6.white light

Children of their age rarely succeeded in becoming mages so early in life. For most, the path began with training their bodies and developing martial strength, laying a solid foundation for later years.

However, every once in a while, rare prodigies emerged—geniuses who not only adapted to mana at an early age but rivaled the strength of rank 3 mages before even reaching 18.

Rank 3 mages represented the pinnacle of human capability without relying solely on martial power or mana.

Typically, such accomplishments came only after decades of relentless effort and experience. For someone so young to approach this level was almost unthinkable.

The announcer stepped forward, addressing the remaining candidates. His voice carried both authority and anticipation. "Congratulations on making it this far. Your next test is straightforward.

We will assess your mana potential using a magic stone and other artifacts. Out of the 200 of you here, only 150 will advance.

Each candidate will start with a base of 10 points, and your results will depend entirely on your potential. Best of luck to all of you."

As the announcer finished, several teachers moved to their designated stations, calling names from the list.

Each candidate approached their testing area with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

The first to step forward was a chubby boy whose round frame jiggled with every movement. Guided by a teacher, he placed his hand on the glowing orb connected to an intricate array of artifacts.

The orb pulsed faintly before settling into a dark yellow hue. Gasps rippled through the crowd. A rank 6 to rank 8 potential—this was a rare occurrence!

Next came a red-haired girl, her fiery locks as untamed as her attitude. She sauntered up to the orb with a smug expression, her movements brimming with overconfidence.

As soon as her hand touched the orb, it blazed a bright orange, symbolizing an extraordinary rank 8 to rank 10 potential.

The girl let out an elated shriek, jumping up and down as though the world now revolved around her.

Her confidence bordered on arrogance as she strutted past the other candidates, leaning in just close enough to whisper a single, cutting word: "Trash."

The insult hung in the air, sharp and heavy. The other students clenched their fists, their faces burning with suppressed anger.

Still, they held back. This was no playground, where such confrontations might be shrugged off; this was a testing ground, and they couldn't afford to lose their composure.

But the red-haired girl wasn't done. With a sneer, she muttered, "Slum dogs," loud enough for everyone to hear.

This time, a few students looked ready to confront her, their frustration threatening to boil over. Others quickly held them back, whispering urgent reminders to stay focused on the test.

Then, another girl stepped forward. She was a blonde, petite and frail-looking, with a sharp contrast between her graceful figure and her unusually unattractive face.

Her features were so disproportionate to her physique that the boys in the crowd exchanged disappointed glances. A body so elegant, they lamented, wasted on such a face.

Despite the murmurs, the girl walked to the orb with quiet determination. Her gaze was steady, ignoring the whispers around her. At this moment, the entire crowd seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what her results would reveal.

As soon as the blonde girl placed her hand on the orb, an eerie silence fell over the room. The orb remained dull, showing no response. Everyone waited, expecting at least a faint glow, but nothing happened.

Whispers began to ripple through the crowd. The invigilator, after checking the artifact, sighed and said bluntly, "You have no potential for the enlightenment of mana."

The girl's already unsightly features twisted further in disbelief, making her expression even more unpleasant to behold.

Her voice rose sharply, tinged with desperation. "What? That's not possible! Check again! I'm sure you've made some mistake. I am a noble, after all! How can I have no mana potential? Doesn't half the population awaken their abilities in their late teenage years?"

The staff member's brow furrowed in irritation. With a calm yet firm tone, he pointed to the exit. "The exit is that way. You may leave now."

But the girl refused to accept the verdict. "No! No! No! You have to check again! I am not going anywhere until you re-examine me."

Her petulance grated on the teachers, who exchanged annoyed glances. One of them, clearly fed up, stepped forward.

Without uttering a single comprehensible word, he moved his fingers in a swift, practiced motion. The air around the girl shifted, stirred by invisible forces.

Before anyone could process what was happening, a protective barrier of wind enveloped the girl.

With a flick of his hand, the teacher guided the magic, lifting her off the ground. The blonde, still mid-rant, was unceremoniously flung out through the gates.

Though the wind magic cushioned her fall, preventing any injuries, she landed in a muddy patch just beyond the premises. Covered in dirt, her pristine appearance was reduced to a pathetic sight.

The teachers didn't so much as glance her way after that. Their actions made it clear: they wouldn't tolerate insults or unwarranted arrogance.

James, standing near the back, couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst into laughter, his chuckles contagious.

Soon, several other students joined in, their suppressed mirth breaking free. Even a few of the other teachers allowed themselves small, amused smiles.

The blonde, humiliated and furious, broke into tears. She scrambled to her feet and ran off, her sobs echoing faintly as she disappeared into the distance.

James smirked as he watched her go. If nothing else, he now had a clear understanding of one thing: the teachers here didn't just demand respect—they enforced it.

It was finally James's turn. He approached the orb with a steady gait, his expression calm, though his heart raced with anticipation.

As he placed his hand on the smooth, cool surface of the artifact, the room seemed to hold its breath.

