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Chapter 2: The Royal Academy Entrance Exam
A Few Days Later…
The sun hung low in the sky, casting its golden rays over the magnificent kingdom. Inside the grand royal castle, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. The King, sitting at the head of a massive table in his opulent throne room, turned to his loyal guards.
"Guards," he said, his voice commanding. "Summon the heroes. I wish to speak with them."
"Y-yes, Your Highness!" The guards bowed swiftly and scurried off to carry out the King's command.
It wasn't long before the trio of young heroes arrived at the castle's grand hall. Each of them had a distinct air about them—confident yet curious. They stood before the King, awaiting his words.
The King's Decree
"Heroes," the King began, his eyes gleaming with authority. "Today is an important day. Today, you will embark on your journey at the Royal Academy of Elenor. There, you will learn the ways of magic, swordsmanship, and more. Most importantly, we will learn of your powers, blessed by the gods themselves."
Haru, stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Your Majesty," he asked, "may I ask what kind of powers we are to discover?"
The King smiled slightly, his voice growing serious. "Ah, it is the essence of your being. Your Aura—the magical energy bestowed upon you. We will see what elemental affinity you have, and what color your Aura core is. Your potential, your class, will be determined from there."
Masha, the sharp-eyed girl who had always been pragmatic, furrowed her brows. "And what exactly is the 'Aura' core?"
The King nodded sagely. "An excellent question. The Aura is the very foundation of magic. It is what connects you to the divine. It determines your affinity, your abilities. Some have the power of fire, others water, and so on. Your journey will help us understand what class you belong to."
Haru nodded in understanding. "We will be ready, Your Majesty."
The King smiled warmly. "Good. Now, off you go. May your training be fruitful."
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The Royal Academy
In Front of the Academy’s Grand Hall
A few hours later, the group found themselves standing at the gates of the Royal Academy of Elenor, a grand institution known far and wide for producing the kingdom’s greatest heroes and mages.
Haru gazed up at the towering stone structure, feeling a mix of excitement and awe. "So, this is the Royal Academy of Elenor…" he murmured, taking in the impressive sight.
Suddenly, a voice boomed from above, cutting through the quiet murmurs of the crowd. "Please, all those here for the entrance exam, proceed to the second hall, room three."
Haru grinned at his companions. "Well, looks like it's time. Are you ready, Hiori?"
Hiori, his sister, nodded. "I'm ready. Let’s see what this place has to offer."
Masha, ever the realist, crossed her arms and sighed. "Let’s just get this over with."
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The Exam Room
Once inside the exam room, they were greeted by a stern-looking man with sharp eyes. He wore a dark robe, and a subtle aura of power radiated from him.
"I will be your examiner," he announced. "My name is Albert Gray. Let's begin."
He turned to the first student, a nervous young boy standing before them. "You there," Albert called. "What’s your name?"
The boy stiffened but answered bravely. "Nico Eldrin."
"Tell me, Nico, what is Aura?"
Nico hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Aura is the power bestowed upon us by the gods. It is the source of all magic. Without Aura, humans cannot perform magic."
"Well done," Albert said, nodding approvingly. "Now, place your hand into this sphere. It will show us your elemental affinity."
Nico nodded and placed his hand into the orb. The sphere glowed, shifting until it turned a deep, fiery red.
Albert's eyes widened slightly. "Ah, red Stone . That means you have the Earth element. You may sit."
Nico stepped back, a bit awestruck but still composed.
Next, Albert turned to a young woman with striking blonde hair. "And you? What’s your name?"
"Aliza Virell," she replied, her voice confident.
"Now, tell us about the Aura core," Albert instructed.
Aliza smiled and spoke clearly, "The Aura core is unique to each individual. It starts black, and through intense training, it gradually changes color. The colors represent different stages of power. Black to dark, dark to red, red to light red, light red to orange, orange to yellow, yellow to silver, and finally, silver to white."
Albert nodded in approval. "Very good. Now, place your hand into the orb."
Aliza did as instructed, and the orb began to glow. It shifted to a light red hue, then swirled into the shape of water.
Albert's eyes gleamed with interest. "Light red core… Water element. Excellent."
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The Unexpected Revelation
Now, it was Haru, Hiori, and Masha’s turn. They each placed their hands into the orb simultaneously.
Hiori’s orb flickered, turning first into a red gas and then solidifying into a stone. Masha’s orb shifted from orange to lightning and fire, crackling with power. Finally, Haru’s orb flared brightly, flashing yellow before shattering entirely, sending a shockwave through the room.
Albert’s jaw dropped in shock. "Wh-what?! Who are you three?"
Masha raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"
Albert seemed momentarily stunned before he composed himself. "No… but you three… you have more than one elemental affinity." His voice was barely a whisper as he tried to comprehend what he was seeing. "You each possess more than one element."
Masha blinked. "So, does that mean we can’t join the Academy?"
Albert shook his head, his eyes wide with awe. "No, it’s the opposite. You three are special. Most students have only one element, but you… You will be placed in a class alongside the second-year students. Haru Yamamoto…" He paused, eyeing Haru with newfound respect. "You have all the elements. The King himself personally recommended you."
The room buzzed with whispers, students staring at Haru, Hiori, and Masha in awe.
Albert clapped his hands, silencing the room. "Those who pass the exam will receive their invitation cards in seven days. You may leave now."
As the group left the exam room, Haru felt the weight of the words linger in the air. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—this was only the beginning.
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End of Chapter 2
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