Chapter 9: Ths Beginning of First Grade

The Supreme Magic Academy stood before them like a colossus of stone and magic, with floating towers, bridges suspended in the air, and an aura of power that enveloped the entire place. Ares gazed in awe at the immense main building, where silver doors opened to welcome the new students. Liana, at his side, shared the same mixture of admiration and nervousness.

They had passed the Admission Test, and were now officially first-grade students. Both now wore a magical badge on their chest, glowing with an engraved number: 27 on Ares's, and 38 on Liana's.

"So this is the level they assigned us," Ares murmured, touching the badge.

"Not bad at all," Liana replied with a slight smile. "Many humans start at much lower levels. You weren't given anything for free."

Ares nodded, though he couldn't help but feel the weight of what lay ahead. To ascend to the Supreme Institute, they needed to reach level 100—and they had only six years to do it. Each level represented not just strength, but magical mastery, inner growth, experience, and recognition.

Inside the grand welcoming hall, the new students gathered beneath an enchanted glass dome that showed the starry sky, even in broad daylight. A floating circle descended, projecting a magical image with the names of the most outstanding students… and at the top, one shone brighter than all the others:

Agust Drayven. Initial Level: 50.

A murmur swept through the hall. Everyone knew: Prince Agust, heir to one of the kingdom's oldest magical bloodlines, had achieved a level never before seen in an entrance exam.

Soon after, a young man with silver hair, amber eyes, and a royal cloak embroidered in gold entered the hall with an arrogant expression. He walked as if the world belonged to him. And perhaps, in a way, it did.

As he passed near Ares, he looked at him with a mixture of disdain and curiosity.

"You… you're the human with enhancement magic, aren't you?" Agust asked mockingly. "Interesting choice. Where did you say you were from? A dwarf mine?"

Ares stared at him in silence. It wasn't the first time someone had looked down on his magic, but this time, in front of everyone, he felt a stab of restrained anger.

"I don't need a royal bloodline to be strong," he replied calmly, yet firmly.

Agust let out a small laugh.

"No, of course not. You'll just need miracles… if you ever plan to catch up to me."

Liana stepped forward, but Ares placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking his head. It wasn't worth starting a fight… not yet.

Moments later, an elderly mage appeared on an elevated platform, his presence imposing and his robe marked with the seals of the great Archmages.

"Welcome to the First Grade of the Supreme Magic Academy!" he announced, his voice magically amplified. "During your stay here, you will rise in level, facing challenges that will test your spirit, your body, and your mind. Those who reach level 100 will be granted entry to the Supreme Institute. Those who fail… will be left behind."

The tension returned to the room.

"You will be divided into groups for your first term. Each group will be evaluated weekly. Practical missions, duels, theoretical study, and magical tests will allow you to ascend—or descend. Nothing is permanent here, except your effort."

The platform descended. A new artifact projected the names of the groups. Ares and Liana read quickly:

Group 4: Liana El'darien… Ares of Lunaris… and… Agust Drayven.

The air grew heavy. Liana looked at Ares. Ares looked at the panel. And Agust, from across the room, smiled cruelly.

"This is going to be interesting," Ares whispered.