Luciel's stomach growled softly, reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything since morning. The air of Elzareth city, fragrant with spices and toast, made his appetite even more unbearable. After parting with Velius and completing a brief tour around the Academy, he decided to find a place to eat before the exam began.
He walked down a small alleyway bustling with shops and stalls. Finally, he saw a simple restaurant with a wooden sign that read "Arvana's Hearth", located not far from the Academy gate. The smell of meat broth steaming from inside made his steps steady.
As he opened the door, the sound of a wooden bell echoed softly. Luciel stepped inside and was immediately greeted by a warm atmosphere and the soft chatter of customers. The wooden tables were filled with young people in magus uniforms, indicating that this place was indeed often visited by academy students.
However, before he sat down, his gaze fell on someone familiar. In the corner of the room, Shiromiko sat casually while waiting for her order.
However, she was not alone.
Beside her sat a girl who looked to be the same age as them. Her hair was bright blue, as blue as the summer sky, neatly tied with a small white ribbon. A gentle aura radiated from her facial expression, a stark contrast to Shiromiko's coldness.
Luciel raised an eyebrow, then approached.
"Shiromiko?"
The girl turned, then nodded slowly. "You came too."
Luciel glanced at the blue-haired girl. "Who is she?"
"Oh, this is Kuromine Lurie. I met her earlier at the light weapons shop near the market district. We were both looking at knives for close combat, and then… well, somehow we got to talking for a long time."
Lurie smiled politely. "Nice to meet you. You're Shiromiko's friend, right?"
Luciel nodded quickly. "I'm Luciel. Hoshizura Luciel."
"I'm Kuromine Lurie. Nice to meet you."
Luciel sat down with them, then asked curiously. "You're talking about knives? Are you two good at close combat?"
Shiromiko answered flatly, "I usually fight with knives, and ice magic staffs."
Lurie added softly, "Same here. I also use an ice wand. Our mana capacities are almost the same, whether it's coincidence or fate."
Luciel glanced at the two of them in turn. "That's amazing. Maybe you two can be a team later."
Their orders arrived. Bowls of hot broth, soft wheat bread, and fresh fruit were laid out on the table. They ate while chatting lightly, starting from stories of their journey to the capital, to their hopes for the Academy.
After eating and spending time together, the sound of the bell signaled that the test time was approaching.
Luciel stood up, clapping his hands. "Come on. Time to go to the academy."
Shiromiko nodded, and Lurie straightened her clothes.
The three young people left the restaurant with determined steps, heading towards the test that would probably determine their fate and path in this magical world.
The gates of Elzila Academy were now filled with prospective students gathered, most of them looked nervous, but quite a few showed high enthusiasm. The atmosphere was filled with whispers, bated breaths, and expectant gazes towards the towering academy building in the distance.
Luciel, Shiromiko, and Lurie walked side by side through the crowd. The three of them wore simple robes, but looked different from the majority of other candidates who looked luxurious and full of magic decorations. Still, their aura of confidence could not be hidden.
However, their warm atmosphere was immediately disturbed by a loud voice that came from the side.
"Tch... You really came, you country bumpkin."
Luciel immediately turned sharply. A boy was standing a few meters away from them, with an arrogant smile and a look of disdain in his eyes. His hair was bright blonde, neatly combed back, and he wore a luxurious robe decorated with gold embroidery—a clear sign of high nobility.
"Rudein Arvendale.." Luciel hissed as he clenched his fists. His instincts made his right hand reflexively move to the hilt of the sword at his waist. "You again. Damn, you're already causing a scene before the exam even starts."
Rudein's face twisted into a sneer. However, as soon as his eyes caught Shiromiko and Lurie beside Luciel, his smile turned sly.
"Ah~ What is this? Two beautiful gems standing next to a poor boy from a remote village? The world really is unfair."
Shiromiko stepped back slightly, her brows furrowed, while Lurie showed a wary expression.
Shiromiko whispered softly, "Who… is this annoying brat?"
Lurie followed, her voice softer but firmer, "Luciel… is he your friend?"