Suddenly, a dazzling white light erupted from the orb, blinding the other students. Gasps and murmurs filled the air as everyone shielded their eyes from the intense glow.

The teachers, however, remained unaffected, standing still and observing with composed smiles.

When the light subsided, James removed his hand, glancing at the orb with a mix of wonder and curiosity. The head examiner stepped forward, his face breaking into a warm smile.

"Congratulations, young man," he said, his voice ringing with admiration. "Not only have you already begun collecting small chunks of mana within you, but the potential you display surpasses rank 12. A truly rare achievement."

James blinked, startled by the revelation. While a rush of pride surged through him, confusion clouded his thoughts.

He couldn't help but wonder how this was possible. He had never trained in mana control, never even felt its presence within him.

Yet, here he was, standing amidst a room of awestruck peers, his hidden talent now laid bare.

"How…?" he began hesitantly, his voice low. "How did I start collecting mana without even realizing it? I've never trained or even sensed it before."

The teacher chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes, talent runs deeper than consciousness, James. Your body might have instinctively attuned itself to the world's mana, even if your mind was unaware. It's not common, but in individuals with exceptional potential, this can happen."

James nodded slowly, absorbing the information. While the mystery of his untapped ability intrigued him, the recognition of his potential lit a fire within.

For years, he had trained his body and martial skills, not knowing this hidden strength lay dormant inside him.

"You have a great future ahead of you," the teacher continued, his tone both encouraging and firm. "Cultivate this gift wisely. With discipline and focus, you could achieve feats far beyond what most can dream of."

As James stepped away from the orb, the eyes of his peers followed him. Some looked on in awe, others in envy, but none dared mock him now.

For the first time, James felt the weight of his potential—and the promise of a path he was only just beginning to understand.

Although James often thought having the memories of his previous life was an extraordinary gift, today, he realized he had an untapped reservoir of talent within him as well—something he hadn't known or anticipated.

The discovery left him genuinely surprised and delighted, like a child receiving an unexpected gift. There was no greed in his heart, only pure happiness at this newfound revelation.

A bright smile spread across his face as he turned to the teachers. With respect and gratitude, he bowed deeply to them. "Thank you for examining me and revealing this to me," he said sincerely.

The teachers exchanged knowing glances, still processing what they had witnessed. One of them murmured, "It's rare—truly rare—to find someone with potential beyond the usual limits. He's exceptional."

Another added, "None of us could have guessed this. Even among the most gifted, such talent is unheard of."

James returned to the crowd, where the students looked at him with a mix of awe and admiration. A few clapped politely, while others whispered praises among themselves.

"That was amazing, James!" one of the students exclaimed.

"I've never seen the orb glow like that," another added.

"You're going to be someone great—I just know it," a younger boy said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Though James was touched by their words, he remained humble, nodding and thanking each one.

Deep down, he knew this was only the beginning. The revelation of his talent wasn't an end, but a call to action—a challenge to live up to the potential the orb had unveiled.

The teachers, still murmuring amongst themselves, continued to glance at James with newfound respect.

They had tested thousands of students in their careers, yet none had displayed potential beyond the usual thresholds. He was, without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy.

For James, this moment was not just about discovering his talent but also about understanding the responsibility that came with it.

With a steady heart and renewed determination, he silently vowed to grow stronger, not just for himself but for the journey ahead.

The academy's entrance test had reached its final stage, leaving only 150 of the best candidates standing.

While many of the remaining students had managed average results, barely reaching ranks 3 or 4 in potential, a handful stood out with remarkable rank 7 and 8 evaluations. Among them was Lucas, the son of a local business tycoon from Oklahoma.

Lucas, known for his immense privilege and preparation, demonstrated a rare grey light from the orb, symbolizing potential near rank 11.

His confidence was shaken when he encountered James, whose dazzling performance surpassed expectations.

For Lucas, who had always been a star in his circle, James was a disruptive presence—a new rival in a world where superiority was rarely contested.

The final test was a magic display, a grand spectacle designed to evaluate each student's control, creativity, and talent for manipulating magic.

The academy provided each candidate with an artifact and magic stones, tools that temporarily enabled magic use, even for those without mana reserves.

The test aimed to reveal not only raw power but also the candidates' ingenuity and adaptability in using magic.

As the test commenced, the atmosphere grew electric. Candidates stepped forward in groups of five, each displaying a variety of magical feats.

One boy summoned a shimmering waterfall, its height rivaling his own, while another launched blazing fireballs with precision that struck the targets with a satisfying force.

A girl cloaked herself in shadow, vanishing into the silhouettes of her peers, leaving the audience marveling at her stealth.

Others displayed control over the elements: one caused the ground to quake with forceful tremors, while another froze the shifting earth, halting its chaos with chilling precision. Each act reflected the diversity of magic, a boundless art limited only by the user's creativity.

