NABC Chapter 43 - 43: Magic Academy Exam (1)
Chapter 43 - 43: Magic Academy Exam (1)
The school's front gate buzzed with nervous energy. William, though outwardly calm, felt a flutter of anticipation in his stomach. He observed the crowd, noting the varied ages and backgrounds of the applicants. Some were barely older than Maya, while others appeared to be in their late twenties.
"Gorn," he whispered, "what's the age range at this academy?"
"There's a minimum age to enroll, but no maximum," Gorn explained. "It's common to see students of all ages in the same class, though most are between sixteen and twenty-four. Older students are rarer."
William recalled that the minimum age was sixteen, but that didn't mean aspiring mages only began their training then. Nobles, with their privileged access to resources and tutors, often started much younger, giving them a significant head start. William had only begun his magical journey recently, but his experiences in the past and his unique skillset gave him a distinct advantage.
"You might be slightly behind some of these nobles," Gorn said, his voice filled with confidence, "but with your talent, you'll surpass them in no time."
William knew his talent was above average, but not extraordinary. It was his Chrono Shift ability that truly set him apart. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, knowing he possessed an unfair advantage.
Thirty minutes crawled by, the tension in the hall thickening. A young noble, his impatience evident, voiced his frustration. "Our families practically fund this school!" he complained loudly. "Why are they treating us like this?"
Just then, an elderly man in flowing gray robes materialized at the top of the grand gate. His long white beard and hair framed a face remarkably devoid of wrinkles. He floated effortlessly to the ground, his eyes twinkling with an ageless wisdom.
"The school is free," the man boomed, his voice amplified by magic, "and everyone receives the same treatment. Our esteemed re
William recognized the crystal from his previous experience. While it was true that everyone seemed to pass this stage, he suspected there was more to it than met the eye. As he observed the other applicants step forward, he noticed Tholfnir's keen interest in those who displayed exceptional talent.
The headmaster was clearly identifying promising candidates, those who might warrant greater attention and resources should they gain admission.
William's turn arrived. He placed his hand on the cool crystal surface. A vibrant light erupted, its intensity exceeding that of the previous applicants.
But this time, there was a difference. A subtle darkness swirled within the brilliance, a shadow that caught Tholfnir's attention. The headmaster's eyes narrowed, a flicker of curiosity in their depths, but he remained silent.
Once all the applicants had been assessed, they proceeded to the next stage of the exam, held in the sprawling forest behind the academy.
"Your talent seems quite strong, William," Altair remarked as they followed Tholfnir along a wooded path. "Let's focus on passing the remaining tests."
"Yes, of course," William replied, a confident grin spreading across his face. "I believe we can do it."
They exited through a smaller gate at the rear of the academy, the throng of hopefuls numbering somewhere between one hundred and one hundred and twenty. Tholfnir's voice, amplified by magic, cut through the air.
"This test is eliminatory," he declared, his gaze sweeping across the anxious faces. "Our aim is to reduce your numbers by at least half. For those unaware, there are a maximum of thirty-five places available in this year's intake."
The news brought a wave of tension. Thirty-five places... the competition was fierce. The forest behind the academy, though seemingly devoid of major threats, pressed in on them, its silence broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call.
"Each of you will be given a ring," Tholfnir explained, holding up a simple silver band. "For every beast you eliminate, a portion of its mana will be transferred to the ring, accumulating points."
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd. The test sounded straightforward enough. But then Tholfnir added, "You may also absorb a portion of the mana from the rings of other students. This will grant you more points than slaying beasts and, of course, eliminate your competition."
The atmosphere instantly shifted. A palpable sense of unease settled over the group. The rules had just changed the game, turning a test of skill into a ruthless battle for survival. Every smile vanished, replaced by wary glances and calculating stares. Alliances were out of the question; in this forest, there were no friends, only rivals.