Luciel snorted. "Friend? Huh. He's more like a parasite stuck to the wall of honor."
Rudein laughed lightly and crossed his arms, as if performing on stage.
"My name is Rudein Arvendale. A direct descendant of the oldest wizarding family in the Eldrania Kingdom. And I—am the strongest candidate for Elzila Academy. Have you forgotten that title, country boy?"
He looked at Luciel with a disdainful gaze. "You must not have forgotten what happened when we fought in the previous training. In the third test, you and I—we will fight again. And this time, I will make sure everyone witnesses your defeat."
Luciel frowned. "Third test? You mean… a duel?"
But before the conversation could heat up any further, a loud and heavy voice cut through the tense atmosphere.
"Enough! Do you think this is a place to pit your egos against each other?"
A middle-aged man stepped forward. He wore a long dark blue robe with silver tips and carried a black wooden staff with a blue crystal at the end. His hair was silvery gray, and on his chest hung a bronze emblem—the badge of the Elzila Academy's chief instructor.
His sharp gaze swept over Luciel and Rudein.
"Two fifteen-year-old brats already want to test their manhood? If you want to fight, do it in an official arena. Not in front of the academy gates like a bunch of buskers."
Rudein bowed his head lightly, but sneered softly. "Alright. But remember, Luciel. Third test. You and me. Don't run away like a coward."
Luciel remained silent. But his eyes were burning like embers.
After Rudein walked away with haughty steps, Lurie looked at Luciel anxiously.
"The third test… I mean duel, maybe?"
Luciel sighed. "Duel? So… there's more than one test?"
Lurie nodded as she slowly walked towards the registration area.
"Yes. The entrance test for Elzila Academy consists of three stages. The first is a basic magic test. You will be asked to demonstrate your magic control—forming a fireball, manipulating wind, water, or an element you master."
turned to Shiromiko, "Shiromiko will definitely excel in this section."
Shiromiko just smiled faintly.
"Then the second," Lurie continued, "is a test of fighting techniques. Usually in the form of an unarmed duel or a practice weapon, depending on the participant's choice. I personally look forward to that part more."
Luciel nodded slowly.
"And the third…" Lurie paused for a moment before continuing in a low voice, "is an official duel. This is optional. But for anyone who chooses to participate and wins… they can immediately enter the elite class: A or B."
Shiromiko seemed interested. "Then what about those who don't participate?"
"Those who don't participate in the duel can only enter class C. While those who lose the duel will be placed in the lowest class: class D," Lurie answered.
Luciel looked shocked. "W-What? Why is the gap between the classes so wide? I mean, the duel is optional…"
Lurie nodded. "Exactly. Duels are not mandatory. But they are… a kind of fast track. Ambitious people will try them, especially those who feel they have high abilities. But the risks are high. Once they lose, they are placed in class D, which is known as the 'outcast class.'"
Shiromiko muttered, "Class D… means you are labeled a failure from the start?"
"Yes. And that stigma is hard to get rid of," Lurie said.
Luciel gritted his teeth, then looked up at the sky which was now starting to turn reddish orange. The clouds seemed to slowly move, welcoming the coming dusk.
"Hm… maybe this is my chance."
Shiromiko turned to him. "Are you serious about joining the duel?"
Luciel replied with a faint smile. "I didn't come here to play it safe. I want to show that someone from a small village can also stand on par with a haughty noble like Rudein."
Lurie warned in a serious tone, "But be careful. If you lose, the mental pressure is great. Many students in class D drop out in the middle of the first semester."
Luciel nodded. "I know the risks."
For a moment, the three of them were silent. The silence between them was not because of doubt, but because of the realization that this test was not just about ability. It was about choice: choosing the safe path, or taking risks to go higher.
The sound of the main tower's bells rang through the air.
GONGGGG~
The sound enveloped the entire Elzila Academy complex, shaking the hearts of every prospective student.
"The time has come," Lurie said softly. "The test begins now."
The black-clad academy officers began to walk through the crowd, calling out names in the order of registration.
