Chapter 1: A World That Runs on Magic

Elias sat on a cold stone bench, still processing what had just happened. He was in a floating magic academy, summoned by people who expected him to be some kind of prophesied hero.

There was just one problem.

He couldn't use magic.

The silver-haired mage who had spoken earlier—Archmage Aurelius, as he introduced himself—stood before him with an unreadable expression. Around them, the towering walls of the Grand Academy of Arkanis shimmered with runes, pulsating like living veins of energy.

"The Academy will determine your abilities soon enough," Aurelius said. "If you are the prophesied one, then even if your powers have not awakened yet, they will in time."

Elias leaned back, stretching his arms. "Hate to break it to you, but I think your prophecy is malfunctioning."

Aurelius frowned. "Magic flows through all things. You may simply require training."

Elias resisted the urge to groan. These people were so obsessed with magic that the idea of someone being powerless didn't even register.

Aurelius gestured to one of the assistants. "Take him to the assessment chamber."

Elias sighed. "Great. Magic school orientation. Can't wait."

The assistant, a young woman with short black hair and sharp golden eyes, nodded. "Follow me."

The Grand Academy of Arkanis

As they walked through the Academy's towering halls, Elias couldn't help but be impressed.

Massive floating bookshelves lined the walls, shifting on their own as students retrieved tomes. Windows opened to reveal glowing gardens, their plants shimmering with strange energy. In the distance, he saw mages in robes sparring, their spells clashing in midair like miniature supernovas.

"Okay," Elias muttered. "I hate to admit it, but this place is actually kinda cool."

The assistant glanced at him. "You don't act like most summons."

Elias shrugged. "Well, most people don't get ripped from their workshop in the middle of a project and dropped into a medieval Hogwarts."

The assistant stopped in front of a massive door lined with runes. "The assessment chamber."

Elias took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

The Test

Inside, the chamber was dimly lit, its walls covered in intricate sigils. A massive crystal sphere rested in the center, glowing faintly. Several instructors in deep blue robes stood nearby, murmuring amongst themselves.

One of them, a tall woman with piercing green eyes, spoke. "Place your hand on the mana crystal. It will measure your affinity."

Elias sighed. "And if I don't have any?"

The woman's expression didn't change. "Then we will know exactly what we are dealing with."

Elias exhaled and placed his palm against the crystal.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then…

A faint pulse.

The crystal flickered weakly—so dim it was almost nonexistent.

Silence filled the room.

One of the instructors whispered, "His mana output is barely above zero."

Another frowned. "No elemental affinity detected."

A third muttered, "Impossible. All living beings have some level of magic."

Elias crossed his arms. "Welp. There's your answer. Your hero is defective."

Aurelius narrowed his eyes. "Curious."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Curious? I just failed magic kindergarten."

The instructors exchanged looks before one of them said, "He has something, but it is faint. Unusual. This requires further study."

Aurelius nodded. "Then he will begin in General Studies. We will observe his progress from there."

Elias frowned. "General Studies?"

The assistant beside him smirked. "It's where students with weak magical ability are placed."

Elias groaned. "Great. Remedial magic school."

Welcome to the Bottom

Elias's dorm was small but comfortable—a bed, a desk, a window overlooking floating gardens, and a closet containing what he assumed was his uniform.

The assistant, who introduced herself as Lira Valcrest, handed him a parchment with his schedule. "You'll be focusing on theory, basic combat, and rune application. It's a mixed curriculum for students who can't excel in a specific field."

Elias glanced at the schedule. "Let me guess, 'mixed curriculum' is a nice way of saying 'bottom of the class'?"

Lira smiled. "That would be your words, not mine."

Elias sighed, flopping onto his bed. "So, what happens if I fail?"

Lira shrugged. "Then you'll either be sent home—assuming that's even possible—or reassigned to manual labor."

Elias stared at the ceiling. "Fantastic."

Lira tilted her head. "You're smiling. That's either a good sign or a really bad one."

Elias grinned. "I just got an idea."

Lira raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?"

Elias sat up, his mind racing.

He had no magic. No spells. No divine power.

But he did have something else.

He looked at his hands—the hands of an engineer.

If magic wouldn't work for him, then he'd build his own power.

Lira sighed. "I don't know what you're planning, but I already hate it."

Elias smirked. "Give it time. You're gonna love it."

And so, his first real challenge in this world began.