The grand gates of the academy loomed ahead, and my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves as I approached, clutching my bag of belongings tightly against my side. The moment of farewell had arrived. I turned to face my parents, the gravity of the occasion finally sinking in.

Mom's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, glistening in the fading light, while Dad's expression radiated a blend of pride and unwavering encouragement. "You’ll do great, Lucifer," he said, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of my emotions. "Remember everything you’ve learned and trust in yourself."

Mom pulled me into a tight embrace, her warmth a temporary shield against the uncertainty of what lay ahead. "We'll be staying at the inn until the results are declared," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm. "So don't worry about us. Focus on your exams and do your best."

I nodded, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak. "I will. Thank you, Mom and Dad."

With final hugs and words of encouragement echoing in my ears, I turned towards the imposing academy gates, my resolve hardening, I was ready to step into a new chapter of my life.

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As I joined the long line of applicants, I was struck by the diversity of the students around me. Children from various backgrounds, each carrying hopes and dreams, filled the line that snaked through the academy’s entrance. Despite their differences, once inside the academy gates, all were equal. These rules governed this prestigious institution, ensuring that merit, not background, determined one’s success.

The academy grounds were a sight to behold. Majestic buildings with towering spires framed a vast central courtyard, where applicants were being assigned to their accommodations. The architecture blended ancient stone and modern enchantments, with ivy-clad walls that seemed to whisper stories of the past. Golden domes and intricately designed bridges connected the buildings, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The air buzzed with chatter and nervousness, as we awaited our turn.

"Master, this place is incredible!" Umbral exclaimed, his gooey form peeking out from my bag, he insisted on being there even though he was invisible to others. "Look at all the different kinds of magic being practised!"

I couldn’t help but smile, "It is amazing, Umbral." All around us, students demonstrated minor spells, summoning wisps of light, or levitating small objects.

As we shuffled forward, I noticed a girl with a confident stance turned to her companion. "My parents are merchants, but I've always wanted to be a battle mage. Imagine commanding the elements in the heat of battle!"

Her friend, a boy with glasses and an air of quiet determination, nodded. "I'm here to study ancient runes. My village has a collection of old texts, and I want to decipher them to uncover lost knowledge."

The variety of ambitions was inspiring. I realized that everyone here had a story, a reason for wanting to master magic. Despite our differences, we all shared the same goal—to learn magic, for we were blessed with golden eyes. But a part of me constantly asked the question: Why can't I see mana? Will I be accepted into the academy and be able to learn magic?

With my mind filled with all kinds of thoughts, we shuffled forward, and the imposing figure of the academy’s main building came into view. Its ornate facade was adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and shimmering runes that seemed to pulse with magical energy. The great double doors, made of dark oak and reinforced with enchanted metals, stood wide open, welcoming the new wave of hopefuls. Inside, applicants were directed to a grand hall where they were required to show their application forms for verification.

A stern-looking wizard with a clipboard checked each form meticulously. I handed mine over and the wizard scrutinized it, then nodded and directed me to follow the path to the dormitory area.

The first round, a written exam, was scheduled to begin after lunch at 3 PM. I found myself assigned to a modest but comfortable room, shared with a few other applicants. The room had sturdy wooden beds, a shared writing desk, and a small window that overlooked the sprawling academy grounds.

As we settled in, a bell tolled, signalling that it was time to gather in the academy square.

"Isn't this place just magical?" said one of my roommates, a boy named Karl Willems, as he looked around in awe. "I've never seen anything like this."

"I agree," replied another boy named Erich Hofer, adjusting his glasses. His voice was familiar, and I realized he was the same boy I had seen earlier, talking with the girl about studying ancient runes.

"The architecture alone is breathtaking. Imagine what the libraries and study halls must look like," I exclaimed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with my new acquaintances.

Erich smiled warmly, "I was hoping to see the ancient rune collection. Maybe we can explore the library together sometime."

"Absolutely," I replied, feeling a mixture of anticipation and relief. Despite my lingering doubts about my ability to see mana, the sense of belonging among these diverse yet united students gave me hope.

As we continued to marvel at our surroundings, a sudden commotion drew our attention. A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd as people craned their necks to catch a glimpse of someone approaching. A boy strode into the square with an air of arrogance, his golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, and his entourage trailing behind him.

I turned to Karl, my curiosity piqued.

"Who's that?" I asked in a hushed tone, nodding toward the source of the commotion.

Karl's eyes widened "That's Prince Leorin Eldritch," he whispered back, his voice tinged with awe. "He's the second son of the king, it is rumoured that he can already use 2nd class magic spells."

"Already?" That's indeed a feat to be arrogant about. I wondered.

I glanced back at the prince, noting the air of arrogance that seemed to surround him like a cloak. It was clear that wherever Leorin went, attention followed. As the prince drew closer, I couldn't help but notice the way his gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes alighting on each person with a calculating intensity. There was something about him that set him apart, something that spoke of power and privilege.

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But then, as if on cue, the atmosphere shifted. A murmur of disbelief swept through the crowd as the prince refused the simple common bedrooms assigned to him and his attendant. He raised a hand, his voice cutting through the noise with authority.

"I will not stay in such quarters," he declared, his tone imperious. "I demand accommodations befitting my position."

The academy officials scrambled to accommodate the prince's request, their expressions a mix of deference and frustration. It was clear that Leorin was used to getting his way, regardless of the inconvenience it caused others.

Umbral mused "I guess with power comes privileges." But it has nothing to do with me so I moved backward trying to leave the crowd.

