The Entrance Exam

The Ringless Mage Is Actually the Strongest Chapter 3: The Entrance Exam

The towering walls of Velkia, the capital, loomed ahead, its imposing presence marking the beginning of a new chapter for Orin and Rod. The journey had been long, but as they stepped through the Velkia Academy gates, relief washed over them.

They had made it just in time for the entrance exam.

The Academy was massive—large enough to rival a small village—with its elegant Victorian architecture giving a sense of prestige. 

Rod came out of the carriage, stretching.

"Finally! I would have lost my mind if I had to spend one more night in the carriage or some inn."

Besides a few monsters and some bandits, which the knights and mages quickly took care of, the journey was awfully peaceful.

The academy's grand hall buzzed with excitement. Hundreds of students filled the space, with their voices blending into a sea of chatter.

Then—

Boom!

A sudden burst of heat filled the air as a flame exploded at the front of the hall.

At the source of the fire stood a striking woman with fiery red-hair touching her waist. She wore a black eyepatch over her right eye, and elbow long gloves, with her arms crossed over her chest.

Her gaze swept the crowd like a predator observing its prey.

"Tch. Pathetic." Her voice was sharp, with a hint of disdain. "You call yourselves mages? Even a pack of goblins has more spirit than you."

The tension in the room thickened.

A teacher standing towards the wall at the end of the hall muttered,

"She says that, but these are the best set of students we've had in a while."

The red-haired woman continued,

"Listen up, because I won't repeat myself. The entrance exam will be split into three phases."

She lifted a finger.

"The first exam will be a written test."

She frowned. 

"That's all. Get to your assigned halls… now. And try not to embarrass yourselves." 

The first test was a written test, designed to measure their knowledge of magic theory, history and strategy. 

Orin had no issues, his pen scratching on paper—he was done in no time.

Rod, on the other hand, groaned in frustration but pushed through.

When the test ended, Rod let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Orin! I would have been dead if you hadn't helped me study on the journey here. I think I did well."

Orin smiled.

The second test was about to begin, Students were asked to line up before a large, glowing crystal—one that would measure their magic capacity and reveal their innate magic affinity.

Before the test could begin, the door to the exam hall swung open, silence fell over the crowd, and one by one the three prodigies, entered the hall.

Whispers filled the hall as Richard Vaelmont, the fourth prince of the Kingdom of Eldonia, and a four rings lightning mage, walked in oozing with confidence. His golden hair, shining under the light as he walked and his presence, making the other students give way. Beside him was his female attendant, and personal guard who was also a student.

They were followed by Elena Wintervale, a beautiful girl with long silver hair and her unreadable expression as cold as her magic. She was a four-rings Ice mage, dubbed the "Ice Queen".

But it was the last figure that drew most of their attentions—Selene Ravencourt—a girl often known as the "Crimson Witch", the first, five ring mage seen in years. She gave off a dark, calculating presence which sent chills through the crowd.

The exam began. 

One by one the students placed their hands on the crystal, each result was met with murmurs, gasps or cheers.

When it was Orin's turn, he placed his hand on the crystal, the light glowed and then quickly faded.

Gasps echoed through the hall. He had an immense mana capacity—surpassing even the head master who is said to have the second highest in the kingdom.

But that quickly died down when his magic type was displayed, "No Rings. Story Magic"

Silence. Then whispers.

"No rings? Like zero?" someone muttered.

"With that much mana? What a waste."

Laughter cut through the murmurs.

A familiar voice sneered from the crowd.

Sylvester.

Orin's childhood bully, laughed loudly, arms crossed.

"No way! The useless, Orin Valcrest actually made it to Velkia Academy? I almost feel bad for you. Almost."

He chuckled to himself, thinking, That Bastard Orin made it in. What luck. All I have to do is humiliate him, and I'll stand out even more.

Rod clenched his fist, but said nothing.

And so, the second test concluded uneventfully—with the exception of Orin.

Despite his immense mana capacity, the fact that he had no rings turned admiration into ridicule.

He was now looked down on and considered weak and worthless by most students.

The Final exam came, the students gathered at the training hall—A large room with a thick slab of concrete on the ground, surrounded by elevated chairs, for spectators. At the center stood the red-haired lady.

