[From Astralis Academy’s Elder Council]
Good day, Sir Azel.
After careful review of your performance in the recent Entrance Examinations, it is our pleasure to inform you of the results.
The battle royale also known as the Practical Examination tested each participant’s combat skill, adaptability, and decision-making in the field. The Theoretical Examination measured the knowledge and comprehension of all applicants regarding the principles of magic, history, and core strategy.
Amongst the 350 participants who presented themselves, only 100 students passed both trials. From that group, your results have distinguished you beyond doubt.
Your final ranking is:
1 / 100
By this merit, you are hereby granted the position of First-Year Class Representative, with all responsibilities and privileges the office entails. This position provides you with:
Residence in the Representative’s Mansion.
Direct audience with faculty when required.
Priority access to the academy’s training grounds and resources and 99% off at all shops in the Empire and some shops outside the empire.
The symbolic Representative’s Jacket, to be worn at ceremonies and assemblies.
A mage of Astralis Academy will soon arrive to escort you and any chosen companions to your new residence. You are permitted to bring whomever you desire, provided no harm or destruction comes to academy property.
May your journey of study and growth continue to honor this institution.
- Dorian Astralis, Headmaster of Astralis Academy
...
Azel lowered the paper, his lips widening into a smile.
Any lingering doubt he had carried dissolved like smoke.
He had done it — stood at the very top. Not only had he claimed the highest rank, but he had also stripped that insufferable rival of the chance to lead the first years.
’That’s one less problem to deal with,’ Azel thought, satisfied. A poor leader could have made life miserable for everyone.
He remembered the games he had once played, the way the mansion of the Representative had looked on-screen.
He was really wanting to see how it looked to the eyes.
He folded the letter carefully and handed it to Lillia.
"Show it to everyone," he told her, stretching his arms.
Lillia’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Yes, Papa!" In a blink, she was gone, teleporting away before Azel could even blink.
He let out a tired breath, already sensing what would follow.
The weight of the divine pressed onto him again, Kyone’s way of making sure he didn’t slack off.
His limbs felt heavy, yet he didn’t complain.
"Alright then," he muttered, pressing his palms to the ground. He pushed himself into a handstand and started his sets all over again.
...
A short while later, the group gathered outside.
The keys to the inn had been returned. The building that had hosted them for these past days was no longer theirs to care for.
Now, new horizons awaited.
Edna cradled little Isolde in her arms, rocking her gently. Azel held Lillia’s small hand in his own, though she was already wriggling with excitement.
Veyra stood at his side, arms crossed, her silver hair catching the light. The rest of his companions were nearby as well.
None of them carried visible baggage. Their possessions were tucked away safely inside their storage rings.
They were free and ready.
The quiet moment was broken by the sound of footsteps.
Azel turned, his gaze narrowing as a figure approached. A man in a hood and staff in hand, he really looked like the average mage from a magic manhwa.
He stopped before them and inclined his head ever so slightly.
"You must be Azel Thorne." His eyes flicked toward the group. "And these, I assume, are your companions."
"You assume correctly," Azel said evenly. "Where are you taking us?"
"To your new residence, of course."
The man lifted his staff and struck the ground once. A circle of blue energy burst outward, encasing them all.
The world warped and shifted, and before they could blink, Rochel City vanished from their sight.
This would be the first time he had been teleported instantly.
...
When the light faded, Azel found himself staring in awe.
They stood in a hallway, but to call it that was almost insulting.
The corridor stretched endlessly in both directions, its vaulted ceilings painted with images of constellations and stars.
Massive chandeliers floated above, suspended in the air without chain or cord, glowing softly like captured suns.
Azel had seen grand palaces and ornate temples in his life, but this was something altogether different.
He exhaled, unable to hide his amazement. "This is... just a hallway?"
The mage gave a small, knowing smile. "Indeed. This is only a hallway in the estate reserved for you. Within, you will find quarters ample for all of your companions and more."
He lowered his staff slightly and continued, "Your next step will be to visit Miss Brown. She will provide your official academy uniform, the textbooks appropriate to your chosen path of study — magic, in your case and, most importantly, your Representative’s Jacket. It is not only a symbol of status, but will be required during the entrance ceremony."
Then, as though his role was fulfilled, he added, "I leave the rest to you. Exploration, discovery... these are also part of your path."
With that, the mage tapped his staff against the ground once more.
Blue sparks scattered like fireflies, and he had vanished.
...
"Papa, can I explore?" Lillia’s small voice piped up as she tugged at Azel’s sleeve.
Azel sighed, but one look at her eager expression melted any thought of refusal.
He patted her head gently. "Alright, go and explore. But don’t cause trouble."
"Yay!" Lillia cheered, her laughter ringing through the vast hallway.
She dashed forward, her footsteps quick and light.
It was actually pretty good that she was walking instead of spamming teleport, maybe she really had changed?
Until Azel saw her cover herself in mana and teleport away.
He groaned, rubbing his temple. "Spoke too soon..."
"I’ll go find a room that fits me and Isolde," Edna said softly.
She shifted the child in her arms and walked gracefully down the hall, her figure soon swallowed by the mansion’s grandeur.
Veyra followed soon after and so did the rest.
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
"Sigh... I’ll have to go to that cursed table," he muttered, massaging his head.
It wasn’t really bad, it was just to go there and come back? How wrong could that be?