RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
Allie and I exchanged a quick smile, but it vanished the moment we heard the principal's next words.
"But that will still depend… on whether you actually pass."
Our gazes snapped back to her.
"What do you mean? Is there a second test?" I asked, baffled.
She nodded, adjusting her oversized glasses.
"You will undergo preparatory classes for one week. After that, you will take the final entrance exam to become official students here."
My eyes widened at the news. I glanced again at the grand, palace-like structure before me. So this is not the actual academy—it's only part of it. Who would have guessed that a place like this was meant only for preparatory classes?
Later, Allie and I flopped onto a massive bed in a spacious room that would be our temporary quarters. The place was so lavish it almost made us feel like princesses.
Forelody landed right on my forehead and locked eyes with me.
"Rhein, do your best, alright? We praciens can't help you when it comes to your studies. You have to get used to handling things on your own. This is exactly how it'll be once you're official students."
"Yes." I nodded slowly, closing my eyes with determination.
I was just about to drift off when a thought made me bolt upright. My eyes widened as I turned to Allie, who only frowned in confusion.
"I don't have any money! I didn't bring a single coin!" I blurted. Why am I only thinking about this now?
I dug frantically through my backpack, but not a single coin turned up. If Grandfather Lembo hadn't packed any food, I could at least understand—we could always find something to eat. But not packing any money? That's an entirely different matter. Money don't just grow on trees!
"What's going to happen to us now, Forelody? We don't have any money," I muttered, on the verge of tears. I collapsed back onto the bed, staring at the white ceiling.
"This school does not require any payment. If you are a mnarillaza, then you are good."
Allie's voice caught my attention, and I turned toward her. She continued speaking as she stroked her partner's head.
"This is the only school of its kind in this world, Rhein. Its sole mission is to educate every mnarillaza—whether they live in the human world or in Mnarra. Once you become an official student, everything will be free—from your school supplies to your basic necessities."
A smile slowly spread across my face. This world truly is different.
Over the next week, we joined several other mnarillazas our age in preparatory lessons. Since it was only the first stage, we studied basic subjects: history, ethics, the different mnarillaza types, and primary magic manipulation.
When the final day arrived—the day of our last trial—I felt nothing but joy. Nervous, yes, but the excitement bubbling inside me far outweighed it.
"You're wearing that again," Forelody commented, eyeing my gray hoodie.
I winked at her.
"I've worn this since the day I left home. It's been with me through our whole journey. And now that I'm taking the entrance exam… I think it's only right I wear it again, don't you think?"
"If you say so." She gave a small smile and nuzzled my cheek. "Good luck, Pracien!" Then she flew off.
"Thanks!"
There were seven of us mnarillazas taking the final test. They placed each of us in separate rooms, where we would face our battles alone.
While waiting, I sat on the floor, taking in the room. It was wide, but completely empty—no windows, no lamps. The only light came from the doorway, spilling in from outside.
Moments later, a man in a white cloak entered. I scrambled to my feet as he shut the door, plunging the space into darkness.
The task was simple: identify the mnarillaza type of your opponent and defeat them.
I leapt aside just in time to avoid a fireball hurtling toward me. When it struck the wall, flames spread rapidly around us.
"Yvus mnarillaza," I said evenly, watching him. "Now all that's left is to defeat you."
He laughed, as if I were nothing more than a joke.
"You can't beat an official student of this academy. Your ofris mnarill's plants are useless against my fire. I'll just burn them all!"
I couldn't help but smirk in irritation. So there were arrogant students here, too.
"We'll see about that."
He was right—my thorned vines wouldn't survive his flames. If it comes to element compatibility, fire is the enemy of forest magic. But stronger wind control can defeat him.
He hurled fireball after fireball, and I kept dodging, biding my time.
"What's the matter? Giving up already?!"
"That's what you think." I grinned.
"Surrender, loser!"
With every dodge and landing, I wove my magic into different spots around the room. When I was sure nearly every area was prepared, I vaulted over him, landing at his back.
In an instant, a cyclone roared to life around us, the wind whipping faster and faster until his flames faltered and died. At the same time, massive thorned vines erupted from the floor and walls.
"You're the loser."
I caught the shiver that ran through him as he turned toward me. Then I flipped through the air, delivering a kick to his head that slammed him to the ground. The impact was enough to knock him out cold.
The winds died down, my vines vanished, and the ruined room returned to its original pristine state. I wasn't surprised—they'd told us the space was wrapped in special magic.
"Don't be so arrogant," I muttered.