With a commanding voice, she addressed the students.

"I am Meredith, your examiner for the final exam—a one on one combat exam. This is your chance to prove that you're better than mere goblins. When I call your names, come forward and show your worth."

The duels began.

Richard Vaelmont, the fourth prince of Eldonia, ended his match in a flash—his lighning infused spear struck his opponent before he could even cast a spell, earning gasps of admiration.

Elena Wintervale froze her opponent in an instant. Selene, the Crimson Witch, won easily without magic—She dismantled her opponent using only her umbrella, a deceptively elegant but deadly weapon. 

Rod Lianhart did not lag behind those three as he quickly bested his opponent, using raw power. 

The crowd was in awe—clapping and cheering for the four prodigies, who had proven their superiority.

Then came the next match.

"Orin Valcret vs Sylvester Cain"

The moment their names were called, Sylvester smirked, "This will be over fast."

Orin stepped into the training arena, standing on the other end, opposite Sylvester

"Begin!" Meredith declared.

Sylvester attacked immediately, launching a barrage of earth magic spells. Boulders of rock and dirt shot towards Orin with terrifying force. The crowd seeing the barrage of attacks expected the match to end quickly,

Rod, watching from the stands, crossed his hand with a wide grin.

He recalled the day he met Orin, they got beat up by Sylvester's gang, and endured grueling training just so they could get stronger.

You're strong, Sylvester, but Orin is no longer the weakling you remember. What he lacks in magic, he more than makes up for with his blade. This isn't a duel, Sylvester. It's an execution

Orin moved—fast

With inhuman reflexes, he sidestepped every spell. His speed and strength were unnatural for someone supposedly weak. The ground where he once stood cracked beneath his feet, as he seemingly vanished, closing the gap between them instantly.

Sylvester groaned, unleashing more waves of earth magic, frustrated "Stop running around, you rat! Fight me!" 

Orin's eyes glowed,

"Story Magic: Shadow Veil."

In an instant, darkness enveloped Sylvester's vision.

The Crowd gasped as he flailed around blindly, unable to see anything. 

Orin took advantage of the moment, and got in behind.

"Its Over!"

A cold sensation touched Sylvester's throat—a sword.

The illusion lifted, leaving Sylvester frozen in place. Orin panted, as though he had just ran a mile long race.

"Winner! Orin Valcrest!" Meredith announced.

Silence.

Then—murmurs, shock and disbelief rippled through the crowd.

"What just happened?"

"How did he move like that?"

"Isn't he supposed to be weak?"

Rod burst into laughter. "As expected, Orin! My Rival! Fight me next! Ha Ha Ha!

"Rival? A No ring mage?" A student muttered.

The students who had dismissed him earlier, now looked at Orin with curiosity.

The Entrance exams ended and once again, the students gathered in the grand hall. This time, in front of the hall, on stage was an old man with long white beard—he wore a deep blue robe and a long pointy hat the type you see on wizards.

His voice was calm but carried immense weight—

"I am Headmaster, Aldritch Valto." His gaze swept over the students.  "Today's exam was more of a placement exam than an entrance exam. Each of you are here because you are the future of this kingdom, you are the best of the best and you are the future leaders and protectors of this kingdom."

He paused for a moment allowing his words to rest.

"Your performance today will determine your ranking and class. In a few, short hours, your results will be posted, and you will be assigned to your class. Until then, proceed to your assigned dormitories and settle in. Tomorrow, you will select the courses you wish to take. That is all."

The students dispersed. 

Orin found himself at the center of attention—some students were impressed, while others scornful.

Rod clapped him on the back. "I hope we're roommates."

They reached the dorms, where Orin met his new roommate—a friendly boy with dark hair and round glasses. He greeted Orin with a warm smile.

"I am Ray Cravert, Three-ring, Light Mage. That was an impressive fight back there!"

Before Orin could respond, Rod barged into the room, "Orin! We are not roommates"

He paused, noticing Ray.

"Roderick Lianhart, pleased to meet you."

Orin smiled, his mind drifting from their chatter.

There was a long road ahead and this was only the beginning.