"At last! We're in the Academy!!!!" Rylan, a boy with a mop of fiery red hair, shouted, his voice echoing through the grand courtyard. He puffed out his chest, a triumphant grin splitting his face.
"Shut up, Rylan," Collei, a boy with sleek black hair, said, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Are you not ashamed that there are so many people here?" He glanced around, his eyes catching the stares of other students. He wished he could melt into the ground.
"No!" Rylan boomed, ignoring Collei's plea for discretion. "I'm gonna become the first Spear Fire General!!" He thrust his hand into the air, pointing towards the sky as if claiming the heavens.
The people around them, including the Rethrus group, who were just entering the Academy, couldn't help but turn their heads and stare.
Jack, his eyes rolling, couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, boy," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "I think he have a long way to go before he become a legend."
Leo, his gaze fixed on Rylan, couldn't help but feel a pang of amusement. "He's a bit much, isn't he?" Leo said, his voice a soft chuckle.
Even Rethrus, usually quiet and introspective, couldn't help but smile.
He had seen his fair share of braggarts, and Rylan reminded him of a few he'd met in his past life. He wondered if Rylan's confidence was genuine or just a facade.
"Ah, shut up!" Collei said, his voice a hushed plea. He tugged on Rylan's sleeve, his face burning with shame. "You're making me look bad!"
Rylan, however, was undeterred. He puffed out his chest, his grin growing wider.
"No way!" he said. "I'm going to be a legend! Everyone will know my name! The Spear Fire General, Rylan, the greatest mage of all time!"
Collei let out a sigh, knowing that this was going to be a long year. He shook his head, hoping that the other students wouldn't think he was a complete idiot for being friends with Rylan.
"Look at those two there," a guy with glasses said, nodding towards Rylan and Collei. "The red-haired one is kinda annoying."
"Don't be like that, Julian," Beatrice Montgomery, the daughter of Sir Jaime Montgomery, a Count of the Silver Lake County, said, her voice a gentle but firm counterpoint to Julian's cynicism. She is a girl of quiet confidence, a natural leader who held a strong moral compass.
"Tsk, I just don't like those kinds of people," Julian Langly, one of the sons of Joseph Langly, the Count of Mercia, mumbled, his gaze lingering on Rylan. He was a boy of privilege and ambition, his eyes reflecting the desire to rise above his peers.
Jasper, Julian's younger brother, a boy with brown hair and a shy demeanor, wrung his hands.
"Do we really have to fight? I mean, we're rich, right? Why can't we be like the other noble houses?" He looked at Beatrice, his eyes reflecting a sense of unease.
"Jasper, my little brother," Julian said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
"Do you really wanna stay in that small county your whole life? Half of the known houses' sons and daughters are joining the military.
And do you really just want to be a part of a lesser house if we can marry a daughter of a Duke or greater than it?"
Jasper, his face turning red, stumbled over his words. "Beatrice is a girl, and she's joining." He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Beatrice's courage and determination.
"And let's not forget the fact that you're a light user," Julian said, a smug smile spreading across his face.
"You're the rarest in here. Act like one. Don't be a scaredy-cat, Jasper. You're special."
Jasper, his eyes widening, looked down at his hands, his fingers tracing the faint glow emanating from his fingertips. "But…we only train for like a month," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
"Don't worry, we have expensive equipment," Julian said, patting his brother's shoulder.
"And don't be gloomy, with your magic, you'll be the top 1 in this year."
Jasper, his heart filled with a mixture of trepidation and a glimmer of hope, looked at his brother, his eyes reflecting a yearning for something more. He wished he had the courage to follow his own path, but he also knew that he was bound by the expectations of his family.
The academy was vast, sprawling across the land like a sleeping giant. The students stood in awe, their eyes darting around, taking in the towering structures and sprawling courtyards. Suddenly, a wave of water parted, revealing a massive screen in its wake. The screen shimmered, then flickered to life, displaying a list of the top 60 primary applicants.
"Most of them are from noble houses," Rethrus muttered, scanning the list. His gaze fell on the names at the top, Aric Valeric and Cassian Valeric.
