The uniform was fine. Navy blue robes with silver trim, comfortable enough that I didn't feel like I was wearing a costume. There was a badge attached, a small silver square pinned to the left side of my chest, completely empty. According to the orientation packet, it would display my Star ranking after the assessments. Right now, it was just blank.
Pearl was already wearing her uniform like she'd been born in it, somehow making standard-issue robes look fashionable. Meanwhile, I looked like I'd gotten dressed in the dark, which was basically my default state anyway.
"Okay, so the Great Hall is absolutely massive," Pearl whispered as we filed in with about two hundred other first-year students. "Like, I'm pretty sure it's bigger than my entire house."
I look to see she was taking notes. Actual, physical notes,on a piece of parchment, like she was documenting the most important information in the world. Pearl had this intensity about her that was kind of impressive, honestly.
Des was somewhere to my left, looking nauseous. His uniform was slightly too big, which made him look even more anxious than usual. I could see him fidgeting with his badge, checking it every few seconds like it might have magically filled itself with a ranking.
The Great Hall was, as Pearl had noted, absolutely massive. The ceiling stretched up what had to be at least four stories, and the walls were lined with portraits of past headmasters and famous alumni. Long tables were arranged in rows, and there was a raised platform at the front where the headmaster, Aldric Benov stood, looking like he was about to deliver the most important speech in the history of speeches.
He was exactly what I'd expected; tall, imposing, silver hair, the kind of presence that made you sit up straighter without meaning to.
"Welcome," he began, his voice carrying to every corner without him having to shout. Magic, probably. "Welcome to Astra Academy, where the finest mages in the kingdom are forged. You stand at the threshold of greatness. Some of you will rise to become legends. Others..." He paused dramatically. "...will learn the value of humility."
Okay, so he was definitely the type to be dramatic about everything.
I zoned out pretty quickly. He went on about legacy and excellence and the proud tradition of the academy. I'd heard variations of this speech my entire life. Be excellent. Work hard. Don't embarrass your family. The usual.
Then Headmaster Aldric said something that actually made me pay attention.
"This year, we began implementing a new system to track magical development. The Star Ranking System."
I sat up slightly, trying to look casual about it.
"Each of you will receive a ranking based on your performance in the mandatory magical assessment," he continued, gesturing to our badges. "One Star represents baseline magical ability. 6 Stars represents exceptional mastery. Your ranking will be displayed on your badge and will determine your class placement, tournament eligibility, and various other academy privileges."
So basically, my entire academic future was going to be determined by how well I did on one test. Great.
"The Professor in charge will explain later on the details of the assessment," Headmaster Aldric said. "Note that these rankings are not permanent. You may challenge for a higher ranking at the end of each semester, but they will define your first-year experience."
My plan was simple: score just high enough to not raise suspicion, but low enough to stay off everyone's radar. Maybe a 2-Star? That seemed safe. Respectable enough that no one would think I was completely useless, but low enough that I wouldn't attract attention. Or I could just skip it...
"The assessments are mandatory," Headmaster Aldric added, like he could sense my thoughts in the crowd about skipping. "There are no exceptions. Even if you are injured or ill, you will be assessed. The academy has healers on staff for a reason."
Okay, so no getting out of it. I was going to have to actually do this.
The rest of the speech was more of the same. I tuned most of it out, focusing instead on mentally reviewing my strategy. Appear weak. Don't stand out. Get through the year without anyone realizing that I'm... whatever I am.
It was a solid plan. Foolproof, even.
When orientation finally ended, we were herded back out into the courtyard where a girl with an impressive amount of confidence and an even more impressive badge, a 4-Star, I noticed, was waiting for us.
"Hi, everyone! I'm Raina Crest, student president," she announced, her smile sharp enough to cut glass. "I'm going to be giving you all a campus tour because it seems that's my job now. Try to keep up and try not to touch anything expensive."
Pearl immediately perked up, her notebook already out. "Oh my god, are you going to show us the restricted sections?"
"Maybe," Raina said, her eyes flicking over Pearl with mild amusement. "If you're good."
Des leaned over to me and whispered, "Is it just me or does she seem kind of intense?"
"Definitely intense," I confirmed.
"Think she's going to murder us if we ask too many questions?"
"Probably not. But I wouldn't risk it."
Raina led us through the academy grounds, pointing out various buildings in a tone that suggested she'd given this tour approximately one million times and was deeply tired of it. The library was massive. The training grounds were impressive.
But what caught my attention was when we passed by a building that seemed to glow slightly, like it was partially hidden by some kind of spell.
"What's that?" I asked before I could stop myself.
Raina stopped dead. She turned to look at me, and her expression shifted completely. The bored tour guide mask slipped away. Her eyes narrowed, sharp and assessing, like she was seeing me for the first time.
"You can see that?" she asked quietly.
"See what?" Pearl asked, looking confused. "I don't see anything."
Des squinted in the direction I was pointing. "Yeah, I got nothing."
But Raina was still staring at me, and I could practically see the gears turning behind her eyes. Her hand unconsciously moved to her 4-Star badge, like she was checking to make sure it was still there.
"That's the restricted training facility," she said carefully, her voice different now, less bored, more measured. "Only advanced students are allowed in there. And before you ask... no, you can't go in there. Not yet, anyway."
Not yet. Like maybe someday I would be advanced enough to go in there. I chuckled a bit because I knew I was way more advanced than most of the professors here but I wasn't planning on letting anyone know that.
"Don't worry, I have zero interest in going there" and I meant it.