The journey from the elven village to the Kingdom of Rango took several days. The landscapes changed drastically: from the calm, magical forests of the elven world to vast plains, cobbled roads, and human fortresses rising proudly between hills and rivers. Ares and Liana traveled in a cart alongside other passengers, though most kept their distance upon seeing their elven clothing and the strange glow in Ares's eyes.
Finally, one morning, Rango appeared before them.
The capital of the Human Kingdom was not what Ares expected. It was grander. The white stone walls gleamed under the sun, and the watchtowers seemed to reach the sky. Large banners waved with the kingdom's emblem: a golden phoenix wrapped in flames, symbolizing rebirth and magical power. The gates were wide enough for five carts to pass through at once, guarded by soldiers in shining armor engraved with magical inscriptions that radiated power.
"This is... incredible," Liana murmured, clearly impressed.
"It's nothing like our village," Ares said in awe. Though he had grown up among natural magic, this place had something different. Here, magic did not flow from the land—it flowed from human will and ambition. It was magic forged with determination.
Upon entering, they walked through crowded streets filled with people of all races. Humans, elves, half-humans, and even a couple of dwarves in dark cloaks. Merchants sold amulets, potions, and enchanted weapons. Street mages performed tricks for spare coins, though some showed real power.
But the most striking sight was the enormous building at the far end of the city: the Supreme Magic Academy. It didn't look like a castle or a school—it was a city within a city. It had eight towers, each representing a known type of magic: fire, water, wind, earth, lightning, darkness, light, and enhancement. At the center stood a tower even taller, bearing no symbol, reaching into the heavens. Some said it was where the true prodigies were trained: the future members of the Supreme Institute.
When they arrived at the academy's gates, a long line of applicants was already waiting. Each held a letter of summons. Some stood alone; others in groups. Some were nobles in elegant robes, and others, weathered travelers with battle-hardened expressions.
Ares and Liana handed their documents to a tall man in a red robe. His eyes were covered by a magical blindfold glowing with arcane energy.
"Ares... Liana..." the man read aloud without looking. "Welcome to the entrance exam. Proceed through the north gate. The first trial begins in one hour. You are permitted to bring basic magical weapons, but no summons or external artifacts."
Ares and Liana exchanged a mix of excitement and nervousness.
They were in.
They walked toward a large training field behind the academy. It was a natural coliseum, with stone-carved stands and a dirt platform enchanted to react to magic. Over two hundred applicants stood there, waiting. At the front, an old mage appeared floating on a magical cloud. His black robe was embroidered with gold, and his gaze was sharp as a spear.
"Welcome to the first entrance exam of the Supreme Magic Academy!" his voice boomed without the need for amplification. "There is no room for mediocrity here. Your race and origin do not matter. Only the strong will survive."
Ares swallowed hard. Liana straightened with confidence.
"The exam will be divided into three phases," the old man continued. "The first, a test of magical resistance. The second, direct combat. And the third... a personal challenge, where you will face your greatest weakness."
At those words, a tense silence filled the place. Some began to prepare themselves; others eyed their competitors with suspicion.
"Let the first trial begin!" shouted the mage. "Feel the weight of mana!"
The ground trembled. A dense aura fell upon them, like an invisible pressure crushing their bodies. Ares felt his breath falter. His blue flame flickered faintly inside him, like a warning. Liana, though affected, kept her eyes closed and her body steady.
This was only the first trial... but it was already clear:
Not everyone was ready to enter.