Fifteen years after Ima's death, the continent of Athera had finally begun to rebuild. Though traces of the great battle still remained, they were no longer as prominent.
Haru Katague, the illegitimate son of Ima, was born without magic or mana. He had never met his father and didn't know that Ima was his parent. He walked alone, holding a book in his hands, his expression serious and cold. In that book were the weaknesses of nearly every type of magic, and Haru was trying to memorize as many as possible.
After a long walk, he arrived in front of a massive building—Beston Academy, the most prestigious magic academy on the continent. The academy housed roughly 2,300 students and its campus was magnificent.
In the main hall, Director Dorian Vexmore stood on the stage, his eyes coldly scanning the new students.
"Welcome to Beston Academy, a sanctuary of true magical arts and knowledge. Here, weakness has no refuge. Have you come seeking power? Knowledge? Or merely a prestigious name to carve into your history? Your reasons matter little if you fail.
Every spell you learn, every enchantment you master will be a trial. Each mistake will remind you of your limits, and for some, failure will be absolute. Mediocre mages have no place here.
Observe, listen, and understand this: only merit will earn you a future. Favor is not given, mistakes are paid for. Show that you are worthy to bear the name of Beston Academy, or disappear into oblivion.
Let the training begin."
Haru thought to himself, "He's extremely cold and direct."
The professors handed out sheets containing ten challenges that each new student had to complete on the first day—or face expulsion.
Haru's challenges were:
1. Locate magical stones that were extremely well-hidden.
2. Face a professor and manage to touch them.
3. Complete a written test assessing magical knowledge.
Haru thought, "The first two challenges will be tough, but the last one seems easy."
He decided to start with the written test. He completed it quickly, though he scored only 9 out of 10 because of a tricky question:
Question: "A mage possesses two elemental crystals, one fire and one ice. If they are combined in a standard summoning circle, what is the most likely result, and why?"
Trap:
Many would think the elements cancel each other out or create a standard elemental storm. The correct answer depends on the order of activation, the mage's skill, and the compatibility of the elements. Ice partially neutralizes fire, but if mastery is low, it also produces toxic vapor that can harm the mage and distort the ritual. The true answer is therefore an unstable and unpredictable reaction requiring precise control.
After the test, Haru moved on to search for the hidden magical stones. There were three stones in total. One hour of searching yielded nothing. He then thought logically: Where would I hide them if I were a professor?
After four hours of intense searching and careful calculation, he finally located all three stones.
Only one challenge remained: facing a professor. His opponent was Master Sylvaris Moonveil, a cheerful and playful teacher whose magic allowed him to become invisible.
The battle began. Master Sylvaris vanished and launched a flurry of punches at Haru, apologizing as he struck. Haru was powerless, forced only to endure the blows. After receiving several hits, he fell to the ground, bruised and battered. Believing he had won, Master Sylvaris turned to leave.
Haru seized the opportunity. As the professor became visible again, Haru pinned him to the ground and unleashed an unrelenting series of punches. Unable to counter, Master Sylvaris eventually fainted.
Haru had completed all his challenges. He returned to the hall, where Dorian Vexmore congratulated the students who had passed their trials.
Director Dorian Vexmore stood tall, his piercing gaze sweeping over the students who had survived the selection.
"You have faced the trials, confronted difficulty, uncertainty, and fear. Some have failed and vanished into oblivion. You, who remain, have survived.
Do not mistake this for honor or glory. This is an obligation. You are now members of Beston Academy, and each day ahead will demand more from you.
What you achieved today is only a fraction of what awaits. Continue to prove your worth, or defeat will catch up to you swiftly.
You have passed the admission challenges. Let your future actions justify this meager privilege."
Afterward, Haru received the key to his dormitory. His room measured 12 square meters. He sat on his bed, closed his eyes, and whispered, "First step complete."
Finally, Haru's adventures at Beston Academy could truly begin.