Welcome to Lucerna Guild Academy!

"Hurry, we're not gonna make it!" Ayu said.

Kamiro ran behind her as they made their way through the wide-open fields of the Lucerna Guild Academy's entrance grounds. He was in awe of the new scenery. A fresh scent filled his nose, while a cool breeze from the surrounding trees and flower beds brushed against his skin. The morning light glistened the meadows while Ayu and Kamiro rushed through a trail leading to the guild academy's main entrance.

"What's so important about this test anyway?" Kamiro said.

"Oh, nothing really... Except for everything! If we don't make it in time, we won't get a chance to get our Adventurer ranking." Ayu glared at him. "This is on you. Your stubborn self just had to run off."

"Well, who'd stay with the person that kidnapped them, without question?" I guess me, apparently.

"Sorry..." she muttered.

Grumbles of a crowd rang through the air while the two reached their destination, and the sight of an assembly of student Adventurers came into view. Overlooking the crowd were three pedestals with two older men and an older woman standing in front. The three of them appeared to be around their early sixties and stood with authority.

Kamiro and Ayu were nestled in the back, hunched over after their marathon. 

"...Those three seem important," Kamiro said, looking at the three figures addressing the crowd.

Ayu nodded. "They're the headmasters of Lucerna Guild Academy and are in charge of the guild."

She went over each of them. On the left was headmaster Bimwell who had a glorious handlebar mustache that he couldn't seem to resist twirling, and who could blame him? In the center stood headmistress Tulind. She had her brunette hair tied up in a bun, and though she was now older, the beauty that she surely was in her youth still showed. And on the right was headmaster Willmsbee. He was the older, handsome type, with a chiseled jaw and gray hair. And it wouldn't have been surprising if the young ladies in the academy fawned over him.

Headmaster Willmsbee's voice was calming and self-assertive. "We want to thank everyone for their participation in this year's annual Adventurer Ranking Exam. You all performed splendidly, and we have no doubt of what grand Adventurers you will all become."

"No... We were too late," Ayu said.

Kamiro gave a wry smile, trying to deflect her glare. "How bad does this leave us?"

Ayu sighed. "It's going to make things harder, that's for sure. We'll be considered unranked Adventurers, and it's bad enough that we are still student Adventurers. The only quests we might be able to take will be more like chores than actual quests."

"I-I see..."

"Not only that, but it's going to be tough to find a party for the Party Ranking Exam..."

"Party Ranking Exam?" I can kind of guess what it is, based on the name.

"Oh, right. ...Well, most quests are done in parties, and the quests you can do depends on the ranking of the party. The Party Ranking Exam determines that."

"Got it."

Ayu's expression dropped while she appeared to be thinking out loud. "And my family name is going to make things even more difficult..."

Not too far from where the two stood was a girl with a familiar face.

"Is that Earla?" Kamiro said.

Ayu seemed surprised after hearing that name. "That's the girl from the forest, right? Earla... did you happen to get her surname?"

"I think it was... Solstess?

"So, it is her."

"You know her?"

"Not personally, but her family name is well known in the kingdom. She comes from the Solstess family, a renowned noble family of knights. I wonder why she chose to become an Adventurer?"

"Is it uncommon for nobles to become Adventurers?"

"Actually, it's fairly common. Becoming a high-ranking Adventurer is seen as honorable. But the Solstess family is a long generation of knights. It's just a bit odd is all."

"I guess everyone has their reasons."

Ayu nodded. "If anything, she shouldn't have any issues with finding a party. I've even heard talk that she is a talented swordswoman."

"Yeah, I can see that part of being a talented swordswoman being true." But as far as easily finding a party?... She seems to have her own issues.

The two walked up to Earla, who was kneeling on the floor and sighing.

"That doesn't look good..." Kamiro said.

"Oh, Kamiro. W-What a pleasant surprise. I did not expect our paths to cross again so soon. If you are here, I take it you have made your choice about joining the academy?" Earla said.

"Yep. I was forced to—Um, I mean—decided to become an Adventurer," Kamiro said while under Ayu's glare. "My... friend brought me here."

For a moment, Ayu's eyes widened after Kamiro's comment. She offered a hand to Earla, who hesitated but accepted it. "Seems like you're having a rough time," she said while pulling her up.

"You can say that." Earla forced a chuckle. "I- I am Earla Solstess," she shook Ayu's hand.

"Glad to meet you. I'm... Ayu... Persocia." Her gaze drifted.

"Persocia?..." Earla paused while Ayu stood tensed. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance, and please, you can call me Earla," she said, giving Ayu a warm smile.

Ayu appeared surprised but then smiled right back. "Okay. ...Feel free to just call me Ayu."

Look at that. Best friends already... They're too trusting for their own good.

"So, by the looks of it, y-you... two missed the Ranking Exam as well?" Earla said.

