Academy Entry

In the Trial Nexus, Kael heads back to the stands and takes a seat in the spectator's seat and every applicants began to murmur again...

"The outcast sure is strong."

"There's no way he's actually strong."

"Idiot, he defeated some who used limit breaker."

"Until he can defeat a Herald, then I'd say he's strong.."

Arthur averts his gaze and obscures his eyes with his bangs.

"This kids just talk for talk," Alastair said,

"Leave them be. It''s all they know to do," Kael said while seated leaning forward.

"This concludes the final phase of the entrance exam. Ranking number one is Lucille Gallagher, second is Kael Voss, third is Ada Heiliger, fourth is Eve Wilson and fifth is Arthur Armstrong. They'll be crowned with the title of the first-year prodigies. The rest of the rankings you can check through your system window. Now, to those ranking lower than 80, unfortunately, you've failed the entrance exam. And for those in the top 80, welcome to the Asta Academy," Xander dictated.

The passing students begin to celebrate.

"Alright!"

"My mom will be so happy!"

"Now my dad can be proud of me."

Kael is just seated with his leg crossed and arm stretched out. Eve walks towards him and sits next to him.

"To think you were able to make it into the Asta Academy," Eve said.

"What do you want?" Kael questioned.

"Here to talk with my best friend," Eve added. "Or are you still mad at me?"

"You knocked me out and left me for Ashenfiend food. Anyone would've been mad at that but I currently have other things to focus on," Kael replied.

"I'm sorry for that. You know I don't have strength at all so I was just following Ren's orders," Eve said.

"..."

"Come on, won't you be my knight in shining armor?" Eve said while emitting a pink aura with eyes glowing pink.

"... No, I'm not interested. You already have your knight in shining armor," Kael gets to his feet and adds, "Besides, I have no interest in acting like one's meat shield."

Kael walks away from Eve.

"He's a tough one to crack. He used to easily fall for my antics," Eve said.

"Now, to conclude this event, I'd like to call onto the stage the Headmaster of the Asta Academy and a member of the Department of Training and Development of the Astral Magus Association, 'The Starbound Sage' Alaric Thane," Xander said.

A tall man with long silver hair, glowing blue eyes, and an intricate staff resembling a constellation and dressed in a long, high-collared black coat with silver embroidery on the lapels, cuffs, and hem. The coat features intricate patterns resembling celestial constellations, symbolizing wisdom and guidance. The academy emblem is prominently embroidered in silver on the left chest and as a larger, subtle imprint on the back. A fitted white dress shirt with black embroidery along the collar and button line. The shirt has a slightly glossy finish, enhancing its elegance. Tailored black trousers with silver piping down the sides. A black silk cravat with a silver star pin, representing the headmaster’s position as the academy's guiding star. A silver waist chain attached to a pocket watch engraved with the academy crest. Polished black leather boots with silver accents, designed for both comfort and style. A flowing black cape with white trim and the academy’s motto embroidered along the edges in silver thread, comes walking through, and everyone in the arena bows to him.