"So they're strong," Rethrus said, his voice tight.
"No, they just have better equipment," Aethra replied, a hint of cynicism in his tone.
"They can afford to train with the best teachers and the most advanced tools."
The students gasped as the name at the very top of the screen flashed. "It's Prince Ezra!"
"Why would a royalty join us?" murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"I mean, his brother is a general," a random kid whispered. "I guess he's here to prove himself."
Prince Ezra smirked, his gaze scanning the crowd.
He didn't bother to acknowledge their whispers. Then, with a dramatic flourish, he stepped forward, a plume of fire erupting around him as he landed on the ground. The crowd went silent.
"Tsk, so arrogant," Jack said, his voice dripping with disdain as the crown Prince Ezra wore glowed with power.
"So, that's a prince," a blond kid with a wand whispered, his eyes wide.
The prince strode towards Aethra's group, his gaze fixed on Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth," he said, his voice smooth and confident. The students parted, clearing a path for the prince. A wave of excitement swept through the crowd, especially among the girls.
"Aackkkkk, Prince Ezra! You're so strong and beautiful!" a girl screamed, her voice trembling.
"He's really pretty," Beatrice murmured, her gaze drawn to the prince's regal bearing.
"Woah, so that's the prince," Rylan shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
"Ahh, minimize your voice," Collei hissed, glancing around nervously. The crowd's attention was now focused on Elizabeth.
"Now I know why the prince joined," the random student said again.
The crowd went silent, their gazes locked on Elizabeth. Even the girls were stunned by her ethereal beauty.
"Is she a noble or something?" Beatrice asked, puzzled.
Julian and Jasper were speechless, their eyes widening in admiration.
"I guess we have another reason to fight, right, brother?" Julian said to Jasper, a glint of determination in his eyes.
"Yes, brother," Jasper replied, nodding slowly.
Rylan, too, was captivated by Elizabeth's presence. He was speechless for a moment, his gaze fixed on her. Even Collei, normally so outspoken, was rendered silent.
"Oh, having her means you have to own the world," a kid declared, his voice overflowing with awe.
Aethra watched Elizabeth, a new realization dawning on him.
"Oh my princess, you're more beautiful than the last time I saw you," he said, dropping to one knee and kissing her hand. His heart pounded with a mixture of admiration and something else—something he didn't quite understand.
Elizabeth, uncomfortable with all the attention, was searching the crowd for Rethrus. "Uhm, your majesty, you don't have to kneel," she said, her voice soft.
Jack couldn't take it anymore.
"Hey, prince, get off my girlfriend," he shouted, stepping forward, his fists clenched. Leo, Haldrin, and Hans stood behind him, their faces hardening with anger.
Justus chuckled, shaking his head. "The effect of her beauty is so unreal," he mused. "Having her means you win life, indeed."
Ezra smirked, glancing at Jack with amusement.
"Oh, you, the hot-headed guy." He looked around the crowd. "By the way, where's the fire guy and the dark one?"
The group looked around, their gazes searching the crowd. The fire guy and the dark one were gone.
As the students made their way to the speed test, Aethra turned to Rethrus.
"Race each other?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.
Rethrus smiled. "You're faster than me."
"You need twenty participants for each race," a voice boomed from behind them. A wave of students, already forming a queue, confirmed the announcement.
"Yo!" A redhead with a black-haired companion appeared before them.
"My name is Rylan, and this is my best friend, Collei."
"Hello," Collei answered, a friendly smile on his face.
"This was the loud guy earlier," Rethrus and Aethra thought in unison.
"Hello!" Rethrus greeted them happily.
"They seem like nice kids," Rethrus thought.
"You wanna race too?" Aethra asked calmly.
"Hehhe, yes!" Rylan answered, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
"You know, you will fail this test if you will be on par with a fast opponent," Aethra said, his voice even. "You might choose a weak opponent if you wanna pass."
"I agree with Aethra," Rethrus thought.
"Huh, you thought you're that strong?" Rylan shouted, his voice booming. "I'm gonna be the greatest fire spearman this world will ever see!"
