I paced nervously in the academy's grand courtyard. The towering marble pillars and intricate carvings of mythical creatures entirely failed to capture my focus. My thoughts were consumed by one thing—Nozue. It had been ten minutes since I stepped through the gates, and Nozue still hadn't joined me. A growing sense of unease settled heavy in my chest with each passing second.
Clenching my fists, frustration bubbled beneath the surface. What could be taking him so long? I couldn't take it anymore. I turned on my heel, intending to march right back out and search for my friend.
Just as I moved toward the exit, two tall knights clad in gleaming silver armor stepped forward, crossing their halberds to block my path.
"You are not permitted to leave the academy grounds until your entrance trial is complete," one knight said in a cold, authoritative tone.
I nodded slowly, understanding there was no arguing with them. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me.
Through the heavy iron bars of the gate, I finally spotted Nozue. He was standing outside the entrance, clutching his application form tightly in his hands. I rushed up to the gate, gripping the iron bars. "Nozue!"
Nozue looked up, his eyes meeting mine. The knight on the other side, seeing my distress, allowed him to step forward to the gate boundary so we could speak.
"Nozue! What's going on? Why haven't you come inside yet?" my voice was laced with worry.
Nozue forced a smile, desperately trying to mask his crushing disappointment. "The receptionist, Seira... she said my aura is too weak. I'm not allowed to enter the testing grounds. Only those with a strong potential combat presence can take the exam. Apparently, only five people have passed the aura check today."
"Aura?" I asked, completely puzzled. "But Missy said you have A-Rank mana! I don't understand..."
Nozue chuckled softly, though there was very little humor in it. "Having deep mana reserves is one thing, but aura is the actual energy pressure you project. Remember when you told me about your Murderous Intent Detection skill?"
I nodded slowly. "Yeah, I have that."
"One of the things it detects is a person's aura. The stronger an opponent's aura, the more intense the pressure you feel, right?" Nozue explained patiently. "I might have good mana, but I don't have any real battle experience. My aura is completely flat. Seira said they assess a person's true capability by their aura alone."
"That's..." I frowned, my grip tightening on the iron bars. "But... are you okay with not being able to enter? We were supposed to do this together."
Nozue looked at me, his eyes reflecting a profound mix of resolve and sadness. "What matters most is that you get into the academy, Kazu. That was our main plan all along, wasn't it?"
"But I wanted you in here with me…" my voice trailed off, a terrible sense of helplessness washing over me.
Nozue reached through the bars and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, giving it a supportive squeeze. "Don't worry about me. I'll keep up our daily routine and continue grinding those construction quests. I'll learn to project my aura. By the time you return to the orphanage, I'll be so much stronger. I promise."
He pulled me into a tight, awkward embrace through the iron gate, his voice warm with genuine affection. "It's okay, Kazu. Go and excel in that academy! I'm sure you'll learn a lot. You've got this."
I was taken aback by the hug, my emotions swelling up into my throat. Tears blurred my vision as I whispered, "Nozue… Thank you for everything. I'll stay here, then. Take care of yourself, and look after Nanay Rosalia and the kids for me. I'll do my absolute best, I promise!"
We held onto each other a moment longer before finally pulling apart. With one last, determined look, Nozue turned around and walked away, heading back down the hill toward the city.
I watched him go until he disappeared into the crowd, my heart heavy but incredibly resolute. I wiped my tears, turning my back to the gate and steeling myself for whatever lay ahead.
The Orientation
As I wandered deeper into the academy's grand halls, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer beauty surrounding me. The institution was even more magnificent from the inside—elegant archways etched with glowing magical runes, sprawling courtyards filled with vibrant, exotic flora, and towering spires that seemed to scrape the sky. Every single stone radiated an aura of ancient knowledge and power.
I was entirely absorbed in the architecture when I noticed a man standing near a massive stained-glass window. He wore elaborate, deep-blue robes and had a neatly trimmed silver beard. He was studying me with keen interest.
The man's eyes met mine, and he raised a hand, gesturing for me to come closer. "Hey there! You, the boy with the highly determined look on his face. Mind coming over here for a moment?"
I approached, slightly puzzled but respectful. "Yes, sir?"
The man's eyes were sharp, calculating, but not unkind. "What's your name, lad?"
