Part 10:
It was mid-morning, though the atmosphere felt heavier than the time of day would suggest. The air buzzed with the nervous chatter of students from every race—elves, humans, dwarves, vampires, and even some dragons in humanoid forms. Many had come with their parents, who stood nearby, offering words of encouragement or simply watching with quiet anticipation. For most, this entrance exam was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the culmination of years of preparation and sacrifice. But for Lucian, the scene was a stark contrast to his own experience.
He had arrived at Astradel Academy instantly, thanks to Seraphina's powerful teleportation magic. Despite the journey to Havenmoor typically taking four days, Lucian found himself at the academy in the blink of an eye. As he walked through the academy's expansive grounds, he marveled at the sheer size of it. It rivaled the entirety of Havenmoor, a city in its own right, enclosed within ancient stone walls adorned with magical runes that shimmered faintly in the daylight.
Students huddled around various courtyards and gardens, nervously poring over books or practicing last-minute spells. The academy's architecture was grand—tall spires, intricate carvings, and sweeping staircases that wound through the various sections of the campus. Even the garden Lucian had chosen to sit in was enormous, far beyond what one might expect. Calling it a mere garden seemed inadequate, as it sprawled out like a small forest, complete with magical fountains and rare flora from different parts of the world.
As he observed his surroundings, an announcement echoed through the grounds, the voice amplified by magic: "Attention, all candidates. The entrance exam will begin shortly. Please report to your assigned examination hall according to the roll numbers provided."
Lucian rose from his seat, his eyes calm, and began to make his way toward the designated exam halls. Students bustled around him, clutching their test cards, their faces tight with anxiety. Unlike them, Lucian felt no pressure. He found his exam room and took a seat near the back, choosing a spot where he could easily observe the other candidates. After a brief period of waiting, the written portion of the entrance exam began.
For Lucian, the written test was trivial. The questions ranged from advanced magical theory and ancient lore to mathematics, politics, and combat strategy. Most students struggled, their faces etched with concentration as they wrestled with the material. Lucian, on the other hand, completed it in a fraction of the time, leaving many questions intentionally blank. His goal was to remain unnoticed. Even though he knew every answer, scoring too high would draw unnecessary attention. He aimed for a rank around 6000-7000, enough to pass but not enough to stand out.
Three hours passed, and the exam ended. Many students left the room with tears in their eyes, devastated by their performance. Lucian remained indifferent, quietly observing the others as they reacted to their perceived failure. He knew many of them had spent their entire lives preparing for this moment, while he had hardly given it any thought.
An hour and five minutes later, the results were posted on magical boards spread across the campus. Out of the 1-2 million applicants, Lucian's name appeared at rank 289. He had hoped to rank lower, but even with his attempt to downplay his abilities, his performance was still extraordinary. Only 15,000 to 16,000 students would pass the written test and move on to the next stage.
The second test focused on magical aptitude. Lucian, along with the remaining students, was directed toward a series of chambers—large, transparent rooms equipped with intricate magical devices. Each chamber corresponded to a student's number, and they would be assessed one by one. The test measured everything from mana reserves and magical affinity to the strength of one's connection to different elements.
Lucian entered his chamber, feeling the slight hum of magic as the room began its scan. The devices glowed as they analyzed his mana, reading his suppressed abilities. Thanks to a ring given to him by Seraphina, his overwhelming power was reduced to just one-fourth of its actual capacity. Additionally, his appearance had been altered—his once white hair now a subtle brown, and his crimson eyes shifted to a light green. Even his aura was carefully masked, allowing him to blend in with the other students.
After the second test concluded, the results were posted. This time, Lucian ranked 189th. His suppression had worked, but not entirely—his natural aptitude for magic still outshone many of the prodigies gathered at the academy. Only 6,000-7,000 students remained for the final test.
The last part of the entrance exam tested physical abilities—strength, speed, endurance, and combat skills. The training grounds were filled with students from prestigious families, their banners proudly displayed. Among them, Lucian noticed the Steelhart family, known for their advanced swordsmanship, as well as representatives from the Lunaris family, masters of magic. There were also members of the Valtheris family, like Seraphina, excelling in both magic and swordsmanship. Even the Astral family, royalty and heirs to the Imperial throne, had a presence. From dragons in their humanoid forms to noble elves, the diversity of the academy's candidates was striking.
The physical challenges were grueling—tests of stamina, agility, swordplay, and magical combat that pushed the students to their limits. Many dropped out halfway, collapsing under the strain. Lucian, however, completed each task effortlessly, holding back his true strength to avoid standing out. Despite his restraint, his performance was exceptional.
When the final results were announced, Lucian ranked 81st overall, securing his place among the top students. Those who ranked in the top 250 were given private rooms within the academy's exclusive dormitories, and Lucian found himself among them.
And so, his life at Astradel Academy officially began.
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Astradel Academy Structure:
Astradel Academy was divided into several sections, each catering to different disciplines—Magic, Swordsmanship, Combat Strategy, Politics, and Ancient Lore. The academy itself was like a city, with towering buildings, research facilities, libraries containing knowledge from across the world, and various training grounds designed to test even the strongest of students. Its reputation as the premier institution for the elite was well-earned. Students came not just to learn, but to compete, knowing that their performance here could determine their future standing in the world.
The academy was governed by a council of esteemed professors, each a master in their field. The headmaster was a figure of mystery, rumored to be one of the most powerful mages alive. Every year, the entrance exam drew applicants from all races and kingdoms, though few ever made it past the rigorous tests.
In the coming days, Lucian would face challenges unlike any he had encountered before, not in terms of power, but in navigating the complex social dynamics of Astradel. Here, raw strength wasn't enough—politics, alliances, and rivalries shaped the future of every student.
And Lucian was ready for it all.
To be continued~