Chapter 127 - Reuniting with the High Elf

Nathan Evenhart:

After lunch at the cafeteria, we rested for a bit while waiting for the next activity. Many people started chatting, and I overheard some talking about taking entrance exams for other academies. Apsalon wasn’t the only option, though it was the most prestigious. There were academies founded by powerful mages who had graduated from Apsalon, some specializing in sword combat or focusing on specific Mana Categories, depending on what kind of mage you wanted to become.

Of course, Apsalon was the most renowned, founded by the kings of the three realms and famous for its diverse faculty from all races. One of the figures that caught my attention was a professor with the title of 'Goddess of Battle’, a powerful warrior and Transmitter, someone I'd heard whispers about. I was curious about her. On top of that, Apsalon was home to my teacher, Adrihna, the most famous High Elf, known for her Special Eyes, along with other renowned figures, especially from the demi-human kingdom.

One interesting thing I learned was that Apsalon didn’t just attract high nobles and royalty from the three realms, but also from other kingdoms and countries across the continent. My continent is split into two halves: one side occupied by the three realms, which once formed the Founding Empire, and the other half consisting of various independent kingdoms. Many students from those other kingdoms came to study at Apsalon, not only to learn but also to strengthen ties with the nobility of the three realms. After all, we all needed to work together to protect the land borders connecting to the other continent and to secure the sea defenses at the borders. The survival of the continent depended on this collaboration.

“Next!” a voice called again, and the person ahead of me moved forward. The line was advancing, leading us to a kind of arena where practical magic and combat tests would be held.

"Next!" repeated the elf monitor, his tone firm and professional.

I stepped forward.

“Name?” he asked.

“Nathan Evenhart,” I responded.

Standing beside him was a silver-haired elf, a presence I recognized immediately: my teacher, Adrihna. She kept a serious expression, as if she didn’t know me, which was amusing considering she’d been teaching me since I was eight. Clearly, she was maintaining the formalities of the situation.

The elf monitor picked up a file and, as he ran his finger over my name, I saw the paper glow slightly at his touch.

“Nathan Evenhart…” he began reading aloud, “from the Evenhart duchy. A high noble, I see. Would you like to take the elemental stone test? This stone is exclusive to Lady Adrihna.”

Adrihna stepped forward, maintaining her strict posture. The monitor didn’t seem to notice the nostalgia I felt seeing her again.

“I already know my element well,” I said calmly, not needing the stone test.

Professor Adrihna, in her neutral tone, began speaking:

"I’ll ask you a few questions to confirm the information from your kingdom’s registry. Since you’re a high noble, you’ll be interviewed by another high noble. Answer all questions truthfully, understood?"

It's a bit funny to pretend not to know her. Adrihna really doesn't show much emotion.

I nodded, trying to hide the slight smile that crept up as I thought about how perfect she was at following protocol, despite our history. To anyone here, we were complete strangers.

My kingdom record still had a photo of me from when I was 10, in black and white. Apparently, the colored version was kept only by the royal family, as color photography technology was something exclusive to them. My family and I were aware of this, which gave us some relief, especially when it came to my eyes. Knowing that the true color of my eyes wouldn't be easily analyzed was a comforting thought.

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Even so, this careful scrutiny was something only the Grand Duke typically bothered with, and even then, he only examined high nobles. After all, Special Eyes only appeared in high nobles due to our extensive lineage of mages. But Special Eyes were so rare that, for most people, their existence was regarded as a myth. Many believed that these eyes had disappeared entirely, turning into a legend, something people only heard about in old stories.

“Is your element really lightning?” she asked directly.

“That’s correct. I’m a Lightning element mage, specializing in Transmitter and Emitter categories.”

The elf beside Adrihna widened his eyes, clearly surprised.

“Lightning element? That’s rare; I haven’t seen someone with that power in years,” the monitor commented, astonished. Another elf, overhearing our conversation, approached curiously.

“You really have the Lightning element?” the second elf asked, intrigued.

“Yes, I do,” I answered calmly.