But in my haste to leave, I failed to notice the loose cobblestone in my path and with a sudden stumble, I lost my footing, my arms windmilling wildly as I struggled to regain my balance. My heart pounded in my chest as I braced for impact, expecting to land in an undignified heap on the ground.

But then, out of nowhere, a strong hand shot out and grabbed hold of my arm, steadying me just in time. I blinked in surprise, my eyes widening as I looked up to see Prince Leorin standing before me, his expression a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

"Careful there," he said, his voice tinged with impatience. "We wouldn't want you to trip and fall, now would we?"

He is fast...how come he closed the distance between us in a glimpse? Indeed he already can use 2nd class spells. Umbral commented, "I think the prince is not that bad of a person." Umbral's judgement of character seemed to change colours faster than a chameleon.

I stammered out a hasty thank you, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the unexpected rescue. But as I attempted to extricate myself from the prince's grip and make a hasty retreat, I absentmindedly reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. In doing so, the enchanted ring nestled on my finger caught the sunlight and caused a subtle shimmer in the air. For a brief moment, the ring seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, drawing the prince's attention like a moth to a flame.

Leorin's eyes narrowed as he noticed the ring, his gaze flickering with intrigue. "What's this?" he asked, reaching out to take hold of my hand.

It was a small, unconscious action, but it was enough to catch the prince's keen gaze. His eyes narrowed as they zeroed in on the glinting ring, and I felt a chill run down my spine. Suddenly, the air seemed charged with tension, and all eyes turned towards me.

"Where did you get that?" Leorin demanded, his tone sharp with accusation. "That ring—it's enchanted, isn't it?"

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me, "I-It's a gift!" I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady. , "A man in the streets was selling enchanted items, he gifted me."

Leorin's lip curled in a sneer. "A likely story," he scoffed. "That ring is not something that could be easily acquired. It's a high-grade enchanted artefact, worth more than you could ever afford. You must have stolen it."

The crowd murmured in agreement, casting suspicious glances in my direction. I felt the weight of their judgment bearing down on me, and I knew I had to do something to prove my innocence.

Summoning all the courage I could muster, I met Leorin's gaze head-on. "I swear, I didn't steal it, Your Highness, I am no thief," I said, my voice ringing with conviction. "The ring was given to me as a gift by a street vendor I met in the town. I have no idea why he chose to give it to me, but I mean no harm."

Prince Leorin stepped closer, his presence intimidating. "A street vendor? Do you expect us to believe that a street vendor gave away such a precious item? You must think of us as fools."

Just then a lady appeared striding towards us, she had introduced herself before as Maya the guide for our exams and a disciple of the tower master - Jacob Noctifer.

She must have heard the commotion and come to investigate.

"What is going on here?" she demanded, her voice carrying authority.

Prince Leorin turned to her, his tone respectful but insistent. This boy has a high-grade enchanted artefact. He claims it was a gift, but I find it hard to believe. Such items are not given away lightly."

Maya's eyes widened in surprise, and she cast a suspicious glance at me. "Is that true?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

I shook my head vehemently. "No, it's not true," I insisted, desperation creeping into my voice. "I swear, I didn't steal anything. The ring was given to me as a gift by a stranger."

Maya studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to my relief, she nodded. "Very well," she said, her tone more measured. "But I'll be keeping an eye on you, just to be sure."

But Prince Leorin was not so easily convinced. His eyes narrowed, and he took a step forward, his expression darkening with anger. "Do you expect me to believe that a commoner like you would be gifted such a valuable item? It's preposterous."

Maya stepped forward, her gaze steady as she addressed the prince. "Let's not jump to conclusions, Prince," she said firmly. "We don't know the full story yet."

Prince Leorin glared at me, his jaw clenched with frustration. He bowed towards Maya, turned on his heel and stalked away, his attendant trailing behind him.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, relief flooding through me as the tension of the moment began to ease. From now on, I would have to be more careful, and more vigilant. The academy was a place of opportunity, but it was also a place of danger, where one wrong move could have dire consequences.

The crowd began to disperse, Umbral whispered in my ear, "Master, that young man did seem suspicious." he murmured, his gooey form quivering with unease. "I sensed a strong aura from him... there was something about him that didn't sit right with me."

I nodded in silent agreement, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of the situation. The ring had been given to me as a gift by a stranger, a gesture of kindness that had left me feeling both grateful and wary. But now, it seemed that this simple act of generosity had sparked a firestorm of suspicion that threatened to consume me whole. As the accusations flew and the tension mounted, I couldn't help but wonder: was the young man a thief? Had he stolen the ring from someone else and planted it on me to deflect suspicion?

As the last echoes of the commotion faded, Maya turned to address the remaining students. "All students, form a line!" she called out with her voice authoritative as she began to walk away. I realised too late, I had forgotten to say thank you.

"Are you alright?" Karl asked me from behind.

"Yeah! I am alright," I answered, though I wasn't entirely sure if it was really true. My mind was still reeling from the encounter, and my heart pounded with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

We lined up as instructed, the atmosphere now charged with a different kind of tension. Whispers buzzed around me, students sharing their thoughts on the dramatic scene that had just unfolded. I felt their eyes on me, judging, speculating.

I needed to clear my mind and focus, but the encounter with Prince Leorin and the mystery of the enchanted ring loomed large. As we filed into the grand hall where the examination would take place, I found my seat among my peers. The room was vast, with rows of desks stretching out in every direction. The air was thick with anticipation, each student ready to prove themselves.

Yet, as I sat there, I couldn't help but think about the young man who had given me the ring... who was he really? Why had he chosen to give such a powerful artefact to a stranger?

The clock struck 3 PM, and the exam began.