"Wait, 'as well'?" Kamiro said.

Ayu glared at him. "Your first day here, and already causing other people trouble."

Don't tell me it was my fault that she missed it? "I'm so sorry!" Kamiro bowed to Earla.

"Oh, no. It is not because of you. Um... I was actually good on time after our parting. But, on my way here, there was a child that was lost, a-and I couldn't just ignore that."

There's no way anyone would believe some cliché story like th—

"Awww. You're such a good person," Ayu said.

Why am I not surprised?

Earla chuckled.

Headmistress Tulind addressed the crowd. "We also want to give special recognition to Emil Vanstaiff for achieving Gold Rank."

The headmistress held up the blonde boy's hand. He was a tall, handsome guy with blue eyes and appeared to be around the same age as Kamiro, maybe slightly older. The crowd acknowledged the accomplishment with thunderous applause, and Emil gave a short speech thanking everyone. He conducted himself like a true gentleman.

"Gold rank already!?" Ayu said.

"He's still in his second year," Earla said, "and from what I've heard recently, they're already comparing him to Zanna."

"Zanna?"

Earla was kind enough to fill in Kamiro, who didn't know much about the kingdom, seeing as he was from some southern island nation and all. Ayu almost broke out laughing when she heard Earla mention that.

Apparently, Zanna De Lacantoure was known as a prodigy in Lucerna Guild Academy. At 17, she graduated from the academy, and in no time became a full-fledged renowned Adventurer. Now, just three years after, she led the Diamond ranked party, New Dawn, and was already a Hero ranked Adventurer. She was also one of the few people in the whole kingdom being considered a candidate for Hero-King.

Wow. What have I been doing with my life?

Earla had a disheartened expression. "It's amazing when I think that she is but a few years older than me... Still, she is someone I admire."

"...and with that, the Adventurer Ranking Exam assembly has concluded. Thank you, everyone, for your time. As a reminder, in approximately one month, we will begin the Party Ranking Exam, so please be sure you are all properly prepared," Headmaster Willsmbee said.

"And don't forget to come by the dining hall for the feast!" Headmaster Bimwell said, who appeared excited.

Feast? That's the best news I've heard yet.

Ayu and Earla let out a deep sigh.

I don't blame them. And being unraked is not the best start for me either... Well, they say slow and steady wins the race.

Kamiro began to follow the group of student Adventurers heading inside, while rubbing his stomach.

"Where are you going?" Ayu said.

"Ah. The dining hall."

"Before that, you have to register as an Adventurer."

"Oh, right."

"What kind of magic do you use, Kamiro?" Earla said.

"Magic?"

"Or are you more of a weapons user when it comes to combat?"

"I guess I know some weapons... but what's this about?

"Were... you not aware? You must pass a pre-assessment before being accepted into the academy and becoming a student Adventurer. It's part of the registration."

Kamiro glared at Ayu, who quickly averted her eyes.

So, before I even have the chance to become an Adventurer and try to rank up to Hero, I must pass some assessment? "I see. Thanks for the information Earla, it seems my forgetful friend had left out that crucial detail." He spoke through his clenched teeth while shooting daggers at Ayu. "That's definitely something every prospective Adventurer should know before completely committing themselves on becoming one."

Ayu broke out in a cold sweat. "Oops. I guess I forgot that part..."

Oops!? He was on the verge of exploding, but instead, an expression of defeat ran across Kamiro's face. Yep, my life as an Adventurer has ended before it even began... I should've stayed with the Woodland Sirens.

***

Kamiro was oblivious of his surroundings while he made his way through the long, winding halls of Lucerna Guild Academy, his mind preoccupied with other things.

That Ayu... How is she gonna forget to tell me something so important? The physical test is one thing, but without magic, I won't even have a chance of passing this pre-assessment...

The building was a sight to behold. It had a late middle age European feel, but mixed with magic influences, visible in its architecture and interior design. Although there was no electricity, magic more or less took over that role. But the same over-reliance on magic also appeared to have limited innovation, so there was no relatively modern technology. But at least there was plumbing.

Kamiro's footsteps echoed throughout the vast empty halls.

Oh, is this it? He stood in front of a wooden brown door and read the plaque. 'Gilferd di Reids.' Welp, this is the place. I'm surprised Ayu was able to give decent directions. I was kinda expecting a crappy hand-drawn map when she was going to give me directions. They could've just came along instead of ditching me for the feast.

Gilferd di Reids was the person in charge of completing the pre-assessment for prospective Adventurers to join the guild and academy. His office was on the second floor, tucked away towards the back of the academy's eastern wing.

Kamiro took in a deep breath and opened the door after knocking. It was a medium-sized room and was more normal than he was expecting. There were a couple of wooden seats, along with a few beds with curtains surrounding them. A small bookshelf stood on the side, and towards the back was a desk where a big framed man sat behind, along with two chairs right across. The windows overlooking the eastside gardens illuminated the room with a warm glow.

