Chương 7: Entrance Exam

"Ahem!"

"Mr, Darja?"

"Huh o-oh, yes given the situation I also think it would be best" Alex said perplexedly, 'is this dude still not over it?' and don't just blatantly stare at her you're making it obvious for Goddess's sake, if a handsome hunk of a dude like you does that, you'll only make this bitch's ego skyrocket, I looked at Aria curious as to how awfully quite she's been this whole time.

[Authority: Eyes of the wondering crow: {Passive}]

[Aria: Creeped out by Alex's blatant staring, wants you to end the conversation quickly]

'Eh? That's quite surprising' I had the impression that Aria would enjoy this situation. However, her body language suggests otherwise, as she's crossing her arms in front of her chest, seemingly to shield herself from Alex's gaze.

But her action inadvertently heightened her allure, causing Alex's stare to appear even more inappropriate, making the situation increasingly uncomfortable. Aria sought refuge behind me, and as Alex recognized the impact of his actions on her, he offered an apology.

"My apologies, my lady. Your beauty was so captivating that I may have stared a bit too intently" Alex said apologetically, He appeared genuinely embarrassed by his behavior, suggesting that even someone as virtuous as him can't escape the temptation of lust. Aria's silence in response to his apology was like a sharp dagger piercing Alex's heart.

"Haha, no worries Mr. Alex and apologies for my sister's rude behavior, my sister is just a bit shy around strangers you see" I replied trying to ease the tension

"No, there—" Alex attempted to interject, but I preempted him by heading towards the defeated bandit leader. It was clear that this conversation would never conclude if we continued to exchange apologies.

"Hello, there I'm gonna be asking you a few questions I hope you don't mind"

The bandit leader just stared at me silently, but I just continued to ask the questions anyway

"Heiron, Granviel, Elias and lastly Kaisa which of these 4 great families is your employer?" The bandit leader's gaze wavered briefly, showing surprise at the mention of these family names, but that fleeting reaction soon gave way to a steely resolve. He chose to maintain his silence and continued to fixate on me, evidently convinced that divulging the information wouldn't alter his current predicament in any meaningful way.

After a few moments, with a single swing of my right hand I cut his head off, Aria, Alex, the knights and some of the captured bandits that surrendered were surprised by my action, though from the looks of it the knights and Alex were more surprised that I cut a man's head off without any weapons, only Aria was surprised that I killed him already,

'Has she already surmised my strength, or perhaps she's mistook dad's prowess for my own when she became entangled in his stupidity?'

After a few moments of silence Aria finally asked "why did you kill him already?"

"Oh that? I already got my answer" I replied nonchalantly, Aria shot me a questioning glance, but I brushed it off, believing it was beyond her comprehension. Her irritated expression and sigh indicated her frustration, actually a little while earlier, when the bandit captain maintained his silence, clearly attempting to withhold information, his thoughts were actively revolving around his employer's identity.

[Authority: Eyes of the wondering crow: {Passive}]

[Carlo: think's a Tellus brat like you won't be able to do anything against the Granviel's]

….

Tellus, Granviel, Heiron, Elias, and Kaisa—these five noble families collectively form the bedrock of the empire, serving as its unshakable pillars. Each family, with its own unique history and strengths, plays a pivotal role in upholding the empire's stability and prosperity.

Granviel in particular is renowned as one of the 3 prestigious duke families within empire. Their reputation is a complex one, characterized by both their infamy and their unique abilities. They are particularly, notorious for their insatiable greed, a trait that has been passed down through generations. However, what truly distinguishes the Granviels from the ordinary is their extraordinary mastery of earth magic.

The Granviels have cultivated a deep and profound connection with the earth itself. This magical affinity allows them to harness the elemental power of the earth in ways that few others can match. Their control over earth magic is not only exceptional but also a source of envy among other noble families. It grants them a formidable advantage in various aspects of life, including matters of wealth, politics, and even warfare.

'Why did the Granviel family stage this farce? They must be well aware of the dire repercussions that could follow if this ambush were to be linked back to them' the novels didn't mention the Granviel's attacking Adrian and Aria's carriage, most of the time it was on Tristan's perspective or one the main casts, I was lost in thought trying to guess the reason, when a voice broke my concentration.

