The Entrance Exam

After Having breakfast, Marcus felt a strange mixture of anticipation and dread. The entrance exam was looming, and he needed to make a strong impression to ensure his place at the academy.

As he finished his meal, a maid approached him.

"Young Master Marcus, the carriage is ready."

Marcus nodded and made his way outside. He was greeted by a beautifully decorated luxury carriage adorned with the Ravenscroft House emblem. It was an impressive sight, symbolizing the power and prestige of his family.

Marcus took a deep breath and stepped inside the carriage, feeling the soft cushions beneath him as he settled in for the journey.

Just as the carriage began to move, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

System:"Task received: Get the top score in the entrance exam.

Rewards: Dark Magic Element Mastery, Awaken Aura.

Failure: Death by the protagonist."

Marcus's heart skipped a beat at the dire consequences of failure. He quickly used the system to check his skills and status.

A translucent screen appeared before him, displaying his information.

---

[Status Window]

Name: Marcus Ravenscroft

Job: Young Master of Ravenscroft House

Strength: 24

Endurance: 28

Agility: 23

Intelligence: 36

Mana: 360 (1-Star Mage)

________________________

[Magic Mastery]

•Fire: Intermediate

•Wind: Intermediate

•Water: Unawakened

•Earth: Unawakened

•Dark: Unawakened

•Light: Can't be Awakened

________________________

[Skills]

Swordsmanship, Ignite, Fireball, Whirlwind, Air Impact, Fire Wall, Swift Strike, Fire Fist, Fire Strike, Wind Slash

---

Marcus studied the list, feeling a mix of satisfaction and apprehension. His intermediate mastery over Fire and Wind magic was impressive for his age, but he still had much to learn.

The thought of awakening his Dark element and gaining new abilities filled him with a sense of determination.

He began to think about the entrance exam. It consisted of three tests: a written examination, a practical combat test, and a group hunt test.

Each test was equally important, and he needed to excel in all three to secure the top score.

The written examination worried him the most. He knew very little about this world beyond what he had read in the novel. As he pondered this, the system chimed in again, providing him with the previous owner's memories.

A flood of information washed over him, giving him insights into the world of vyrandel and the sealed continent of Arcanum.

The previous Marcus was indeed a prodigy. Becoming a 1-star mage at the age of 17 with intermediate mastery over two elements was no small feat. Even the principal, the highest-ranked mage on the continent, was 216 years old.

This newfound knowledge gave Marcus confidence. He now felt prepared for the written examination and could focus on the practical and group tests.

As the carriage came to a stop, Marcus looked out the window and saw the academy.

The building was enormous and grand, its architecture breathtakingly beautiful. If this building were on Earth, it would undoubtedly be one of the wonders of the world.

Marcus stepped out of the carriage and began walking towards the exam hall. The distance was considerable, and all students were required to walk as carriages were not allowed inside the academy grounds. The academy prided itself on treating all students equally, regardless of their background.

Entering the exam hall, Marcus saw students from well-established families, including those of marquises and viscounts. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a key figure from the novel—the protagonist, Leo.

This was his first time seeing Leo, but he recognized him instantly by his white hair and golden eyes.

As he continued to look around, his gaze was drawn to a girl with long, beautiful blonde hair and green eyes. She was Princess Serina Alvora, the king's daughter, and highly doted upon by her father. Finally, Marcus's eyes settled on a girl with long blue hair and light blue eyes—Charlotte Whitewood, his fiancée. She looked as poised and elegant as he remembered from the novel.

Marcus took a deep breath and found a seat. The room buzzed with nervous energy as students awaited the start of the exam.

He knew that his performance today would determine his future at the academy and his ability to influence the events of the novel.

The first part of the exam, the written test, began promptly. Marcus tackled the questions with confidence, drawing on the memories of the previous owner.

The knowledge he had gained helped him navigate the complexities of magical theory, history, and strategic thinking. He completed the test feeling assured of his performance.

Next was the practical combat test. The students were led to a large training ground where they would demonstrate their magical abilities. Marcus watched as other students performed their spells, each showcasing their elemental affinities.

When it was his turn, he stepped forward, feeling the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

Marcus:"Fireball!"

A blazing sphere of fire erupted from his hand, striking the target with precision. The onlookers murmured in appreciation, impressed by his control and power. He followed up with a demonstration of his Wind magic, creating a whirlwind that lifted several targets into the air before scattering them.

The professors exchanged glances, clearly impressed by his dual-element proficiency. Marcus felt a surge of confidence, knowing he had made a strong impression.

The final test was the group hunt. Students were divided into teams and tasked with hunting down a magical beast within a designated area.

Marcus found himself in a group with several capable students, including a young nobleman with Earth magic and a girl with Water magic. He quickly assumed a leadership role, organizing their efforts and formulating a strategy.

Marcus: "We'll use Earth magic to create barriers and traps. Water magic will be used to control the environment and hinder the beast's movements. Fire and Wind will be our primary offensive elements. Stay alert and work together."

The group followed his instructions, and under his guidance, they successfully hunted down the magical beast. Marcus's strategic thinking and ability to lead under pressure did not go unnoticed by the examiners.

As the day came to an end, Marcus felt a deep sense of accomplishment. He had navigated the challenges with skill and determination, laying a strong foundation for his future at the academy.

Returning to the villa, Marcus was greeted by a maid who informed him that the results would be announced the next day. He thanked her and retired to his room, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation.

Marcus: "System, what are my next steps?"

System: "Continue to observe your surroundings and gather information. Strengthen your relationships with key individuals, and focus on developing your magical abilities. The journey ahead will be long and challenging, but with careful planning and determination, you can achieve your goals."

Marcus nodded, determined to rise to the top. He had been given a second chance in this world, and he would use it to forge his destiny as the Demon God. The road ahead was filled with obstacles, but with the support of the system and his own resolve, he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.

As he lay down to rest, Marcus couldn't help but think of the future. The academy, his engagement to Charlotte, the looming presence of Lucian—all these elements would shape his path. But for now, he needed to focus on the present and prepare for the next steps in his journey.