He asked about the swords I carried and how I got them. Since he had helped me reach the academy, I couldn’t just ignore his question. So, I told him they were a gift from my uncle. Curious, I asked why he was so interested in them. His tone shifted as he replied, “Maybe you haven’t noticed, but these swords are extremely special. It’s rare to find anything of this quality. There’s magical energy seeping from them—faint, like the smoke of a candle, but dense nonetheless.”
I glanced at my swords and said, “Well, that explains two things: first, why my uncle was so happy and insisted on taking care of them; and second, why the capital’s guard looked so serious during my investigation.”
Despite his playful and somewhat annoying personality, Thaid was sharp-eyed. I told him, “I know. After all, they are my swords.” He kept asking me more questions, which felt odd—why was someone I barely knew this curious? Maybe it was just his personality.
After 30 minutes, the academy came into view. It wasn’t called the Royal Academy for nothing. The place was vast and magnificent. A slight smile appeared on my face as I observed the many students gathered in groups—some in pairs or trios, while others walked alone. A few greeted Thaid, which made me wonder—was he well-known among the students?
There were many guards stationed along the outer walls of the academy, standing tall with silver swords and golden armor bearing the empire’s insignia. Their armor, a blend of red with intricate yellow engravings, added to their imposing presence. Just by being there, they ensured that no one would feel unsafe or expect any unexpected incidents within the academy.
As we reached the entrance gate, students presented their identification badges or noble crests to enter. Those without an ID could still enter using a noble crest. Thaid had an entry badge.
Once inside, I saw hundreds of students arriving to participate. Thaid kept talking about various things, but I couldn’t focus. My attention was drawn to the academy’s awe-inspiring architecture. The path leading to it was lined with sandstone bricks, adding a touch of elegance and distinction.
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The building itself was enormous—more like a palace than a place for combat and magic training. Statues of legendary warriors stood proudly around the area. We arrived ten minutes before the official test time, so I headed to register.
Upon entering the grand and luxurious building, a receptionist greeted me and asked, “Are you here to register?”
“Yes,” I replied.
He asked for some minor details—nothing worth mentioning—then said, “Two gold coins, please.”
I handed him the coins, feeling a slight pang of regret at losing that much money.
I waited inside the academy for ten minutes before we were instructed to gather for the headmaster’s speech. As we assembled, the headmaster stood on a stage-like platform and spoke:
“I welcome you, my dear students—whether you are commoners or nobles. You are the wellspring of talent. I hope this year’s level is exceptionally high. I am Prince Julian Al Valeria, the twenty-eighth prince, and I welcome you all.”
His voice was refined and powerful, befitting a member of the royal family.
After he left, guards carrying swords at their waists arrived and showed us different areas of the academy. The academy had five floors, numerous student rooms, and even free food shops.
There were separate dormitories for men and women. Each room housed four students, with two bunk beds spaced apart. The room’s layout was somewhat odd, but it would do. Thaid and I were assigned to the same room, with two spots remaining.
Later, I headed to the academy’s main hall, which was enormous. It could accommodate between 250 to 500 students, who would be randomly assigned different levels of difficulty for the entrance exam.
A high-ranking professor stepped forward and said, “You must head to the black-doored room and find your names on the notice board.”
I followed Thaid as he continued talking about various things—some funny, others bizarre. Despite his short stature, his voice was loud and slightly annoying. But at heart, he was kind, still guiding me through the academy.
We arrived at the exam rooms on the first floor. I found the notice board, and after a few moments, I spotted both my name and Thaid’s. He grinned at me with an overly wide smile.
Well, entering with someone who knew a few things was better than going in with complete strangers.
Inside, there were many beds. A professor—thin, with dark circles under her eyes, dressed in black robes with a red hat, and holding a book—stood before us. She introduced herself as Olivia.
Her voice was an odd mix of gentleness and eeriness, something indescribable in words.
She instructed us to lie down on the beds. I saw several students doing so and followed suit, choosing the bed near Thaid’s.
Professor Olivia began chanting a complex spell—one for creating a special realm and also for illusion magic. I saw wisps of smoke randomly swirling around some of the beds, including mine and Thaid’s.
- What are the names of Ilarion's swords?
- What is the name of the professor who administered the exam?