Kael finally stepped into his dorm room, immediately noticing a second bed in the small space. Looks like I'm getting a roommate. The room wasn't large—just two beds, two wardrobes, and two desks—but it was more than enough for him. He decided to unpack the few belongings he had and started thinking about how he could earn money.
He didn't want to rely entirely on the academy's sponsorship and needed a way to support himself. Over the next few days, after finishing his unpacking and arranging his side of the room, Kael explored Eryndor.
It didn't take him long to realize something peculiar—not many people actually lived here. The only permanent residents were nobles, innkeepers, restaurant owners, and landlords. Most of the merchants were traveling traders who stopped in for a day or two before moving on. As a result, the city was always crowded, but its population was ever-changing.
Kael also spotted other races for the first time—though rare, they were present. Among them, he saw humanoid creatures resembling bears, insect-like people with mantis-like limbs, and other strange hybrids he had never encountered before. They were elegantly dressed, their clothing reminiscent of the noble fashions of the 1800s from his past life.
Another important discovery was the difficulty of leaving and entering Eryndor. The city was surrounded by thirty-meter-high walls, and every traveler was required to present official documents issued by larger cities. Since Kael lacked such documentation, he realized he'd need to request permission from the headmaster—something he doubted would be granted easily.
Determined to learn more, Kael tried to visit the local library, only to find that entry cost three copper coins—the equivalent of three apples. Since ten copper coins equaled one silver, and one hundred silvers equaled a gold, it wasn't an outrageous fee, but Kael had zero money to his name. He sighed, realizing he would have to wait until school started so he could access the academy's library, which was likely far superior anyway.
A few days later, the written entrance exams concluded, and rumors spread that upper-year students were beginning to return. Kael debated seeking them out but decided against it—no need to start trouble just yet. Instead, his focus was on the upcoming physical exams, where he could finally see the competition.
Today was the Inveris entrance trial.
At first, Kael considered skipping it, but curiosity got the better of him. He wanted to see if Severian was participating. When he arrived at the testing grounds, around a hundred students were gathered, all preparing for the first trial.
Kael took a seat on the spectator stands overlooking the five combat fields, each with an instructor supervising the fights. Must be the academy's professors.
The first few groups of five took their turns. Most weren't bad—while weaker than Kael in Inveris, they displayed far superior swordsmanship. However, none of them particularly impressed him.
Then, one girl stepped forward.
Her control over Inveris surpassed Kael's, which alone was enough to shock him. But what truly caught his attention was her incredible swordplay. For the first time, Kael saw an instructor actually put in effort during a spar. He could tell that, given time, she might even defeat her examiner.
Next, a bear-like humanoid entered the field. Unlike the girl, his Inveris control was poor, but his raw strength was absurd. Even without perfect technique, he was physically overwhelming.
Then, it was Severian's turn.
At first, he looked nervous, even stumbling slightly as he approached the field. Kael winced, already preparing to write him off.
But then, Severian locked in.
The moment the fight began, Severian displayed incredible Inveris control, rivaling even the earlier girl. His swordsmanship was precise, refined, and far beyond what Kael had expected.
Watching from the stands, Kael couldn't be sure if he could defeat Severian in a duel. He's even better than I thought. Now, he was genuinely excited to see him in the academy.
The exam concluded without any other notable performances. At the end, the instructors announced that results would be posted in two days. Successful applicants would be required to collect their acceptance letters, receive their uniforms, and—if necessary—arrange dormitory housing.
On his way back to his dorm, Kael noticed two older students lingering outside the entrance, engaged in conversation. He adjusted his academy-issued uniform, hoping to avoid trouble.
As he approached, one of them glanced his way. "Hey, haven't seen you before. What year are you?"
Kael responded calmly, "I'm a first-year."
The student looked surprised. "First-year? The entrance trials just started today. How are you already enrolled?"
Kael hesitated. Should I mention the relic? Instead, he answered, "I was admitted by recommendation, based on my talents. I'm in Gaianis."
The student's expression darkened with skepticism. "Ohhh, Gaianis? That explains it."
His companion snickered. "Gaianis, huh? No wonder. If you've got even a little talent, they'll take you in. Nobody wants that division."
They both laughed before walking off.
Kael stood there for a moment, confused. Why is Gaianis so unpopular? It seemed to have more potential for growth than Inveris.
Determined to understand, he watched the Gaianis entrance exams the next day.
Only fifty students showed up—half the number of Inveris applicants. The test was simple: each student had to hit a target five meters away using their elemental abilities.
Most succeeded, but the display was pathetic. Tiny fireballs, weak pebbles, barely enough force to scratch a surface. The weakest Inveris applicant could easily defeat the strongest Gaianis contender.
Just as he was about to leave in disappointment, one girl stepped up.
She looked indifferent, as if she didn't care about the test. When her turn came, she casually lifted her hand and launched a massive boulder at the target, completely obliterating it.
Kael smirked. At least one of them isn't useless. And based on her demeanor, she was capable of much more.
The next day, the exam results were posted.
Kael, relaxing in his dorm, suddenly heard his door swing open.
A familiar voice called out, "Hey, anyone in here? Hope I'm not intruding."
Kael turned to see Severian standing in the doorway.
"Looks like we're roommates."
End of Chapter 18