In the capital of the monarch kingdom, there existed a prestigious university dedicated solely to the research and development of magic. Magic, being a crucial pillar of the kingdom's sustainability, held the key to survival in this world. In the present day, lacking knowledge of magic would relegate an individual to a life of insignificance as a mere commoner. Magic was the essence of existence.
Amidst the expansive grounds of Magic High, a renowned institution coveted by parents and even aristocrats, two senior students in their third year wandered about, seemingly in search of a specific individual.
Bitterly, Alvin thought to himself, "He's one of the worst magicians in the first year." They stood in front of the Bronze quarters allotted to the first-year students, where the bronze rank represented the lowest level among the university's students. The students were divided into different ranks, with diamond being the highest and bronze being the lowest. To graduate from Magic High, one needed to achieve at least the gold rank.
Alvin's discontent grew as he contemplated the fact that they had to invite a first-year student to join their team for the summer competition. Among the first years, there were no other options left. Half of them had already been chosen by their seniors, while the rest had fled in fear. The only one remaining was this insignificant student lingering in the bronze level. Han tried to persuade Alvin that they needed a first-year member to have a chance of advancing to the next round. Reluctantly, Alvin agreed to the proposal, though a heaviness weighed upon his heart. And so, they entered the humble abode of the bronze first-year students, the lowest place one could find oneself at Magic High.
The bronze quarters appeared desolate, devoid of any signs of life. Not a single student could be found. They had no choice but to approach the receptionist and inquire about the whereabouts of a student named Horiz.
"Just a little more," Han reassured Alvin. "I've already spoken to Horiz, and he has agreed to join us."
“You will find Horiz in the basement” The receptionist said.
Upon hearing this, Alvin's dissatisfaction deepened. Horiz, the student residing in the basement due to his low bronze rank, was not his ideal choice. This guy had failed every quarterly exam in the bronze rank, leading to the basement being designated as his abode. Alvin had never envisioned inviting a first-year student to their team, especially the worst one among them. It was a day he had hoped to avoid.
Descending into the basement of the bronze quarters, Alvin and Han couldn't help but notice the neglected state of the staircase, as if it hadn't been traversed in centuries.
They rapped on Horiz's door. To their surprise, on the second knock, the door creaked open of its own accord, dragging itself across the floor. Astonished, they exchanged bewildered glances. Senior students often enchanted their doors to open automatically, but such modifications were not seen among first-year students.
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As the door swung open, a chilly breeze swept past them, a sharp contrast to the hot summer air outside. For a brief moment, they were taken aback by the grandeur and extravagance of the hall before them. It resembled not a student's room but a lavish villa, adorned with intricate designs crafted by a skilled wizardry designer. The sight was beyond anything they had imagined a student could possess within the confines of Magic High.
Alvin couldn't contain his curiosity. "Why is the roof made of ice?" he asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.
Hans and Alvin were stunned as they looked up at the ice-covered roof. It was a sight they had never seen before during their entire time at school. The idea that a single magician could create such a vast expanse of ice seemed impossible.
It was evident that something extraordinary awaited them within Horiz's quarters. Little did they know that their encounter with him would set off a chain of events that would shake Magic High to its core and reshape their own destinies.
With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, Hans and Alvin stood at the threshold of a new chapter, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within the bronze quarters and discover the true potential of the supposedly worst magician in their year.
"Why does this Brad live in such luxury?" Hans asked, his voice filled with awe. "Is he the son of a foreign king or a master of hidden astrocraft?"
Alvin, eyes wide with disbelief, exclaimed, "How can he afford so many mana crystals?" He pointed at a table overflowing with shimmering crystals.
Hans added, "Those mana crystals are the source of mana in this basement."
Mana crystals were precious resources for magicians, serving as a backup in times of crisis. Once used, the mana within the crystal was depleted, rendering it a one-time resource. Producing mana crystals was a difficult task, requiring mages to infuse their own mana into the crystal, resulting in significant power loss. With high demand and limited supply, these crystals held immense value, like sacred treasures among mages, providing an additional lifeline when most needed.
"Surely, he must come from an extraordinary lineage," Alvin whispered, emphasizing the need for caution. "We must treat him with care."
"Who is he, really?"
Both Alvin and Hans found themselves at a loss, captivated by the opulence and grandeur of the quarters. It surpassed a mere student's abode, exuding sophistication akin to a luxurious villa. Beyond aesthetics, there was an ethereal quality in the air—an intangible essence of serenity and tranquility, surpassing even the allure of a garden. They were immersed in a realm of enchantment, as if touched by the true essence of magic.
Their attention shifted to the figure emerging from within—the enigmatic Horiz.
In that moment, Alvin and Hans shed their previous airs of superiority and rudeness. They greeted Horiz with a warmth surpassing what they showed their own siblings. As ordinary individuals with a modest amount of talent, they understood the importance of leaving a favorable impression on someone of high standing.
Unbeknownst to them, Horiz had conducted his own investigations, meticulously researching their backgrounds. He was no ordinary person; he was a transmigrator who had traveled between worlds. Equipped with a few spells and knowledge beyond their reach, he had earned the respect of his seniors. To him, the effort had been worthwhile.
Horiz had always been a somber individual until he was transmigrated into this world. The discovery of magic had ignited a flame of excitement within him, only to be cruelly extinguished when he realized he had no innate mana. He had to build mana from scratch. However, when it came to runes and spellcasting, he was unmatched. He was dependent on mana crystals for mana as his innate mana was meager to consider.
Mana crystals were crafted by humans, while mana cores were natural treasures bestowed by the world itself.