They had finally made it. The city that they only heard about in books, was standing before them. Astrid gulped at the sheer sight of the city. It was massive. Way bigger than any town. It looked more like a country.
"Shall we?"
The soldiers at the gate looked them up and down.
"Hmm, State your name, age and the purpose of your visit."
Mizuki went first.
"Mizuki Matsuno. 18. Applying for an academy."
The guards turned to Astrid.
"Astrid Atsuko. 21-" Mizuki nudged her.
"1.....18. Applying for an academy."
Slowly but surely, the pair receive an Academic Stay ID and are allowed into the city.
The area was so developed compared to a town. Every building was so much more overwhelming, and the streets were more busier. Astrid let out a huge gasp.
"My heart was beating way too fast before, but wow....i was not expecting this."
"Me too....come take a look at this."
Mizuki pointed at a map on a notice board nearby. It showed the city split into 4 sections: Block A, B, C and D. It seemed A was the most wealthy area, and D was the least. They were currently in Block B, and the academy was in block A. To get to different blocks, it is possible to walk, but it is quicker to take the duct system. It is a mode of transport which links up all the main fireplaces in the city.
"We need to get to the academy, so let's head to that inn and use their fireplace. Sounds good?" Mizuki suggested this whille pointing at a large inn.
"Sure."
***
Upon entering, they were greeted by a male elf. He was dressed in a suit and the owner of the inn.
"Welcome."
"Can we use your fireplace? We gotta get to Kanpeki Academy."
"Oh? That school? You seem to be talented kids. I'll let you use it, on a discount of 1 gold."
The transaction was made and they were taught how to use the system.
"See the metal ball above the fire? Put some mana into it and say the place you wanna go."
Astrid placed her hand on the ball and did so. "Kanpeki Academy! Block A!"
The flame in the fireplace turned purple, signalling the process worked. Astrid first jumped in, followed by Mizuki.
"Good luck."
A flame outside the school lit up, and two people fell out of it.
"Ow.....oh- Mizuki! Look! We're here!"
An wealthy looking school was surrounded by many students. The exam was going to take place soon.
"You're wearing your ring right?"
"Of course!"
"Great. Are you ready for the exam?"
Astrid nodded and the pair walk towards the crowd in front of the school.
Before a student were to take a test, they needed to be tested for their aptitude in magic, sword skills or brewing skills.
Astrid entered the queue for magic and Mizuki sword skills. When it was her turn, she was told to recite her mana core tier and place her hand on a mana sphere. These measure what affinities of magic you have.
"Woah! Tier 2 mana core and two affinities! You must be blessed! We almost never have someone with a good core, yet alone two affinities!"
Astrid thanked her and walked off to wait for Mizuki. '2 affinities is rare? Just how strong am I?'
Mizuki's test was to hit a dummy. The test proctors were to record the damage done in one attack. They gave him a wooden sword and he went ahead. Mizuki infused mana into the sword and his blue mist swayed off of it. Then he slashed the dummy's neck with intent.
"856 dmg! That's way above average! The average is 500-650 dmg. You have a great opportunity here at this school, kid. Good luck."
Mizuki left, proudly, to catch up to Astrid.
"All went well?"
She bobbed her head.
"Easy, now we wait for the actual exam."
"Which is about to start anytime now."
***
A woman in her early 30's, with long purple hair and an eyepatch, caught everyone's attention.
"Hello, hello? Can everyone hear me? Good. I'm Hotaru, the headmaster....headmistress of this school."
'At least it's not an old man with a beard.'
"So all of you that are here have passed the first test and are moving on to the exam, which consists of three trials. First: You will be sent to the Forest of Divination for 3 days in groups of 3. You will gain points depending on the amount of heart crystals you have. The top 50 groups will pass. Second: You will drink from a lotus fruit and fall upon a deep slumber. You will bear the task against fighting a traumatic memory. Those who wake up in less than 3 hours pass. And finally Third: Duels. One to surrender or fall unconscious loses the other passes. Did you all get that, because i'm not rpeating it again."
There was an odd slurr of yeses.
"Great, let's begin then! You have 20 minutes to group up into trios. Anyone who is not in a 3 is disqualified."
This caused a great period of tension and ruckus. Astrid and Mizuki was obviously together, but who could they possibly recruit?
One brown-haired examinee was sitting on the floor in the middle of all the madness. She seemed to be closing her eyes, almost meditating. There was something wrapped in bandages on the ground next to her. She were giving the impression of an easy partner.
"Hey, I'm Astrid. You seem like you need a couple allies. Wanna group up?"
"No."
"Eh? But..you've...no...." Astrid moped along back to Mizuki.
The girl turned her head and noticed Mizuki.
"Ah, on second thoughts, I changed my mind. I have considered to join forces for the first trial. And the first trial only."
Astrid eyed her deviously. "What's with the sudden change of heart? What're you planning?"
"Nothing!" The woman turned to the both of them. "Mirage. I hope we get along."
Mizuki spoke up. "Mirage? I think i've heard of that name before...Oh, I'm Mizuki, nice to meet you."
Mirage looked away. "You too."
She put the wrapped item on her back and sat back down. "Now we wait."
***
Hotaru woke up from a nap.
"Ehh? Time already? Alright, future students," She pointed at the huge purple flame next to the crowd. "Run into that and you'll be warped to the forest with your teammates. Kill monsters and remember to collect their heart crystals. That's it? Oh, and good luck!"
The raging crowd dashed towards the flame and hopped in. So did Mizuki, Astrid and Mirage. It was time to hunt.