Aron wanted to learn proper meditation techniques from a teacher because he had heard many stories about students dying due to poor execution of those techniques.
He also wanted to understand how things truly worked in this world. Until now, he had been making decisions based mostly on the knowledge he carried from Earth, and he wasn't sure whether those ideas were correct in this world's system or not.
Most of the techniques were taught in the magic schools of the kingdom. These institutions provided training in various magical disciplines, but more importantly, they taught proper meditation techniques.
Meditation was essential because anyone who wanted to grow stronger had to increase their grade. And the only way to do that was through meditation practice.
In this world, that process was called cultivation.
---
Aron had decided that he would pursue the path of knighthood, so he traveled to the academy to begin that journey.
However, before entering the academy, he had to pass a basic entrance test.
In theory, anyone could become a knight—even people with little talent or weak affinity. Some individuals didn't even possess magical talent at all.
This was because knighthood focused primarily on strengthening the body rather than relying heavily on elemental affinity.
Of course, affinities could still provide advantages in combat, but they were not absolutely necessary.
What truly mattered was the ability to control the mana within one's body, and that was far more difficult than mastering elemental magic.
Because of this, although anyone could attempt to become a knight, not everyone had what it took to truly succeed in that path.
That was the reason knights were respected everywhere.
---
"Anyway, I have to pass the test first," Aron thought.
Only then would he be able to officially enroll in the academy and start learning techniques that resonated with his affinity.
The academy was called Heran Magic School, named after the kingdom itself.
Normally, the entrance exams had already been completed earlier in the year. However, because of his family's influence, Aron was given a special opportunity to attempt the test for the knight division.
What he truly wanted was a good teacher—someone who could guide him on the path of cultivation and help him strengthen his core, which determined one's class or grade.
Right now, Aron wasn't even at F-Class, the lowest rank.
---
When he arrived at the gates of the academy, Aron got down from his horse.
One of his servants stepped forward and said respectfully,
"Young Master, from this point onward you must go alone. Servants are not allowed inside the academy."
Aron already knew this, so he nodded.
"Alright. You can return now."
However, the servants and guards didn't move.
They remained standing where they were.
Although the academy had allowed Aron to take the test despite being late, if he failed to meet their requirements, he would not be allowed to enroll.
Seeing that his guards were still waiting, Aron raised an eyebrow.
"What? Do you think I won't pass the test?"
The servants looked slightly embarrassed.
"N-No, Young Master," one of them quickly replied. "We are only waiting to hear the good news of your selection. Madam ordered us to return only after you are officially enrolled in the academy."
Aron understood their meaning.
Even though they spoke politely, they were not completely convinced that he could pass the entrance examination.
But it didn't matter.
"I have to succeed no matter what," Aron thought.
Without proper guidance, it would be extremely difficult for him to grow stronger.
---
He walked through the large academy gates.
The guards stopped him and carefully examined his application form and recommendation letter.
After confirming that the documents were genuine, they allowed him to enter.
Inside, Aron couldn't help but feel amazed.
The academy was enormous. From where he stood, he couldn't even see the end of the main structures.
From the outside, the academy hadn't seemed particularly impressive, but once inside, its true scale became clear.
Magic had clearly been used during its construction.
Even after living in this world for more than a week, Aron still found himself stunned by the wonders magic could accomplish.
The academy was built on top of a mountain, giving it an even more majestic presence.
Looking around, Aron couldn't help but think that the place resembled the magical academy from the Harry Potter stories he had read on Earth.
---
Eventually, he approached a reception area where a young woman sat behind an open counter.
The setup reminded him of ticket counters he had seen at subway stations back on Earth.
"Hello," Aron said politely. "I would like to take the entrance test for the academy. I have a recommendation from the Valton family, and I want to enroll as a knight."
The woman nodded.
"Please wait for a moment. I will verify your documents and confirm with the dean whether there is a program allowing a late entrant to take the test."
"Alright. Thank you," Aron replied.
He stepped outside the building while waiting.
Nearby, there was a large park with benches where visitors could sit and relax.
Aron sat down and waited quietly for about ten minutes.
Soon after, someone came to call him back.
"So they verified it," Aron thought as he stood up.
"Now let's see what kind of test they have prepared."
His father had mentioned that the entrance exam would likely involve a physical trial, but the exact format often depended on the examiner.
Still, Aron felt ready.
Taking a deep breath, he walked toward the building once more.
"Let's see what happens."