Chapter 12: The Arcane Crucible

Lucian stepped through the grand gates of Arcadia Grand Academy of Mysticism, his presence blending seamlessly into the crowd of aspiring students. As the newly adopted son of the Rutherford family, he carried the weight of their name, though to him, it was nothing more than a convenient tool. The academy was merely a stepping stone, a means to an end in his pursuit of reclaiming what was rightfully his.

The academy grounds stretched far beyond the city's limits, a masterpiece of arcane architecture. Towering spires pulsed with mana, runes inscribed across every inch of the campus shimmered in response to the magical ley lines running beneath. Floating platforms connected different halls, and students in elegant robes, each bearing the crest of their noble houses, moved with an air of pride.

In the vast entrance hall, new students gathered, the hum of whispered conversations filling the air. Among them were the scions of powerful aristocratic families—each vying for dominance in this world where magical prowess dictated one's status.

At the front of the hall stood Elysia Valtoria, the Chancellor of the Academy. Draped in regal violet robes embroidered with golden sigils, she exuded authority and elegance. Her piercing silver eyes swept across the gathered students as she began her address.

"Welcome to Arcadia Grand Academy of Mysticism," she declared, her voice effortlessly reaching every corner of the hall. "Here, you will forge your future, sharpen your talents, and rise to greatness. However—" she paused, letting the anticipation build. "This year, entry will not be granted through mere lineage or wealth. Strength determines worth. You will prove yourselves in a special entrance examination."

A murmur rippled through the hall. Surprise, excitement, and apprehension flickered across the faces of the gathered students.

"The exam," she continued, "will be a battle trial. You will be grouped into teams and must defeat summoned magical constructs. Each creature will be assigned a point value. To pass, your team must accumulate at least 100 points."

Lucian remained impassive. A test of combat skill? This will be over quickly.

As students began forming teams, a young man with sharp golden eyes and jet-black hair approached Lucian, extending a hand. "I am Maximus Ravenshade," he introduced himself with a confident smirk.

Lucian regarded him with a measured gaze before shaking his hand. "Lucian Rutherford."

Maximus's smirk widened. "I heard about your family's… unfortunate loss. My condolences."

Lucian's expression didn't waver. "Unnecessary. The past is irrelevant."

Maximus chuckled. "I like that attitude. Join my team—we have the strongest contenders this year."

Behind him stood three individuals, each carrying the unmistakable aura of nobility and power:

Elias Draxen, a fire mage with an aggressive fighting style.

Isolde Valmont, a defensive specialist known for her mastery of barrier magic.

Viker Ardent, a prodigious swordsman capable of channeling aura into his blade.

Lucian weighed the benefits. Gaining allies among influential families will be useful. He nodded. "Why not?"

The Examination Arena

The students stood in the center of a vast coliseum, where intricate mana circuits had been etched into the ground. Professors observed from the stands, their expressions keen with interest.

Professor Elara Thorne, a powerful mage with long auburn hair, leaned toward her colleague, Alistair Virellian, and mused, "This year's batch is promising."

Alistair smirked. "Let's see if they live up to their names."

As Lucian's team stepped into the arena, the mana circuits activated, summoning monstrous constructs—golems, spectral beasts, and ethereal serpents.

Maximus and Elias took the front lines, combining a 4th-class Wind Hurricane with roaring flames, incinerating a horde of creatures in one devastating sweep.

Isolde placed defensive traps, slowing the advancing monsters. When they stepped into his formation, their speed halved, allowing Viker to cut them down with devastating sword strikes.

Lucian, constrained by his assumed identity, limited himself to fire-based magic, conjuring accelerating spheres of flame that detonated in controlled explosions.

Maximus observed with interest. "Lucian, your fire magic is… refined."

Elias smirked. "He's a Rutherford. No surprise there."

The battle lasted only ten minutes. When the dust settled, the scoreboard revealed their total: 500 points.

Professor Elara arched an eyebrow. "Impressive. Teaching them will be… interesting."

Alistair chuckled. "I look forward to it."

The Academy's Grand Hall

After the examination, Chancellor Elysia Valtoria stood upon a raised platform. "Congratulations," she announced. "Half of you have earned your place in Arcadia. You will now be assigned to your respective class ranks based on your performance."

She gestured toward a glowing list that materialized mid-air, names appearing under categories:

Novice Class

Adept Class

Elite Class

Grandmaster Class

As expected, Lucian and his team were placed in the Grandmaster Class—the highest rank, reserved for prodigies and aristocrats.

"The academy will now be your home," Elysia concluded. "May you strive for greatness."

The Academy Dining Hall

Later that evening, Lucian entered the dining hall, his sharp gaze sweeping across the grand chamber. Enchanted chandeliers bathed the room in soft light, and luxurious tables stretched across the hall.

Maximus and his companions, now Lucian's de facto allies, sat at a table, already deep in conversation.

Lucian approached, sitting beside them.

"Ah, the elusive Lucian joins us," Maximus said with a grin. "What's on your mind?"

Lucian leaned back. "The affairs of this world."

Elias smirked. "Curious, aren't you? Well, you've come to the right place."

As the conversation drifted toward academy secrets, Viker spoke in a hushed tone. "The real power isn't just in learning magic. It's in the Vault Chamber."

Lucian's interest sharpened. "Vault Chamber?"

Isolde nodded. "A restricted area beneath the academy. It houses relics from past ages—artifacts, grimoires, even fragments of divine power."

Elias leaned in. "Rumor has it, one of those artifacts can alter the very nature of magic itself. The chancellor and professors guard it fiercely."

Lucian masked his amusement. So, my first artifact lies beneath this academy… how convenient.

Maximus chuckled. "Don't even think about it. That place is sealed tighter than a royal treasury."

Lucian gave a small, knowing smile. "Is that so?"

As the conversation moved on, Lucian's mind was already forming a plan. His goal had just become clearer—he would claim what was hidden beneath the academy.

The hunt had begun.