Vol. 2 Chapter 22

"Remember Naell, never reveal the process of your awakening."

Even without his Sensei's warning, Naell had no intention of ever disclosing it. He knew very well that magic was capable of tipping off the very balance of that world.

• A nice school indeed, HOOT. •

Telepathically said Owly who was sitting perfectly still on Naell's head. The young mage could feel the fluffy feathers underneath the tummy of the gluttonous owl.

The day of Naell's entrance examination had arrived. Owly was once again with him. After all, as long as the owl didn't publicly speak, they were good enough to travel anywhere together.

Naell only nodded, as he was still in awe upon entering the school, Esuela Dio sa de (EDSD). The description in the novel, Arts and Magic truly was not an exaggeration.

The words "Esuela Dio sa de" was believed to have come from the lost language of the celestials, and was deciphered as the Art of Memories. Scholars later on, believed that the school was once a place of gathering for celestials.

Not only was it famous for producing well-known mages, and martial artists, but it was also known for producing scholars of knowledge, wisdom, and well reputable nobles, and adventurers.

EDSD had two dormitories extending from each side of the main building. The ladies' dormitory at the left, and the gentleman's dormitory at the right. The central campus was their place of learning and where all the applicants (and Owly) were headed to.

The campus was filled with greenery, as it held a natural abundance in light mana and vigorous aura.

Upon entering, Naell and Owly couldn't help but adore the infrastructure of the campus. It had numerous halls that included a center yard, big enough to be considered a mini-park.

The school seemed quite modernized, as Naell even thought that it closely resembled the university he had attended back on Earth.

On the other hand, Owly was more appreciative as they saw the canteen while walking towards their destination. Even though the school year was still weeks away, the canteen didn't fail to entice their palates.

• I'm so glad, HOOT! •

Telepathically exclaimed Owly whose stomach grumbled at the sight and aroma of the food. Naell could only smile thinking his head might have some drool later on.

"This way applicants."

Some had already started gathering towards the field, as that was where the examination would commence, but there weren't many as it was already quite late for their admission.

Most of them that were gathered were applicants who did not have their recommendation in the first place, or were like Naell who got his first admission voided.

"Good morning, applicants." Said the female wearing what seemed to be a standard mage robe. Beside her was a young well-built man with dark orange hair who had a scabbard in his trouser. The man then clasped his hands together, gathering their attention.

"Mornin’ to all of you. I’m Suna, and this here’s Professor Mony. We will be the ones conducting your examination. Please follow me if you are here for your martial arts test, and stay here with the professor for the mages."

Soon after, they were divided into two groups, and Naell was left with the female professor.

Professor Mony's ash blue hair, and eyes were quite intimidating despite her warm voice as she explained how the examination would commence.

"We've prepared three tests. First, we will assess your mana through this orb."

Naell noticed that the crystallized orb was somewhat similar to what his sensei prepared during their training.

"Second, we will test your magic with the use of this dummy. Try your best to damage it."

To Naell, the scarecrow looking doll reminded him of what the Adventurer's Guild was using.

"Lastly, if you pass both, you will then proceed to take our written exam."

One by one, they were called and the examination began. Naell and Owly could feel the nervousness of the other applicants. There were those who were already grieving as they failed to make the passing mana input towards the crystal ball. Some were even pale upon leaving the field, as they could not even dent the now mocking looking scarecrow.

• Owly. •

Even Naell's voice had a hint of nervousness. He was now doubtful if he could even make the passing grade.

• Yeah? HOOT. •

Fluffily replied Owly who was half asleep laying comfortably atop his head. The wind's breeze was quite soothing with the mana and aura tickling the fat covered beneath the owl's feathers.

• Are you sure I am able to pass even with your seal? •

• It is true I am sealing your mana, but it is also true that your full mana could destroy that ball, HOOT. •

"..."

• Just input as much as you can, HOOT. •

Before they could even start their banter once more, Naell was called as it was already his turn. He heard some murmurs as he walked towards the first test.

Anyone could easily recognize a noble. They were usually prideful, even those of lesser nobility. They would often ask to be given priority from the commoners, but that was not the case for the young master of Beryldot.

Naell was patient enough to wait for his turn, but what truly gave away his nobility, was his elegant composure, and looks. Nevertheless, the instructors knew the rumors of what he was.

"Do you still need instructions, Mr. Naell?" Asked the professor. Mony was relieved as the young master was quite different from the rumors.