"Ahh, don't shout," Collei said, gently placing a hand on his arm.
"Yes, we'll find another opponent to run with," Collei said.
"No, we'll fight them," Rylan said, his eyes gleaming with competitive fire. More students gathered, eager to join the race, their voices a rising tide of excitement.
Leo joined the group, his eyes narrowed in determination.
"Should we join Rethrus, Aethra, and Leo to race?" Jestus asked the group.
"No, let's scatter if we wanna pass," Jack admitted, his voice laced with a touch of hurt. "We can't beat those beasts."
"Listen, those men are strong," Collei said to them, his eyes sharp. "Their stance says they are."
"Did you see the short guy?" Rylan asked, his voice almost a whisper.
"That guy has the same height as we are," Collei interrupted, shaking his head.
"That's a mage," Rylan said, his voice a mixture of respect and slight fear. "I'm clearly sure he's well-oriented in magic than physical test."
"Hayst, suit yourself. But I will fight another group," Collei answered, his eyes gleaming with a quiet defiance.
"Okay, let's meet up later," Rylan answered.
"Let's join the first batch," Julian said to Jasper. "Let's go!"
The first twenty were arranged, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension. A guy with a chest full of gleaming artifacts, his eyes glinting with a sense of superiority, joined the fray.
In the palace, a celebratory atmosphere hung in the air.
"Congratulations, your majesty!" Lord Seth, Lord of Shallow River and the Father of House Talerind, said with a beaming smile. "Your son is the top one this year."
"Thank you, Lord Seth," the king replied, his face radiating pride.
The other lords and nobles were gathered, their voices a murmur of congratulations and pleasantries.
"Lord Norah, isn't your son taking the entrance exam too?" Sir Langly asked, his gaze sharp.
"Yes, in fact, he trained this whole year and used the best equipment gold could buy just to join the army," Sir Norah Elarion of Ravenwood replied.
"Your son is quite hardworking, Sir Norah," Sir Langly said, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.
"Yes, he is."
"I've heard your two boys are taking the test right now."
"Yes, and you've been blessed with a light user," the Lords said.
"Praise must be all to our gods," Sir Langly said, a touch of arrogance in his voice.
Xavier joined their party, his gaze sweeping across the nobles. Xavier thought about the young people taking the entrance exam, their faces flushed with excitement and determination. He thought,
"Their kids might have talents and privileges, but those kids I trained were obsessed. They didn't have a choice. There's a difference between need and wants. Those who needs it the most will thrive to get it."
He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for those who had been given nothing, who had to claw their way to the top.
"Wow, most of them are ready," Rylan said, his voice a mixture of excitement and apprehension as the students lined up, preparing for the race.
The person in charge, standing at the starting line, addressed the crowd, "The rules are simple. Whoever gets to finish five laps of this race will win. If you're last, it means you fail this test. And remember, if you fail every test, you'll be put on the kitchen department."
Rylan realized how severe the situation was. He remembered Aethra's warning about choosing a weak opponent, and a surge of determination coursed through him.
"Nah, me and Collei trained ourselves for a year. We promised to each other to change our destiny here. I'm gonna pass," he thought.
As he looked at his opponents, his eyes scanning the crowd, he noticed something peculiar. Most of the kids with suits or armor and artifacts had a sigil of wood on their arm.
"Most of them has a sigil. They're nobles," he thought. But then he spotted Rethrus, with a staff clutched in his hand, Leo with a big, fierce gauntlet, and Aethra with a sword. His apprehension eased slightly. "Thank goodness we're not all nobles here."
"Ready? Get set. Go!" The starter's voice boomed across the courtyard.
The race began, a surge of energy rippling through the crowd.
Julian Langly, a confident glint in his eyes, cast a spell.
"From the heart of the mountain, the strength of the stone,
I call upon Earth's power, to make my will known.
Roots deep and steady, a foundation so strong,
Let Earth's magic flow through me, where I belong."
The ground beneath him surged, giving him a temporary boost, lifting him slightly into the air. He felt a rush of adrenaline, but he wasn't alone.
