After weeks of training with Hal, Eran's progress was undeniable. He had learned the basics of magic—summoning small flames, reinforcing his body for brief bursts of strength, and sensing the magical auras around him. His once frail body had grown stronger, and though he was far from his former self, he no longer felt entirely helpless.
One day, as Hal handed him a scroll filled with intricate magical diagrams, the old man suddenly said, "You've grown quickly, but your training here has limits."
Eran raised an eyebrow. "Limits? I'm just getting started."
Hal chuckled. "Exactly why you need to leave. You've outgrown this little cottage, boy. If you truly want to master magic—and make something of yourself—you'll need proper instruction. That means the Academy."
"The Academy?" Eran repeated, the name foreign to him.
Hal nodded. "The Royal Academy of Magic, located in the capital. It's where the brightest minds and most talented mages are trained. If you're serious about becoming stronger, that's where you need to go."
Eran hesitated. The idea of studying in a grand institution intrigued him, but he had no money, no connections, and no noble name to rely on. "How would I even get in?"
Hal smirked. "Leave that to me."
The Journey to the Academy
A week later, Eran found himself on a cart heading toward the capital, a letter of recommendation from Hal tucked into his belongings. The journey was long, and the closer they got to the sprawling city, the more his nerves grew.
The capital was a far cry from the slums where Eran had spent the last few months. Towering spires, bustling marketplaces, and streets filled with people from all walks of life greeted him. At its center stood the Academy—a grand structure of white stone, its towers shimmering with magical energy.
When Eran arrived at the Academy gates, he was awestruck by the sheer scale of it. Students dressed in robes of varying colors walked the grounds, some practicing spells, others deep in conversation.
A stern-looking man in ornate robes approached. "Name?"
"Eran," he replied, handing over the letter from Hal.
The man broke the seal and read the letter, his eyebrows rising slightly. "A recommendation from Master Hal? Unusual. He rarely takes apprentices, let alone sends them here."
The man snapped his fingers, and a young assistant appeared. "Take him to the evaluation chamber."
The Entrance Exam
Eran was led into a large hall filled with other aspiring students. At the front, a group of mages sat behind a long table, their robes marked with the Academy's crest.
The lead examiner, a woman with sharp features, addressed the group. "Welcome to the entrance examination. Here, you will prove your worth. Only those with true talent may join the Academy."
The tests were divided into three parts:
• Magical Affinity: The students had to channel their magical energy into a crystal orb, which would glow in response. When Eran placed his hands on the orb, it pulsed with a steady golden light. The examiners murmured among themselves, impressed by his latent potential.
• Combat Prowess: Students were paired off for mock duels. Eran was matched against a haughty boy from a noble family, whose sneer reminded him of the aristocrats he had once commanded. The boy opened with a barrage of flashy fire spells, but Eran kept his cool, using simple but effective tactics Hal had taught him. With a burst of reinforced speed, he closed the distance and knocked the boy off his feet, ending the duel decisively.
• Knowledge Test: This portion tested the students' understanding of magical theory. While Eran struggled with some of the questions, his strategic thinking allowed him to deduce answers others missed.
When the evaluations ended, the lead examiner called out the names of those who had passed.
"Eran," she said, pausing as if weighing the name. "You've been accepted into the Academy."
Relief washed over him as a few students clapped politely. The noble boy from earlier glared at him, muttering something about "commoner luck."
Settling In
The Academy dormitories were more luxurious than anything Eran had experienced since arriving in this world. His room was small but clean, with a bed, a desk, and shelves lined with beginner's tomes on magic.
His first day of classes was overwhelming. Professors bombarded him with terms and concepts he had never heard before, and the other students—mostly nobles—looked down on him as an outsider.
Despite the challenges, Eran pushed himself. He spent hours in the library, pouring over texts and practicing spells late into the night. He refused to let his lack of background hold him back.
First Academy Rival
One evening, as Eran practiced in the training grounds, the noble boy from the entrance exam approached him.
"Still pretending you belong here, commoner?" the boy sneered.
Eran straightened, meeting his gaze. "I earned my place here, same as you."
The boy smirked. "Then prove it. Duel me."
The challenge drew a small crowd of students eager to see the clash. Eran accepted, knowing this was a chance to earn their respect—or risk humiliation.
The duel was intense. The noble boy relied on flashy but predictable spells, while Eran used quick thinking and precise counterattacks. In the end, Eran's combination of speed, strategy, and newly-learned magic overwhelmed his opponent.
As the crowd cheered, Eran realized something important: the Academy would be a battleground of its own. To survive and thrive, he would need to rise above not just his own limits, but the prejudice and challenges thrown his way.