"Hahaha, I must admit, I didn't expect young Master Adrian and Lady Aria to attend Estelle Academy. Let us all pass the exams, I do hope we find ourselves in the same class for at least some of the general subjects," Alex exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Yes, I certainly hope so. I never anticipated Mr. Darja would be a fellow incoming freshman like us, especially considering the impressive display of strength he just demonstrated," considering his build and physique, anyone would've thought he was some wondering warrior.

"By the way, I think there's no need for formalities among friends anymore, right? Mr. Darja, as we'll be future schoolmates. Let's converse informally," I added.

"Alright then, Adrian and Aria, which courses are you both planning to pursue at Estelle?" Alex inquired. And continued "I'm obviously in the combat department" Alex said while flexing his muscles.

Well, that was a fast change in tone, I thought to myself with an inward chuckle. "As for me, I'll be joining the Alchemy department, given my expertise in that field. But for Aria, I'm not sure, what course are you planning to pursue?" I said calmly.

Alex and Aria exchanged puzzled glances upon hearing my response. I understood their confusion, given my displayed strength; it seemed like a waste for me to focus on the Alchemy department, 'I have my reasons okay don't give me that look'

"I've decided to enroll in the Magic Department," Aria declared, her tone holding a hint of irritation that had lingered since I allowed Alex to join us in the carriage. Her annoyance was evident as she continued to pinch my side intermittently.

As the events from earlier began to settle, I decided to strike up a conversation with Alex, though I already had a clear idea of his destination, thanks to my prior knowledge from the novel. Nonetheless, I chose to play along, feigning ignorance to extend the offer for him to accompany us on the journey to the academy.

'I mean, since we're heading to the same destination anyway, it makes sense for us to travel together, doesn't it?'

After a few more hours on the road, I could see Alex attempting to initiate a conversation with Aria, while they exchanged words, I felt bad for Alex as Aria just kept answering yes and no to his questions, I glanced out the window and beheld a sprawling cityscape that stretched before us.

"It appears we've arrived, 'Estelle Academy'" I announced, even though it was merely an educational institution, the sheer scale of the place made it appear more like a small city in its own right. The vastness of the campus was impressive, hinting at the grandeur and significance of the institution we were about to enter.

"It's beautiful" Aria exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm. Estelle Academy wasn't just impressive due to its sheer size; it also possessed a captivating blend of natural beauty and a medieval architectural aesthetic. The campus was nestled amid lush greenery, with towering ancient trees and well-tended gardens that added a serene and picturesque quality to the surroundings.

The buildings themselves exuded a sense of history and tradition, with their stonework and intricate details reminiscent of a bygone era. It was this harmonious fusion of nature and medieval charm that made Estelle Academy not only grand but also undeniably beautiful.

Estelle Academy, while physically located within the borders of the Lumenian Empire, held a unique and esteemed status as a neutral educational institution. This was because the academy's mission transcended national boundaries, serving as a hub of knowledge and learning for students hailing from every corner of the continent.

Despite being situated within the empire, Estelle Academy was widely recognized as an inclusive haven that welcomed students not only from the Lumenian Empire but from all the nations spanning the vast continent. Its reputation as a neutral ground for education and enlightenment was a testament to its commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among diverse cultures and nations.

Within its hallowed halls, individuals from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities converged, forming a rich tapestry of perspectives and talents. This inclusivity and international character made Estelle Academy not just a center of learning but also a symbol of harmony and cooperation among the nations of the continent.

As we made our way deeper into the heart of the academy, we eventually bid farewell to Alex. Our journey led us to the central hub of the institution, where the registration for foreign students was set up Given that we were not official students yet, our focus shifted to the forthcoming combat department entrance exam.

This critical evaluation was slotted to take place at Cleave Hall, a distinguished venue situated on the western side of the academy campus. As we said our goodbyes to Alex, he appeared to be in quite a hurry, a clear indication that the exam commencement time was fast approaching. I couldn't help but think that, considering his background and connections, he might not even need to take the test to secure admission to the academy.

Even though the Magic and Alchemy Departments represented distinct academic disciplines, there was a convenient overlap in our circumstances. Both departments had their entrance test exams scheduled to be held in the same location: Estelle Hall, a prominent structure situated at the northern edge of the sprawling academy grounds.

