Well, that was comforting.
I pressed my hand to the blue orb. It was cool at first, then warm — like someone had lit a tiny flame under my skin. The light swirled, dimmed, then brightened, forming three shining stars that hovered inside the sphere.
"Three stars," she said, noting it down. "Impressive."
I blinked. "That's good, right?"
"It means you passed."
I grinned. "Oh, that's great news. For a second there, I thought I was about to get thrown out the window."
Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Congratulations, Mr. Ash. You've passed the preliminary screening."
She said it with that teasing smile again — the kind that made it sound like she was half impressed, half entertained.
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Uh, thanks. So, what's next?"
"Through that door." She gestured toward a heavy wooden door on the far side of the room. "It will take you to the examination grounds. Follow the instructions of the attendants once you arrive."
"Got it," I said, then hesitated. "Do I… get a sticker or something?"
That earned another soft laugh — definitely a good sound. "You get to keep your place. That's reward enough for today."
"Fair point."
"Good luck, Ash."
"Thanks," I said with a small grin, and stepped through the door.
The sunlight hit me instantly, and I had to squint.
The "examination grounds" turned out to be a massive open-air arena — easily large enough to fit a small village. Rows of stone seats circled a wide sand-filled area below, with a few banners fluttering gently from the outer walls.
The sound of chatter rolled over me as I stepped inside.
There were already dozens of people gathered — probably around sixty from a quick glance. Some sat on the benches, others leaned against the railing or stretched, trying to look confident.
And they all had one thing in common. They were young, really young.
I saw a mix of familiar faces — some around my age, others older, maybe in their twenties. There were even a few younger kids who looked barely out of childhood, nervously clutching their knees. Not surprising, given the age requirements said anyone under thirty. Theoretically, a 2 year old could make it here.
I sighed under my breath. "So this is the competition, huh?"
I started down the steps, trying not to make eye contact. But of course, that didn't work.
I could feel eyes following me as soon as I stepped into the open, scrutinizing me.
Whispers started almost immediately.
"Who's that?"
"Never seen him before."
"Is he noble?"
"No crest… probably a commoner."
"Still, look at his face, so good looking—"
"Tch, he probably got this far by seducing that lady in the previous room." I heard on guy say.
Oh no. Not this again.
I could practically feel my soul leaving my body. I hadn't even done anything, and yet half the arena was staring like I'd just descended from the heavens.
I forced my face into something resembling calm. Straight back, relaxed shoulders. Totally normal. Absolutely not dying inside.
Inwardly, though, I was screaming. 'Why are you all looking at me?!'
I kept walking until I found an empty seat near the back row, far from the cluster of gossiping miscreants and the rowdy adventurer types. I sank down onto the stone bench and let out a slow breath.
"Okay," I muttered quietly, resting my elbow on my knee and my chin on my hand. "Just sit here. Blend in. Be invisible."
A few glances still lingered, but eventually, people lost interest. Conversations resumed, laughter rippled through the groups, and the noise of sixty voices filled the space again.
I closed my eyes for a second, letting the sunlight warm my face.
"Great start," I murmured to myself. "Didn't get spit on, passed the test, didn't faint in front of the pretty lady. I'll call that a win."
The arena was large enough that every sound echoed faintly. Somewhere nearby, a few persons in academy uniforms moved around the area. From their appearance and slightly formal but battle ready uniforms, It was not off the mark to assume that they could be students from the academy.
I caught snippets of conversation here and there, people boasting about their talent ratings, whispering guesses about what the next test would be.
"Three stars, huh?"
"Four here. I'm practically guaranteed a mid-tier dorm."
"Heh, show-off."
I leaned back slightly, keeping my eyes half-closed. The breeze carried the scent of dust and old stone. It wasn't exactly relaxing, but after the morning I'd had, it was good enough.
From this angle, I could see the mountain rising behind us though only slightly — the same one that hid the Royal Academy on its far side. I was closer to the peak this time. Somewhere beyond that ridge was the city of knowledge and power I'd seen on the system's map.
That thought sent a small thrill through me.
I smiled faintly, closing my eyes again.
It was strange — a day ago, the academy had been nothing more than a name, a rumour. Now it felt real. Close. Almost within reach.
A sudden voice broke through my thoughts.
"Hey! You there — the one pretending to nap!"
I opened one eye.
A tall boy with dark brown hair was standing a few rows down, looking right at me. He was grinning, but it had that competitive edge to it — the kind people get when they're already sizing you up.
"Yeah?" I said lazily.
"You passed the screening too?" he asked.
"Unless this is all a dream," I said, almost laughing out loud. How else was I supposed to make it in here.
"Nice. Same here." He gave me a thumbs-up. "Name's Darius."
"Ash."
He grinned wider. "Well, Ash, let's both make it through the next part, huh? Heard it's a physical test."
"Physical?" I raised a brow. "Like running?"
"Running, fighting, maybe some spellcasting. Who knows? They like to keep things dramatic."
"Perfect," I said dryly. "Nothing says 'education' like public combat."
He laughed. "You'll fit right in."
When he turned back to join his friends, I couldn't help smiling a little.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
Time passed slowly after that.
More candidates trickled in, guided by attendants. The murmur of voices grew until it filled every corner of the arena. I watched the crowd from my spot, quietly observing — the nervous ones fidgeting, the confident ones bragging, the ones who looked like they'd been dragged here against their will.
And me? I just sat there, elbow on my knee, head resting on my palm, pretending not to overthink everything.
Every now and then, I caught someone sneaking a glance my way. A few of the girls whispered to each other while glancing at me, giggling behind their hands. One of them waved when our eyes met.
I offered a polite nod back and then quickly looked away.
'Focus, Ash. Eyes on the prize. Or at least, off the people.'
Somewhere deep in my chest, excitement was starting to bubble up again — that same quiet hum I'd felt when the system showed me the map.