I was accepted into Saint Academy after fighting hard for my place, but doubt still lingered—had I done enough? Each day, I pushed myself from the bed into my wheelchair, facing the reality that I had always battled weakness, never imagining it would confine me so completely..
I was accepted as a scholarship student after showing above-average manual skills for my age, and after living my life as an unwanted stepchild, I decided to take the offer and come to study here.
I was fairly confident with my abilities and felt this was my chance to start fresh, but the academy isn't without flaws.
Nobles and royal families attend this school, and it isn't a fair playing ground for a commoner like me.
To navigate the academy's challenging terrain, students underwent three entry exams that determined their class placement: S for the top tier—predominantly filled with royals and those with extraordinary talent; A for exceptional abilities; B for above-average talent; and C for the average. As a commoner, my path felt uncertain.. The S class was reserved for the very best, and they were often royals or people with godlike talent who just won the genetic lottery.
The A class was for those with exceptional abilities, the B class was for those with above-average talents, and the C class was for those with average abilities.
I scored well on the written and magical exam, and just when I thought I had done good enough to make it to one of the higher classes, the physical exam began.
They partnered up all of the new applicants at random, and I just happened to get the star pupil of the academy, the prince of the glorious empire, Lambert, his royal Highness Lancelot.
A dubious name for an unpleasant bastard.
His handsome facade was enough to capture the heart of any woman unlucky enough to get close to him.
I was called onto the dirt stadium by the instructor, in which we were to duel until one of us conceded.
I could feel the pressure mounting as I faced off against the prince, knowing that my performance would be scrutinized by everyone watching. Despite his royal status, I was determined to prove myself worthy of being in the same class as him.
Blocking his swift attacks, he swung the wooden training sword down at my head. I turned my body and allowed the sword to smash into the ground where I was.
Stepping hard onto the blade, I threw my fist into the would-be king's face and watched as the princely-like smile that he had plastered on his face was wiped clean off and what replaced it was anger.
"How dare you—a mere commoner—lay your hand on me!"
Lancelot began to channel his aura into his sword and ran straight toward me.
"Hey—he can't do that"
As the sword struck my stomach, a sharp pain radiated through me, forcing the air from my lungs. I was flung back onto the hard ground, a dull thud echoing in my ears. "I concede—" I choked out as pain surged through my body, desperately trying to salvage the words that slipped away with my consciousness..
"Lancelot wins the duel"
I look toward the instructor as he calls out the obvious and I run my eyes among the people standing watching the duel.
The uncomfortable feeling was palpable and I could see the sweat drench the brows of most of the commoners here. This wasn't a place to learn, it was a place to survive.
Crouching down on one knee Lancelot whispered something to me before the instructor got to us at the center of the courtyard.
"You will never be able to stand up to anyone again, including myself. I hope I taught you what no school can… the cruelty of the world. You will never be able to return the favor."
I watched as he turned to the watchers of the duel and smiled and persuaded them to cheer for him.
As the reluctant applause echoed in my ears the pain from my bones in my legs being turned into dust racked my body and I felt my consciousness slip away from me.
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I still worked hard even with my new disability graciously provided by Lancelot.
Valrie, my teacher, became my anchor in this relentless environment, providing not just ingredients for my experiments but faith in my abilities. Her unwavering support shone like a beacon in my darkest times, reminding me I wasn't alone.. Valrie my teacher supported me and provided ingredients for my experiments.
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"Thank you Miss Valerie you have always been there for me even when no one else would."
"Of course Al, if no one else has you I will i promise"
Albert felt blessed to have someone so reliable in this horrid place.
"You ready to begin your work my little apprentice"
Giggling to herself she began to bring out her potion book in preparation for their experiments.
"I can't wait!" I exclaimed, feeling excitement bubbling within me as I resolved to transform every obstacle into my strength, ready to embrace the trials of alchemy and prove I could thrive in this academy!"