Amid the spectacle, one performance drew particular attention. Natalie, the red-haired girl with a fiery temper and rank 10 potential, stepped forward with confidence radiating from her every move.

Her confident demeanor silenced the crowd, and even James found himself curious to see what she could achieve. Natalie began her spell with a practiced chant, her voice steady and commanding.

A massive fireball, nearly four times the size of any seen before, materialized in front of her. Its intense purple flames shimmered ominously, a rare and mesmerizing sight.

The crowd gasped as Natalie unleashed her spell. "Incarnate the world!" she declared, sending the fiery orb hurtling toward the metal doll used as the test target. The fireball struck with immense force, engulfing the doll in relentless flames.

The heat was so intense that the metal began to warp and melt, a testament to the spell's destructive power. The audience erupted in astonished whispers, impressed by the sheer magnitude of her display.

However, the performance came at a price. Natalie, drained by the effort, stumbled as her magic stone depleted completely.

Her breathing grew labored, and beads of sweat lined her forehead. Despite her exhaustion, she smirked, basking in the murmurs of approval and the astonished expressions around her.

Her performance had indeed been a spectacle, but it revealed a critical flaw—she had poured all her energy into a single act, leaving herself vulnerable and unable to continue.

James watched her with a thoughtful expression. He acknowledged her talent but noted her lack of efficiency. "She's powerful," he thought, "but power without endurance or strategy is a weakness in itself."

While the audience admired Natalie's display, James remained composed, awaiting his turn to demonstrate his abilities.

The final test continued, with more candidates stepping forward to display their talents. However, the shadow of James's earlier brilliance loomed over the field, and the students couldn't help but glance at him in awe.

The teachers, too, kept their eyes on James, quietly discussing his potential and the future he might bring to the academy. For now, James remained patient, knowing that the true test of strength was yet to come.

sheer magnitude of her display.

However, the performance came at a price. Natalie, drained by the effort, stumbled as her magic stone depleted completely.

Her breathing grew labored, and beads of sweat lined her forehead. Despite her exhaustion, she smirked, basking in the murmurs of approval and the astonished expressions around her.

Her performance had indeed been a spectacle, but it revealed a critical flaw—she had poured all her energy into a single act, leaving herself vulnerable and unable to continue.

James watched her with a thoughtful expression. He acknowledged her talent but noted her lack of efficiency.

"She's powerful," he thought, "but power without endurance or strategy is a weakness in itself."

While the audience admired Natalie's display, James remained composed, awaiting his turn to demonstrate his abilities.

The final test continued, with more candidates stepping forward to display their talents. However, the shadow of James's earlier brilliance loomed over the field, and the students couldn't help but glance at him in awe.

The teachers, too, kept their eyes on James, quietly discussing his potential and the future he might bring to the academy.

For now, James remained patient, knowing that the true test of strength was yet to come.

As James stepped forward, a wave of silence fell over the room. Every pair of eyes fixated on him, their curiosity palpable.

The artifact he was given—a pendant with a small magic stone embedded within—hung around his neck, glowing faintly with the potential it held.

Despite his unassuming demeanor, there was an air of quiet confidence in James's movements that intrigued both his peers and the teachers.

James had spent countless hours studying spells, though the free ones provided by the academy were often inefficient and required a significant amount of mana to perform.

However, his unique advantage—memories of a past life—allowed him to approach magic with a fresh perspective.

By combining this fragmented knowledge with his innate talent, he had modified one of these spells, vastly improving its proficiency. His version of the spell not only consumed less mana but also reduced the mental strain required to cast it.

As he prepared to cast the spell, a surge of energy began to build around him, crackling in the air like a brewing storm.

The energy coalesced and started to take shape, transforming into a magnificent dragon forged entirely from flames.

The creature radiated heat and power, its scales shimmering like molten gold. With a commanding gesture from James, the fiery dragon launched itself toward the metal target.

The impact was catastrophic. The dragon collided with the target, its fiery body exploding in a brilliant burst of heat and light.

The sound of the explosion echoed through the hall as the metal armor was obliterated, reduced to a scattering of molten shards.

The sheer force of the spell left everyone in awe, their mouths agape as they stared at the now-empty testing area.

Even Lucas, the boy with near rank 11 potential, found himself stunned. He had spent years honing his abilities, using expensive artifacts and medicinal herbs to boost his potential and refine his skills.

Yet here stood James, an ordinary-looking boy with no apparent access to such resources, performing a feat that seemed impossible.

Lucas's astonishment gave way to a grin, equal parts admiration and competitive excitement.

"Amazing," Lucas thought, watching James with renewed interest. "It looks like there's someone in my way. Well, that's even better." Lucas recalled his father's words: "The more challenges you face, the better you will become as a man."

The crowd erupted into whispers of disbelief and admiration. Teachers exchanged knowing glances, recognizing that James's talent went far beyond what the entrance tests had initially revealed.

He knew this was only the beginning of his journey, but for now, he allowed himself a small, genuine smile as he rejoined the crowd.