"Light, I call, answer my plea,
Bring forth your power, set me free.
Shine your brilliance, banish the dark,
Let your strength leave its mark."
A flash of light erupted from Jasper's wand as he cast Ethereal Ray. He was propelled skyward, soaring above the crowd, taking the lead. The spectators gasped.
"It's a light user," Aethra said, his voice tinged with surprise.
Rylan ran alongside the other students, his heart pounding. The other students were surprisingly strong and fast. He looked back, expecting to see the others running, but they weren't.
Back in the palace, a scene of privilege and pride unfolded.
"Hahah, our kids will be stronger than us," a group of Lords said, their voices overflowing with confidence.
"You there, Xavier!" The king's voice boomed, his eyes fixed on the mage.
"The kids you trained will not be a disappointment, right?" the king asked.
"Oh, not my king," Xavier replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I think my son will be staying on the top," the king said proudly.
"He trained with a general."
"Yes, your majesty, your son will stay on that top," the Lords agreed, their voices echoing the king's sentiments.
They knew in their hearts that their offspring were better, born with privilege and power.
Xavier, standing silently amongst the nobles, thought, "You're quite wrong, my king."
Back at the race, a wave of shock swept through the crowd.
"Did you see that?" Leo asked, his voice filled with astonishment.
"Why aren't they running?" The Langly brothers thought. Maybe they were overwhelmed by us, they thought, their faces flushed with a mixture of smugness and confusion.
"What are they doing?" Aethra said, his gaze fixed on the three figures.
"Yeah, they're slow and excessive," Rethrus agreed, his brow furrowed.
The three students, Rethrus, Aethra, and Leo, had silently encased their feet in a thin layer of mana.
They were no longer running, they were skipping, moving with a graceful fluidity that belied their speed. Their opponents gasped in disbelief as the trio quickly caught up to the leading pack.
"What?!" Julian and Jasper thought, their faces contorted in shock as they watched Rethrus, Aethra, and Leo pass them with seemingly effortless speed.
Rylan, panting and gasping for breath, caught a glimpse of a brown-haired boy with a gauntlet. He was leaping through the air, his movements like a wild animal, landing with a soft thump, his feet barely touching the ground.
The race continued, a blur of motion and determination. The three—Rethrus, Aethra, and Leo—had finally caught up to Jasper, who was struggling to regain his lead. Jasper, flustered by the sudden surge of competition, had forgotten to cast a spell and was now falling behind.
As the race neared its end, the three were almost neck and neck, their faces set in grim determination. Then, with a burst of speed that sent a shockwave through the crowd, Aethra accelerated. He had ignited his feet with fire, his body a blur of blazing speed.
Rylan, who had been lagging behind, watched in stunned disbelief. He remembered Aethra's words:
"You might choose a weak opponent if you wanna pass." He realized he'd been wrong. Aethra was anything but weak.
"Did he just light his feet on fire without casting a spell?" The person in charge thought, his eyes wide in astonishment.
Leo, observing Aethra's audacious move, turned his back to the finish line. He channeled mana into his gauntlet, his fists clenched tight. With a powerful punch, he propelled himself forward, surpassing Rethrus, who was unable to keep up with his sudden burst of speed.
"Did he just punch the air?" The Langly brothers thought, their faces etched with disbelief.
Rethrus, despite being overtaken by Leo, maintained his focus. He pushed himself harder, his determination fueled by the thrill of the race and the desire to prove himself. He knew he was close.
The finish line loomed closer. Aethra, a streak of fire, crossed the line first. Leo, his gauntlet glowing, followed closely behind. The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices echoing through the courtyard.
Rethrus, his face flushed with exertion, threw himself forward, his staff helping propel him forward. He crossed the finish line, his breath ragged but his eyes filled with determination. He came in third, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.
Jasper, his breathing ragged but his face resolute, finished fourth. Julian, his earth magic still surging around him, came in fifth. And Rylan, exhausted but undeterred, crossed the finish line twentieth.
Rylan was silent, a knot of disappointment settling in his stomach. He had failed the speed test. The others, energized by the challenge, headed off to their next tests.