A deep, resonant chime rippled through the air, emanating from the towering bell atop Arcanis Sanctum's central spire. The tone was not merely loud—it vibrated with a strange energy, stirring something ancient in the bones of the Academy's courtyard. Conversations halted as every student turned their gaze upward. The marble staircase that wound down from the main hall seemed to shimmer beneath the midday sun, as if awaiting a divine descent.
And then—she appeared.
At the top of the stairs stood a figure cloaked in majesty. Her silver hair flowed behind her, catching the light like strands of liquid moonlight. Her deep violet robes swirled in the breeze, embroidered with golden arcs and sigils that shimmered with latent power. On her chest glowed the unmistakable crest of the First Flame—a symbol of legend, known even in the most remote corners of the kingdom.
Gasps swept through the gathered crowd.
"That's her…"
"The Headmaster herself."
"A direct descendant of Archmage Caelestia…"
"She sealed the Rift… She's mage royalty."
Whispers of awe mingled with disbelief, but none dared raise their voice. Even the boldest of the examinees straightened their postures as she began her descent, each step carrying an air of measured elegance and unshakable authority. The wind stilled as if to listen.
When she reached the base of the stairs, she raised her hand—and without any amplification, her voice rang out clear and commanding, carried as if on the very breath of magic itself.
"Welcome, aspirants of adventure and magic, to Arcanis Sanctum," she said. "I am Headmaster Seraphina Caelestia Vaelwyn, and I am honored to welcome you to this crucible of potential."
Silence held. Even the birds seemed to listen.
"This is no ordinary place of learning," she continued. "These grounds are sacred, hallowed by sacrifice and sealed with oaths older than this nation. Arcanis Sanctum was not built for convenience or status—it was forged from necessity, in the wake of a cataclysm that nearly unraveled our world."
Her eyes scanned the sea of faces before her—some nervous, others filled with ambition.
"It was not armies that saved us," she said, her tone sharp yet stirring. "It was those who wielded their hearts with as much force as their spells. Mages. Warriors. Guardians of the light."
A hush fell even deeper over the students.
"You have come here seeking power. But know this: power without purpose is a path to ruin. Within these walls, you will be tested—not only in might, but in resolve.
She stepped aside, motioning with one hand toward the three figures emerging behind her.
"These are your examiners. They will determine whether you are fit to be molded within the halls of Arcanis Sanctum."
The first figure stepped forward—a tall, broad man clad in reinforced leather armor lined with silver sigils. A colossal greatsword rested against his back, and his arms crossed firmly over his scarred chest. His presence radiated martial authority.
"This is Sir Garrick Thornewald," Seraphina introduced. "Commander of the Western Front. He will test your physical prowess—your strength, your agility, and your endurance."
Garrick offered a short nod, eyes as sharp as drawn steel. His gaze sliced through the crowd, assessing them like soldiers before a battlefield.
The second examiner was a woman dressed in layered black robes, her fingers gloved in silver-threaded runes. Her expression was unreadable, her presence unnervingly calm.
"This is Lady Marcella Duskwhisper, Master of High Sorcery. She will evaluate your magical aptitude—the breadth of your potential and the discipline of your control."
Marcella dipped her head in the barest motion, a flicker of dark amusement in her eyes as if she were already anticipating the trials to come.
The final figure seemed out of place beside the other two. A serene-looking man with golden trim on his white robes, he stood with hands folded in prayer. A subtle warmth radiated from him, and a golden aura curled faintly around his feet.
"And this," Seraphina said, "is Sir Belvedere Anselm of House Solomir. High Priest of the Celestial Orders. He will test your resonance with the divine—your alignment with blessings and sacred forces beyond comprehension."
Belvedere bowed with humility, placing a hand over his heart in solemn greeting.
"These three will oversee the first phase of your trials. Should you fail, your journey ends here. But for those who succeed, your path within the Academy will truly begin."
She turned slightly, gesturing to the colossal buildings behind her.
"Upon passing, each of you will be assigned to one of three paths—Knight, Mage, or Archer—based on the strengths you demonstrate. Each path carries its own challenges, but all serve the same purpose: to defend this world from the darkness that waits just beyond the veil."
The gathered students hung onto every word, their expressions shifting from awe to resolve.
"And for the most exceptional," she continued, her tone rising, "there lies the opportunity to become Magic Knights of the Royal Vanguard, elite Adventurers who venture into the unknown, scholars whose knowledge shapes nations, or Instructors who shape the next generation of protectors."
A breeze swept the courtyard as Seraphina took a final step back, her voice echoing like prophecy.
"This is the first step of your journey. You stand at the threshold of destiny. Prove yourselves worthy."
With a swirl of her cloak, she turned and ascended the stairs once more, robes catching in the wind and casting rays of light across the courtyard like banners of magic. The moment she vanished from sight, sound returned in a crashing wave.
"She's even more intimidating in person…"
"That speech… it was like hearing history come alive…"
"I want to be a Magic Knight."
Toward the edge of the crowd, Eleanora clutched her staff tightly. Her knuckles were white, and she could feel her heart pounding against her ribs.
"You look like you're about to explode," came a teasing voice.
Eleanora turned to see Alessia grinning at her.
"I-I'm just… a little nervous," Eleanora admitted, trying to steady her breathing.
Alessia rolled her eyes playfully. "You? Nervous? Come on, we've been preparing for this ever since we were kids. Besides, look at him."
They both turned toward the tall figure standing a few paces ahead. Satoshi stood like a statue, arms crossed, his dark eyes focused forward with an almost unsettling calm. His expression hadn't changed since the speech began—unflinching, serene, and utterly composed.
"Tch. Cool guy," Alessia muttered. "Makes the rest of us look like children."
Eleanora gave a sheepish smile. "He's always like that.
"Well, maybe we should borrow a bit of his enthusiasm" Alessia said with a wink. "Come on. We've come this far. Let's pass this exam together."
Eleanora's chest rose with a deep breath, and she nodded. "Right. No backing down now."
As they gathered with the others, the examiners began to divide the students by calling names and categories. Satoshi, still unmoving, spoke in a low voice to no one in particular.
"I don't have time to wait for graduation," he muttered. "I'm becoming an adventurer. One way or another."