After running for a while, Casphian reached the forest's edge. Without hesitation, he climbed a nearby tree and began casting.
'Aqua Lance.'
He opened with a tier four spell to secure a sure kill from afar. Five Aqua lances shot forward, and with the aid of his Enhanced Sense, each one struck at a distance of nearly a hundred meters.
Five monsters collapsed instantly, their skulls pierced clean through.
Casphian didn't stop. Spell after spell rained down, picking off beasts as they charged. Even so, their overwhelming numbers barely decreased, and soon the horde was less than thirty meters away.
"Tsk." Casphian clicked his tongue, leaping to another tree to maintain distance while continuing his barrage.
Minutes passed. Hopping from branch to branch and firing lower tier spells without pause, he had eliminated nearly ninety percent of the monsters.
That was when—
ROAR!
[ You have been inflicted by a negative effect: Lesser Drake's Fear. ]
[ Overall stats decreased by 3 (Temporary) ]
[ Movement restricted for 3 seconds. ]
"Shit." Casphian cursed as his body froze, helpless, while dozens of monsters charged straight at him.
…
"This is absurd." Vlad's eyes widened as he watched the screen.
A first-year—no, an entrant who hadn't even begun his lessons—was firing tier four spells with flawless accuracy from a hundred meters away. Not only landing hits, but headshots.
He continued watching as Casphian single-handedly wiped out almost the entire horde—something that would normally require a team of seasoned B rank adventurers.
"What a monster." Vlad muttered, though his smile betrayed his satisfaction.
Moments later, Casphian's vision blurred as the monsters rammed into him, killing him instantly. He fell back into reality, slumping against the floor.
"I'm back…?" he murmured, disoriented.
"Good work." Vlad said warmly. "What a talented child we have here."
"Did I… pass?" Casphian asked cautiously.
"HAHAHAHA!" Vlad let out a hearty laugh. "You passed with flying marks! I could even place you straight into the second year if you wanted."
"Eh? But I didn't survive for four hours…"
"True, you didn't." Vlad admitted. "But you were able to eliminate more than half. This test was made for me to observe your instincts and decision-making. Even Blair Duvall of the House of Scorpio couldn't kill half that horde, yet you cleared over seventy percent. That is more than enough reason."
Casphian rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"So? Should I place you in second year?" Vlad pressed.
"Ah, I'd rather not! I prefer to start as a first-year." Casphian quickly declined.
Vlad looked at him and spoke in a serious tone. "Hmm... Now then, why are you hiding your other affinity?"
"..."
Casphian froze for a moment before answering. "It's a long story. Let's just say... I have special circumstances, Headmaster."
"Hmm. Fine. But couldn't you at least reveal another one? It would make this school year far more... interesting." Vlad grinned.
"Can I decline?"
"Not really."
"..."
Casphian was left speechless once again.
"Hah... Fine. I'll show my Ice Affinity too, Headmaster." Casphian eventually gave in after a few minutes of pondering.
"Good!" Vlad's smile this time was genuine.
"How did you know I had another affinity aside from water?" Casphian asked, suddenly doubting the perfection of his
"That's a secret." Vlad smirked, clearly amused.
"Now then," He continued as he rose from his chair. "I'll show you to your dorm."
...
The Headmaster led Casphian through the academy grounds, his short stride surprisingly fast for his size. Students they passed along the way whispered curiously, some glancing at Casphian with interest, others with envy.
After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a tall, and pristine building.
Vlad gestured toward the structure. "This will be yours for the duration of your time as a student here."
Casphian blinked in disbelief. "This whole building?"
"That's right." Vlad said with a knowing smile. "It's is a private dorm reserved only for special admissions or… students of exceptional potential. Consider it recognition of your abilities."
Casphian stepped forward, pushing the door open. The interior was even more extravagant than the outside—spacious halls lined with lamps, marble floors that reflected the glow, and furniture that looked as though they were crafted by royal artisans. Each room carried faint mana enchantments for warmth, cleanliness, and durability.
He turned back to Vlad, unsure whether to be grateful or overwhelmed. "This is… far too much for just one student."
"Perhaps." Vlad admitted, chuckling softly. "But you'll find Celestia holds itself to higher standards. You are expected to grow strong enough to make use of such comforts. Don't disappoint me, Casphian Arcana."
Casphian bowed slightly. "I'll do my best, Headmaster."
"Good." Vlad clasped his hands behind his back. "Tomorrow will be the start of your new life here. Rest well—you'll need it."
With that, the Headmaster left, leaving Casphian alone inside his new dormitory.
...
Back in his office, Vlad let out a long sigh.
"What an interesting child." he muttered under his breath. During their walk, he had taken the chance to carefully examine Casphian, and what he discovered left him shaken. The boy did not merely possess three affinities—he carried traces of nearly every element.
One in particular made Vlad's skin crawl. It was foreign, unfamiliar even to his vast knowledge, and its mere presence sent a chill down his spine.
"I'll need to keep a close eye on that child…He's dangerous." Vlad whispered, his gaze darkening.