Chapter 2: Entering Arcane Academy

Adam stood at the grand entrance of Arcane Academy, the towering gates before him humming with magical energy. The academy was a masterpiece of arcane architecture—floating spires defied gravity, glowing magical sigils adorned the walls, and the air itself shimmered with raw mana.

Students bustled around him, wearing elegant academy robes. Nobles carried themselves with arrogance, while commoners who had shown exceptional magical talent moved cautiously, aware of their precarious position in a world where status dictated power.

Adam exhaled, gripping the entrance letter in his hands.

This was the beginning.

His previous self had only been a minor student in the academy, just another background character. But now? Now, he would carve his own legend.

The Academy System

Arcane Academy was the most prestigious magic institution in the kingdom, housing both noble and commoner students. It was divided into four major Houses, each representing a different magical philosophy:

1. House Solis – The House of Light and Order, primarily composed of high-ranking nobles and priests.

2. House Noctis – The House of Dark and Forbidden Magic, often viewed with suspicion but respected for its raw power.

3. House Ignis – The House of Fire and Combat Arts, home to battle-hardened warriors and aggressive mages.

4. House Zephyr – The House of Wind, Strategy, and Free Magic, favored by scholars and tacticians.

Each student was tested upon entrance to determine their placement, though noble connections could sometimes influence the outcome.

Adam already knew where he would be assigned—House Noctis, the faction that specialized in Dark and Spatial Magic. The same House that, in the novel, had produced villains and assassins.

Perfect.

If the world expected him to be a shadow, he would become the shadow that no one could ignore.

The Entrance Exam

A loud voice boomed across the courtyard.

"All new students, proceed to the main hall for your entrance examination!"

Adam joined the crowd, stepping into a vast hall where professors, dressed in flowing enchanted robes, sat behind an elevated stage. In front of them stood a crystal sphere, its surface swirling with shifting colors.

This was the Affinity Crystal, a relic that determined a mage's natural talents.

One by one, students stepped forward, placing their hands on the sphere.

"Fire and Wind Affinity—House Ignis."

"Light Affinity—House Solis."

"Earth and Water Affinity—House Zephyr."

Each announcement was followed by polite applause—though the nobles only truly reacted when a particularly strong lineage was revealed.

Finally, it was Adam's turn.

As he stepped forward, whispers erupted among the students.

"Isn't that Adam Rothveil? The son of Lady Rothveil?"

"I heard his family specializes in Dark Magic…"

"But I thought he was average?"

Adam smirked inwardly. Let's see about that.

He placed his hand on the crystal.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then—

A wave of darkness exploded from the sphere, sending tendrils of shadow spiraling outward. Gasps echoed across the hall as the crystal flickered between deep black and violet hues, sparks of spatial distortion crackling in the air.

The examiners sat up immediately.

"A dual affinity…" one professor murmured.

"Not just any dual affinity—Dark and Spatial Magic," another whispered, eyes widening.

Adam withdrew his hand, watching as the magic dissipated. The crowd murmured with speculation. Dark Magic was feared, but Spatial Magic was rare, almost unheard of. Combined? It was a power set that could change the balance of the academy.

The head examiner cleared his throat.

"Adam Rothveil—House Noctis."

A smirk tugged at Adam's lips. Just as expected.

New Faces and Old Stories

As the examination continued, Adam turned his attention to the next students. If he remembered correctly, this was when the protagonist and his companions would be revealed.

A brown-haired young man stepped forward—Leon Everhart, the novel's original protagonist.

Leon was a commoner with extraordinary magical talent, his existence a challenge to the noble hierarchy. In the novel, he would rise through hardship, proving himself time and time again.

Leon placed his hand on the crystal. A blinding golden light erupted from it.

"Light and Fire Affinity—House Solis!"

The room erupted into whispers.

"A dual affinity?"

"And with Light Magic? That's the mark of a hero…"

Adam watched as Leon clenched his fists in determination. He could already see the gears of fate turning.

Next was Cecilia Aurelius, the novel's heroine—a noble lady with long golden hair, known for her grace and kindness.

When she touched the crystal, a radiant blue and silver glow filled the room.

"Water and Ice Affinity—House Zephyr!"

And then—

A cold, elegant girl stepped forward. Evangeline Nacht, the so-called villainess.

With raven-black hair and crimson eyes, she was the pride of House Nacht, a lineage infamous for its ruthless tactics.

She touched the crystal, and a chilling dark red aura flared to life.

"Blood and Shadow Affinity—House Noctis."

Adam's interest piqued. In the novel, Evangeline had been misunderstood, manipulated by her family's ambitions. Perhaps now, things could change.

Finally, the last major character approached—the other transmigrator.

A girl with glasses, a determined expression on her face—Elena Cross.

She had read the novel before falling into this world, much like Adam. But unlike him, she still thought the world followed the script.

When she touched the crystal, a burst of neutral, golden mana flickered.

"Aether Affinity—House Solis."

Adam smirked. So, all the major players are here.

The Rivalries Begin

As the exam concluded, the newly assigned students were led into their respective Houses.

Adam entered House Noctis' tower, where dark torches flickered against enchanted stone walls. Students murmured about his affinity, some with curiosity, others with suspicion.

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"You."

He turned to see Evangeline Nacht, her crimson eyes assessing him coldly.

"You're a Rothveil," she said. "That makes us allies. For now."

Adam chuckled. "Allies, huh? That depends."

She narrowed her eyes. "I'll be watching you, Adam Rothveil."

Good.

He wasn't here to follow the novel's script.

He was here to rewrite it.

End of Chapter 2