The day after the Entrance Exam arrived with the bright light of dawn streaming through the windows of the academy's guest quarters. Alaric, having barely slept, found himself lying on the edge of the bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling of the room. His heart still raced from the events of yesterday—more specifically, the test. The reactions, the awe, the overwhelming energy that had surged through him as he displayed his power. God-tier. The term still echoed in his mind. It was something that had been thought of as a mere legend until now, but Alaric had made it real.
The knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Your Highness?" came the voice of Serena from the other side.
Alaric sat up quickly, rubbing his face to clear the lingering fog from his mind. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Serena stepped inside, her usual cheerful expression a little more subdued today. She looked him over, noting the exhaustion in his eyes.
"You look like you haven't slept a wink," she remarked, walking in and closing the door behind her. "I'm guessing you're still thinking about yesterday?"
Alaric nodded, his fingers tracing the edge of the bed as he tried to organize his chaotic thoughts. "I can't stop thinking about it. The way they all looked at me, the way the energy felt when I used it... it's overwhelming. I've never felt that much power before. But I don't know if I should be afraid of it... or if I should embrace it."
Serena sat down beside him, her eyes soft with understanding. "It's normal to feel that way. You're not the only one who has felt that kind of weight on their shoulders. But remember—you didn't ask for this. The divine energy that courses through you is a gift, not a curse. You're meant to do something with it."
Alaric let out a long breath, his gaze drifting to the window. Outside, he could hear the faint sounds of the academy coming to life—students chatting, teachers preparing for the day's classes. But here, inside the room, the silence between them spoke volumes.
"I know you're right," Alaric said quietly. "But at the same time... it scares me. What if I'm not ready for what's to come? What if I lose control?"
"You're not alone," Serena reassured him, placing a hand on his arm. "You have us. We'll help you figure this out. Together."
The sincerity in her voice made Alaric feel a bit lighter, as if the burden wasn't his to carry alone. He looked at her then, really looked at her, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to feel something other than worry—gratitude.
"Thanks, Serena. I—" He stopped himself, unsure of how to express the feeling that had settled in his chest.
Before he could say anything further, there was a sudden, sharp knock on the door. This time, it wasn't Serena. The voice that followed was unfamiliar, and it held an air of authority.
"Alaric Solis, it is time," came the voice of an academy official. "The Headmaster has requested your presence in the central courtyard. Immediately."
Alaric exchanged a glance with Serena. Her brows furrowed in concern, but she gave him a nod of encouragement.
"Go ahead," she said. "I'll be waiting for you later. Don't stress out. This is just the beginning of your journey, remember?"
With a deep breath, Alaric stood up, his mind still swirling with the events of the previous day. He walked toward the door, his hand resting on the handle as he gave Serena one last look.
"I'll be back soon," he said, stepping out.
---
The halls of the academy were bustling with activity. Students were gathering in groups, preparing for the lessons that lay ahead. Alaric couldn't help but notice the way some of the students glanced at him as he passed by. Whispers, gasps, and fleeting stares followed him, but he paid them no mind. This was something he would have to get used to. The sooner, the better.
The central courtyard was as grand as the rest of the academy, with towering marble statues of past emperors, mages, and warriors scattered around the perimeter. In the center stood the Headmaster, flanked by two of his most trusted assistants. They stood in a semi-circle, waiting for Alaric to approach.
When Alaric arrived, the Headmaster raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with an unreadable expression. "You're here. Good. We've been waiting for you, Alaric Solis."
Alaric bowed his head respectfully, though he noticed the way the Headmaster scrutinized him. "I apologize for the delay. I was—"
"No need to apologize," the Headmaster interrupted with a wave of his hand. "It is I who should apologize. After all, we did not expect such a display yesterday."
Alaric felt his heart skip a beat. He had expected some form of acknowledgment, but this level of attention made him uneasy.
The Headmaster continued. "I'm sure you're aware of the power you exhibited. It is nothing short of extraordinary. The energy you wield is beyond what anyone has seen in centuries. The academy's tier system, as you know, has been in place for thousands of years, with Saint-tier being the pinnacle of magic."
Alaric nodded, though he already knew what the Headmaster was about to say.
"However," the Headmaster's voice took on a gravely serious tone, "the magic you displayed yesterday was not just Saint-tier. It was beyond that. It was God-tier."
A collective gasp rippled through the assistants. They exchanged nervous glances, their eyes wide with shock. The Headmaster, however, remained stoic.
"Do you understand what this means, Alaric?" he asked, his voice low and firm.
Alaric nodded slowly, his chest tightening. "I understand."
"There have been rumors, whispers among the most powerful mages and scholars. God-tier magic has been considered a legend—an unreachable goal, a myth. But now, we must face the truth. You are not just another powerful mage. You are a force unlike any we have ever encountered."
Alaric felt a sudden weight settle on his shoulders, heavier than before. The reality of what he had done was sinking in. The world now knew his name, and it would never forget him.
"But," the Headmaster continued, his gaze sharp, "this is not just about power. Power alone is not what defines you. How you use this power—what you choose to do with it—will shape your destiny. I am giving you a choice, Alaric. A choice that will determine your future here at the academy and beyond."
Alaric's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What choice?"
The Headmaster gestured for one of his assistants to step forward. The man handed him a small crimson scroll, its edges adorned with golden symbols. The Headmaster unrolled it and read aloud:
"The Academy of Light hereby offers Alaric Solis the position of an Elite Candidate. This title grants you special privileges, access to advanced classes, and a direct path toward becoming one of the academy's highest-ranked mages. However, with this position comes immense responsibility. You will be scrutinized, tested, and held to standards far beyond those of your peers. Failure will not be tolerated."
Alaric's eyes widened. To accept such an offer would mean his every move would be watched. But to refuse… he didn't even want to imagine the consequences of turning down this rare opportunity.
He took a deep breath. "What happens if I accept?"
The Headmaster's smile was faint but knowing. "You'll be placed on a different path, one that will test your limits and push you to the brink. But if you succeed, you will earn a place among the greatest mages in the empire. You'll shape the future of magic itself."
Alaric's heart raced, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was standing on the precipice of something monumental. The path ahead of him was uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure:
This was only the beginning.