The morning sun peeked through the misty veil that clung to the trees outside Elara's cottage. A soft breeze stirred the flowers in the garden, their petals dancing in the light.
Sayaka adjusted the thin strap of her leather bag, now packed with a water flask, a few essentials, and her newly acquired Spiritual blade — The Dragon's Breath — secured tightly at her side.
"I don't know how to thank you," she said quietly, avoiding Elara's eyes.
"You don't have to," Elara replied with a gentle smile. "Just promise me… you'll stay alive. No matter what happens in there. And make the name Frostbite proud.."
Sayaka chuckled softly.
That's not exactly reassuring.
But… it means she really cares.
Elara leaned down and hugged her tight. "You're stronger than you know. Even if you don't have mana… your will is louder than any spell. Dont forget you are already 18."
Sayaka held on for a second longer.
I wish… I didn't have to go.
But this is my path now, isn't it?
"Alright," she said, stepping back. "Time to face hell."
Elara gave her a firm nod, watching as Sayaka walked away into the sunrise.
The Hunter Academy stood like a fortress at the edge of a mountainous basin, with gleaming towers, wide iron gates, and dozens of students flooding in through the courtyard.
Sayaka was one among them, her dark red cloak fluttering behind as she stepped through the entrance.
But the whispers started immediately.
"She's the manaless one, right?"
"Yeah, the girl who passed the written test by luck."
"Why is she even here?"
"Hunter Academy is for warriors. She's just a fluke."
Sayaka tightened her grip on her satchel.
I get it. I'm different. But I'm here.
Let them talk.
At the center of the courtyard, a tall platform rose. An older man with wild grey hair and a long navy-blue coat stepped up.
"Welcome, future hunters!" his voice boomed across the space. "I am Headmaster Varden. Today, you stand on the threshold between civilian and warrior."
He raised a hand. The air shimmered with magic.
"You must pass two trials. Those who fail — go home."
He gestured, and floating screens appeared above the crowd, showing images of glowing arenas.
"Trial One: You will be split into teams of three. Each team will be teleported into the Verdant Grounds, where each of you will face a magic-crafted golem."
The crowd buzzed.
"Each golem is based on your mana and weapon affinity. You may defeat it solo… or as a team. Your teamwork, survival instincts, and strength will be evaluated."
Sayaka swallowed hard.
Golem? Solo battle?
I… I don't have mana. What kind of golem will I get?
"Those who pass will proceed to Trial Two — a test of magical impact."
He raised a shining orb. "Strike the Power Meter Crystal using magic or a weapon imbued with your element. A score of 5 or above will be considered a pass."
"Good luck, young warriors."
In flashes of light, students vanished in groups.
Sayaka felt her stomach twist before her vision blurred — and suddenly, she stood on a green field under a vast sky. Grass swayed in the wind, flowers bloomed — and three glowing summoning circles formed ahead.
Two students beside her — a boy with lightning tattoos and a girl with a silver staff — immediately tensed.
They looked at her.
"Ugh. We got her?" the boy sneered. "No mana girl? Dead weight."
The girl frowned. "Let's just survive this. Girl stay away from the fight."
Three massive golems rose from the summoning circles, each nearly ten feet tall, pulsing with magical runes. Stone bodies, glowing eyes, and dangerous auras.
Sayaka's knees buckled.
I'm not ready for this.
I don't even know how to use this sword properly.
The Dragon's Breath blade remained cold, inert, as if sleeping. No flames. No surge of power.
Come on… aren't you supposed to be legendary?
The golems attacked. Her teammates dashed forward, their magic crackling in the air — bolts of lightning, bursts of wind.
Sayaka ducked and rolled as her golem swung a massive arm. The impact split the ground behind her.
She tried to draw her sword — it was too heavy. She staggered.
Clang!
The golem hit her side — she was thrown across the grass, coughing, blood staining her lip.
It hurts… A lot…
But… I'm still breathing.
"Just stay out of our way!" one of her teammates shouted.
Sayaka growled.
No. I didn't come this far to sit on the ground.
Her hand curled into a fist.
As the golem charged again, Sayaka ducked low — pure instinct — and drove her fist straight into its knee.
CRACK.
The golem froze.
Huh?
With a second punch — BOOM! — its entire leg shattered.
A third hit to the chest — and the golem exploded into shards.
Silence.
Her teammates gawked.
Sayaka stood there, bloodied, panting.
Physical strength… I forgot how strong I am.
I don't need mana to break you.
Moments later, A voice echoes "Congratulations! Candidates, you have passed your first trial". All three were teleported to the second trial grounds.
A long line of students stood before a massive glowing crystal — the Power Level Meter. They each took turns striking it, their scores displayed above.
"9.2!"
"6.7!"
"5.4!"
When it was Sayaka's turn, the crowd was already murmuring.
"Now the manaless girl will show us what she can't do."
"She's out for sure."
Sayaka exhaled.
No mana. But… I have this.
She drew the Dragon's Breath — still quiet.
She swung.
CLANG.
A ripple echoed.
The meter lit up… slowly.
"3.0"
The crowd laughed.
"That's it?"
"She's done."
But the headmaster raised his hand. "Quiet."
He looked at Sayaka. "3.0… but with zero mana. No magic. No element."
He nodded. "Pass."
Gasps.
"What?!"
Sayaka blinked.
Wait... I passed?
"You may lack magic," Varden said aloud, "but your strength and control — despite no training — is exceptional. A rare kind of raw potential."
Sayaka stood frozen. Her fingers tightened around the sword.
I… did it.
I passed the first step.
Even if the whole world looks down on me… I'll keep walking.