I stepped into the crowd and took a deep breath as my name was called onto the stage.
Headmistress Ophelia stood waiting and gently guided me toward the table.
I approached the crystal ball first—the one that would reveal my Class. I placed my hand on it, closed my eyes, and let my magic flow into its core. A faint light began to glow from within.
Then, Master Felicia's voice rang out, "A Psychic!"
Applause erupted around me, and a small smile appeared on my face.
Well, what can I say? Since I was a child, I've noticed something strange about my body. I always dream—and somehow, those dreams come to life.
I let out a quiet sigh of relief as I turned to the next part of the ceremony—an empty tome resting on the table.
I stepped forward.
Headmistress Ophelia spoke again, her voice calm but firm."Psychics develop many abilities over time. The key is your Tome of Abilities. If you're lucky enough to possess a good one, it will unlock a wide range of Abilities."
"And a reminder, students:
Your Tome of Spells, Skills, and Abilities will help you develop many powers—but careful use is essential. Each book contains numerous unique spells, skills, and abilities, and you must practice them consistently.
Start with simple magic. Avoid pushing your limits too early. Consistent practice with basic spells is the safest and most effective way to grow stronger. Attempting spells beyond your current capabilities can lead to unintended consequences, injury, or failure.
Therefore, I strongly recommend steady, consecutive practice."
After the Headmistress's long discussion, I immediately touched the presented Tome in the table and imbued it with my magic energy.
The lifeless, ordinary book instantly transformed, its cover glowing a vibrant purple with rich brown linings.
Intrigued, I moved to the Water basin to discover my magic relic. Upon dipping my hand into the water, a portion levitated, swirling and shaping itself in the air before solidifying into a striking Amulet.
Then the Grand Hall erupted in applause.
"Next, Hebrew Velano, please step forward to the stage to discover your class," the Headmistress called after I descended from the stage.
Hebrew patted me on the shoulder, saying, "Congratulations," before proceeding to the table with clasped hands.
First, he went to the Crystal Ball to determine his class. Touching it, eyes closed, he imbued it with his magic energy.
A brilliant light erupted, and Master Felicia's voice rang out, "A Mage!"
The Grand Hall erupted in applause.
He then moved to the Tome, touching it and filling it with his magic. The book slowly shifted, its color transforming into a deep brown with vibrant green linings.
Master Felicia proclaimed, "Earth Mage!"
Again, applause filled the hall—but this time, it was abruptly cut short by a loud and confused.
"Eh…"
"EHHHHH!?"
The voice echoed through the Grand Hall, snapping everyone into silence.
"Sorry… I thought I'd become a Wind Mage," Hebrew muttered, scratching his head in disappointment.
The Headmistress responded, "Once you determine your specialty, it can't be changed—it's permanent," she said to Hebrew.
"And don't underestimate Earth magic. It's versatile, stable, and durable—useful in both battle and defense. Its power to create long-lasting structures, manipulate terrain, and even draw nutrients from the earth to nurture growth gives it unique advantages over elements like fire, water, or wind."
She added with a gentle smile softening her features, "I know this… because I'm an Earth Mage myself."
Applause thundered as the Headmistress revealed herself an Earth Mage; hushed whispers and murmured conversations filled the air among my fellow students.
Hebrew approached the Water basin, his gaze fixed on the shimmering surface. As his hand dipped into the water, a portion rose, swirling and shaping itself in a mesmerizing dance before solidifying into a magnificent Magic Rod. The Grand Hall erupted in thunderous applause.
---
After a long and exciting morning of discovering our Classes, Specialties, and Magic Weapons and Relics, the Class and Magic Identification Ceremony finally came to an end.
The Headmistress stood proudly in front of us all.
"Congratulations to each one of you! May our Creator bless you on your journey," she declared. "Out of 49 students, we now have 8 Psychics, 7 Priestesses and Priests, 11 Mages, 10 Marksmen, and 13Swordsmen."
Applause and cheerful voices echoed throughout the Grand Hall.
"And now," the Headmistress continued, her voice ringing clearly through the vast chamber, "a new chapter begins. You will travel to the Pallet Capital, a place where destiny awaits you, to discover the weapons and relics that are meant to be yours!"
The room buzzed with excitement. Students whispered eagerly to one another, imagining the magical treasures that could be theirs.
"Remember," she added, her voice gentler now, "you will go to the Portal Room with your tutors and staff.
From there, you'll travel directly to the Capital using the portal connected to our Academy. They will assist you in finding your most suitable relics and weapons.
But make sure to return here to the Grand Hall before sunset—we will collect all your relics and weapons to cast a sacred blessing and enchantment upon them."
The students didn't move at first, stunned and amazed by the announcement.
"Quickly now!" she said with a sharp command.