"Applicants numbered 12 to 30, please proceed to the Basic Test Hall 2!"
Luciel, Shiromiko, and Lurie began to walk towards the hall according to their respective groups. Along the way, other prospective students were seen praying, taking deep breaths, and some were even crying silently.
Shiromiko briefly glanced behind her, where the sky opened up, revealing orange clouds that were slowly turning purple. She closed her eyes.
"I… want to know if my power is truly my own… or a legacy from a past I don't understand."
Luciel turned to her. "We'll find out after we pass this trial."
The three of them stood before the great doors of the hall, which slowly opened. A bluish magical light emanated from within, and the atmosphere seemed to absorb all sounds around it.
Lurie looked at the two of them. "I hope the three of us end up in the same class."
Luciel chuckled. "Sure. But even if not… we'll still be friends."
Shiromiko nodded. "Yes. Even if the world separates us… we'll still meet on the same battlefield."
Then, one by one, they stepped inside.
The path to the future had begun—not just with magic, but with courage, determination, and the bonds they had woven together.
Their steps slowly entered a large hall enveloped in soft blue light. The walls towered high, covered in ancient carvings and dimly glowing magic symbols. In the center of the hall, there was a round stage made of white stone, surrounded by seats for prospective students waiting for their turn.
It was on that stage—the first test would begin.
Luciel, Shiromiko, and Lurie chose to sit in the middle row. From their position, they had a clear view of the stage. A female instructor stood beside the arena, wearing a black robe and a white cloth blindfold on one side of her face, giving off an elegant yet sinister impression.
"Attention," the instructor's voice echoed calmly yet powerfully. "The first test: Basic Magic Test. Your task is simple—show your magical affinity, and prove that you are able to control it."
One by one, names began to be called.
"Contestant number 3. Step forward to the center of the circle."
A boy with messy brown hair stepped forward. His hands were shaking, but he still raised his wand to shoulder height. In a low voice, he began to chant a spell.
"...Spira... flamma... minor..."
A red light flashed at the tip of his wand. A small fireball—about the size of an apple—appeared, floating semi-stable in the air.
A few students clapped their hands together. The instructor nodded flatly.
"Affinity: Fire. Stability: Low. Energy: Weak. Control: Minimum pass."
"Next, contestant number 4."
A girl with light purple hair stepped forward. She closed her eyes for a moment, then raised her hand slowly.
"O spirit of water, drown hatred and become water that gives pressure..."
Droplets of water gathered from the surrounding air, then coalesced into a small, beautifully floating ball of water.
The instructor wrote quickly.
"Affinity: Water. Stability: medium. Energy: low. Control: sufficient."
Luciel leaned back in his chair. "They can conjure magic, but all of them are... small, huh."
Lurie turned her head. "That's normal. This test isn't about power, but about control and natural affinity. Even minor magic can be considered superior if it's stable and precise."
Shiromiko remained silent. Her sharp eyes observed every detail—hand movements, the tempo of the spell, even how the contestants controlled their breathing.
The next contestants went up one by one. Some showed small swirls of wind, some created small flashes of lightning, and some simply emitted formless sparks of magic. But most of the results were uniform—weak, unstable, but good enough to pass.
Luciel sighed softly. "If it's like this, I can do it too, maybe."
Lurie looked at him. "Don't be too confident. This is just the surface. What's really being judged is the 'magical vibration' of each individual—how your magic resonates with the space around it."
Shiromiko added in a flat voice, "Sometimes, what seems weak can hide something much deeper. And what seems strong… can be meaningless in real life."
Luciel paused for a moment.
Contestant number 15, Kuromine Lurie.
"Ah, it's finally my turn."
"Bye"
"Do your best Lurie"
Lurie, who had already taken her turn for the test, stood in front of the wall and the testing system.
Then she chanted a spell.
—> O silver ice spirit · With a blizzard cloak · Freeze my enemies>-!
In the next moment, a vortex of ice gathered on Lurie's outstretched left palm. The resulting ice storm turned into a freezing storm that caused the temperature to drop rapidly.
