The academy's courtyard was overflowing with people. A sea of students stretched across the open space, wearing uniforms of different colors representing their homelands and races. The air buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the rhythmic echo of hurried footsteps as everyone searched for a good spot to watch the entrance exam.
The sun shone brightly, reflecting off the silver towers of the massive main building. Banners bearing the crest of the Imperial Academy of Vernencia fluttered above, their dragon-and-rune emblem dancing in the wind.
While most people seemed excited, I walked slowly, taking in every detail. It was strange — seeing with my own eyes what I had once only read about in a book.
'This world feels so much more alive than I ever imagined…'
I passed a glowing fountain surrounded by azure flowers, their petals shimmering faintly with mana. Elves chatted with dwarves nearby, and beastmen laughed boisterously while trading friendly insults.
The diversity here was fascinating — and somehow comforting.
'I wonder if orcs exist here too?' I thought, amused by the idea.
Lost in thought, I bumped into someone.
"Hey, watch it!" a firm voice said.
I looked up and saw a tall young man with messy brown hair, tanned skin, and golden eyes — an unusual color.
"Sorry. Got distracted," I replied, adjusting my hood that hid part of my face.
He studied me for a second, frowning slightly. "Can you… actually see me? You look kind of lost."
'Damn… he noticed.'
"I can see just fine," I said calmly. "I just don't like direct light that much."
He seemed satisfied with that answer and smiled faintly. "Got it. I'm Kael Fever."
The name made me pause. The Fever family — rulers of the beastmen, one of the four great royal bloodlines of Vernencia.
"Arven," I answered simply, careful not to reveal my full name.
Kael crossed his arms, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Arven, huh? Doesn't sound noble… but there's something about you that's hard to ignore."
"Not everything that looks ordinary is weak," I replied with a small smirk.
He chuckled. "I like that. You're straightforward. Here for the entrance exam too?"
"Yes."
"Great! They say the test will divide students into classes S through D. Only the truly exceptional make it into Class S."
"You seem confident."
Kael puffed out his chest. "I should be. I've trained since I was a kid. Besides…"
A soft voice interrupted him.
"Kael!"
We turned at the same time. A girl approached with graceful steps, her light brown hair cascading in gentle waves and her sapphire-blue eyes calm yet sharp. Her uniform was perfectly arranged, a golden ribbon neatly fastened at her collar.
"Ah, Lyra," Kael greeted, smiling with ease. "Arven, this is Lyra Vesper — from the ducal family of the Human Kingdom."
She gave a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Arven."
"The pleasure's mine," I replied, a little surprised by her composed tone.
Kael scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly awkward. "Lyra's… well, she's my girlfriend."
Lyra sighed, rolling her eyes with a faint smile. "You make it sound like a royal secret."
Kael laughed quietly. "I just don't like making a big deal out of it."
Their dynamic was oddly natural — even endearing. For a brief moment, I found myself smiling faintly.
'Different races, different worlds… yet they understand each other. That's rare here.'
Before I could say anything else, a booming voice echoed across the courtyard.
"Attention, students!"
The noise died instantly.
"Welcome to the Imperial Academy of Vernencia's Entrance Examination!" announced a tall man in a dark blue robe, holding a staff adorned with glowing crystals. "Today, we will evaluate your individual strength. Based on your performance, you will be assigned to Classes S, A, B, C, or D."
He raised his staff, and a ripple of magic surged through the ground, making the air hum. Behind him, dozens of black metal training mannequins appeared, runes glowing along their surfaces.
"Each candidate will face an enhanced combat dummy. Their durability has been adjusted to measure not only your power, but also your control and technique. Use everything you've got."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Kael grinned. "Perfect. Something I can actually break."
Lyra sighed. "Just try not to go overboard this time."
"No promises."
I stayed silent, observing the magical constructs as they began to move slightly, like living beings. Each one radiated a dense magical aura that pressed against my skin.
'These weren't in the book's version of the entrance exam… Looks like the story's changing.'
The examiner unrolled a parchment and began calling names.
"Lucien Temaki, heir of the distinguished Temaki family!"
The name cut through the air like a spark. All eyes turned toward the golden-haired young man who stepped forward. His posture was immaculate, his expression calm and confident. Sunlight seemed to bend toward him.
Beside him, a red-haired girl — Elara — watched him with quiet admiration. It wasn't overdone or fawning; there was sincerity in her eyes. She believed in him.
'So that's Lucien Temaki… the hero of the story.'
'But how long will his light last?'
As the crowd whispered his name, I felt something stir within me. Not envy — but a strange mix of curiosity and anticipation.
The air grew heavier as the enchanted mannequins began to power up. Sparks of mana crackled around the arena floor, and tension filled every corner of the courtyard.
Soon, the first test would begin.
And among these so-called heroes and prodigies… only a few would rise high enough to be remembered.