Ran had been ignoring the lingering feeling of unknown rage and bloodlust creeping inside him. Primarily because most of his missions involved killing monsters or bandits.
But after fighting the giant, he came to understand the severe consequences when he felt an immense desire to kill Dawn Montello as well. If he wants to remain sane, he must find his way into the academy and meet with Headmaster Gilbert.
Still, doubt remains. First of all, will he even help? What if he tricks him into becoming some noble's pawn? What if he uses him for his own personal gain?
Don't get him wrong. Although the headmaster is said to be the wisest and kindest of all, Ran could not truly believe it without meeting him in person. Who knows what kind of propaganda the academy might be spreading?
The Fafnir Academy is the most prestigious academy in the empire, established centuries ago by the sage 'The Wise One.' Gilbert was appointed as the headmaster two centuries ago and has been administering the academy ever since.
The academy boasts a 100% employment rate in higher posts across the empire after graduation. But surviving until graduation is a challenge in itself. The academy doesn't discriminate between nobles and commoners.
No matter who they are or which family they belong to, if they fail, they are expelled. Enrolling into the academy is extremely expensive in the first place. So Ran has no choice but to aim for a scholarship, like many other commoners.
Hence, the academy is mainly filled with nobles from influential families, which often leads to a series of bullying and insults toward those from lower classes or outright commoners.
Ran after being discarded by his family, is no different from any commoner. The academy conducts a grand exam for those aiming to enroll through scholarships. So the competition is fierce, and his chances of getting a scholarship is only 1%.
...
...
Fafnir Academy...
Ran stood at the entrance gate of the building, and as expected, it was magnificent. A piece of artwork, one could say.
It was enormous, covering a vast area of 6 sq km.
The main building, a huge white structure, was the centerpiece of the entire compound.
It was massive, with towering walls that made it look like a fortress. A large clock sat atop the central building, keeping time for everyone within.
At the heart of the campus stood a giant statue of "The Wise One," holding a book in one hand and pointing forward with the other. It towered above everything else, symbolizing authority and wisdom.
Leading up to the building was a wide path with a large fountain in the middle, its waters sparkling under the sunlight. The path was lined with lush gardens filled with flowers, and there were benches for students to rest or take a break.
The academy was alive with activity. Students everywhere, moving in and out of buildings, practicing in open spaces, and gathering in groups.
It was a bustling environment full of energy, with the buzz of conversation and the sound of footsteps echoing all around.
Ran was spellbound. He might never have seen something this magnificent. He savored the moment somewhere deep within his heart before stepping inside the compound.
The entrance exam was going to be grand. One theoretical and one practical, where students would test their abilities. Only those with extraordinary talent could earn a scholarship. Thousands of students usually apply for it.
Among them, only five seats are awarded scholarships. So it's extremely difficult to enroll that way. Ran had heard that scholarship winners would receive a direct audience with Headmaster Gilbert.
This was a golden opportunity to speak with him. Gilbert rarely shows his face to the public. Only high-ranking officials or extraordinary students ever get to meet him. He was considered equivalent to the emperor within the empire.
The most powerful, most knowledgeable, and wisest of all. That's what people usually say.
Ran's eyes widened slightly when he saw the signup board. Almost ten thousand names were already registered. His heart throbbed from a mix of excitement and an unintentional lust for battle.
'What the hell am I doing?'
He snapped out of it and stepped forward for registration.
"Name?"
A grumpy middle-aged man asked without glancing at him.
"Ran."
"..."
The man finally looked at him for half a second before noting the name.
"You have no surname?"
"No, it's just Ran."
Having no surname often symbolized orphans or commoners. In this world, surnames were only granted to noble families or high-ranking officials who directly served the emperor.
So having no surname was quite common. The man had registered countless people without one, so he wasn't surprised as well. All he concluded was that this boy was just another commoner.
"The entrance exam will be held in an hour. First will be theoretical, then practical."
Name: Ran
ID Number: 9907
Hall No.: 25
He handed him a card with the information before saying, "Next."
The academy was very large, so navigating to the correct hall was a challenge in itself. Along the way, he saw countless students who were probably sophomores and seniors, gathering to witness the entrance exam.
Some were even bullying the newcomers, but Ran paid them no mind. He didn't care about anything else. All he wanted was an audience with Headmaster Gilbert.