The soft hum of the Mana Chamber filled the hall as Samson stood within its glowing walls. His heart raced, anticipation and anxiety coursing through him like a storm. The blue strands of mana swirled around him, analyzing his essence, searching for his magical affinity.
Then, the chamber dimmed, and a faint purple glow enveloped him. The Headmaster's voice rang out, clear and authoritative:
"Samson Arkel. Mana reserves: minimal. Magic attribute: Lightning."
A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Lightning magic was an exceptionally rare attribute to unlock during the first awakening. Most students would never gain access to it in their lifetimes. Yet, the murmurs of amazement were quickly overshadowed by sneers and whispers.
"Lightning magic with so little mana? What a waste."
"He'll never make it here."
"Someone like him doesn't belong in Alamcaran. He'll tarnish the academy's reputation!"
Samson's face burned as he stepped out of the chamber, feeling the weight of their judgment. He avoided their eyes, but his fists clenched tightly.
A student in an elaborate robe stepped forward, his tone dripping with disdain. "Headmaster, I demand you reconsider his admission. Someone with such low mana will only lower the academy's prestige."
Others nodded in agreement, their voices rising in protest.
The Headmaster, however, raised a hand, silencing the crowd. His gaze was firm as he addressed them. "Samson Arkel topped the national magic exam, a feat no ordinary individual can achieve. His knowledge and determination are assets we cannot afford to waste. Alamcaran Academy values potential and perseverance as much as it values power. Let this be a lesson to all of you—greatness is not solely determined by raw mana."
The hall fell silent, though the discontent lingered in the air. Samson stood straighter, silently thanking the Headmaster for his support.
---
The ceremony continued, and two more students with the Lightning attribute were discovered: Siddhartha and Ronnin. Both hailed from prominent families in Hexagon City, their mana reserves abundant, their confidence unshakable. The crowd applauded them enthusiastically, their status overshadowing Samson's achievement.
Siddhartha, a tall boy with sharp features, smirked as he caught Samson's eye. "Looks like not all Lightning users are created equal," he muttered, loud enough for those nearby to hear.
Eva, a girl with an air of quiet arrogance, simply glanced at Samson before turning away, as if he wasn't worth her attention.
Samson clenched his fists but said nothing. He knew better than to let their words get to him.
Even the three students who he met now Khan, Rowan and Elena they were also like avoiding him.
"Well it can't be helped. After all in this world only those with great power stands. No one waits for weak here." Samson thinks remembering his past life as it was what he have seen in his previous life too.
---
After the ceremony, the academy organized a guided tour for the new students. The sprawling grounds were as grand as Samson had imagined.
The guide, a cheerful senior student, led them through the different sections of the academy.
"This is the Training Arena," she announced, pointing to a massive open space lined with mana-powered equipment. "Here, you'll practice combat and refine your magic. It's where legends are forged."
Next, they passed by the Alchemy Wing, a towering structure with chimneys puffing out colorful smoke. "This is where you'll learn about potion-making, enchanting, and other forms of mana manipulation."
The Library of Eternum left everyone in awe. Its walls stretched endlessly upward, filled with ancient tomes and glowing scrolls. "This is the heart of knowledge at Alamcaran. If it's written, you'll find it here."
Finally, they arrived at the dormitories, a series of elegant stone buildings surrounded by lush gardens. Each room housed two students, fostering camaraderie and collaboration.
Samson found his assigned room on the second floor. Inside, a boy about a year older was unpacking his belongings. He looked up and gave Samson a welcoming smile.
"Hey there, you must be Samson. I'm Pedro," he said, extending a hand.
"Nice to meet you," Samson replied, shaking it.
Pedro's demeanor was relaxed, his voice friendly. "Don't worry, I'm not one of those stuck-up kids who thinks they're better than everyone else. Truth is, I took a year off because I struggled with magic. But I worked hard, and now I'm here. If I can do it, so can you."
Samson felt a wave of relief. "Thanks, Pedro. I was starting to feel like I didn't belong here."
Pedro chuckled. "Yeah, this place can be intimidating. But here's the thing: it's not about where you start, it's about how far you go. Stick with me, and we'll figure it out together."
For the first time since arriving at Alamcaran, Samson felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could find his place here after all.