James, Silvia, and Kayle passed through the grand gates of Vanessa Academy, stepping into a vast and breathtaking campus. It was so large that some students rode bicycles just to move between buildings. The air buzzed with energy and chatter as students hurried along the paved paths.
Students from the Knight Division wore sleek black uniforms accented with red spike-like patterns on their shoulders—sharply cut, prestigious, and intimidating. They looked like they belonged to one of the four greatest academies in the empire, each with confident postures and striking appearances.
On the other hand, Magic Department students were dressed in elegant white uniforms embroidered with a graceful blue phoenix on the shoulders. The female students wore white shirts and courts paired with blue skirts, their presence radiating grace and mystique.
James and Silvia couldn't help but be captivated.
"If we get in, we'll be wearing those uniforms too," James muttered in awe.
"It really feels like a dream," Silvia whispered.
Eventually, the three reached the reception hall. Silvia stepped forward and handed a letter of recommendation to the young woman at the desk.
"Oh! You must be the ones recommended by Sir Jackson," the receptionist said with a bright smile.
"Yes," Silvia replied.
"Well, anyone recommended by him must be exceptional. Sir Jackson only puts forward those who truly catch his eye. Please wait here for a moment—I'll call you when it's time."
As they waited, James couldn't contain his excitement.
"Just look around. That building over there is the swordsmanship hall. Next to it, there's a gym, a personal training ground, magic laboratories, and even separate dormitories. This place has everything!"
"Yeah," Silvia said, eyes wide with wonder. "It's like a fantasy world."
They turned to Kayle, who remained quiet.
"This place really is huge," he said simply.
James grinned. "This guy's always lost in his own thoughts."
"At least he has thoughts," Silvia replied sharply.
"Yeah, yeah, go ahead and defend your sweetheart," James teased, smirking.
Silvia calmly crushed his foot under her heel. James yelped, but Aeon only smiled to himself, happy to see them enjoying the moment.
Soon, the receptionist returned. "Excuse me. Since you're recommended by Sir Jackson, you'll be taking your entrance exams separately. There will be two sections: written and practical. Knights will take their practical tests on the left wing—the Swordmaster's Hall. Mages will head to the right, to the Magic Training Facility. The practical exam for both groups will be evaluated independently. You may proceed."
James headed toward the swordsmanship wing, while Kayle and Silvia walked toward the magic section.
---
Magic Training Facility
Silvia entered the examination room first. Five professors sat at a long table, observing her quietly.
"Candidate: Silvia. Recommended by Sir Jackson, correct?" asked a woman seated at the far left, her soft pink hair framing gentle eyes.
"Yes, ma'am," Silvia responded respectfully.
This was Professor Lucy, a powerful Sixth Circle mage and a senior professor in the Magic Department.
"Since you're recommended by Sir Jackson, we'll be testing you separately from the others. Naturally, our expectations are high."
"I'll do my best, ma'am," Silvia said, standing tall.
"Very well. First, we'll test your magical power. See that dummy to your right? Use your strongest spell and destroy it."
Silvia nodded. Steadying her breath, she raised her hand and chanted softly. Flames erupted from her palm as she cast Ignite, the flames surging with intensity and crashing into the dummy like a blazing inferno.
The fire roared so fiercely that it reached the ceiling, the heat licking at the stone walls. The dummy didn't just burn—it was reduced to ash.
The examiners stared in stunned silence.
Ignite was a basic first-tier fire spell, but Silvia had cast it with such immense force that it reached the level of advanced magic. The intensity of even a simple spell reflects the user's mana capacity. A low-tier mage could barely singe the dummy—but a high-tier one could raze buildings with the same spell.
That dummy had been crafted from redwood, known for its resistance to flame. Silvia hadn't just damaged it—she had obliterated it.
"I… I can't believe it," muttered a blue-haired man on the far right, his jaw slack.
This was Professor Mark, a Sixth Circle mage and seasoned instructor.
"No wonder Sir Jackson recommended her," added Professor Olivia, a blonde-haired woman seated beside him. Her red eyes were wide with admiration.
"Well… this just got interesting," said Professor Orlando, the green-haired man with a smirk tugging at his lips.
Silvia kept her posture calm, though she was slightly nervous under their scrutiny.
At last, the woman in the center leaned forward. Her long white hair shimmered, and her piercing blue eyes examined Silvia with rare approval.