At once, the students scattered with excitement, hurrying toward the Portal Room. Assistant Brook, holding a clipboard, led the way.
As everyone rushed off, Hebrew passed by with his fellow Mages, chatting and smiling as they walked together. Then he noticed me heading in the opposite direction, toward the main corridor.
"Klera, aren't you coming with us?" he asked.
"I already have my magic relic," I replied, holding up my glowing amulet. "It was my father's."
"Well, we're off then," he said, already turning to rejoin his group.
He made friends so easily. I remembered him saying just yesterday:
"He has trouble making friends, my foot! He made friends in just one day." I muttered under my breath, trying not to sound too jealous.
As the students vanished into the Portal Room, I wandered down the quiet corridor alone, lost in thought.
That's when a calm voice spoke behind me:
"So, you didn't join them?"
I turned in surprise.
It was the Headmistress.
Quickly, I bowed.
"Headmistress," I said respectfully. "I didn't go because… I already have my father's amulet. My mother gave it to me."
The Headmistress looked at the amulet and smiled gently. "Yes… I knew your parents. We were once companions in a party—slaying monsters, completing quests, and facing danger side by side. Your mother and father were legendary."
My eyes widened. "You knew them?"
"Very well," she said. "And perhaps… you could be friends with my daughter, too."
"We were surprised," I admitted. "None of us knew you had a daughter at the Academy… not until you announced her name earlier."
"Yes," she said softly. "Maybe you and my daughter will become good friends, too."
"I hope so," I said, a small, hopeful smile crossing my face.
---
We were back in the Grand Hall, which now sparkled with a vibrant display of magical weapons and enchanted relics all around us.
The air buzzed with energy as my fellow students admired the sacred weapons and relics they had just received—each one glowing softly with power.
At the front of the hall stood Master Genesis, one of the Academy's most respected masters. Earlier, just after everyone returned from the Capital City, he had performed a sacred incantation. With calm, powerful words, he called upon the Creator and the Five Archangels to bless each of our weapons and relics.
As he chanted, a soft golden light filled the room, wrapping around every item—wands, staffs, scepters, amulets, bows, swords, and more. It was as if the magic inside them was waking up, recognizing us as their chosen owners.
Now, every weapon and relic in the hall was not only magical—it was sacred, blessed, and bonded to the student it belonged to. These weren't just tools. They were symbols of our future adventures… and reminders of the divine power that guided us.
"Congratulations again, students, on completing the task!" the Headmistress announced, her voice brimming with pride.
I was still a little stunned from our earlier conversation. We had spent a considerable amount of time talking about my family—my parents, their adventures, and what they had meant to her.
"As a reward," she continued, a smile playing on her lips, "each of you will receive these sturdy leather book holders. They'll keep your Tomes safe and secure at your side, along with your smaller sacred weapons, relics, or other magical items."
Three staff members moved swiftly through the room, distributing the handsomely crafted holders. They looked like small satchels fastened to a belt—strong, practical, and perfect for an adventurer's journey.
"And finally," she added, her voice rising with excitement, "your Class Badges! Each design is unique to your class, making instant identification easy."
Another staff member stepped forward and began handing out the badges one by one:
Mages received deep blue badges, each meticulously crafted with a tiny silver wand emblem.
Priests and Priestesses were presented with elegant white badges, each displaying a gleaming scepter.
Psychics were given vibrant magenta badges, each featuring a detailed crystal ball.
Marksmen received bold yellow badges, showcasing a golden bow and arrow.
Finally, the Swordsmen were awarded strong red badges, each bearing the image of a shining sword.
Each badge was carefully crafted to represent its corresponding class clearly, ensuring easy recognition within the Academy.
"Alright everyone, gather around!" the Headmistress chirped, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Ready for a little adventure?"
She paused for dramatic effect, and then declared:
"Prepare yourselves for a thrilling journey into the mysterious Forbidden Woods! A realm teeming with dark horrifying creatures, beasts, and challenging trials awaits you!"
A collective gasp rippled through the hall.
A trial? Already?
We hadn't even begun to master our magic yet!
The room fell silent. The excitement that had just filled the air was quickly replaced with uncertainty and fear.
How could we possibly face the dangers hidden within a monster-filled forest?
Panic began to creep in, threatening to overshadow the excitement of the moment.
And yet… deep down, something stirred. A whisper of courage. The sense that this was only the beginning of a greater journey.
"Since your magic weapons and relics have now been blessed and turned sacred," the Headmistress began, "this is the perfect time to try them on, so you may strengthen your bond with them."
The students began to look at one another, both nervous and excited.
"Feel their power. Let them recognize you as their chosen bearer," she continued. "This is an important part of the process. What matters most is your connection with your sacred weapons and relics."