บท 226: Encounter

In the beautiful blue skies of the Great Continent, a magical island floated in the clouds.

The magic island, Ragnarok, home to the greatest Magic Academy of all time and founded by the Archmage of the generation.

It was the dream of all mages in the world.

It's been four years since the academy has opened, and its fame has increased with every passing year.

Today marked a special day in Ragnarok's short life span- it was the day of Ragnarok's entrance exam.

Admission to Ragnarok was special. Anyone under the age of 25 was qualified to enter as long as they pass the entrance exam. After passing the entrance exam, six years of an exciting academy experience awaited them.

That was not all to Ragnarok. A Magic Tower existed on Ragnarok, reserved for the most elite and skilled mages. It was a place that single handedly unified the mages of the Great Continent.

This Tower was named Eden.

Unlike the Magic Academy section of Ragnarok, which took up the majority of the island's space, Eden was just a single piece of architecture.

There was no age limit for this place. If deemed worthy by the Headmistress, one would be able to enter this paradise and wholeheartedly dedicate their life to magic research, aided by many similar minded individuals.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the existence of Ragnarok ushered an era of prosperity for magic.

As such, it was the goal of many students on Ragnarok to be granted the privilege of entering Eden after they graduated.

The magic island never stayed in one place. Today, it stopped above the Ofrain Kingdom.

It was a lucky day for the citizens of Ofrain. They would have a chance to participate in Ragnarok's entrance exam. If they pass, their life would be set and their career as a mage would take off. Living as an Adventurer would be a breeze. They could join guilds, work as freelancers and have freedom in life. They could even pledge allegience to a local noble and enjoy a life of luxury. If they were talented enough, they might even be able to become a Court Mage and live like nobles!

This was the lifechanging opportunity that Ragnarok provided. After all, there has never been a situation where the greatest of the generation passed down their knowledge to the mass.

Shin had just passed the entrance exam of Ragnarok.

"Huff. Huff."

He panted heavily as he looked around the huge campus of the academy. Countless youths all over the world walked with happy smiles on their faces, proudly wearing the academy's uniform. And as for him, he was completely lost.

"Where did they go?"

Somehow, he managed to lose his fellow transmigrated heroes.

"They'll be fine together. What about me though? This place is huge!"

Shin caught his breath and began to look around the majestic academy.

As a summoned hero, his task was to save the world from the demons. His Majesty Ofrain had promised that he would have the choice of going back to Japan after defeating the Demon Lord with his comrades.

Ragnarok would serve as a place for him to understand this world, and also to teach him how to use his abilities.

"But I'm still lost..."

"Do you need help?"

At this moment when Shin was at his rock bottom, a kind voice reached out to him.

When he turned around, he was met with the gaze of a young man who's eyes were like amethyst gems.

The young man had a handsome face befitting of a noble and black hair resembling the darkest of the nights. His posture was tall and elegant. There was an unquestionable aura of nobility to him.

"Y-yes, that would be great!"

"My humble name is Earl, I would be honoured to know yours." Earl smiled gently as he introduced himself. His white gloved hand reached out for a handshake.

Shin was taken back by this encounter with this strange man. Little would he know, this would change his life forever.

"Shin! My name is Shin!"

The two walked throught the academy with ease under the guidance of Earl.

Shin felt an exceeding sense of comfort whenever he talked to Earl. There was something about this man that placed him at ease. They could talk for hours. Earl was knowledgable in every topic. On top of that, his words were sophisticated and well thought out. The young hero felt like he could have someone to look up to.

"But what a crazy coincidence, right? To think we would be in the same dorm!"

"It must be fate. You are an interesting man, Shin. I look forward to spending the school year with you."

"Same goes for me!"

Shin felt like he made his first friend in this world.