"Wow, quite interesting new students we have here. Greetings first years of the Asta Academy, my name is Alaric Thane, One of the leaders of the Department of Training and Development of the Association and Headmaster of the Asta Academy. I'm sure they already explained it to you but I'll do it again. The Asta Academy isn't a high school or college but the training grounds nurturing future Astral Magus. This is why amongst you there are still teens ranging from sixteen and also adults. The Age doesn't matter here unless you're sixteen and above. All we want is for you to produce results. This is why the Second-in-Commands of the Top 8 Magi Companies were present in the two exams. The Academy is a symbol of the kingdom’s dedication to mastering the mysteries of the cosmos. It is the central hub for magical education, innovation, and cultural enlightenment, catering to students from all eight states of the kingdom and beyond. The Asta Academy exists to provide rigorous training in Astral Magic, fostering both the theoretical and practical skills needed for mastery. It is the foremost institution for developing magical talent, offering specialized instruction in disciplines such as: Astral Theory and Advanced Spells, Combat and Tactical Magic, Elemental Manipulation, Healing and Supportive Magic, Summoning, and Enchantment. It prepares students to: Defend the kingdom against supernatural threats, Advance the field of Astral Magic through research and innovation, and, Uphold the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Astral Magus hierarchy. Beyond magical instruction, the academy molds its students into leaders, strategists, and scholars. Graduates often ascend to influential roles such as: Members of the Astral Magus Association and Magic Companies, Advisers to the king, and the Divine Council, Military commanders stationed at bases like the Durnholde Highlands, and Pioneers in research and development within the magical sciences. As a cornerstone of the Astral Benediction culture, Asta Academy instills a sense of duty and reverence for the Astral Gods. The academy’s curriculum ensures students understand the divine origins of their powers, respecting the celestial forces that govern their magic. The academy plays a critical role in safeguarding the kingdom. Its faculty, graduates, and current students contribute to: Developing new spells and enchantments for protection and warfare, Researching and countering magical anomalies or hostile forces, and Training elite squads of Astral Magi for immediate deployment during crises. Asta Academy fosters unity among the eight states of the kingdom, serving as a melting pot for cultures, ideologies, and magical talents. By bringing together diverse students, it promotes collaboration and understanding within the Kingdom of Nevan. Our Academy motto is By the Stars We Ascend. Now, welcome to the Asta Academy."

The following day, Kael and Ms. Jiwoo are in the Astral Magus Association's branch quarter in the State of Ravenshade, City of Everglade. They're currently in the room of the Awakening specialists on the floor of the Department of Recruiting and Awakening.

"Are you this cu-- I mean, are you Kael Voss's legal guardian?" the Awakening specialist questioned.

"Ah, yes. I've been taking care of him for three months," Ms. Jiwoo replied.

"Okay, the Asta Academy has a certain rule that only those capable of using magic are allowed to apply. As you know, some are Blessed but aren't capable of using magic like the Blessed warriors do," the Awakening specialist said.

"I'm aware," Ms. Jiwoo said.

"So we'll have Kael Voss place his hand here so we can see if he has awakened and what type of class he falls within," the Awakening specialist said.

"Kael..."

Kael takes a step forward and places his hand on the orb.

"Just pour your spiritual energy. These humans wouldn't be able to tell the difference," Alastair said.

Kael pours his mana into the orb and the orb gives off a bright glow. As the light dims, the orb is filled with a dark mist circling.

'What's this? I've never seen it black. And besides, he actually is awakened, but I've never heard of a magic called Dispel,' the Awakening specialist thought to herself.

"..."

"Congratulations Kael Voss, you're awakened. Your magic is called Dispel, an ability capable of canceling out magic, and your Class is Reaper. Your Society Rank is a Sanctified noble and your Magic tier is D Tier. Here's your student card and your society batch," the Awakening specialist said as she handed Kael the student card and the batch.

(Green huh? So I really am at the level of those greedy bastards.)

"Congratulations, Kael. You can finally join the Asta Academy," Ms. Jiwoo said with a smile.

"Thank you, Ms. Jiwoo," thanked Kael.

"Here is your uniform too. The Asta Academy begins on the 12th Soluday of Zepphyris (Month of Stars). Your room number in the Academy's dormitory is written on your student card," the Specialist as she handed Kael the uniform.

(To think I'm the only one who has to fetch my things in the Association.) Kael looks at the student card and thinks to himself, (And they used my old picture. I have to take a new picture.)

After all the preparations, Kael bids goodbye to the Jiwoo family and heads for the Everglade Train station. He climbs the train and heads for Nethrys City in the State of Eldoria. He arrives at the Asta Academy Campus and the groundskeeper guides him to the dormitory. He walks into his room and places down his luggage.

"So it all begins."

Three days went by and we arrived on the day of the Academy's opening. The Gates are open and the news reporters have gathered before the gates of the Academy, and the security guards prevent them from going through.

In Kael's room, Kael dresses in the Asta Academy's uniform. He places the society batch on his left arm and the first-year batch on the blazer's collar. Kael wears a white hoodie beneath the blazer.

