The city, which was now covered in snow was illuminated palely by the morning sun as it peaked through Rakllan's clouds. Aspiring students flocked to Theoder Academy to witness the results, making the chilly morning lively. After packing the previous evening, Melch and Leif found themselves standing close to the academy's imposing gates, their breaths hazy in the frigid air. Devon stood next to them, as composed as ever, but with a sense of subdued expectation.

"Melch, are you nervous?" Leif broke the silence by asking. Although he spoke in a casual tone, there was a hint of unease in his voice.

Melch grinned. "Leif, I'm not anxious. It's only outcomes. We'll handle whatever comes up."

Leif chuckled. "Easy for you to say. You probably aced the written tests but I barely made it through those essay questions without wanting to pass out."

Devon interjected his voice sharp but encouraging. "It’s not just about results. This is the first step in a long journey. The academy isn’t looking for perfection they want potential. Remember that."

Melch experienced a wave of awe as they got closer to the academy grounds' main plaza. Theoder Academy's imposing buildings was adorned with elaborate carvings and gothic spires towered over the throng of potential students like sentinels. It was evident that this was no ordinary institution as the cold stone seemed to exude an uncompromising authority.

Five enormous stones were placed in a circle to display the results. The names of the passing students and their respective scores were displayed in glowing letters on each stone, which was enchanted with shimmering magical runes. Melch saw that the stones were made to only reveal results to the people in front of them, a clever enchantment that prevented ridicule or comparison in public.

Leif eagerly stepped up to one of the stones. The runes glowed brighter as they recognized him, and his scores appeared:

Leif

Magic: SS

Physical: SS

Written: D

Medicine: F

Leif let out a low whistle. "Passed in both magic and physical? It appears that all of the practice paid off, but..." Sheepishly, he scratched the back of his head. "That written score is... well, let’s just say it’s not great."

Behind him, Melch grinned and said, "Leif, D is still a pass. At least you were accepted into the academy and didn't fail it like medicine did."

"Hey, Medicine’s overrated anyway and I still have you for that." Leif shot back grinning.

Now it was Melch's turn. He stepped forward feeling the hum of magic as the runes activated. His scores appeared:

Melch Vasti

Magic: F

Physical: B-

Written: S

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Medicine: SS

Leif leaned over to peek his eyes widening. "SS in medicine? Of course, you would and an S in the written test too? You’re some kind of genius, Melch but..." He hesitated glancing at the failing grade in magic.

"I know they have increased there cut off like I thought." Melch said cutting him off. "Anyway, magic was never my strong suit. I’m not worried about it."

Devon, who had been observing quietly nodded in approval. "Both of you passed and that’s what matters. The academy places more emphasis on application than just natural talent. Melch, magic isn't everything. The academy will understand that your strengths are elsewhere."

The three of them returned outside to inform Thomas and Galen of the outcome. As they recited their scores, Thomas listened intently, his face unreadable.

When the silence was finally broken, Thomas said "So, you both passed. All right, but getting through the door is only the first step. You will face challenges at Theoder Academy that you never would have thought possible."

"Do we need to prepare anything else before we go in?" Melch inquired.

Thomas gave a headshake. "No. I want to show you something first, but once you're inside, everything you need will be provided."

Thomas led them back toward the academy without saying anything more. He led them to a modest, smaller building on the outskirts rather than the main gates. With its simple wooden doors and lack of decoration, the building seemed out of place in Rakllan's grandeur.

The air inside changed completely. Transparent magical displays that displayed a string of numbers, names, and times were lining the walls. The displays were similar to flight information display systems, but with a mystical twist where the text floated in midair, constantly rearranging itself in response to unseen commands of the caster.

"What is this place?" Leif's eyes darted around as he asked.

"It’s the transit hub for the academy." Thomas clarified. "In Theoder, teleportation is tightly controlled. Here, they set up transportation to designated areas on the property."

Thomas went up to one of the counters and gave him a plaque with elaborate runes on it. After examining it with keen eyes, the middle-aged attendant nodded and gave him a slip of paper bearing a glowing number.

"This way" Thomas said, guiding them to a platform where an old man stood with a cat resting on his shoulder. The man barely glanced at them before gesturing toward the center of the platform.

The teleportation was quick but startling. The cold air surrounded Melch and Leif one second, and then they found themselves standing in a totally different setting. The air was warm and the ground was covered with luxuriant green grass that appeared to have escaped the effects of winter.

Thomas declared, "This is the Morning Star Dormitory. It’s where you’ll be staying when attending the Theoder Academy."

A voice cut them off before they had a chance to look around. "Does this thing still work?"

The speaker, a short, stocky man with unruly hair, was muttering to himself while examining a teleportation device nearby. With a look of mild surprise on his face, he looked up at Melch and Leif. "Humans? Haven’t seen your kind here in a while."

Ignoring the comment, Thomas led them into the dormitory building. The warden of the dormitory came and used a small stone which was like the one in the plaza and checked their marks after that the Warden instructed them that they should follow it’s rules strictly.They then entered after that.

With high ceilings and elaborate chandeliers, the interior was opulent yet welcoming. Modern conveniences were expertly combined with magical enhancements in every room.

After receiving the rooms from the warden and settling in, Thomas turned to Leif and Melch. "The academy is not like any other place you've been. Keep your focus, put in a lot of effort and remember your purpose."

Melch paused as Thomas got ready to go. "Grandpa... do you think I can keep up here? My magic score…"

"Melch" Thomas cut through his firm yet gentle tone. "You are not defined by your score. What counts are your intelligence, tenacity, and resourcefulness. Have faith in yourself."

Melch nodded a newfound resolve in his eyes. As Thomas departed, the realization finally sank in they were now officially students of Theoder Academy. The journey ahead would be challenging but for the first time, Melch felt a little free and was ready to face it and Leif suddenly told “I am still here for you, Master”. With that they chuckled and left inside their separate rooms to keep the things they bought inside it. They have yet to know the rules in the dormitory as the Warden told they will know when they come for the dinner.