"There's no need, professor. If it is okay, I will gladly start."

Mony as she gave her approval, saw the cute owl that flew away from Naell. Owly then landed near the professor and again, nonchalantly slept.

Upon touching the crystal ball, Naell's mana exuded a serene glow that was calming to the onlookers’ eyes. Mony could not help but be in awe, and even the others were mesmerized. They could not help but admire the soothing mana the young master was releasing.

"88%..."

Mony upon inspection was somewhat expecting more from the white mana of Naell. Nevertheless, 88% was still formidable for a student. She could not avoid comparing Naell from the other few who even went so far as to crack the crystal ball.

"A passing grade, Mr. Naell. Please move onto the next exam."

Naell nodded and went into the next venue. He remembered that upon impact, the facilitators would examine the damage done to the dummy, and would later come up with the appropriate numbers for the evaluation.

The young master made a simple blue ball that was as clear as the sea. Onlookers were disappointed as they thought that the incantation was a simple [ WATER BALL ].

But their disappointment was easily dispersed as the [ WATER BALL ], upon Naell's command, quickly launched towards the dummy. A strong gust of wind amplified the acceleration of the ball and upon impact, they felt the vibrations of the bright sharp mana lightly grazing their skin.

The spectacle was bewildering as they felt how strong Naell's mana was. Nevertheless, the dummy reinforced with mana, and aura was able to withstand his magic. Still, even the professors who were present were impressed, not of the magic's strength but because of his control.

Only those who were experienced knew what Naell had done. The spherical magic was actually high pressurized water that was amplified by the sudden speed of the wind. Naell copied that form of complex magic from his very own sensei, Claus.

After making it his own, Naell began using that kind of magic often. It was efficient for him to use low input magic as his base, so his body would withstand a prolonged fight on the off chance there would ever be one.

After a while, the facilitator's judgment was broadcasted. Luckily, Naell managed to pass the second exam as well.

*******

The written examination was held in a vacant room on the first floor of the central campus.

Naell did not find any difficulty in answering the examination. They were all basic questions for him since he was a college student back on Earth, yet little did he know, others found it hard as the standards of EDSD were really high.

They were given a break after the written examination. Owly was pleased as he was able to experience first hand the luxurious food the school had to offer.

Deep inside, Naell was calculating how he would take advantage of the gluttonous bird. He could not help but smile as he knew that the quest they would be doing soon would make them rich enough to eat luxuriously often.

After the break, Professor Mony and Suna posted those who passed the last examination. Cries of defeat and despair overwhelmed those who wanted to shout for the joy of passing.

Not to mention, the scene of multiple students leaving effectively made Naell feel awkward, some of which he saw were really depressed about their failure.

Naell could not help but think, had they been residents of Earth, they would have had a handful of opportunities to look for an institution until he/she finally passed.

Nevertheless, that was an arrogant thought, as he was previously enrolled in a well-known school, even whilst lacking the time to actually study.

Going back, it was noticeable that only a handful of applicants were left, even less were those who wanted to study magic.

"First of all, we congratulate all of you for passing your admission. On behalf of our Director Earlteria Gem, we welcome you all to Esuela Dio sa de." Warmly said, Professor Suna.

Some applicants were brought to tears as they could not hide the joy they were experiencing at that moment. .

Yet what brought them back to reality were Professor Mony's cold words and even her smile that could freeze their tears.

"This is only the first step, upcoming students of EDSD. Soon, you will all understand the responsibility of being a student at this prestigious school--- but for now, do enjoy your moment."

.

.

.

After the cold embrace of realization, all the upcoming students were given the necessary information they needed to know to truly enroll. They were also given the key to their own rooms in the dormitory, if they chose to live in the school. That was actually what Naell was waiting for, so he happily accepted the key the professor gave him.

"I'll be expecting good things from you, Mr. Naell, son of the Baron and Baroness of Beryldot... and the one who should succeed the late, Witch of Winter."

Mony's words were friendly, yet it was as though Naell's body was shivering from fear. Yet he was able to calmly reply under those circumstances,

"Professor, I am nothing like my mother, but I will try my best to not taint her honor."

Mony smiled as she thought Naell's performance was befitting a noble.

"Do not worry. As your teacher, I will make sure of it. Welcome again, Mr. Naell."

"..."

That was when Naell knew, his hope of hiding from the limelight was now far from happening, and that he would from then on never attend her class.