the tense atmosphere reflected everyone's nerves.
For the next seven days, they would be isolated in these training grounds. The goal was clear: to learn the basics of mana manipulation. At the end of the week, they would face a decisive test, and those who managed to pass would earn a place in the Kingdom's Academy along with ten gold coins. Those who failed would receive only one coin and no further support. They would be alone, forced to survive on their own in a world that still felt strange to them.
Kaeleen felt the weight of that possibility crushing him. The fear of failure was a shadow that had always followed him, from his past life to now. He could still feel the stares of others, the implicit rejection in their gestures. He knew they saw him as something unusual, someone better kept at a distance. In his mind, he struggled not to be consumed by these thoughts, but it wasn't easy. In this new world, he had hoped things would be different, yet the same shadows from his past seemed to follow him.
The carriage finally stopped with a creak, and the summoned youths began to disembark one by one. Kaeleen stepped out slowly, observing the place that stretched out before him. The training grounds consisted of several sturdy wooden buildings, designed to withstand the passage of time. At the center stood a large hostel, its imposing structure casting a shadow over the terrain. Surrounding it were smaller buildings that served as a dining hall, storage rooms, and common areas. The wind blew strongly, bringing with it the scent of damp earth and nearby trees.
The summoned were led to an open area where a young knight in shining armor and a red cape awaited at the front of the group. His posture was upright and confident, and an enthusiastic smile adorned his face as he raised a hand to get everyone's attention.
"Welcome!" he exclaimed energetically, waving his arms in an exaggerated gesture. "I'm Alaric, and I'll be in charge of your safety and training this week. No need to worry, you're in good hands!"
The crowd of summoned youths looked at him with curiosity, but it wasn't long before Alaric stumbled over a small rock on the ground, causing him to wobble awkwardly. Murmurs and restrained laughter began to ripple through the group, though he quickly tried to regain his composure, pretending nothing had happened.
"That was intentional!" he added with a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as he recovered his composure.
Kaeleen observed the scene in silence. Although the laughter lightened the atmosphere for a moment, he couldn't escape the unease he felt. Not far from where he stood, an old man in a gray robe slowly approached the group. His figure was imposing, although his age showed in his slightly hunched posture and the deep wrinkles on his face. His eyes, however, were sharp and authoritative, as if they could pierce through anyone who dared look at him for too long.
"I am Professor Wolfram," he announced in a grave voice, which echoed in the air and silenced any remaining murmurs. "For the next seven days, I will be your instructor. Do not expect mercy, nor expect help if you are not up to the task. If you fail, it will be solely your fault. I am not here to carry the burden of incompetents."
The silence that followed his words was almost palpable. The summoned youths exchanged nervous glances, and some lowered their heads, clearly intimidated by the professor's attitude. Kaeleen swallowed, feeling his anxiety rise. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but Wolfram's words made him feel as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff.
"Now," Alaric continued, trying to lighten the atmosphere once more, "we're going to organize into groups. The top four from the recent magic trials will step forward and choose their teammates. They'll be the leaders. Come on, folks, we don't have all day!"
Five figures moved forward from the crowd. The first in line was a tall, sturdy boy with an arrogant grin on his face. Kaeleen recognized him as the second highest in the trials—Ithan—known for his aggressive attitude and tendency to intimidate others. Beside him, the third in the trials—Erik—of a similar build, observed with the same expression of superiority.
Murmurs grew louder as a young woman with long, silver hair stepped forward. Kaeleen couldn't help but feel a pang of unease upon seeing her. She was the top performer in the trials—Naomi—and her presence was imposing, though her face showed no emotion. Her distant, cold gaze seemed to pierce through everyone present without truly seeing them. Audible whispers of admiration spread, but she paid them no attention.
Finally, the fourth in line was a petite, timid-looking girl—Elise. Her hands trembled slightly as she moved forward, and she avoided eye contact with the others. Despite her small size and air of vulnerability, she had achieved a high rank in the trials, making her stand out in an unexpected way.
As the leaders began to choose their teammates, Kaeleen watched in silence, waiting for his name to be called. But as the groups formed, he began to notice the looks from the others. The murmurs grew louder, and he understood what they meant. No one wanted him in their group. The fear they felt toward him was palpable.
Finally, when only a few were left without a group, Ithan and Erik exchanged mocking glances before turning to him.
"Looks like the weirdo's left without a group," Ithan said loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Erik laughed heartily. "Who would want him around? He'd just make us lose with his nonsense."
Kaeleen clenched his fists, feeling the sting of their words. Although he was used to rejection, he couldn't help but feel that familiar pang of sadness. He lowered his head, trying to ignore the whispers around him.
"If you don't finish forming the groups, we'll never start the training," Alaric interjected with his usual energy. "Time is money!"
Silence fell over the group when Naomi raised her hand, her face indifferent.
"Whatever. I'll take the weirdo," she said, her voice cold and emotionless.
Kaeleen felt a lump in his throat but didn't respond. He couldn't. He simply accepted his fate, knowing that, once again, he would be the outsider.
Before they could continue, the princess appeared, flanked by Alaric. All eyes turned to her, her presence imposing and unshakable as she walked with the grace of someone accustomed to being the center of attention.