"A mind that seeks only power becomes a weapon. A mind that seeks understanding becomes a foundation."— The Law of Knowledge
The morning air was crisp.
Mist drifted lazily across the countryside as a black carriage rolled toward the capital.
Inside sat Alen Beta, dressed in a dark blue academy uniform trimmed with silver.
He adjusted the collar for what felt like the hundredth time.
"It still feels strange."
Across from him, Kael chuckled.
"You'll get used to it."
"I've never worn anything this fancy."
"You'll be surrounded by nobles."
"You'd better."
Alen groaned.
"No pressure."
As the carriage crested a hill, Kael pulled back the curtain.
"There it is."
Alen looked outside.
His breath caught.
The Royal Academy stood atop a mountain overlooking the capital.
White marble towers reached toward the heavens.
Dozens of bridges connected floating platforms.
Massive waterfalls poured from the cliffs into crystal-blue lakes below.
Golden banners fluttered in the wind.
Hundreds of students climbed the enormous staircase leading toward the front gate.
"...It's huge."
Kael laughed.
"Huge?"
"That's only the outer campus."
The carriage stopped before the entrance.
Students from every corner of the kingdom filled the courtyard.
Some wore expensive noble clothing.
Others carried enormous staffs.
Several had swords strapped across their backs.
Alen even spotted a girl with fox ears laughing alongside two dwarven boys.
"So..."
"This is everyone."
Kael nodded.
"The future of Asteria."
A loud bell echoed across the campus.
An elderly professor stepped onto a raised platform.
His silver robes shimmered with embroidered runes.
The courtyard fell silent.
"Welcome."
"I am Professor Aldric Rowan."
"The Head of Magical Theory."
"Today..."
"You begin your journey."
His eyes swept across the crowd.
"Some of you were born nobles."
"Some commoners."
"Some possess extraordinary talent."
"Others possess none."
"None of that matters here."
"What matters..."
"...is your willingness to learn."
Alen couldn't help smiling.
He liked this professor already.
Students were divided into groups.
Each group would complete several entrance evaluations.
Swordsmanship.
Mana Control.
Written Examination.
Character Assessment.
Alen's group received Number Seven.
"Looks like we'll be together."
The cheerful voice came from beside him.
A girl with long silver-blue hair smiled warmly.
"I'm Lyria Evermist."
She extended a hand.
"Nervous?"
Alen shook it.
"A little."
She laughed.
"Good."
"So am I."
Another voice interrupted.
"You should be."
A tall boy with crimson hair folded his arms.
"If you aren't nervous..."
"You're overconfident."
He wore the crest of House Valcrest.
One of the kingdom's oldest noble families.
"My name is Darius Valcrest."
"I intend to graduate as this year's top student."
Lyria rolled her eyes.
"He's been saying that all morning."
"I'm simply stating a fact."
Alen smiled.
"I guess we'll see."
Darius smirked.
"I like you."
"You don't scare easily."
The first examination took place inside an enormous arena.
Rows of wooden practice dummies lined the walls.
Professors watched from elevated balconies.
"Your task is simple," Rowan announced.
"Strike the target."
"Nothing more."
Several students stepped forward.
One by one.
They attacked.
Some were graceful.
Others awkward.
A few broke their practice swords entirely.
Laughter echoed through the arena.
Then...
"Group Seven."
Alen stepped onto the platform.
His palms felt sweaty.
He gripped the wooden sword Kael had helped him practice with.
'Remember.'
'Footwork.'
'Balance.'
'Breathe.'
He inhaled deeply.
One step.
A clean swing.
CRACK!
The dummy's arm snapped clean off.
Silence.
Not because it was impressive.
Because...
It was precise.
Professor Rowan smiled.
"Interesting."
"He lacks experience..."
"But his fundamentals are surprisingly solid."
Kael grinned from the observation deck.
"Good job."
Alen exhaled.
"I actually did it."
As the examination ended, Rowan's gaze lingered on Alen.
For just a heartbeat...
The world around the young man seemed...
Sharper.
As though reality itself was paying attention.
"Curious..."
Rowan whispered.
"I've only felt that presence once before."
Before he could think further...
The academy bell rang once again.
"The Mana Evaluation will begin shortly."
Alen looked toward the massive crystal hall where hundreds of glowing crystals floated in the air.
Something about them made the back of his neck tingle.
The System quietly appeared.
[Mana Resonance Crystals Detected.]
[Compatibility Analysis Beginning...]
[Recommendation:]
Do not reveal everything.
Alen blinked.
"...What?"
The message disappeared.
He stared at the crystal hall.
"...Now I'm worried."
End of Chapter 6