I followed the stream of first year students through the building until we found ourselves in a big open space. I hadn't written specifics about this test in my novel, only that the main characters were sorted into the highest ranks based on the abilities they demonstrated.
'I should have spent more time actually writing rather than skipping on important details.'
At the end of the room stood a woman that looked both strong and beautiful. She had a lithe figure that hinted at the toned muscles beneath her shirt. Her black hair styled in a bob cut, only served to further accentuate her sharp features and brown eyes.
"Welcome, new students," she began, silencing the room with her voice. "I am Seraphina. Today I will be helping you get evaluated."
She then went on to explain that there were three tests.
"The first test is simple," Seraphina continued. "You will each step forward one at a time and channel your mana into this crystal ball." She gestured towards a table where a large, crystal ball rested on a velvet cushion. "The amount of mana you can channel will be measured and you will receive a rating. Remember, do not hold back. Show us your full potential."
A hush fell over the crowd of students. Some were nervous, however some masochists were clearly excited.
'Just what was exciting about this? I'm going to fail! Ahhhh!!!' I thought as I screamed internally.
…
We all then shuffled into a line, and the first student, a boy with unruly red hair, stepped forward. His hands trembled slightly as he reached towards the crystal ball. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before channeling his mana. A faint blue light emanated from the crystal before it intensified and glowed brighter.
After a few moments, Seraphina nodded. "Enough," she said. "Step back." She ordered.
The boy opened his eyes and withdrew his hands, looking a little dazed.
"E!" Seraphina yelled out loud.
"Huh? Wait, that can't be!" The boy exclaimed, before Seraphina shot him a menacing glance and he retreated like a frightened pup.
"Next!" Seraphina called out.
One by one, we stepped forward to test our mana capacity. Some struggled and received poor ratings. Others, like a confident-looking girl with icy blue hair and cold blue eyes, seemed to have no trouble at all, causing the crystal ball to blaze with a brilliant light.
"C. As expected of a Frost. Well done, Amelia."
"Tch." She said, looking at her score before disappearing into the crowd of students who finished the first test.
'Amelia Frostvale…' I thought, unable to shake the recognition.
The name reminded me of someone but I couldn't quite place who. But then, it hit me like a thunderbolt. She was one of the main female characters in my novel, the wielder of frost magic and a central figure in the events in the fight between demons and humans in the novel.
It felt strange seeing her in front of me. On one hand it felt kind of cool seeing a character from imagination come to life, on the other, she was a major red flag that would only spell my death if I got involved with her — or any of the main characters.
I had a life to live here, and I hated pain. I had no reason to involve myself with them in any shape or form. All I had to do was survive and be strong enough to defend myself, even if at the moment things looked a little grim…
…
My turn was approaching rapidly, and I realised I really was screwed. I hadn't given much thought to my own magical abilities and if I had anything to go off of based on that status screen… I was doomed.
Finally, the last student before me stepped back from the crystal ball, a smug grin was etched all over his face after having received a "D" rating. I swallowed hard and walked forward.
My hand reached out hesitantly, my fingers brushing against the cool, smooth surface of the crystal ball. I closed my eyes and desperately tried to visualize the mana flowing through me, as I had described it countless times in my book. It was no use, the crystal ball barely lit up.
"Enough," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. I pulled my hand back, feeling a little embarrassed.
"F," seraphina announced, her voice echoing through the room.
Murmurs of surprise and disbelief rippled through the crowd of students. I was the first F rating of the day, and likely the only one too.
'I want to disappear. Ugh…'
Seraphina moved on to the next test after a few more students passed.
I eventually managed to slip back into the crowd, trying to make myself as invisible as possible. The next test was a physical assessment, and if my magical abilities were any indication of how things were going to go, I was destined to fail spectacularly once again.
And fail I did.
While the other students showcased their strength and agility, I stumbled through the obstacle course, barely managing to lift the lightest weights. A boy with blonde hair and bright yellow eyes who got a D rating in the first had excelled in the physical test with a C rating, shocking everyone.
The final test took place in a large classroom. Rows of desks filled the room, each one equipped with a small tablet. Seraphina explained that this was a general knowledge test, designed to assess our understanding of logical thinking, magic theory, and other relevant subjects.
I felt relieved. Finally, a test I might have a chance of not failing miserably! I had spent countless hours researching an writing about these topics while creating the novel. While my other skills might be lacking, I was confident in my intellectual abilities.
The test began, and I quickly immersed myself in the questions. The tablet displayed multiple-choice questions, and I tapped the answers with surprising speed. History, magical properties of different elements, the anatomy of magical creatures — I knew it all since I did create them in a way.
When time was up, I had managed to answer almost every question correctly.
Seraphina announced the results, and I had scored an 82 — not the highest, but certainly not bad. I noticed Amelia Frostvale had scored a 94, while the blonde boy, Evander Thorne, who had excelled in the physical test got a 75.
"Congratulations to all of you for completing the evaluation," Seraphina announced. "Now, step forward and receive your academy watch."
Each student received a sleek, silver watch with the academy's crest engraved on the face. Seraphina explained that the watch would serve as our identification, communication device, and access to the academy's facilities.
"Your watch also contains your overall rating, based on your performance in the three tests," Seraphina continued. "This rating determines how much the academy gives you a week and which dorm you'll be assigned to. Strive to improve your physical and magic ratings throughout the year."
I checked my watch and I was placed in the "low" tier since I was an F class, meaning I'd receive 10,000 zelis (this world's currency) every week to spend on my basic necessities. The other tiers were "middle" and "high" who each got their own studio rooms in the academy.
Meanwhile, as someone placed in the "low" tier, I had to share a room and bathroom with someone.
'Things could be worse, I guess'
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