"You've passed," she said.
This was Headmaster Elizabeth, an Eighth Circle mage—the most powerful mage in the entire academy.
Silvia exhaled softly, her eyes lighting up. She had done it.
Silvia walked out of the exam room with a face glowing with joy and pride. She had done it. She passed.
Back inside the room, the professors were still processing what they had witnessed.
"I can't believe what I just saw," Mark said, shaking his head. "She really learned all that without any formal training? How did Sir Jackson even find her?"
"Yeah... who would've thought a commoner had that much talent?" Lucy added, her voice laced with admiration.
"I think I've found the best elemental mage I've seen in years," Orlando declared. "I'll be taking her as my assistant."
"Excuse me?" Olivia cut in sharply. "She clearly excels in fire magic, and I have the best fire affinity in the academy. So, obviously, she should be my assistant."
"Oh please, just because you're good with fire doesn't mean you get her," Orlando scoffed. "I teach elemental studies. For all we know, she may have affinities with multiple elements. She's only demonstrated Ignite. She needs someone with a broader scope. Like me."
"I dare you, tea-leaf-head!" Olivia snapped.
"And you're one to talk, walking volcano!" Orlando shot back.
"Enough, both of you," Lucy said, sighing. "Show some respect in front of the Headmaster."
The two professors muttered under their breath but settled down in their seats.
"Headmaster," Mark said carefully, "what do you think about the girl?"
Elizabeth, calm and composed, looked thoughtful. "She's good," she said, her tone distant. "She reminds me... of him."
Mark stiffened. "You mean... him?"
"We'll see," Elizabeth said quietly. "If she can become like him."
Outside the hall, Kayle was waiting for Silvia.
"Kayle, I did it!" Silvia exclaimed, her face lit up with a radiant smile. "I passed!"
"You passed? But the tests are still ongoing, and rankings haven't even been announced yet," Kayle replied.
"One of the instructors told me directly that I passed."
"They told you themselves?" Kayle raised an eyebrow.
"That's what I'm saying, you dummy," Silvia grinned.
"Huh… First time I've heard someone getting their results before the others."
"Well, maybe I'm just that impressive. Now it's your turn—go and blow them away!"
Kayle smiled faintly. "Okay."
Inside the Examination Room
As Kayle stepped in, he quickly recognized the professors: Mark, Olivia, Lucy, and Orlando. But his eyes paused on the last person—Elizabeth, the Eighth Circle Mage, famously known as the Ice Sage.
She was supposed to be in her office, handling academy administration. But her notorious habit of sneaking away from work and leaving everything to her assistant, Professor Iris, was well known. Her reason? She liked to observe students in person—especially ones with potential.
Now, she sat disguised as just another professor.
"Next candidate: Kayle," Lucy announced. "Also recommended by Sir Jackson."
"Yes, ma'am," Kayle responded.
"This is the first time Sir Jackson has recommended more than one student," Mark noted.
"Not two—three," Olivia corrected.
"Three?" Mark blinked. "But we've only received two recommendation letters."
"The third student is in the Knight Department," Olivia explained. "All three came from the same place."
"So, they grew up together?" Orlando asked.
"Yes."
"Well, let's see if this boy is as talented as the girl," Orlando said, folding his arms.
"Kayle, are you ready?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then begin. Destroy the dummy in front of you."
Kayle stepped forward and glanced at the wooden dummy. He thought to himself:
> I think this is my 30th time taking a test like this. Let's keep it simple.
He knew the dummy was made from fire-resistant redwood. Rather than using fire, Kayle focused his mana and cast Wind Slash—targeting the exact same spot three times in a row.
With sharp precision, the dummy split cleanly into two and collapsed to the floor.
The room fell into stunned silence. Wide eyes and slack jaws were shared among the professors.
"Is this a dream?" Mark muttered.
"He's completely different from the girl," Olivia said. "He cut the dummy cleanly in three moves… and that focus—like a master archer from the Elven tribes."
"Impossible," Orlando whispered. "A commoner? With that much precision?"
"I think I've found my assistant," Lucy said in disbelief.
"No, no, don't you start now!" Mark groaned.
"Well, now I'm conflicted," Orlando muttered. "How do I even choose?"
Kayle simply stood there, watching them argue like children.
Then Lucy addressed him. "Kayle, have you received prior training in magic?"
"No, ma'am," Kayle replied.
