Chapter 9: The Royal Exam

Daniel stepped out of his room, he and Kana had been staying as guests at the Royal Magic Academy for the past week. The capital of Erundal bustled with energy even in the early hours of the morning, its cobblestone streets filled with merchants setting up stalls and carriages rattling by. He adjusted the strap of his satchel, which carried his entrance exam documents and a change of clothes. The Thread Trials had concluded only a week prior, but it already felt like a lifetime ago. This was the day that everything they had worked for culminated in the chance to enrol at the Academy.

Kana emerged from the dormitory behind him, her auburn hair tied back neatly, and an excited glint in her green eyes. “Ready for this?” she asked, her tone light but charged with anticipation.

Daniel nodded, though a hint of nerves churned in his stomach. “As ready as I’ll ever be. A whole week of waiting didn’t help much.”

Kana grinned. “That just means we’ve had a whole week to prepare, and if I’m not wrong, we still have another three days. Come on, we should get moving before the streets get too crowded.”

The two made their way through the winding streets of Luneah. They passed by familiar landmarks: the sprawling market square, the grand fountain adorned with carvings of mythical beasts, and the towering spires of the Royal Library. Having stayed at the academy since the end of the trials, they’d had time to explore the city and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture. Despite the nerves of the upcoming exam, Daniel couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of Luneah.

The group of Thread Trial qualifiers and other hopeful academy candidates stood in a hall had gathered on a platform. Zephyr stood a short distance away, exuding his usual calm confidence, his gaze focused on the academy spires. Kaelin and Lena chatted excitedly near the edge of the group, their energy infectious even from a distance. Guy, leaning against a pillar, was already munching on a pastry he’d picked up from a vendor.

Mr. George Calton’s authoritative voice cut through the chatter. “Good morning all… you are the best of the best, and I’m hoping I’ll be accepting many of you into the academy this year to start your journeys. There are some here who will be remembered for centuries, but just the same, some of you, won’t be making it in. I sincerely wish you all luck, but don’t expect that it’s a given now that you’re here!” he called, standing atop a small crate to address the gathered group. “You have exactly three days to prepare for the entrance exam. During this time, you’ll have access to much of the academy’s resources, including its libraries and training grounds. Make good use of them.”

He stepped down, his dark brown eyes scanning the group. “For those of you who were staying in academy-provided lodgings, we are having to change your allocations. Please follow me. I’ll show you to your new quarters. And then afterwards, you should be able to retrieve your stuff.”

The group followed Calton through the bustling streets of Luneah. Daniel couldn’t help but take in the sights—the elegant fountains, the finely dressed citizens, and the vibrant magic coursing through the air. It was a far cry from the humble streets of his hometown.

As they approached the academy gates, the sheer magnitude of the institution hit them. The wrought-iron gates stood tall, flanked by statues of legendary mages from Erundal’s history. Beyond them, sprawling courtyards and grand buildings loomed, each humming with ancient power. Although the guest dorms were inside the academy, they’d only been allowed to use a side entrance, so going through the main gates was quite the experience.

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“Damn, this is crazy…” Kana remarked, her voice softer than usual.

Daniel nodded, for once at a loss for words. This was it. The culmination of their efforts during the Thread Trials. The chance to prove themselves worthy of the academy’s halls.

***

After being shown to their quarters, the group dispersed to settle in. Daniel’s room was modest but comfortable, with a large window overlooking the courtyard. He set his bag down on the bed and took a moment to absorb his surroundings. The academy was nothing like he had imagined. It was grander, older, and brimming with an energy he could feel in his bones. He thought he’d seen a lot of the academy in the past week, but clearly that was just the outskirts of the grounds. Being this far in, it all seems too good to be true.

A knock at the door broke his thoughts. He opened it to find Kana leaning casually against the frame.

“It seems like we’re neighbours” She said with a laugh, “Anyway, don’t get too comfortable. We’ve got an academy to explore.”

Daniel smirked. “Lead the way.”

The pair wandered through the academy’s labyrinthine halls, occasionally passing other competitors, students, and staff. They found themselves in the library, a massive room with towering shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. The scent of old parchment and ink filled the air, and the soft glow of enchanted lamps illuminated the space.

“This place makes the town library look like a broom closet,” Daniel muttered, his gaze trailing along the rows of books.

“Let’s hope you’re as good at studying as you are at throwing punches,” Kana quipped, pulling a dusty tome from a nearby shelf.

“Funny…” Daniel replied, rolling his eyes. But his attention was quickly drawn to a display case in the centre of the room, housing a series of ancient artefacts. One in particular caught his eye: a twisted, silver emblem engraved with intricate runes.

“What’s that?” he asked, nodding toward it.

“No idea,” Kana replied, peering at the plaque. “But it’s got something to do with the academy’s founding. Maybe you should ask one of the librarians if you’re that curious.”

Daniel filed the thought away for later, his curiosity piqued. For now, there was too much to see and not enough time.

***

By the time evening rolled around, the group reconvened in the dining hall. The space buzzed with the energy of new arrivals, all eager to make their mark at the academy. Daniel spotted Zephyr sitting alone at a table near the window, his expression unreadable as he stared out into the darkening sky. Kaelin and Lena sat together, chatting animatedly with a few other qualifiers. Guy, predictably, was already on his second plate of food.

“We’re gonna have to work real hard from tomorrow.” Kana said as she and Daniel sat down with their trays.

Daniel nodded, his gaze lingering on the academy crest etched into the hall’s far wall. “Let’s hope we’re ready.”

He couldn’t shake the weight of what was to come. The Thread Trials had been difficult, but this… this was an entirely different level. The Royal Magic Academy wasn’t just a school. It was a proving ground for the best and brightest. And Daniel wanted in.

“Right… goh any iheas?” Daniel said, food falling out from his mouth.

“Eugh, don’t speak with your mouth full pleeeease. It makes me feel sick.” Kana complained, “You’re acting just like Guy.”

“You can’t compare me to ‘im, we’re nuffin’ alike!”

Guy sat on his own, wolfing down a third portion of the meal, clearly aiming for fourths. The academy’s food was much better than anything they would’ve been able to make back home, all the chefs were previously some of the best in the city, and the current head chef even won the Boer award last year. With Guy’s love for food, there was no doubt he’d be in the running soon. Even if not a chef, he’d make a bloody good judge.

Although he didn’t seem like much at first glance, Guy was a very capable mage. If it weren’t for his rotund qualities, he might end up being a match for Kana. He was quite smart, makes good decisions in battle but… he’s just way too easy to hit. It’s like attacking an unmoving wall.

“Anyway, I have a few ideas. I’m thinking first day we head to the library and see if we can figure out what our new jewellery can do. If we have spare time, or in your case give up, I thought we could spar a little. The other days I’m not sure though. We’ll so how it goes.”

“Good plan… I was getting curious about this thing.” Daniel said, rubbing the bracelet which surrounded his wrist.