Chương 5: Between Exams and Meetings: First Day at Arcanum Academy.

Wow, it's huge! Here I am in front of Arcanum Academy. Yes, my friends, exam day has arrived. It might be a sudden leap for some, right? No, I've told you a lot about my stay at chubby Arthur's mansion. The reason is that I don't want to remember anything about that despicable fatty. That month was a true hell for me, and I prefer to avoid talking about it. The only thing I can say is that at least I'm still friends with Cale.

Speaking of the academy, it's a universe in itself. It has four main departments:

First, there's the Department of Combat and Military Strategy, where combat skills and military tactics are trained. They teach fencing, self-defense, and combat leadership. They organize tournaments and battle simulations that sound quite intense.

Next is the Department of Magic and Arcane Arts, for talented mages. Here they learn sorcery, alchemy, enchantments, and the history of magic. They have wizard duels and alchemy laboratories that must be fascinating.

The third department is the Department of Engineering and Technology. Here the focus is on creating and maintaining advanced technologies. They teach everything from weapon engineering to aircraft construction and communication technologies. They even have design competitions and innovation workshops.

Finally, there's the Department of Natural Sciences and Ecology, which focuses on ecological balance, biology, and sustainable use of natural resources. There are classes on magical botany and handling magical fauna, as well as ecological expeditions.

Quite interesting, isn't it? Well, since I'm neither strong nor have any combat knowledge, obviously I won't be enrolling in the combat department. And of course, I don't have magical abilities. I'll explain how magic works later. For now, I'm applying to the Engineering Department. Why? Simple: I know all the theory about weapons, ships, etc., so it should be fairly easy, or so I hope. By the way, because of this engineering topic, the novel became one of my favorites.

Although I'm sure I'll pass the exam, I'm nervous. I guess that's pretty normal, right? But looking at the other applicants walking so relaxed, it seems like I'm the only one feeling this way. Well, I guess I'll have to get down to business, right?

I entered with the other applicants to take the entrance exam. Depending on the department you want to enter, different characteristics are evaluated. Everyone takes the theoretical exam, but depending on the department, there are minimum requirements. As I mentioned, I'm going to the Engineering Department, so I need to score at least 80%, as knowledge and creativity are valued there. Other departments will evaluate different skills.

I headed to the place where the exam would be held. Some older students guided me to the classroom, and upon arrival, I noticed that many were already there. It seemed I was one of the last to arrive. The students glanced at me when I entered the classroom, but quickly returned to their business. I guess I caused some curiosity, didn't I?

I went to my assigned seat and noticed someone sitting next to me. I looked at the girl with dark blue hair who had chosen the seat next to mine, and honestly, I thought she had stepped out of a fairy tale or a shampoo advertisement. Her hair was so long and wavy that it almost made me envious. Well, almost—if I were a woman, maybe I would feel envious.

Her eyes were a crystal-clear blue that seemed stolen directly from a clear sky. If you ever look at the sea and think 'Wow, how beautiful!', those were her eyes, but multiplied by ten.

She wore a dress that seemed tailor-made by forest elves or something. With those earrings and matching necklace, anyone would think she had stepped out of a magical fashion magazine. Or at least, she had a personal stylist hidden somewhere.

She looked like the embodiment of spring, with flowers around her and a smile so radiant it could make the sun jealous. If someone ever told me fairies exist, I'd bet they look like her... though maybe a bit smaller and with wings.

So there I was, next to the most beautiful girl I had ever seen, feeling like an extra in a romantic novel. Perfect, just what I needed for today.

Apparently, the girl didn't mind my gaze, probably used to attracting attention with her beauty. However, I noticed she was trembling slightly and her cheeks were somewhat flushed. Is she nervous or unwell? Don't worry, Seraphina, I'm nervous about the exam too.

You're probably wondering how I know the name of this beautiful lady, right? Well, my friends, who wouldn't if it's about the Princess of Altaria, Seraphina Winterbourne? She was one of the girls in the protagonist's harem, although calling it a "harem" would be exaggerating, given that Lucas is denser than a black hole.

The girl looked at me confused for a moment, tilting her head. Hey hey, why are you looking at me like that? As far as I remember, I don't owe you anything, princess. The girl looked away. Maybe she mistook me for someone else. Minutes later, the teacher in charge distributed the exams. Each of us had three hours to complete 75 questions, tedious, I know...

"You may begin," shouted the teacher. Well, I guess I'll do my best. Wish me luck!

Deep sigh. Oh my God! Finally, how tedious it is to write this! But I must say it was quite easy; I think I'll score well. After finishing the exam, I raised my hand to report that I was done. The teacher looked at me for a moment and then approached me.

"Is there any problem with the exam, applicant?" asked the teacher, with a serious face.

"Uh, no, I've just finished," I replied. When I said I had finished, everyone in the classroom looked at me surprised.

What's wrong? Why are they looking at me like that? I just finished the exam; I don't see why that reaction.

"Are you sure, applicant?" asked the teacher with a serious expression.

"Yes," I said as I handed him the exam. "Alright, you may leave." Obviously, that's what I'll do; I'm starving. I wonder where the dining hall is in this academy. I hope there's a good feast, I thought as I left the classroom, still feeling the stares of the others on me.