"Then how do you explain what we just saw? You sliced a redwood dummy into two using only a basic Wind Slash spell."
"I used to hunt rabbits and deer back in my village near the forest," Kayle explained. "That's where I honed my aim. I learned mana sensing only a month ago, with Sir Jackson's help."
"Wait… are you saying you couldn't even use magic a month ago?" Mark and Olivia asked in unison, their jaws practically unhinged.
"Yes, ma'am. I learned Wind Slash at Sir Jackson's estate and practiced it for a month."
"I must be dreaming," Mark mumbled. "Olivia, pinch me."
She pinched him—hard.
"OW! You really did it!" he yelped.
Elizabeth chuckled. "This year's students are… interesting."
"Kayle, you may leave now," Lucy said.
Kayle nodded and exited the room.
"Well they must be shocked. Although I used wind slash but I aimed at single point. It's all thanks to Railo one of my comrades from another world". Aeon said.
---
Back inside, the professors sat in silence for a moment.
"Those two… they're not just kids. They're monsters," Mark whispered.
"If we guide them properly," Olivia said, "they might even surpass us."
Elizabeth smiled. "Not just you. Even me."
Everyone turned to her, stunned.
"Headmaster, I know they're talented—but you're an Eighth Circle Mage! One of the Eight Stars of the Empire. Are you saying they could become Ninth Circle mages? A Century Mage?" Mark asked, shocked.
"In all of Athelia's history, only five people have ever broken through the wall of the Eighth Circle. The moment they attempted to draw the Ninth Circle, their hearts exploded from the mana overload. No one has succeeded in over 500 years. Not even you—The Ice Sage."
Elizabeth's expression didn't waver. "The future will tell us everything."
Outside
Silvia was waiting.
"Let's go," Kayle said, approaching her.
"How was your test? Did you pass?" she asked.
"They didn't say," Kayle replied. "Just told me to leave after the test."
"They didn't tell you anything?" Silvia asked, surprised.
"Not everyone's as talented as you," Kayle smirked.
"Hmph. Well, you're still pretty amazing."
"Come on, let's find James."
---
They returned to the reception hall, where James was waiting near the gate.
"How was the test, big bro?" Silvia asked.
"Easy. They told me to cut the dummy, so I sliced it clean in two. You should've seen their faces!" James grinned proudly.
"Wow! Kayle and I also did our best. And guess what? They already told me I passed."
"What?! Seriously? In advance?" James blinked.
"Alright, let's get something to eat," Kayle suggested.
"Yeah, I'm starving after all that," James said.
"When are you not hungry?" Silvia rolled her eyes.
"Your darling is hungry too, my dear sister," James whispered teasingly in her ear.
Silvia punched him in the face and stormed off with Kayle.
James rubbed his cheek, grinning. "She's always shy about Kayle. But as long as she's happy…"
---
Cafeteria
The academy cafeteria looked more like a grand restaurant. It was buzzing with students enjoying their meals. Silvia and James entered for the first time, their eyes sparkling with awe.
James stared at the menu. "I've never even heard of half these dishes… I want to try everything!"
"Let's eat," Silvia said, "but not everything, you glutton. We still have our written test this afternoon."
"But I need energy to sit there and write," James protested.
"That's even more reason to eat less—or you'll fall asleep during the test. I know you too well."
They ordered, ate their lunch with big smiles, and headed off toward their next challenge—the written exam.
On the Way to the Written Test
James, Silvia, and Kayle were on their way to the written test. Silvia and Kayle walked calmly, but James wore a tense expression on his face.
"You didn't study at all this past month, did you?" Silvia asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I did! I studied really hard. I'm just nervous, that's all," James replied quickly.
Silvia smirked. "I know you better than you know yourself, big bro. You just ate and swung your sword around all month. No books involved."
"I studied while you two were asleep!" James protested.
"Oh? Do you really think I'd believe that nonsense?"
"Believe me or not, it's up to you."
"Yeah, yeah. We'll see. But if you screw this up and fail... I swear I'll become your worst nightmare."
James's face paled slightly. He knew Silvia wasn't bluffing.
During the Written Test
They entered the hall and began the written test. Kayle and Silvia breezed through it without much effort, finishing early and stepping outside in high spirits. James, however, came out chewing his nails, his face a mix of fear and regret. One look at him, and the others knew—he'd likely bombed it.
