Saint High Academy—the most prestigious school in the entire Valtoria Kingdom.
It was said that anyone who attended this academy was destined for greatness. The strongest mages in history, generals of armies, archmages of kingdoms—all of them once walked through these gates. To join Saint High was to carve your name into the future. To fail meant fading into obscurity.
Today, over fifteen hundred students had gathered outside its towering walls, hearts filled with hope, fear, and ambition.
An announcer's voice rang out, proud and booming:
"Students! You are here to take the entrance exam that will determine your future! If you pass, you will be granted the right to study at the most advanced magical institution in the kingdom!"
The crowd stirred, excitement and nerves mixing in the air.
From the platform, a woman stepped forward. Her sharp gaze silenced the field instantly. Her aura alone commanded respect.
"My name is Victoria Ervenwood," she declared. "I am the Vice Principal of Saint High."
Her tone hardened, carrying weight with every word.
"Unfortunately, we cannot accept all of you. Out of the fifteen hundred students gathered here today… only one hundred and twenty will be admitted. The rest will be sent home. Keep that in mind when you take this exam."
A collective gasp tore through the crowd.
"What?! Only 120?!" students shouted in disbelief.
Victoria's eyes narrowed. "This school's strength comes from its selectivity. We take only the best of the best. The finest students. The finest teachers. If you fail, it simply means you were not worthy of Saint High."
Her mana surged for just an instant—an overwhelming presence that crushed the atmosphere into silence. The students dared not breathe.
"Now," she said with a smirk, "the first test begins: the written exam. If your performance does not meet our standards, you go home."
The students were given one hour to prepare. Notes, books, scrolls—everywhere students scrambled to cram in last-minute knowledge.
Ragnar, on the other hand, leaned back lazily, arms behind his head. "Arrggh, come on already… just let the test start. I'm so bored."
It wasn't arrogance. Ragnar was no fool. In fact, had he chosen any path other than magic, he would've been accepted to the top schools in mathematics, history, or alchemy. Since childhood, he had never once scored below perfect on a written exam.
"Hey, kid!"
A sharp voice cut through his thoughts. He turned to see a girl with long black hair and piercing ocean-blue eyes glaring at him. Her noble posture radiated superiority.
"You're disturbing others. If you aren't serious about this exam, then leave."
Ragnar raised an eyebrow. "And who exactly are you supposed to be, miss? Didn't your mother ever teach you to introduce yourself before scolding people?"
Her eyes widened in fury. "How dare you, you piece of common filth! Very well, if you must know, my name is Alys Voldric!"
Her name carried weight—whispers immediately spread among the students. Voldric? The Duke's daughter?!
Ragnar smirked. "Oh, nice to meet you, Iris," he said casually, walking away.
"It's Alys! You stupid commoner!" she shouted, cheeks red with anger.
Unbothered, Ragnar wandered until he bumped into a teacher wearing different robes from Saint High's staff.
"Hello there, young man," the teacher said kindly. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing for the exam?"
Ragnar shrugged. "I'll be fine. I've never had trouble with exams before."
The teacher studied him carefully, sensing something unusual. "Such confidence. Best of luck to you. What's your name, boy?"
"Ragnar. Ragnar Wryd," he replied.
As Ragnar walked away, the teacher's thoughts lingered. So this is the boy. The one who passed every non-magic exam in the kingdom with perfect scores… every academy wanted him. A true prodigy. And yet… he chooses the path of magic?
Soon, the announcement came.
"Students, the written exam is about to begin! Please take your assigned seats!"
Ragnar cracked his knuckles. "Finally. I was starting to get bored."
Three grueling hours passed. Pages filled with questions on magical theory, history, mathematics, languages, and potioncraft. One by one, students turned in their papers, nerves rattling as they awaited judgment.
Vice Principal Victoria returned, holding a stack of results.
"After reviewing your performances, we can confidently say… only two hundred students passed. The remaining thirteen hundred—failed."
Gasps, cries, and silence followed her words.
"The names of those who passed are posted on the wall. They are listed in order, from highest to lowest score."
The crowd rushed forward. Whispers broke out almost instantly.
"Wait… who's at the top?"
"No way… it's some commoner kid—Ragnar Wryd?!"
All eyes turned to Ragnar, who looked at the board without surprise. "Of course. I knew I'd be first."
Victoria clapped her hands together. "Students! The one who achieved the highest score this year… is Ragnar Wryd! Congratulations."
The crowd erupted.
Alys's face twisted with rage. "Impossible! How did a commoner score higher than me?!"
Ragnar smirked as he walked past her. "Because unlike you… I'm not stupid."
Her fists clenched, mana trembling around her body. But before she could react, the vice principal raised her hand.
"Enough. The written exam is concluded. Now begins the magic portion."
Excitement filled the air once more. Unlike the written test, the magic portion would be conducted one-on-one against an examiner. This stage would last three days, testing not only raw power but control, creativity, and endurance.
After three days of duels, only four students remained for the final round: Ragnar Wryd. Alys Voldric. Magna Voldric. Light Excalibur.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
"Student Magna Voldric, step forward."
Gasps filled the stands. The Duke's son himself?
Whispers spread. Both the Duke's son and daughter applied this year…
Magna stepped forward with a cold expression, his aura oppressive. "Let's get this over with."
His examiner, a cheerful woman with auburn hair, introduced herself with a smile. "I am Lilia Meldric, a 6th-grade water mage. Don't hold back."
Magna smirked devilishly. "Then try not to die."
The crowd stirred at his arrogance.
"Let the exam… begin!"
Magna instantly summoned a blazing crimson blade—Magma blade, a 9-th grade magicspell. He lunged, the blade hissing with molten fury, slicing through the air.
But as the sword struck, Lilia's body dissolved into water. The attack passed through harmlessly.
Magna froze. "What the—?!"
Lilia's playful tone echoed across the arena. "You know… we have the finest healing mages in the kingdom on standby. Which means… we don't need to hold back against you students."
A sudden water spear pierced through Magna's arm. He screamed, clutching his wound.
The crowd gasped.
"H-how is she this strong?" Magna muttered in fear, sweat dripping down his face.
Lilia smirked, staff raised. "Oh, I forgot to mention… I don't need to chant to cast my spells."
Magna's eyes widened. Wordless casting?!
A grin slowly spread across his face despite the pain. "Heh… this exam is going to be harder than I thought."