Four Million Years Later

The Kingdom of Falasia, a human realm located in the northern part of the continent of Mirajheim. And within this kingdom lay Zeneth.

Zeneth Academy was the most prestigious institution on the entire continent. Most families sent their offspring there not only for its prestige but also for diplomatic reasons. While it was open to all, the academy was primarily composed of the high nobility.

Students were evaluated and treated solely based on their abilities.

Rina Vibe Doscheni was the third daughter of the Doscheni house, currently enrolled in the preparatory magic cycle at Zeneth Academy. Her goal was to gain status and restore her family's honor.

Her father was a baronet, which meant she had virtually no influence. If she wanted to escape her predetermined fate, she would have to carve her own path. Otherwise, she would inevitably become the wife—or rather, the concubine and property—of Jerfrost Xerces, the second son of Count Xerces.

To secure her freedom and ensure a future where she could choose her own path, she had joined the academy with the aspiration of reaching the highest rank attainable for a mage: the title of "Supreme Mage."

However, despite her ambitious goal, Rina Doscheni lacked any exceptional magical talent, and her mana reserves were merely average.

She had barely managed to pass the entrance exam, but now, she was on the verge of being expelled before even completing the preparatory cycle. Her chances of continuing at the academy seemed slim.

Inside one of Zeneth Academy's offices, a middle-aged man sat across from her, his expression stern. Rina, a beauty with fair skin and jet-black hair, was visibly shaken by what she had just heard.

"I'm being expelled!?" she repeated in disbelief, her voice tinged with desperation.

"Miss Doscheni, as you have surely noticed, you do not meet the required qualifications to complete your preparatory course," he explained gravely.

"A thorough review of your records indicates that you will never be able to progress sufficiently. Making you repeat the year would be futile. We must send you home; an early career redirection would be far more beneficial."

Zeneth Academy maintained a prestigious reputation and adhered to strict procedures. Students who were admitted had to successfully complete the preparatory cycle; those who succeeded would then be formally accepted as internal students.

Stormeddeger Vod, a member of the faculty committee, sat behind his desk, his nameplate displayed prominently at the entrance.

Rina pleaded, "Please, give me another chance! This time, I'll work twice as hard!"

Stormeddeger sighed. "Even if you redoubled your efforts, you wouldn't reach the advanced levels of the second cycle. Why put yourself through that?"

"I understand the challenges, but this academy is my last hope of achieving my goals," she replied, her gaze filled with determination.

Stormeddeger sighed once more. "There is a theoretical way for you to validate this cycle, but it is highly risky."

Rina's eyes lit up with renewed interest. "No matter the risk, tell me!"

"It's a duel against a student who has already passed this cycle. Your performance will determine whether you advance or not," he explained. "This method is rarely used, but in your case, it might be appropriate."

"I'll do it!" she declared without hesitation.

"I haven't finished..." he began, but she was already dashing out, eager to seize this opportunity.

As Rina walked through the academy corridors, hushed whispers followed her every step.

"Look, it's Doscheni!"

"They're expelling her!"

"Really? What a disgrace to be dismissed from the preparatory course!"

"I heard she used underhanded means to enroll here!"

"She only has her looks going for her. I can't stand girls like that."

"She's getting what she deserves."

She lowered her gaze, pressing forward despite the sharp sting of their words.

Back in her dormitory, she collapsed onto her bed, overwhelmed by her emotions. Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud slam.

"Vlaamm!"

"Rin!" called a familiar voice. It was Liza Troch, her roommate and best friend, visibly shaken, her eyes brimming with tears.

"You were summoned so suddenly—I was worried about you!" Liza exclaimed.

"Don't worry about it. But next time, knock before barging in! You startled me," Rina replied with a faint smile.

Liza, with her spontaneous nature and boundless kindness, was the closest person to Rina at the academy.

"Is it true? Are you really leaving the academy?" Liza asked, her voice trembling.

"Calm down, Liza. I've been granted a reprieve. I just need to prove my skills in a duel," Rina explained.

"Aha! Then all is not lost! You can do this, Rin!" Liza cheered, instantly switching from sorrow to enthusiasm.

Rina smiled weakly. "I might lose, but this is my only chance to validate my cycle. If I fail, I'll have to figure out my next step. Everything depends on my opponent."

Liza stood up, removed a necklace, and held it out to Rina. "Take this. Your mana reserves are low, and you lack a natural affinity. This is a magical artifact that doesn't require much energy. It will help you."

Rina hesitated. "This necklace... it's a family heirloom. I can't accept it."

Liza understood and didn't push further. Instead, she resolved to support Rina to the very end.

"A duel... I have a bad feeling about this," Liza murmured worriedly.

"Come on, how about a sleepover?" Rina suggested, attempting to change the subject.

Liza's face lit up. "You'll let me sleep in your bed?"

"Just this once!" Rina replied with a smile.

Even though Liza and Rina shared the same apartment, this was the first time Liza would be sleeping in Rina's room. Rina had always avoided it, knowing just how unpredictable Liza could be.

The dormitory was divided into multiple apartments, each assigned based on students' status and privileges.

"It's still early afternoon, Liza. Don't you have classes?" Rina asked.

"Hmm... I was summoned, so I'm free for the day. And I'm tired too. What about you?" Liza grinned mischievously.

"No, no, no! I don't want to leave you alone!" Rina sighed.

Liza burst into laughter. "You, really!"