On the journey toward the teleportation gate, a horse-drawn carriage bearing the Perisasi emblem with eight stars—the symbol of the Astra Family—came into view. Five mounted knights followed closely behind the carriage as its escort.
Inside the carriage sat a young woman from the Astra Family along with her personal attendant. Their destination was the academy, where the entrance examination would soon be held.
"It seems we're almost there, Your Highness."
"Mm."
The woman—Astra Luminelle—gave a slight nod in response and shifted her gaze toward the window. Her thoughts drifted back to memories from three years ago. The image of a young man around her age, wearing a mask, was vividly etched in her mind.
...
"C-Can you tell me your name!?"
The young man turned around and looked at Luminelle, who was fourteen years old at the time and had just been freed from her curse. He answered calmly,
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I cannot tell you my name."
"I understand…"
Luminelle replied in a saddened tone.
"But, Your Highness, do you plan to enter the academy in the future?"
"Yes. Now that my illness has been cured, I will enroll in the academy."
"Then how about this? I will enroll in the academy as well. If you can find me there, I will tell you my name at that time."
"Really!? You promise!!"
...
"M-My Lady?"
"Huh? Ah—sorry, I was spacing out."
"It's fine, but your face is red. Are you feeling unwell?" the attendant asked worriedly.
"I'm fine!"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure! By the way, what is it?"
"Ah, we've arrived."
"Then let's get off!"
They exited the carriage and proceeded to complete the portal payment process.
"Lady Astra, it's your turn now."
"Thank you."
Luminelle stepped into the portal and instantly arrived on the other side. After completing the identity verification, she passed through the gate and finally entered the academy grounds.
As she admired the beautiful scenery of the academy, she noticed many people staring at her.
'It seems the rumors have already spread.'
News of her recovery had spread throughout the world. It was only natural that many nobles wanted to establish connections with her.
'Haaah… this is going to be exhausting.'
She walked toward the academy courtyard where all applicants had gathered. Seeing a crowd, she became curious and approached—only to find princes and other important figures.
"Wow… they're handsome and beautiful…" she muttered.
'No, no. I have to find the masked man first.'
As she turned around—
"Huh? Lady Luminelle?"
!!
She turned and saw the princes and others staring at her.
"H-Hello?"
...
It seemed Luminelle had now joined the protagonist group. Even in a healthy state, she had already become a major variable in the story. Still, I never regretted saving her.
At that moment—
"Attention, all applicants. The entrance examination will begin shortly. Please proceed to the Examination Area."
A voice echoed throughout the area. It seemed the exam was about to begin.
Alright, let's get this over with.
Although it was called the Examination Room, it was actually a training field. I had seen it many times in the game, so I knew exactly what it looked like. All applicants stood neatly in formation, waiting for further instructions.
Oh right—Eli was waiting at an inn. I invited her to apply as well, but she refused.
"I only want to be your maid. If I become a student, I won't be able to serve you anymore."
That was her reason. According to academy regulations, if a servant also became a student, they would no longer be able to serve their master until graduation. I couldn't force her, so I respected her decision.
Then a man stepped onto the podium. He had black hair mixed with gray and sharp eyes. A scar on his face only added to his intimidating presence. He was Ragna Holt.
"Applicants, welcome to the entrance examination of Fate Academy. The examination will be divided into three parts."
"Mana Measurement Test, Mental Test, and finally, the Combat Test."
"The mana test will be supervised by Instructor Selene, the mental test by Instructor Vale, and the combat test will be handled by me."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes!!"
"Good. Then let us begin."
...
"Greetings, applicants. I am Instructor Selene Arkwright, and I will oversee your mana test."
Selene Arkwright was a Sixth-Circle Mage dispatched by the Mage Tower to assist with teaching at the academy. She had an elegant appearance, with neatly flowing pale silver hair and calm, deep violet eyes.
"This test will measure your mana capacity and affinity. The orb on the left measures mana quantity."
"Yellow for D, Green for C, Blue for B, Red for A, and Rainbow for anything above S."
"The orb on the right will reveal your affinity. Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
"Good. First applicant—Prince Leon."
Leon stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb, channeling his mana.
The orb glowed red.
"Prince Leon. Rank A."
"As expected of a prince…"
Whispers spread among the applicants.
'They're noisy.'
"Now, please check your affinity."
Leon placed his hand on the orb to the right. Red appeared—fire. However, moments later, a bright white light burst forth, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.
"T-This is…!"
"Dual affinity!?"
"And… Light affinity!?"
Selene exclaimed in shock. Dual affinities were already rare—but Light affinity was said to be granted only to those blessed by the gods.
'Just as expected from the protagonist.'
The main characters stepped forward one by one.
"Elise — Mana A | Wind"
"Riana — Mana S | Fire & Ice"
"Narea — Mana A | Light"
"Roland — Mana A | Earth"
"Tania — Mana SS | Water, Fire, and Lightning"
"Issac — Mana A | Ice"
Murmurs spread once more, especially after Riana and Tania. That was no surprise—one was the disciple of a World Pillar Archmage, and the other was the daughter of the Dragon King.
"Next, Lady Luminelle."
Luminelle stepped forward gracefully. Everyone would be shocked once they learned her affinity—something said to appear only once in billions.
'Well, I don't know the exact number.'
When she placed her hand on the affinity orb, the entire field fell silent. A deep violet light, reminiscent of the night sky, shone brilliantly.
"Lady Luminelle. Mana Capacity: S. Affinity…"
Selene paused briefly.
"Star."
Astra Luminelle—the child chosen by Nyx, the Star Fairy.
...
After some time, it was finally my turn.
"Final applicant. Shion."
My name was called. As I stepped forward, murmurs arose once again.
"A commoner?"
"The fourteenth?"
"Tch. Why do I have to be in the same place as that filthy commoner?"
Veins bulged on my forehead. These nobles never changed. Suppressing the urge to punch them, I stood before the orb.
"Applicant Shion, please place your hand here."
I slowly released my mana, stopping right as the color turned red.
"Mana Capacity: A."
"Now, your affinity."
I placed my hand on the second orb. A bright red light appeared.
Instructor Selene looked at me suspiciously.
"Applicant Shion… is that your only affinity?"
"Yes, Instructor. I only have Fire affinity."
"I see…"
"Applicant Shion. Mana A. Fire affinity."
The crowd erupted.
"A commoner with A-rank mana!?"
"That device must be broken!"
At that moment, a heavy voice thundered across the field.
"Silence."
The entire area froze.
"What's wrong with a commoner having A-rank mana?" Ragna Holt said coldly."Do you think your status matters here? Let me make this clear—at this academy, only strength speaks."
The nobles fell silent. They might argue with others—but not with Ragna Holt, former Second Division Captain of the Empire.