Zeneth Academy

Zeneth Academy, the largest and most prestigious academy on the continent, had relatively simple entrance requirements, but staying enrolled was another matter entirely. It enjoyed a special status and implemented strict yet innovative teaching methods.

A student who successfully completed their first cycle was recognized as a full-fledged mage. Even if they were expelled later, that rank would remain valid.

Zeneth operated through an elimination system based on study cycles.

The cycle at which a student was eliminated determined their official rank as a magician, based on the last completed level. This rank could, however, be modified under certain conditions.

To be counted among Zeneth's students, one had to pass an entrance exam and then complete the preparatory cycle that followed. This cycle served as proof that a mage was capable of learning and progressing.

All new students were first housed in domains outside the main academy, where they attended classes and took their exams. Only after passing this stage did they gain access to the academy itself, marking the true beginning of their training. This entire process was designed to select and shape competent individuals.

Zeneth Academy was a vast domain, the size of a small city, operating as a self-governed territory with its own rules.

All students and professors lived within the academy grounds. It was also a place where magic experiments and various other studies were conducted, allowing Zeneth to function in complete autonomy.

Though located within the kingdom of Falasia, Zeneth remained entirely independent of its laws.

A large crowd had gathered outside the academy's main building, the gateway to Zeneth. These were the students who had successfully completed their first cycle—the preparatory cycle. Standing before the massive, heavily reinforced gate was a man.

There was a noticeable distance between him and the crowd. After a brief discussion with the two men accompanying him and a woman standing nearby, he finally spoke.

"First of all, thank you for being here today! My name is Pronteira, and I represent the headmistress of Zeneth Academy. I want to congratulate each of you on passing your cycle."

Indeed, those present had successfully validated their preparatory cycle. The ones who had failed had already been expelled.

Pronteira: "Some of you used unconventional methods, while others revived certain old traditions of the academy during this cycle."

He scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on a few students before briefly stopping on Rina. Then, he continued.

Pronteira: "Out of 1,974 candidates, only 28 of you have succeeded. You will now begin your studies at Zeneth. Later, you will be asked to collect your belongings. Additionally, this evening, you will receive the academy's rules and your new dormitory assignments."

Pronteira: "You are now officially mages. However, remember that to secure a good status, you must aim for the top of the rankings during your time here."

Pronteira: "With that, I will take my leave. The other professors will now give you a tour of the areas you need to familiarize yourselves with first."

With those words, he turned and walked toward the grand gate. He gestured to the two mages guarding it, signaling them to open it.

Each of them carried a stamp, which acted as a key to unlock the gate. They pressed their stamps onto designated symbols that functioned as locks, and the massive doors opened on their own.

Pronteira left, seemingly occupied with other matters.

The woman who had accompanied the three men stepped forward and introduced herself.

"My name is Alice Ninim. You may call me Miss Ninim. I will be one of your guides today, along with the professors."

"Jerfrost Khan."

"Still as talkative as ever," murmured the third person, before introducing himself.

"I am one of the martial arts instructors at Zeneth Academy. And since the other two clearly can't introduce themselves properly—"

Ninim: "Hey! I resent that!"

The first to speak was now protesting, offended by his remark.

"As I was saying, since the other two failed to introduce themselves properly, Professor Ninim teaches theoretical magic. Her classes cover the fundamental workings of magic, advancements, innovations, and experimental studies. Professor Jerfrost, on the other hand, handles practical training."

"You will apply what you've learned in real-life scenarios under his supervision. There are, of course, many other professors based on your personal specialization, but we are the ones assigned to your tour today."

"But, Professor, what's your name?"

Ninim: "Oh, what a blunder!"

Alice couldn't help but stifle a laugh, but soon enough, she burst out laughing in front of everyone. It was clear she lacked restraint.

Ninim: "He was so focused on getting it right that he forgot to introduce himself! How rude, how disgraceful!"

Some students struggled to contain their laughter. They didn't know what might happen if they did, but the temptation was strong—many turned away to chuckle discreetly.

The professor in question showed slight signs of irritation, but Alice only escalated her teasing.

Ninim: "He called us incapable of making proper introductions, and yet—this is too funny! Go flex your muscles, your brain has already gone soft!"

"I was getting to it, if only I hadn't been interrupted."

The student who had asked the question suddenly felt singled out and quickly lowered his gaze, avoiding eye contact with the professor.

But to Ninim, this excuse was just fuel for more mockery. She pointed at him, laughing so hard she had to clutch her sides.

Up until then, Jerfrost Khan had remained silent. But now, he decided to intervene. This whole exchange was a waste of time, and he was eager to move on.

Jerfrost Khan: "Are you done?"

He's scary... thought the majority of students collectively.

He didn't bother hiding his hostility or irritation. Ninim finally quieted down, and the other professor regained his composure.

"I am Atlas, one of the martial arts instructors at the academy. I am a Mage-Knight by profession."

Ninim: "Now, follow us. We will begin the tour."**