The morning sky above the Royal Academy of Aezrith was painted a dull gray. A light mist covered the central courtyard where new students gathered in their freshly issued training uniforms—white-blue and black, with the academy's crest on the left chest.
Kael stood among the crowd, quietly steadying his breath. His hair was slightly tousled by the morning breeze, but his sharp gaze scanned the faces around him.
> "So noisy," he muttered.
Not far away, Leinhardt approached with an easy gait, his long sword strapped to his back.
> "Perfect morning to start our first day, huh?" he said with a grin.
Kael merely nodded.
> "I heard we'll be tested today. The results will determine group placement."
> "I don't really care about the system. As long as it's honest."
Suddenly, the sound of steady footsteps echoed across the stone floor.
The students instinctively parted to make way.
Irelith appeared, wearing a modified deep-blue uniform adorned with silver embroidery. Her silvery hair was half tied back, and her gaze was as sharp as ever. But when her eyes met Kael's, her expression softened slightly.
> "You look like you belong here," she said, walking up to him.
> "And you look ready to massacre an entire class," Kael replied.
> "That was the plan," she smiled faintly.
Before the conversation could continue, the academy bell rang. A black-haired woman stepped onto the platform at the front of the formation.
> "Attention." Her voice was sharp.
> "I am Instructor Callista. Starting today, I will be your worst nightmare for the next three months."
A few chuckles rose from the crowd, but they quickly died down under her icy gaze.
> "Today, you will take your initial tests—two exams: magic and physical combat. Your scores will determine your position and training partners."
> "We'll start with numbers 001 to 010. Step forward."
Kael glanced at the bracelet on his wrist.
> "I'm number 006," he said to Leinhardt.
> "007. Of course we're lined up together," Leinhardt replied. "Maybe the gods want us to suffer side by side."
Irelith checked hers and stepped closer.
> "005. Looks like fate keeps putting us in the same chapter."
Kael glanced at the front of the line, eyes narrowing at a blond-haired boy standing calmly.
> "That guy looks like trouble... Number 001. I'm looking forward to fighting him."
---
Magic Evaluation Room
The chamber was filled with glowing crystal balls and magical instruments. Arcane light shimmered in the air.
Callista stood in the center.
> "Channel your mana into the crystal. Let it determine your elemental affinity and control."
Kael stepped forward, raising his hand and pressing it against the crystal.
Immediately, a soft blue light spiraled outward from the core—calm and steady.
> "Primary Element: Blue Flame. Control: Stable. Potential: Mid-High."
Callista nodded.
Irelith watched from behind. Her eyes flickered with something unreadable.
> "He's improving," she murmured.
Leinhardt stepped up next. As he touched the crystal, wild lightning arced upward.
> "Element: Lightning. Control... highly unstable. But potential is strong."
Leinhardt shot Kael a wink.
> "You might see me explode one day."
Then came Number 001—the blond student with an almost feminine face. Kael squinted.
> "Wait… is he even a guy?"
When the boy placed his hand on the crystal, a blinding light filled the room.
> "Holy magic. Mid to upper-tier," Callista murmured.
> "Called it. Definitely someone to watch," Kael thought.
Students 002 onward showed a range of abilities, most landing in low-high or mid-mid categories.
Irelith, as expected, stood out with dual-elemental affinity—Fire (Upper-Low) and Wind (Mid-High). Roughly 20 students caught Kael's attention as potential rivals.
---
Physical Combat Test
Kael stood in an open arena, facing a student from a lesser house named Cern.
At the bell, his opponent charged with a wooden sword.
Kael waited, pivoted, and swept his leg low. The boy hit the ground, and Kael held his sword tip just above the opponent's chest.
> "Winner: Kael Rynthier," the proctor announced.
From the sidelines, Irelith folded her arms.
> "Huh. Since when did he get that strong?" she mused. "He wasn't this good last time."
> "Still a long way from being reassuring," Leinhardt added.
---
Group Announcement
That afternoon, students gathered in the outer courtyard. A cool breeze carried the scent of damp grass and magical flora.
Callista returned to the stage.
> "Based on the results, you've been assigned to training groups of five. You'll train together, fight together, and... perhaps survive together."
> "Group 3: Irelith Veir, Kael Rynthier, Leinhardt Ibelion, Rose Oliver, and Perona Airst."
Leinhardt tapped his chest proudly.
> "Heh. Looks like we're stuck together again, bro."
Kael smirked faintly.
Irelith stepped forward.
> "I won't wait for you to catch up. If you fall behind... stay behind."
> "If I fall behind, feel free to push me," Kael replied. "Just don't stab me in the back."
A hint of a smile played on Irelith's lips. Her eyes gleamed with something deeper than ambition.
Other groups introduced themselves as well. The blond boy from earlier landed in Group 1. Groups 2 through 10 were filled with other promising names—each holding their own fire.
---
Royal Address
As night fell, the students were led into the grand hall. Dozens of floating crystals lit up the space.
Archmage Thalvien stood at the podium, his purple robes glowing faintly.
> "Congratulations on completing your first trial at the Royal Academy. This is the final refuge for those who wish to reshape the world—or be destroyed by it."
> "For the next four years, you'll be tested not only by what you learn... but by the choices you make. This is where history is written."
> "Now, please welcome last year's top student: Lira Astenhart."
A girl with deep purple hair took the stage. Her voice was calm, but carried weight.
> "We're not better than you. We just arrived earlier."
> "But out there... no one waits their turn. Claim your place—or be forgotten."
---
End of Day – Dorm Balcony
Kael sat alone on the balcony, enjoying the night breeze.
Irelith appeared silently, leaning on the railing beside him.
> "A colorful first day," she said.
> "Yeah. A really colorful one," Kael replied.
> "That's a rare tone from you," she teased.
> "Because today… I saw another side of my fiancée."
Irelith turned toward him, their eyes meeting. A blush colored her cheeks, catching Kael off guard.
> "You've gotten better at sweet-talking me."
A small smile curved Kael's lips.
> "Maybe we should end this here. Don't you want to return to your dorm?" he asked, a bit flustered.
Irelith chuckled softly.
> "Why? Already tired of looking at me?" she teased.
> "If you stay here any longer… I don't think I'll be able to hold back."
> "Hold back from what?" she asked, confused.
> "From kissing you," Kael joked.
Irelith blushed even deeper.
> "Idiot," she muttered before walking off briskly.
Kael laughed and looked up at the stars.
Leinhardt came walking up.
> "Man, you're lucky. Your fiancée's cute. Mine's more like a lion ready to devour me at any moment."
Kael chuckled.
> "She's cute on the outside... but inside, she's probably a tiger."
They chatted for a while about pointless things—just enjoying the calm before the storm.
---
[DING!] Academy System Active
[Group Trial Preparation – 5 Days Remaining]
Theme: Survival
Kael clenched his fist.
> "Survival, huh? What kind of madness are they preparing next..."