Chapter 18 – The Path of the Chosen

The murmurs around me hadn't died down since I stepped away from the crystal ball. My display had been… unexpected. Even I hadn't been prepared for the sheer intensity of the light.

But there was no time to dwell on it.

I turned my gaze toward the remaining participants. More people stepped forward, placing their hands on the crystal, each hoping for a response. Some failed immediately—the ball remained dull and lifeless under their touch. Others managed to ignite a faint glow, barely enough to pass.

Then, amidst the routine results, it happened again.

A few individuals caused the crystal to flare with brilliance—though none quite as intensely as mine.

One was a silver-haired girl dressed in simple robes, her expression cold and unreadable. The moment her palm touched the crystal, a pale blue light rippled outward, covering the entire pedestal in a shimmering glow. The crowd gasped, but she merely pulled her hand away as if nothing had happened, stepping aside without a word.

Another was a tall, muscular boy wielding a massive greatsword strapped to his back. His light burned like molten fire—fierce and untamed. Unlike the girl, he grinned at the attention, seemingly reveling in it.

More followed.

While most participants produced dim or moderate glows, these few stood out, their results almost rivaling mine. Almost.

By the time the last participant finished, it was clear that only a select handful of us had been truly exceptional. The examiners took note of it, whispering among themselves before finally addressing the crowd.

"This concludes the first phase of the entrance process," the lead examiner announced. "All who have passed, follow the path before you. Your next trial awaits."

I exhaled quietly. So this was only the beginning.

The Endless Path

The crowd of successful candidates began to move.

Ahead of us stretched a long, winding trail leading toward the mountains. The ground was uneven, the terrain rugged, but there was no hesitation. Everyone understood what this journey meant.

I adjusted my cloak and set off, keeping my pace steady. The chatter around me grew as people exchanged thoughts on the test.

"Did you see how bright that guy's crystal shone?"

"I heard only a few people out of millions reach that level."

"The real test is ahead. Just because you passed the first phase doesn't mean you'll survive the academy."

Nine hours. That was how long we would walk. There were no carriages, no shortcuts—only our own endurance.

Hours passed.

The further we traveled, the thinner the crowd became. Some slowed down, struggling to keep pace. Others pushed ahead, eager to prove their strength.

I remained steady, walking at my own rhythm.

The silver-haired girl was near the front, effortlessly keeping pace. The greatsword wielder was close by as well, his confident smirk never fading.

But even they couldn't ignore what awaited at the end of the journey.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, a collective gasp spread through the crowd.

There it was.

The Academy of Elarian

At first, it was just a shimmer on the horizon. A golden light, barely visible against the fading sky. But as we drew closer, the full sight of the Academy of Elarian unfolded before us.

It was not merely a building. It was a monument to power itself.

Towering spires adorned with intricate golden runes stretched toward the heavens, their tips crackling with raw mana. The entire academy shimmered as if it existed on the border of reality and a dream.

The main palace was beyond anything I had ever seen. Multi-tiered and seemingly endless, its structure was carved from enchanted stone reinforced with celestial mana. Every inch of it pulsed with a soft golden light, giving the impression that the academy itself was alive.

Floating platforms surrounded the main building, suspended in the air by unseen forces. Some drifted slowly, while others remained still, serving as classrooms, training arenas, and meditation spaces.

At the very heart of the academy, an immense mana crystal hovered atop the tallest tower. It bathed the entire landscape in an ethereal glow, casting an otherworldly light over the city below.

Bridges made of solidified mana connected different sections of the academy, their translucent surfaces radiating with pure energy.

Beneath this celestial marvel, a massive city sprawled in all directions. Buildings infused with mana lined the streets, their rooftops adorned with floating lanterns that never dimmed. Rivers of crystalline water reflected the light of the academy, while lush green landscapes added a touch of serenity to the overwhelming power in the air.

And beyond the city—the training grounds.

Stone-paved arenas, engraved with intricate rune circles, stretched across the open fields. These were the battlegrounds where students tested their strength, fought duels, and proved their worth.

It wasn't just an institution.

It was a world of its own.

The awe in the air was palpable.

"By the gods…" someone whispered.

"This place is…"

"Incredible."

Even the silver-haired girl, who had remained emotionless until now, finally showed a flicker of interest in her eyes.

As for me…

I clenched my fists.

This is where I will become strong.