Krosalis

«Master, now that we’ve returned here, what are we going to do?.. Shadwolf, those aren’t edible!»

«Hmm, well—since you’ve turned nine, it’s time for you to attend school.»

«Seriously?? But which school?! Krosalis?!»

«Precisely. Only one problem: we don’t have money for separate enrollment fees. So the only way to enter the school is to take the entrance exam—and I inquired; it’s being held tomorrow!»

«Good. What’s the exam about? Combat or endurance competitions?»

«Well, the exam differs for enhancers and mages—so I don’t know exactly what tests await you. And apparently, they’ll give everyone a written exam too!»

«What?! Written?! I don’t know anything! You only taught me punching and running!»

«Don’t worry. Your exam is about the basic knowledge every Mana User should know—and you do know it. Now, take Shadwolf and go to an inn. I’ll go register your name for the exam. Oh, and don’t let anyone stare too much at Shadwolf!»

Arian and Shadwolf went to an inn on the city’s outskirts. After registering Arian, Zinarphil joined them.

In the room, Shadwolf—the black wolf—had thrown himself on the floor like a black cushion and fallen asleep. Meanwhile, Arian and Zinarphil prepared themselves for tomorrow’s exam.

Zinarphil moved his hand, shaking the pen over the paper as he wrote items on it.
«See, Arian—don’t forget these two points:

One: The mana system, which consists of the mana core, mana veins, and the Mana User’s talent.
Two: The reason for these 9 years of peace? I haven’t said this until now, but know this: 9 years ago, exactly when you were born, a battle occurred between the current four races and another race. Just know that in that battle, that race was completely destroyed, resulting in peace.»

Arian didn't know how to react to this newly revealed truth—should he be surprised or remain emotionless?
«Master, why didn’t you tell me until now? That this peace came from bloodshed?»

«I didn’t see the need. And you never asked more! They’ll tell you at school! Now get up and go to sleep—you must wake up early tomorrow!»

Contrary to other matters, Arian was calm about this. Surprisingly, it was Zinarphil who had grown anxious. She played with her disheveled white hair as she sat watching Arian, who had now fallen asleep.

«I know you’ll be accepted, but I fear one thing: your identity. If they realize what you are! Your silver hair and blue eyes clearly signify the Legend race.»

The night passed quietly. After a few hours, the capital regained its former bustle—even busier than before—because people from all over the country had come to witness the entrance exam for Krosalis School. An exam that had now become the year's most important event.

Before the exam began, everyone had to gather in the central square of the capital facing the royal palace. Today, decorations featuring the school's emblem were placed throughout the city—an emblem symbolizing peace and friendship. This emblem consists of a large tree engraved on a shield, and the school’s motto was: «Today, yesterday’s tomorrow, and tomorrow’s yesterday.»

«Wow, Master—it’s so crowded today!! Don’t tell me they came to watch the exam?»

«Well, unfortunately, exactly so!»

Zinarphil accompanied Arian to the admissions officer to introduce him. Then they returned to the central square to hear the kings' speech before the exam commenced.

«Excuse me, madam. The young man must come with us to take the written exam.»

«Oh, very well. Arian, my dear, go ace the exam, alright? I believe in you.»

Arian freed himself from Zinarphil’s embrace. With a look of resentment toward his master’s behavior, he bid farewell. Zinarphil quickly returned to the city square.

An oppressive silence and immense pressure descended upon the square! The four kings had entered, and the people stood stunned into awed silence by their mere presence.

«SILENCE!»
«People of the realms! We are honored to stand before our four exalted sovereigns—founders of this academy!»

"King Andreas of Humanity, accompanied by his legendary Blackfire Phoenix!
King Eldinor of the Elven Realms!
King Dracensius of Dragonkind!
King Roxelius of the Vampire Nations!" And beside him—the infamous two-headed serpent, Milran!

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, with many bowing deeply before the kings. Amidst the fanfare, King Dracensius approached King Andreas with measured silence.

«Andreas... you sense her presence too, don’t you? That damned woman is here.»

«I know, Draco—but don’t make a scene. You’re a king now, and she’s merely your cousin: a weak old woman not worth a second glance.»

Suddenly, Zinarphil’s voice sliced through the clamor:
«LONG LIVE THE KINGS! AND LONG LIVE KING DRACENSIUS!»

Her shout ignited fresh chaos. Guards struggled violently to restore order.

«Very well.» King Roxelius’s voice cut through the lingering chaos, his crimson eyes sweeping the crowd. «We, the Vampire Nation, thank you for this fervent devotion. I, Roxelius, King of Vampires, am honored to stand among you today.»

A murmur rippled through the square as he continued, «In ages past, vampires were... less beloved. Many succumbed to bloodlust—becoming true fiends. We had no choice but to exile those demons to Zilandera.» His gaze hardened. «Yet now? Our kind stands embraced by you, cherished people of Kaloustia.»

He placed a hand over his chest in a formal bow. «On behalf of my kin, I offer deepest gratitude. And I hold fervent hope—
—for a day when all races unite as one. When difference fades to dust.»

After this speech, all present vampires roared and pounded their fists against their chests as a sign of respect.

"Truly an impactful speech from my dear brother. I, Andreas, on behalf of the human race, am honored to witness such a scene. But at this present time, the past holds no meaning for me—only the present moment determines what is."

King Andreas: a sovereign who believes in neither past nor future, and to whom the present is the sole embodiment of power.

«Both preceding kings have expressed their esteemed perspectives. I, Dracensius, Sovereign of the Skies, add only this: we are all guardians of balance—a balance that shall endure for ages.»

Upon concluding his address, King Dracensius cast a sharp glance toward Zinarphil before returning to his position.

«Finally, I, Eldinor—King of Elves, Ruler of Forests—express gratitude to all. Know this: the past is not forgotten. It merely lies buried in the deepest recesses of our minds.»

«True, there was an era when we stood as enemies. Yet now, it is our children who sustain this peace—within Krosalis School!»

«Understand: the choice of this name is not arbitrary. This school transforms history. Thus, it is called Krosalis.»

The kings' speeches concluded simultaneously with the written exam's end, and all the people were impatiently awaiting the practical competitions—competitions that would determine this world's future.