This fortunate arrangement not only made it easier for Aria and me to navigate the academy on this important day but also highlighted the interconnectedness of the various departments within Estelle Academy. Despite their differing fields of study, the institution aimed to foster an environment where students from various disciplines could interact, collaborate, and share their knowledge.

As we made our way to Estelle Hall, we couldn't help but appreciate the symbolism of this shared testing venue, reflecting the academy's commitment to unity in diversity and the pursuit of knowledge across a spectrum of academic pursuits.

Aria's examination was quite distinct, with her written test scheduled to take place on the first floor of Estelle Hall. The location choice was practical, providing a conducive environment for students to tackle theoretical aspects of their magical studies.

However, it was the practical test that piqued my curiosity. This evaluation was to be conducted outside, in the public training ground adjacent to Estelle Hall. The presence of numerous target dummies in the open area strongly suggested that this portion of the examination would focus on the application of combat magic and defensive spells. The sight of these dummies lined up as potential targets hinted at a rigorous and demanding examination process.

In contrast, the alchemy department's tests were held conveniently on the second floor of Estelle Hall, indicating that my own examination would be more focused on laboratory work, concocting potions, and demonstrating a profound understanding of the alchemical arts.

Aria and I eventually parted ways, with a warm smile, she leaned in and said, "Hey, make sure to pass, alright?" Her words carried a genuine sense of encouragement, and there was a hint of affection in her voice as she swiftly moved away.

I chuckled "haha, well that was cute is that her way of cheering me on?" As I ascended to the second floor, where the alchemy department's examination rooms were situated, I was met with a sight that left me in awe. The sheer number of students gathered for the exams was staggering. Some wore expressions of anxiety, their faces reflecting the weight of the moment. Others were furiously scanning through their notes and papers, as if their entire futures depended on these few hours.

What truly caught my attention were a handful of students who seemed to be conducting impromptu experiments on the floor, right there in the corridor. I couldn't help but wonder, "Is that even allowed?" Their audacity and creativity in the midst of this tense environment left me both impressed and bewildered, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this momentous day.

"Attention!" bellowed a formidable figure clad in imposing white robes, his presence commanding the immediate focus of everyone in the room. As the sound of his voice reverberated through the air, a palpable tension filled the space, and all eyes snapped to the fearsome figure who had just spoken.

In a stern and unyielding tone, the man introduced himself as Terion Lake, a senior professor from the alchemy department who would be presiding over the examinations. His reputation preceded him, and the mere sight of him struck fear into the hearts of many students.

With a commanding presence, Professor Lake began to assign examination rooms to the anxious candidates. "You, from that girl over there," he pointed firmly, "go to classroom 12-A. And you, from that young man in the back," his gaze locked onto another, "you two are headed to 12-B." His voice continued to resound, methodically directing students to their designated examination locations.

Finally, the professor's finger pointed in my direction. "You," he declared, "to classroom 12-D." I followed his instructions, entering a room that held the promise of both challenge and opportunity. Within, I discovered an array of twenty tables, each meticulously set up with an assortment of twelve different reagents, each poised for experimentation.

The atmosphere in the room crackled with anticipation, as students prepared to embark on their alchemical examinations, knowing that the next few hours would determine their futures within the hallowed halls of Estelle Academy.

As my gaze fell upon the twelve carefully arranged reagents, an involuntary smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Each of these mystical ingredients held its own unique properties, and together, they formed a tapestry of potential and wonder:

1. Rock mushrooms spores

2. Rainbow Geckos blood

3. Sylvan Heartwood

4. Feyfire Ember

5. Voidshade Ink

6. Dreamwalker's sand

7. Nymph's Tears

8. Thunderstruck wooden branch

9. Vorpal crystals

10. Flame vipers Venom

11. Elemental essence

12. Lunar Lotus petals

Everything is exactly as it was detailed in the novels. I'm sorry, Miss Euphemia Dunhaven. I understand that you are supposed to secure the highest rank in this examination. But would it truly be a burden for both of us to share the top spot? After all, what I'm crafting here is something you'll undoubtedly achieve in the near future, I silently reassured myself, pushing aside any feelings of guilt.

"Yup I'm not cheating at all"