Grand Magic Academy of Arcanium.

Continent of Salpherion, Citadel of Escarion

September 1st. The Beginning of the First Semester.

Grand High Magic Academy of Arcanium.

In the very center of the Citadel of Escarion stood the Grand Magic Academy of Arcanium — an ancient fortress filled with magic.

The streets were busy with people. More than a hundred first-year students hurried toward the Academy's massive gates, afraid of being late for the opening ceremony. Upperclassmen, returning from their break, moved at a more relaxed pace, casually talking about upcoming lectures and exams.

Among the crowd, two figures stood out — a young man with chestnut hair and matching brown eyes, Kyle Evern, and his friend with the same hair color but striking green eyes, Alina Nild.

The Grand Magic Academy of Arcanium… The most prestigious academy in the world. Geniuses, aristocrats, children of businessmen, counts, marquises, heirs of ancient families, ducal houses, members of the imperial family, future archmages, and many others study here.

And now, we are among them.

"Let's just hope we don't ruin it from the start," Kyle muttered.

"We need to hurry!" Alina said anxiously, gripping Kyle's hand tighter.

"Are you serious?" Kyle glanced at his watch, gritting his teeth. "How did we almost miss the first day?!"

"I don't know, but if we don't move faster, we'll be remembered as the most clueless first-years!"

The crowd of students had already disappeared beyond the huge gates. The spacious plaza in front of the entrance, which had been packed with people just minutes ago, now seemed eerily empty.

Kyle quickened his pace, feeling his heart pound in his chest. The Grand Magic Academy of Arcanium — the dream he had worked for his whole life — and he was about to mess it up at the very start.

"One minute left!" Alina exclaimed, glancing back at him.

They rushed up the academy steps and barely slipped through the closing doors before they shut behind them.

Inside the enormous hall, silence had already settled. Over a hundred students stood in perfectly straight rows, while important figures stood on an elevated platform ahead.

All eyes turned to the breathless latecomers.

To their horror, they were the only ones who had almost arrived late.

Alina straightened up, quickly smoothing her hair, and whispered to Kyle with an expression of perfect composure:

"Well, at least now they'll definitely remember us."

Kyle swallowed hard.

The hall remained tense and silent.

The first-years stood in perfect formation, their gazes fixed on the stage.

At the center stood a man dressed in deep navy-blue robes with silver embroidery on his shoulders. His piercing gray eyes swept over the gathered students, making them straighten instinctively.

This was Adrian Gravis, one of the three Vice Rectors of Arcanium and a Rank 7 Mage.

Many rumors surrounded him. Some claimed he had taken part in suppressing rebellions in the southern regions of the Empire. Others whispered that he had personally fought against Rank 8 Mages — and survived. Regardless of whether these stories were true, one fact remained undeniable: he was one of the most powerful figures in the Academy.

When he stepped forward, the very air around him seemed to shake with powerful magic.

"Welcome, first-year students."

"I am Adrian Gravis, one of the three Vice Rectors of Arcanium," his voice resonated like a rolling thunderclap. "I ensure that knowledge and power in this Academy belong only to those who are worthy of obtaining them."

The first-years stood frozen, feeling the air around them grow heavier.

"You are here because you have been deemed worthy. But enrollment is only the first step. You have entered the greatest magic academy on this continent, where your ascent begins. Here, Archmages are born, future dukes, heads of ancient families, generals, scholars, advisors to kings and emperors, and many other exceptional individuals."

"The Grand Magic Academy of Arcanium is not a place for the weak. This is not a sanctuary for those who fear hardship. There is no room here for weakness, laziness, or self-pity. Only the strongest will carve their names into history."

"Here, you will test yourselves, overcoming obstacles and failures, for only the most determined and resilient will endure in this place."

His gaze swept through the rows of students, and many felt as if he could see directly into their souls.

"Ahead of you lies years of rigorous study. But first, you must prove that you truly deserve to stand here."

It felt as though the very space in the hall tightened, pressing down on the first-years and making them realize the weight of the moment.

"Now, the first test begins."

A huge Arcane Crystal, glowing with all colors, was brought onto the stage. Its magical aura could be felt even from a distance.

"The Arcane Crystal is more than just an artifact. It analyzes each of you, measuring your mana control, reserves, magical attributes, current rank, and potential."

A wave of whispers spread through the students. Everyone knew about this test. It determined a mage's status and established their place among their peers.

Adrian raised his hand, and the crystal burst into a brilliant glow.

"Prepare yourselves."

As Adrian lifted his hand, a surge of magic washed over the entire hall, piercing into every student at once, as if the crystal was analyzing them all simultaneously. In that very moment, it began to display the results.