011 The Dreaded Entrance Exam
In the northwestern area of Launtel was ten acres of land owned by the Windel Academy. The land included area within the city and area in the wilderness.
Within the city safe zone was the main campus, which included academic buildings and dormitories.
The Windel Academy accepted students from seven to thirty years of age.
The gated archway of the Academy were raised up by 77 steps and heavily secured by magical barriers and guards. It stood before a large ceremonial courtyard that could comfortably accommodate 30,000 spectators. On a typical day, the courtyard was regularly used by merchants and vendors. However, weeks before the start of a new semester, the courtyard was used as the exam location.
"Is everything prepared for the examination week?" inquired Vice Dean Araba, a stern man wearing a black robe, skimming through a pile of paperwork.
The three department heads appointed by the Academic, Cultivation and Magic Branch made their report and proposals before the Vice Dean of Examination Division. To create a fair environment, the exams were different every year.
"We are expecting another record number of applicants this year," said Department Head Ren, a soft spoken elderly man from the Academic Branch. "Likely over 15,000, from all over the continent."
Vice Dean Araba nodded.
"Is 6 days going to be enough to test everyone?" asked Araba.
The department heads nodded.
"Most applicants are from the age of seven to nine. There are very few who are older, so the range of exams won't be too wide."
"All right, we will proceed with the plan," Vice Dean Araba nodded. "Is there anyone in particular we need to make accommodations for?"
Aside from creating exams, the Examination Division was also in charge of accommodating special enrollment applicants. Although the Academy was a separate entity from the Empires, they still had to maintain a good relationship with the Kelseran Empire, its neighboring empires and the royalties.
"The 2nd prince, Taishen, of the Totuman Empire and the Kelseran Empire sent the 7th Princess, Reina," said Department Head Grist, a relaxed middle age man with thick mustache. "There are four other princes and princesses. We have allowed them to have one servant and two additional bodyguards."
Vice Dean Araba nodded. "Lady Tessa, is there any particular students your branch is considering?"
"We have our eyes on a couple," remarked an elderly lady of high bearing.
Tight-lipped as usual, Vice Dean Araba thought.
Taking the proposals, Vice Dean Araba set the logistics for the examination. Pre-registration had started a month ago and they were still receiving more applicants. The first day of the exam was the last day of registration.
A week later, the courtyard was all set up for the exam.
According to the registration clerk, Nico was arranged to start the test on day 2 based on the token number.
Token number 1 to 5,500 had to report on day 1, token number 5,501 to 11,000 on day 2, and token number 11,000 to 15,987 on day 4.
Nico token number was 8425, so he arrived on day 2.
He was placed into one of 150 lines. They were divided up by age group. Nico was one of the older applicants and placed toward the right. There were around 100 students his age, and only a dozen who looked older.
He was too far in the back of the line to see what was going on.
Toward the front, many professors stood atop the steps to watch the results. The majority of the professors wore purple robes. The Spirit Orb test was the most basic test, but it was the most important one. Many professors use the result as the basis for taking in students.
"The Spirit Orb measures a person Spiritual Root, meridian, and aura," a voice explained. "The spiritual root determines the person overall strength. The number of meridians determines the speed of the person's cultivation. The number of auras determines the speed of a person's magic. As you approach the Spirit Orb, simply place your hand over the orb."
The students slowly shuffled up the lines to take the test.
"Water root 2, meridian 1, aura 1," said a proctor examining a water droplet and numbers emerging from the orb. "Average."
The applicants with below average grades paled and lowered their heads in shame.
Average grades were not acceptable, and the applicants were required to turn in their numbered tokens.
"Knife root 2, meridian 2, aura 1," said a proctor. "Hm.. You have a good chance at cultivation."
"Sparrow root 2, meridian 1, aura 2. Good as a magician."
"Wind root 3, meridian 1, aura 2. Very good."
"Pole root 3, meridian 2, aura 2. Great."
For the majority of the day, the test was uneventful.
"Today isn't as good as yesterday," remarked one of the professors. "Prince Taishen has the Azure Lightning root 5, meridian 2, and aura 2 with an excellent grade."
"Theo of the Deraon Clan has the Pinnacle Sword root level 3, meridian 4, and aura 1 with also an excellent grade. That is a bit more focused and useful," commented a professor from the Cultivation Branch.
"Alina of the Iced Palace may be the most talented," said a professor from the Magic Branch. "Crystal Snow root level 4, meridian 1, aura 4, an excellent grade."
"That is to be expected, most of the royalties and clan members were tested on the first day."
Most, but not all.
When a little girl with purple eyes and yellow dress approached the spirit orb, many professors unconsciously followed their eyes. Princess Reina was said to be a talented child since birth. As everyone turned their attention to the little seven years old girl, she looked unafraid of the attention.
The girl placed her hands over the orb, and waited.
Golden rays of light and blazing fire appeared with 6, 3, and 4.
"Sunlight Fire 6, meridian 3 and aura 4, genius," said the proctor.
All the professors grasped in unison. That was a crazy amount of number for a seven years old child. It was going to be a war between the professors to take her in as their students.
Nico watched as the line shortened.
There were very few unexpected results. When there was, he could hear the excitement from the professors and spectators.
At first, very few people paid attention to the young 13-years old boy named Vincent, except for some of the young girls fawning from the sideline.
Judging from his attire, the boy was a hunter and grew up from a poor family.
There wasn't much expectation for the boy.
However, as the Spirit Orb reacted to his touch, an image of shining white tiger appeared.
The proctor inspected the image. He was shocked to see a legendary white tiger from legend.
"Heavenly white tiger 6, meridian 3, aura 3, ace," said the proctor.
Although it wasn't a genius level like Princess Reina, many professors were more impressed by Vincent. Princess Reina and many clan members grew up in a good environment and possessed many resources. Vincent had very little, but he was still capable of an excellent score. None of the professors could have imagined what sort of powerhouse Vincent could become with proper guidance and resources.
"There's going to be another war," commented the professor. "A heavenly white tiger is a top tier spirit root from the Kanon Clan. Is the boy related to them somehow?"
The professors were unsure, but his name was on top of their recruitment list.
Then it was finally Nico's turn.