The overwhelming frost caused the moisture in the air to freeze into countless shards of ice that overflowed, flooding the wall.
The [Ice · Cold] magic was a C-rank attack spell. Indeed, in terms of destructive capacity, it could only crack walls. However, if someone were to be hit by ice without the protection of magic, their blood would freeze in an instant, and their heart would stop beating. Furthermore, the impact of countless ice shards would cause the frozen body to shatter into pieces.
The other students and the examiner who were watching roared...."Woahh
"She's different from most other students who only cast basic D-rank spells"
"The ability of the noble princess is beyond doubt"
"Very great Lurie".
The examiner came over while giving a warning.
"You"
"You. Remember. It is forbidden to cast that spell to harm other students if outside of teaching and not accompanied by a teacher."
"Alright, thank you for reminding me".
Then another contestant's name was called.
"Contestant number 11."
A girl with curly blonde hair stepped forward. Her robes were full of lace. She glanced around confidently, then raised her crystal staff.
"Ignis luminis… ferve in caelo!"
Instantly a bright light flashed. A fireball the size of a human head appeared with a whoosh, its heat felt all the way to the front row.
Several students stared in surprise.
The instructor took notes and nodded.
"Affinity: Fire. Stability: high. Energy: medium. Control: good."
Shiromiko narrowed her eyes. "She… relies on raw magic power. But her results are still within limits."
Luciel nodded. "But compared to the others… she's quite striking."
Lurie rested her chin on her hand. "Even if she's striking, if she doesn't have consistency, her grades will be mediocre."
The announcement sounded again.
"Participant number 12, Shiromiko Ayaka."
Luciel and Lurie turned their heads together. Shiromiko slowly stood up, then stepped forward calmly. The gazes of the other students immediately fell on her. Maybe it was because of her unique beauty, or because of her aura that was… different. Cold, but not cold. Calm, but exuding something hard to describe.
Shiromiko stood in the middle of the arena. She didn't take out her wand, or even raise her hand. She just closed her eyes.
Silence.
One seconds…
Three seconds…
Five seconds....
Some of the students began to whisper.
"Doesn't she know any spells?"
"Why is she so quiet?"
Suddenly, a gentle breeze flowed from around Shiromiko. The wind did not come from the window. It... came from within herself.
The small leaves on the edge of the arena floated gently. The ground shook gently. A bluish-white light emerged from beneath her feet, drawing a magical pattern in the shape of a flower that slowly bloomed.
"...Sophria lumen... resona..."
She chanted the mantra while thinking in a language that was very foreign to hear.
Shiromiko's voice was barely a whisper.
But when the spell was finished, the air around her vibrated. A petal of light formed in front of her chest, floating gently and spreading a deep peaceful aura. The surrounding room began to grow cold. The students held their breath.
The instructor was silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"Affinity: Unknown. Energy: high. Stability: perfect. Control: very high. Category: special. Evaluation: awaiting further analysis."
Luciel stared with wide eyes. "What the..."
Lurie smiled softly. "That's... true power without the fuss."
Shiromiko returned to her seat expressionlessly. But when Luciel and Lurie stared at her, she simply said, "I only... showed what was inside me."
Luciel swallowed. He felt his body grow cold. His heartbeat froze. Suddenly, he remembered and realized that the nature of Shiromiko's magic that turned the test wand blue turned out to have strong effectiveness in manipulating wind and ice.
"Shiromiko... amazing," he murmured. "I... also have to show something... that they can't underestimate. But can you turn off your magic first? It's so cold"
"That's right Shiromiko." Said Lurie who also felt cold.
"Umm sorry."... Shiromiko said with while turning off her magic.
"What is that?"
"Though based spell activation?"
"Aah. You know about that too?"
The next announcement was heard.
"Participant number 13. Hoshizura Luciel."
Now all eyes turned to him.
Luciel stood up. His steps were stiff, but his face showed seriousness. He walked towards the center of the arena, holding the Elios staff in his right hand.
And when he stood in the magic circle, his breath caught.
"This is... my time."