He whistled softly in admiration. “And here I was, feeling proud of my Plant element,” he chuckled before stepping away.

Adrihna, who had remained impassive until then, gave a light cough to bring the formal tone back.

“Apologies, Lady Adrihna,” the elf stammered, embarrassed, as he quickly backed off to leave us alone.

Turning back to me, my teacher maintained her serious tone as she continued.

“What’s your combat style?” Adrihna asked, her sharp gaze fixed on me.

“Sword or magical attacks,” I replied confidently.

Fingers, hands, pens, books, knives, cloths, ropes, axes, nails, needles—anything that can be used to kill...

She made a note and then continued, her voice neutral but with a hint of curiosity.

“It says here that your duchy is agricultural, and your family is known for being farmers and exceptional Builder Mages. Do you have any military training beyond what the kingdom requires for someone of your status?”

“No, just the basic training expected of high nobles,” I replied, keeping my tone steady.

“Basic? I see…” She allowed a barely noticeable smile to form, her amusement thinly veiled.

She made another mark on my record.

“As a high noble, you’re part of a long lineage of mages, and the kingdom requires the following mandatory questions. Do you possess Special Eyes, or feel that your body is cultivating this ocular power?”

“I don’t have Special Eyes, and I don’t feel like my body is cultivating them,” I replied as she swiftly took notes on my form.

Adrihna continued to mark the required formalities, her every movement precise, never breaking her composure.

“Last mandatory question from your kingdom. If you were to awaken Special Eyes, would you offer them to His Majesty if the king requested them?”

“No.”

She looked at me, letting out a small sigh. Yet without hesitation, she marked ‘yes’ on the form.

Adrihna then walked beside me, handing the record over to the elf in charge.

“Lady Adrihna will guide you to the arena. Good luck,” the elf said with a slight nod.

As we walked, she maintained her usual dignified posture, but now that we were alone, the atmosphere between us felt more relaxed. She closed the door behind us as we walked down the corridor.

“High nobility doesn’t need to wait in lines for hours,” she said as we continued down a more secluded hallway. “You’ll go straight to the practical test.”

I glanced around, noticing the empty surroundings. Though tempted to relax and speak freely, I kept my composure, mindful of the formal situation.

“I’m assigning you an opponent. He’ll perform a magic test with you, and then you’ll have a battle. To avoid diplomatic issues, the practical tests for high nobility are conducted by evaluators from your own kingdom. You’ll face a knight from the royal guard. Good luck,” she said, handing me another file and pointing to the door ahead.

I took the paper from her hand, ready to follow the instructions, but before I could take another step, I felt my movements being interrupted. Suddenly, Adrihna grabbed me by the shoulders, pulling my head between her arms.

"Professor?" I asked, surprised by her strength, though not uncomfortable.

She held me firmly, but there was a warmth in her gesture. "I'm working on my day off, kid..." she said, laughing softly as she messed up my hair, despite keeping her serious tone.

Damn… she’s pressing me against two large, soft, round things...

I smiled slightly, trying to hide the discomfort caused by the closeness, though I appreciated the moment of levity.

"Appreciate it, and don't draw attention," she said, letting go of me with a light tap on the head and returning to her serious expression.

I was embarrassed, my cheeks pressed against her chest.

Damn hormones! I don’t think she’s wearing a bra...

"No problem, professor. I’ll stay under the radar," I said, trying to sound confident.

Adrihna sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Why do I feel like every time you say that, the exact opposite happens?"

I couldn’t argue with that. She was right, and my history of unexpected situations spoke for itself. So, I just nodded and moved forward, accepting her advice.

Damn… why does she have to be so gorgeous? If she were an old hag, maybe I wouldn’t be so embarrassed.

As I walked down the corridor, I decided to focus on what really mattered and looked at the file in my hands with the description of my opponent. The moment I read the name, a strange familiarity washed over me.

"Phill... from the royal guard?" I muttered to myself. The name sparked something in my memory, but I couldn’t remember where I’d heard it before.

"Where have I heard that name?"