Chapter 17 – The Path to the Academy

The morning sun cast a golden hue over Luthadel, its warmth barely reaching through the cool breeze that carried the scent of damp earth and distant pines. The city had begun to stir, with merchants setting up their stalls and travelers preparing for their journeys. But my mind was set on one thing.

The test.

I finished my meal in silence, the echoes of last night's conversation still fresh in my mind. The crystal ball test. A simple touch to determine whether someone had the strength to even be considered for the Academy of Elarian.

I tightened my cloak around me as I left the inn. My gold pouch was lighter now, but it didn't matter. The investment was necessary.

Outside, the streets were already bustling. The academy hopefuls I had overheard last night were among the crowd, moving in the same direction.

I followed.

A Gathering of Aspirants

The testing grounds weren't within the city itself. They were located further west, where the mountains began to rise. It made sense—the Academy of Elarian prided itself on strength. A school like that wouldn't bother with weaklings.

As I walked, the roads became less structured, turning into dirt paths leading toward a vast clearing at the mountain's base.

By the time I arrived, a sizable crowd had already formed.

There were at least fifty of us, ranging from noble-borns dressed in pristine robes to commoners in simple tunics. Some looked confident, their eyes burning with ambition. Others were visibly nervous, shifting on their feet as they whispered among themselves.

I found a spot near the edge, away from the groups. I wasn't here to make friends.

At the center of the clearing stood a raised platform, and on it, a large crystal ball rested atop a stone pedestal. Several men in dark uniforms stood beside it, their expressions unreadable.

A Silent Observer

As I waited, I listened.

"…I heard last year's highest record was set by a noble from the eastern kingdoms."

"…I don't think commoners even stand a chance. If your core is weak, it's over."

"…What happens if you fail?"

The last question lingered in the air. No one had an answer.

I exhaled slowly.

Failure wasn't an option.

Moments later, a man in a dark robe stepped onto the platform. His presence alone silenced the murmurs.

His sharp, golden eyes swept over the crowd before he spoke.

"This test is simple," his voice carried effortlessly. "Place your hand on the crystal. If you have enough mana within you, it will respond."

He gestured toward the pedestal. "One at a time."

The tension in the air thickened.

The first to step forward was a tall, confident-looking boy dressed in noble attire. He strode up to the crystal and placed his palm against its smooth surface.

For a second, nothing happened. Then, a faint glow flickered within the ball.

The examiner nodded. "Pass."

The boy smirked, stepping aside as the next person approached.

One by one, aspirants moved forward, each testing their potential. Some failed—walking away with slumped shoulders and empty gazes. Others passed with varied levels of brightness.

Then came the moment I had been waiting for.

My Turn

I stepped forward, ignoring the glances thrown my way.

Placing my hand on the crystal, I felt the smooth surface beneath my palm.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—

A surge.

The crystal flared to life, light exploding outward in a brilliant, blinding flash. Gasps erupted from the crowd.

I felt it. A pull deep within my chest, as if something long dormant had awakened. The light didn't just glow—it pulsed, expanding outward until it bathed the entire clearing in radiant energy.

When it finally dimmed, the silence that followed was deafening.

The examiner studied me for a long moment before speaking.

"…Pass."

His voice was steady, but I caught the brief flicker of curiosity in his gaze.

I lowered my hand and stepped back.

Whispers began almost immediately.

"Who is he?"

"That light… it was stronger than anyone else's."

"…A noble? No, he doesn't look like one."

I ignored them. Their opinions didn't matter.

I had passed.

But the real test was yet to come.