That morning, the sky above Aezrith Royal Academy was bright, though the cold still lingered in the air. Three days had passed since the entrance ceremony and the initial examinations.
During that time, the new students had undergone orientation, toured the academy grounds, and were further evaluated by the instructors.
But today was different.
Today marked the official start of their classes.
---
The Class Assignment Board
In the eastern courtyard, hundreds of first-year students gathered in front of the Class Assignment Board, a massive enchanted stone that shimmered with golden-blue light. Names scrolled across its glowing surface in steady, magical rhythm.
Kael stood among the crowd with Leinhardt and Irelith, eyes scanning the moving names.
> "So, it's finally time to get sorted," Kael muttered under his breath.
> "Classes range from elite Class A to the more… average Class F," said Leinhardt dramatically. "Where do you think you'll land, Kael?"
> "Hmph," Irelith scoffed. "Of course he'll be in Class A. Right, darling?" she added with a teasing tone.
Kael offered a small, amused smile in response.
He continued scanning the board.
> "Kael Rynthier... Class 1-A."
> "Leinhardt Ibelion... Class 1-A too! Heh, didn't expect that," Leinhardt said, giving Kael a hearty slap on the back.
> "Irelith Veir... 1-A as well," Irelith said flatly, but loud enough for them to hear.
The three exchanged looks.
> "So, we're in the same class?" Kael raised an eyebrow.
> "Naturally. Isn't that exciting?" Irelith said with a sly smile.
---
Below the class list, another section appeared:
Top Ten of the Entrance Exam:
1. Lancer Odtry
2. Irelith Veir
3. Lints Ahtrs
4. Kael Rynthier
5. Rose Oliver
6. Radian Deisk
7. Yuki Kato
8. Lych Air
9. Leinhardt Ibelion
10. Taylor Wist
Irelith's eyes narrowed slightly.
> "Lancer… he really lives up to the rumors."
> "Him?" Kael asked.
> "Yes. His talents are well-known among the high nobility," Irelith replied.
> "Wait, you don't know?" Leinhardt looked surprised.
> "He lost his memories, idiot," Irelith shot back.
> "Oh right, I forgot…" Leinhardt rubbed the back of his neck.
> "He's… a guy?" Kael asked again, looking puzzled.
> "Yup. Surprised?" Irelith smirked.
> "He looks more like a girl than most girls," Kael said.
> "If he were a girl, half the kingdom would be lining up to propose—maybe even the king," Leinhardt added.
Kael exhaled with a slight shrug.
---
Classroom 1-A
Class 1-A was located on the third floor, eastern wing. The room had polished white stone walls and wide windows overlooking the training gardens. Desks were arranged in a wide semicircle facing the main magic board.
Students slowly filed in. Several turned to whisper upon seeing Kael and Irelith walk in together.
> "That's the noble couple from the Western Territories, right?"
"The silver-haired girl is Irelith Veir, Duke Veir's eldest."
"Didn't Kael lose his memories or something?"
Just then, the door burst open.
A young man stepped in—tall, wearing a deep-blue robe and a sharp grin.
> "Good morning, Class 1-A," he said, placing a scroll on the desk. "I'm Elroin, your class mentor and instructor in strategy and magic dueling."
> "For the next year, you'll be learning, training, and… some of you may even get injured together. Hopefully not all at once."
A few chuckles echoed. Kael just sat quietly.
> "Before we begin, let's start with introductions. State your name, family affiliation, and main magic affinity if known."
---
Student Introductions
Irelith rose first.
> "Irelith Veir. Heir of House Veir. Affinity: Fire and Wind."
The class fell silent, tension rising like heat in the air.
Kael followed.
> "Kael Rynthier. From House Rynthier. Affinity: Blue Fire."
> "Blue Fire?"
"That's… rare..."
Whispers quickly spread across the room.
Leinhardt stood next, dramatically placing a hand on his chest.
> "Leinhardt Ibelion, third son of Marquis Ibelion. Affinity? Lightning—but I still haven't mastered it, so please don't touch me unless you want to be shocked by love."
Laughter erupted. Even Elroin raised an eyebrow.
Other students introduced themselves in turn:
Rose Oliver – second daughter of House Oliver, nature magic. Calm, reserved.
Perona Airst – barrier magic specialist. Stern and blunt.
Alvier Rusk – ice magic from the northern provinces. Cold as his element.
Lancer Odtry – light magic wielder, number one in the entrance exam. Quiet and composed.
Kael glanced at Lancer as he sat down.
> "He's… different," Kael thought, feeling an odd pressure.
---
Beginning of the Term
Once the introductions were over, Elroin tapped his staff on the board.
> "This week we'll focus on foundational theory—military magic, magical philosophy, and the academy's history."
> "But next week, things get more exciting. Your first class-wide trial: Survival Simulation."
The room went silent.
> "You'll be grouped into teams and sent into a simulated forest zone. There, you'll be tested on teamwork, magical application, and your courage."
> "Don't worry… there are no real monsters. Only magical constructs and traps."
Leinhardt raised his hand.
> "If we die emotionally, do we get extra credit?"
> "Depends on how dramatic it is," Elroin answered dryly.
The class laughed again, and the atmosphere lightened.
The rest of the day passed with basic theory, interactive discussions, and questions about magic structure and history.
---
After Class
As class ended, Kael walked out with Irelith and Leinhardt. The sky was already tinged orange.
[DING!]
Academy System Activated
[Survival Simulation Trial – T-5 Days Remaining]
Irelith looked up at the sky.
> "We're keeping the same team from the entrance exam, right?"
> "That's what the instructor said yesterday," Kael replied.
Leinhardt nodded.
> "Yup. We're grouped with Rose too—she made it into the top five."
Kael smiled faintly.
> "I'm looking forward to seeing how this test goes..."