"Welcome! Come right in," The man said with a powerful voice while giving off a broad smile.

Kamiro felt calm while he walked towards him. Away from the academy's typical rowdiness, the room was quiet, but the man himself just seemed to have a naturally inviting presence.

"H-Hello, I'm here for a pre-assessment?" Kamiro said, more tense than usual. Wow. He's one big guy.

"Ah. Prospective student Adventurer? Well, you've come to the right place." The large man glanced him up and down.

"I'm Gilferd di Reids. But I insist, just call me Di Reids. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He shook Kamiro's hand, along with his whole body.

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Kamiro." A nervous chuckle leaked through. Am I gonna survive this assessment?

"So, what made you want to join Lucerna Guild Academy?"

"Hmm. I guess you can say I was.... recruited by another student..."

"Oh, so you must be quite talented!"

"No!" Kamiro took a moment to clear his throat. "No, really, I'm a... I'm a complete beginner."

"Nonsense! You don't have to be modest." Di Reids gave a hearty laugh.

Kamiro chuckled. "...I'll try not to."

Despite Di Reid's robust appearance, Kamiro was strangely comfortable around him, but he couldn't help getting nervous.

"Alright, well, let's get started," Di Reids said.

Kamiro nodded.

Di Reids went over all the basic information first, such as name, date of birth, and place of origin. "...And you said it's a small-southern island nation?... Never heard of it."

"Ha-ha, yeah. It's not even on the maps from here."

"Okay, everything checks out." Di Reids finished jotting down the information and moved the stack of papers to the side. "As far as the assessment, it's basically a measure of your magic and physical capabilities. And as long as you meet the minimum requirements, you'll officially be recognized as a member of the guild and become a student at Lucerna Guild Academy."

"..." This isn't gonna work. I don't even have any magic... I'll just be honest with him.

"Everything okay?"

"Hey, Mr. Di Reids. Before we even get started, I have something to tell you. Sorry for taking up your time, but the truth is... I don't have any magic." Kamiro stared at the wooden floor. "I was born without magic." 

Silence filled the room, and he had to force his head back up. Di Reids had a slightly confused look on his face, but in no time, it faded into amusement as he burst into laughter.

"Nonsense, kid! Everyone in this world is born with some degree of magic ability, no matter how small."

Well, maybe in this world, but not mine. Though I can't tell him that...

"It's okay, kid, not everyone is born a noble and gets the chance for an early education. Do you know what affinity you have?"

Kamiro shook his head. "No, really, I don't have any—"

"No worries! I'll give you a crash course."

There's no getting through to this friendly giant.

"There are seven elemental magic affinities one can have. Terra (Earth), Aqua (Water), Ventus (Wind), Ignis (Fire), Tennebris (Dark), and Lux (Light). As well as unique magic outside of the elemental affinities called Liber." Di Reids browsed through his small bookshelf. "Most people have an affinity towards one element, with various degrees of strength, but those who wish to become Adventurers must possess at least one strong affinity." He dropped open the book he picked out in front of Kamiro. It showed a diagram of the basics of magic Di Reids described.

I don't know why the thought of magic hadn't crossed my mind. Of course I would've needed it to be an Adventurer. Ayu and Earla seemed to have used some too...

"But when it comes to Liber magic, everyone has at least a tiny amount, even if they don't know it. That's what makes each person's magic abilities slightly different, even those with the same elemental affinity. The amount is usually so small that it's not detected, so you're not officially categorized as having a Liber magic affinity unless it is of medium strength or higher."

"I see..." It's a lot to take in, but it's not exactly the most original magic system.

"Which is why when you said you have no magic, I couldn't help but laugh!"

After hearing this, I can see how that can be a reaction, not a normal reaction, but a reaction.

"So, as I said. Liber magic allows people to use unique magic abilities outside of elemental magic," Di Reids said while posing in triumph, "and it just so happens that I have medium strength affinity to both Terra and Liber magic."

Kamiro gave off small applause, genuinely impressed.

"That covers the basics, for the most part. There are some other magic variations, but nothing you'd need to know to take the assessment."

Kamiro stayed silent in thought.

"Does none of this sound familiar to you?"

"Kind-off?..."

Di Reids' eyes showed his suspicion "...And you said you were from where again?"

Crap. Is he on to me? Kamiro fumbled his words. "F-From southern, s-small—"

"You know, kid. I was an Adventurer for many years and never came across someone that had absolutely no magic. But, if somehow, what you say is true, we'll know for sure with my Liber magic ability."

"Your magic ability?"

"Simulation. It's my Liber magic ability that I use to do the pre-assessment. I hope you're ready, kid. There's no turning back now."