(Amina POV)

I had prepared months for this. Grandpa dropped me off at New Blackwell city hall. This was where the written test of the entrance exam was occurring.

The process of even taking the selection exam for the mage course at Central High was complicated.

First, you had to pass the preliminary exam. This was a simple test to measure your attributes and mana capacity. If it didn't reach the primary standard for being a mage, you would not even be able to take the exam.

However, if you got a recommendation from a high ranking mage or were from a noble family, you could skip this process.

Me having both meant that I didn't have to even to do the prelims. However, I still had to pass the actual exams, which was why I was here.

The exams were split into two portions, the written and practical exams. I was confident in passing the latter, but the former worried me.

I looked around me and saw other kids mingling, chatting with each other, and making friends. They were talking about everything but the exams.

'Most of them won't even get to see each other again.'

I even saw some of my peers eying me. They presumably recognized me as the granddaughter of Umbra Moria.

Though my parents were also S ranks, they were on the lower end of strength, meaning they were less recognizable while my grandfather was in the top 20.

The top 20 S ranks and abode were known across the entire human domain. They were known as the 20 Rulers. They were extremely famous and mages dreamed of entering the ranks. My grandfather was currently number 18.

But, I felt fewer stares than I expected. It was probably because we looked nothing alike. I took mostly after my mother.

I stared at the massive concrete structure where the exams were being held. With the surrounding atmosphere, the building felt very intimidating.

'I know I'm the one who suggested it, but why does Jules get to avoid all this?'

I knew it was best for him to become my 'butler' as it means that no other families would try to involve themselves with him. But I still hated it.

After 10 minutes of waiting, an examiner comes from the building.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"If your last names start from A - F, enter from door 1, G - K, door 2, L - P, door 3, Q - U door 4, and V - Z, door 5."

I entered the line for door 3. I noticed from the corner of my eye that door 5 had basically no people.

'A very inefficient system.'

But I wasn't going to complain. I needed the examiners to have a good impression of me.

After 5 minutes of waiting, I entered the city hall. It was spacious with desks arranged in rows. I sat at my designated seat and waited for the exam to start.

Soon the exam started with the first being a numerical reasoning test. I struggled for the first 5 minutes, before getting in the zone.

I managed to finish the exam with 2 minutes remaining and next we had our verbal reasoning exam. I did slightly worse on this test and ran out of time. I had to guess the last 3 questions.

With two exams down, we had a half-hour break. I took a walk outside, feeling the wind blow on my face. I could feel the tension escape my body. I could see the nervous faces of the other participants who nearly collapsed after walking outside.

Although these exams mainly were for those who those wanted to take the regular course, I still wanted to do the best I could and take the number 1 ranking.

I sat on the bench at started eating a wrap that the servants prepared. It was extremely delicious and I could taste the multitude of flavours in my mouth.

The 30 minutes passed by in a flash and we soon returned inside the hall. I stopped thinking about unnecessary thoughts and focused on the Mathematics exam in front of me.

I manage to easily complete this exam with 5 minutes remaining after reviewing it twice. My confidence carried over to the English exam next and barely managed to finish it.

Finally, was an essay which I completed. Thinking about it five minutes after the exam finished, I realize I wrote complete bullshit. I don't know what I was thinking at the time.

After this test, all those who applied for the regular course left the building, leaving the ones taking the mage course behind.

With most people gone, the room felt very empty. We were given a final test. This test was about mana, techniques, and attributes.

With an S rank as a teacher, I breezed through the first part of the exam. However, the second part of the exam was more subjective.

Its purpose was to find out about what sort of mage you could be. Though it was easy to lie on such an exam, it wasn't recommended. It didn't affect my final scores, just helped the teachers better understand one's mentality as a mage.

I answered questions truthfully until I got to the final question.

It read: Why do you want to be a mage? What will you want to achieve after becoming a mage?

I was immediately going to write down that as the successor of the Moria household, it was my duty to. I was more talented than my older siblings so it was obvious I would be the next leader. But I hesitated.

There was this nagging feeling in me that said this was the wrong answer.

'Ke Ke Ke, Amina. What are you doing? Are you hesitating? That's not good quality as a mage.'

'Shut up.'

I shook my head and wrote down that answer. The soul I sealed inside me occasionally decides to talk to me.

It wasn't angry at me, but exclusively taunted me and distracted me. I didn't know its purpose but I didn't care. It was dead soul walking and I would eventually obtain its abilities.

With that last test, the examination was over. I was picked up by one of my servants in a car and drove home.

I was reflecting on how I did, but all I could think about is that final question. What did I want to do after becoming a mage.

"Miss, are you alright? Lord Moria says to not worry about the results of your exam."

"Yeah, I'm fine Angie. Just take me home."