* The Asta Academy uniform (Male): A crisp, slim-fit white dress shirt with a subtle black trim along the collar and cuffs. The academy's emblem is embroidered in black on the left chest pocket. A sleek, tailored black blazer with white lapels and a thin silver line running along the edges. The blazer has two silver buttons with the academy's emblem embossed. The back of the blazer features a faint, glossy design of the academy crest. Fitted black trousers with a single white stripe running down the sides. Students wear a black tie with a silver pin in the shape of a star. Higher-ranked students may wear a black ascot with subtle white embroidery. Polished black leather shoes with silver buckles. An optional black leather wristband engraved with the academy's motto can be worn.

"I'll be going, grandfather. Today I begin my journey to the top, to bring this system-crazed world to order," Kael said as he prayed to his grandfather's photo.

He then comes walking out of his room. Later, he arrives before the Academy carrying his bag on the side, with both hands placed in his pockets. The reporters try to interview him...

"Tell us, how were you able to make it into the Academy?"

"Were you always awakened?"

"Do you believe you'll make it into the Astral Magi?"

"Tell us what your magic is?"

(What's with these people? If only I could cut them down.)

"Right this way, Kael Voss."

The Security guard guides Kael into the Academy, preventing him from getting squashed by the reporters.

"So this is the Asta Academy. It sure is huge," Kael said.

Kael is walking down the campus grounds and the second and third years murmur as they see him...

"How was he able to make it into the Academy?"

"The primary rule of the Academy is to have magic."

"Look, he's wearing the green batch, meaning he's at the level of a Sanctified noble."

"There's no way. I've never heard of anyone who awakens after 12 years of age."

"But he's--"

In the Academy's Main Atrium, a grand hall with an impossibly high ceiling, adorned with floating chandeliers made of radiant crystals. The floor is a mosaic of enchanted tiles that shift to display historical events or magical constellations. All the 80 new first years have gathered. A third-year student with pink hair, dressed in the Academy's female uniform takes the stage.

* Asta Academy uniform (Female): A tailored white blouse with a high collar and black trim on the edges. The blouse features puffed sleeves with fitted cuffs, giving it a modern yet elegant touch. The academy emblem is embroidered on the right shoulder. A cropped black blazer with white lapels, similar to the male version but slightly shorter. The blazer's back has the academy crest in glossy detail. A high-waisted black pleated skirt with a white hemline. The skirt ends slightly above the knee for a modern aesthetic. Students may wear fitted black shorts underneath for practicality. Black thigh-high stockings with a faint silver star pattern near the top. Black ankle boots with a slight heel and silver accents. A black ribbon tie or a slim scarf with a silver pin shaped like a star. An optional black choker with the academy's insignia can be worn.

"Greetings, new students of the Asta Academy. My name is Elowen Heiliger, President of the Student Council and currently a Magus recruit. We'd like to welcome you all to our prestigious school. I'm sure our headmaster already explained everything about our Academy so I'll just be directing you. The Asta Academy is situated in the northern highlands, close to the State of Durnholde. This prevents the Academy from getting detected by the enemy. The Academic hall the purpose is the classrooms and lecture halls for teaching and training have four wings, each dedicated to a specific type of magic or study. Astral Wing: Focused on Astral Magic theories, celestial studies, and advanced spells. Combat Wing: Dedicated to physical and magical combat training, featuring indoor arenas. Practical Wing: Houses workshops for crafting, enchanting, and summoning. Support Wing: Includes classrooms for healing magic, ethics, and supportive spells. You guys will have a lot of events per your wing, and tournaments only for the Combat wing. When you leave the grand hall, there will be a map at the center of the hallway showing you every area of the Academy. The map will be placed in every wing and also on the outside. I won't take much of your time so I'll have to say is, I look forward to working with you all. Welcome."

As the students celebrate their entry, Kael gives his back and walks away.

(In just three months, my whole life has changed. Now I can finally dream of becoming a Magus and ending discrimination. This time it's different.)

Kael sees an illusion of his middle school self standing at the exit of the Main Atrium.

(Now I possess the power and have a few people supporting me. This time, I'll make everything different.)

Kael said as he walked past the illusion of his middle school self. He walks with an upright position, hands in his pockets, and chin raised as the illusion disappears.

TO BE CONTINUED