"I am Kazu Gonomiya," I replied, offering a polite bow.
"Nice to meet you, Kazu," he said with a nod. "Are you a Scholar applicant?"
I nodded. "Yeah, that's right."
His silver eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise. "Oh, really? I certainly didn't expect that. Your mana aura—well, it is quite something. It's incredibly dense. It's definitely not what I was expecting from a commoner applying for the scholarship."
I scratched the back of my neck, a bit confused. "Is that a good thing?"
The instructor chuckled, a warm sound. "Definitely. It means you've got some serious, raw potential. Not everyone gets noticed by the faculty right away like this."
My face lit up with a modest grin. "I'm glad to hear that. I'm really looking forward to learning here."
"Great attitude," he said, returning the smile. "Alright, head straight down this corridor to the main hall and get started on your orientation paperwork. We'll catch up again soon."
"Thanks!" I said, feeling my confidence return.
With a casual wave, the instructor turned away. He glanced over at a small group of four other well-dressed students waiting nervously nearby. He gave them a friendly wave. "Hey, you four! Come over here for a moment."
The students, looking highly curious, walked over.
"Since you're all here, I want you to head to the main hall as well. We've got some important announcements and paperwork to go over before the exams. It's time to get things rolling."
The aristocratic students nodded in unison. "Understood, Professor," one of them replied stiffly.
As they began making their way toward the heavy oak doors of the hall, the instructor turned back to me. "You too, Kazu. Just follow the others, and you'll be in good company. Let's get this process started."
"Got it," I said, falling into step behind the group.
The Main Hall
The main hall of the academy was nothing short of stunning. The ceiling was impossibly high and vaulted, supported by grand marble pillars carved with intricate elemental designs. Towering bookshelves lined the circular walls, reaching all the way to the ceiling, and the air was filled with the comforting scent of old parchment and polished cedar wood. Brilliant sunlight streamed through massive crystalline windows, illuminating floating motes of magical dust in the air.
I entered the hall alongside the four noble students, my eyes wide with absolute amazement.
The silver-bearded instructor who had spoken to me earlier walked to the front of the room, clearing his throat to get our attention.
"Welcome to the main hall," he projected, his voice echoing perfectly in the acoustics of the room. "I am Professor Garlock Misoha, and I will be in charge of your initial introduction to the academy, including your elemental magic and general studies courses."
He nodded at the five of us. "I'll help you get started today and explain everything you need to know. First, we will go over the academy's strict rules, what exactly you'll be learning, and how your daily schedules will function."
Professor Misoha pointed to a large, beautifully carved mahogany table in the center of the hall. "Please, have a seat. We'll start with a brief overview, and then we will move on to your individual magical assessments to see who actually earns the scholarship seat."
We quickly took our seats around the grand table, eager and curious. As Professor Misoha began to explain the academy's rigorous programs, I felt a massive surge of growing excitement.
"In your time here, you will be learning the fundamental laws of magical elements," Professor Misoha continued, pacing slowly at the head of the table. "I personally teach the three primary elements: Fire, Water, and Earth."
He gestured to a large, ornate magical map glowing on the wall behind him. It displayed various regions of the world color-coded by elemental leylines. "These three elements are highly fundamental and versatile. Mastering them will form the absolute bedrock of your magical education."
I listened attentively, remembering the Fire Pierce spell I already knew, and the Water magic Nozue had shown me.
"On the other hand," Professor Misoha added, gesturing toward the empty doorway, "Professor Elias Marlowe will cover the remaining, more volatile elements: Air, Light, and Darkness. Each element has its own unique characteristics, extreme dangers, and practical applications. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of how our world operates."
Professor Misoha's eyes twinkled with scholarly enthusiasm as he looked around the table, his gaze lingering on me for a fraction of a second. "You will have a chance to explore these elements in profound depth, starting with the absolute basics and progressing to highly advanced combat techniques. It is an exciting, dangerous journey, and I am looking forward to guiding you through it."
With that, Professor Misoha unrolled a large scroll and began outlining the initial syllabus for the Fire, Water, and Earth elements.
As I sat among the noble students, gripping the edges of my chair, a thrilling mix of anticipation and eagerness washed over me. My magical studies were finally about to begin.