Back at Sir Jackson's Estate
By evening, the trio returned to Sir Jackson's estate, exhausted from a long day of moving from one room to another. After freshening up, eating dinner, and a short chat, they went to bed early.
The next morning, after breakfast, they met with Sir Jackson in his study.
"Good morning, sir!" they greeted him together.
"Good morning, young ones. I hope you've eaten well?" he asked kindly.
"Yes, sir."
"So, how did the test go? What do you think?" he asked, curious.
"It went well," Silvia said with a bright smile. "One of the professors evaluating me even told me on the spot that I passed."
"Oh? They told you your result in advance? That's quite impressive," Jackson said with a proud nod.
"Thank you, sir."
"And you, Kayle?"
"It went well, sir," Kayle replied calmly.
"I did great in the swordsmanship test," James added, "but I'm not sure about the written part…"
"Don't worry too much about that. The written test is just to assess your basic knowledge. As long as your practical performance was strong, you have a solid chance," Jackson reassured him.
James's eyes lit up. "Really? Then I'm feeling confident again!"
A Private Exchange
After Silvia and James left, Jackson turned to Kayle. "Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"
Kayle nodded and pulled a small vial from his pocket. "Sir, I found this near the well before we left the village."
Jackson took the vial .it was sealed , so he uncorked it. A pungent, suffocating odor hit him immediately.
"You... Where did you get this?"
"As I said—near the well. Is it some kind of poison?"
"Yes. A very dangerous one," Jackson said grimly. "Why didn't you hand it over in the village?"
"I didn't know what it was. It was sealed tight—I thought it was something valuable someone lost, so I kept it."
"I see. Leave it to me. I'll investigate this further."
"Understood, sir," Kayle said before heading out.
Jackson held the vial tightly, his expression darkening. Oklo Village was struck by plague… Could this be related?
One Week Later – Results Day at Vanessa Academy
The academy was buzzing with excitement and nerves. Silvia, confident in her performance, still couldn't help feeling anxious. Kayle stood beside her, calm and composed. He already had a good idea of how he'd done.
A crowd had formed in front of the results board.
"I passed!"
"Where's my name? Move, let me see!"
"Who got first place?!"
"Hey! Don't push!"
"Who is she? The one who topped the magic test?"
"No idea. First time seeing her."
Whispers and chatter filled the air as James and Silvia pushed through the crowd to see the results. Their jaws dropped.
Silvia was ranked first in the mage department and fifth in the written exam.
"What? You got first?!" James exclaimed, stunned. He quickly scanned the list for his own name. "Tenth in practical… and 99th in written? I barely made it…"
Then they looked for Kayle. He was ranked third in both the practical and written exams.
"Kayle, how did you do that?!" James cried. "We both suck at studying—don't lie to me!"
"What do you mean 'how'? He's clearly talented!" Silvia said proudly.
"Yeah, yeah. You know your sweetheart best," James teased.
Silvia's fist found his stomach.
"Ugh—what's with the violence?!" James groaned as Silvia walked off, hand-in-hand with Kayle.
Kayle glanced at Silvia, her cheeks flushed red. She looks so cute when she's shy, he thought. He gently squeezed her hand and walked beside her with a soft smile.
That Evening at Sir Jackson's Estate
"So, you've all officially enrolled," Jackson said, beaming with pride. "I'm very happy for you."
"It's all thanks to you, sir," they replied in unison.
"The classes will commence in a week, so get ready and work hard," Jackson said firmly.
"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison.
"Now go and get some rest. I've already arranged for a tailor to make your uniforms. Head there tomorrow to get your measurements taken. He'll have them ready before classes start."
"Sir," Silvia said, stepping forward with a respectful bow, "we don't know how to thank you. You saved us and helped us get into the Academy. We owe you so much."
"There's no need to thank me," Jackson said with a soft smile. "It was your talent and effort that got you into the Academy. All I ask is that when you graduate, you use your strength and knowledge to support the Empire."
"We'll live up to your expectations," they promised together.
"Good. Now go and rest."
"Yes, sir."
One Week Later – Vanessa Academy
A week passed in the blink of an eye. Now, standing before the grand gates of Vanessa Academy, James, Silvia, and Kayle looked up at the towering buildings that would shape their future.
Dressed in crisp new uniforms, they felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. This was more than a school—it was the beginning of their new lives.
Vanessa Academy… here we come, they thought in unison, stepping forward into their next chapter.