Far into the horizon a massive wall surrounded a bustling city. The city was filled with people of different races mingling together and engaging in different businesses. The massive walls surrounded the city protecting it like a guardian against external threats.
This was the Imperial Capital Ereneas!
As the carriage rode closer to the gate they saw a long line of people in front of the gate.
"To think there is a long line just to enter the gate. I hope we won't have to wait long. " Izana shifted his gaze from the crowd to the coachman.
"Don't worry young master the guards won't even dare to stop the carriage since it has the Raiden family crest. " The coachman replied.
And just as he said they were not stopped to pay a gate fee or had to wait in line. Once the guards saw the carriage they saluted and didn't bother them again.
Although some citizens voiced their disapproval they were ignored and they did not attack the carriage for fear of the noble inside.
After passing through the gate's the magnificent city was in full view. The buildings were structured correctly and looked beautiful. The roads were clean and well tiled allowing for smooth passage with carriages.
The population was much, about 10 million citizens both civilians and adventurers alike. As the carriage drove forwards, Izana saw another wall separating the common district and the noble district.
Passing through the gate's into the noble district was also easy for them because of their status and the academy pass which have the mana signature of the principal of the academy himself.
Izana noticed a stark difference between the noble district and the common district. For one the roads were cleaner, the buildings were better overall and they all had their own insignia and the roads weren't packed with citizens but nobles that walked in a refined manner as if begging for attention.
When they saw the carriage many were curious about the passenger but as the saw the insignia many stood in respect.
The news of the Heddo incident has spread to the capital and around the kingdom. The kingdom have come to fear the Raiden territory and bandits even tend to avoid staying close to the territory.
The carriage strayed from the main road and drove towards a building, the most surprising thing was the crowd in front of the building having more people than the noble in this district. Thus was the Imperial Academy registration and test site.
The carriage parked and Izana came down from it, his appearance got the crowd attention his facial features were perfect but the most striking characteristic was his electric yellow eyes which signified the Raiden blood.
Instantly a path was cleared for him to pass, he didn't ask for it but his presence commanded it. Izana was confused but he didn't think too much and just continued moving till he reached the front where a group of people were registering.
"Ano I came for the entrance exam. What should I do? " Izana asked the receptionist.
The receptionist looked for his file for a minute. Then arranged her posture and gave a little bow.
"Mr Izana please sign here and touch that crystal ball before you go for the exam and also give me your pass. " Izana did exactly what she said and gave her his pass. The crystal ball glowed with a bright red indicating the fire element before dimming. "Now that you are registered move to the waiting room on the left of the hallway were you will be interviewed. "
"Thanks. " Izana thanked her then went down the hallway and took a left turn and entered the door. A few minutes later and his name was called and he entered the other room.
Inside the room a man in his early thirties sat calmly on his seat. He had long blonde hair that reached his shoulders and wore glasses which rested lazily on his nose which he promptly adjusted. He waited until Izana sat on the seat opposite him before opening his mouth to speak.
"Good afternoon Mr Izana, my name is Alfred I will be your examiner for the oral exam. The purpose of this exam is for the academy to know more about you. Answer only the question asked. Let's begin. " Alfred adjusted his glasses again.
"Mr Izana what is your element. "
"Fire magic. "
"That means you are a future dual or triple. Impressive. Next question. "
"What is your mastery of your element. "
"I'll say it's pretty decent. I have been training for six years so I'll say it's okay. "
After a few more questions, Alfred retrieved a slip from a chest on the table then gave it to Izana. "That is the practical exam pass show it to the receptionist and she will guide you to the test site. "
Izana gave a quick bow then left the room with the slip. "This School is no joke so many procedures just to enter it and many will fail. I must not slack so that I will not fail. " As he vowed he entered the reception center and met the receptionist and told her what Mr Alfred told him.
The receptionist led him to a massive white marble hall filled with other candidates and examiners. People of different ages gathered here. It is known that if you fail to enter the academy when you are 16 years you can try till when you are 18 years.
An hour later and the hall was filled up, people were discussing potential strategies, allies and enemies especially the weaker individuals. Izana just rested on the wall and took his time to observe everyone.
After a few more minutes of waiting and no new face coming into the hall, an old man with white hair and a long white beard climbed onto the stage and opened his mouth.
"Good Afternoon candidates. " His voice was low but it still reached everyone's ears. "I am the chief Examiner of the Imperial Academy and I am pleased to announce the beginning of the practical test for the Academy! "