Chapter Seven: Yageshtra Arcane Academy

Here is a translated version of the passage into more complex English:

"Sorinus found himself at the gates of the Imperial Arcane Institute, adorned with classical European architecture, guarded by imperial soldiers, allowing only authorized individuals to pass through.

"To participate in the entrance examination, proceed to the right," the guard instructed Sorinus after he had paid a few copper coins for directions.

To the right of the institute lay a small plaza, where numerous youths of similar age to Sorinus gathered, all seeking entry into the esteemed institution.

The foremost magical academy of the Ferramonto Empire, boasting a legacy spanning over five centuries, had produced countless formidable mages over the years, serving as the backbone of the empire. The illustrious institution was currently under the leadership of Grand Mage Gleyston, the esteemed president of the Mage Guild.

Yageshtra Arcane Academy stood as the most coveted magical sanctuary for aspiring youths across the empire, unmatched by any other.

"To take the entrance examination, a payment of ten gold coins is required. Should you be admitted, the sum will be refunded," Sorinus sighed inwardly at the realization of the elitism surrounding the mage profession. Ten gold coins for a mere entrance test would take a commoner years to accumulate, and if unsuccessful, the coins would be lost forever. However, despite the hefty fee, there was no shortage of eager applicants, for admission into the academy promised a life of prestige and honor, surpassing even that of nobility.

Several individuals dressed in black robes sat at the center of the plaza, overseeing the proceedings, with two transparent crystal spheres hovering before them, evidently meant for testing purposes. The spectacle left the awaiting aspirants both awestruck and mesmerized, marveling at the wonders of magic.

"State your name," instructed the examiner.

"Kane Duruchi," came the nervous reply from a young lad, adorned in a worn-out linen shirt, clearly of common birth, and visibly anxious before the examiner, whose expression remained stoic.

The examiner's robe bore three golden stripes on the left chest, signifying his status as a third-tier mage.

"Place your hand upon the first crystal sphere," ordered the examiner.

"Ah, yes," Kane nodded hastily, reaching out towards the sphere with both hands, as if intending to lift it.

The examiner furrowed his brows slightly. "One hand will suffice," he remarked, eliciting laughter from the onlookers as Kane's face flushed crimson with embarrassment.

Kane cautiously placed his right hand upon the crystal sphere, fearing he might accidentally dislodge it. To his relief, the sphere was enveloped by an invisible force, holding it steady and secure.

Under the watchful gazes of the crowd, the crystal sphere emitted a radiant white light, akin to a fifty-watt incandescent bulb. Kane's startled reaction drew a glance from the examiner, who appeared somewhat intrigued.

"Average mental aptitude, average magical perception," the examiner noted aloud, before addressing Kane directly, "Congratulations, you have been accepted into Yageshtra Arcane Academy."

A chorus of gasps erupted from the crowd. "Good heavens, a commoner has been admitted?!"

"With average mental aptitude and magical perception, he is destined to become at least a level-two earth mage!"

"What incredible luck!"

Kane was overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. Rushing forward, his parents embraced him, tears of joy streaming down their faces.

"I'm going to be a mage! I'm going to be a mage!" Kane exclaimed excitedly, his jubilant demeanor drawing admiration rather than mockery from the onlookers.

Being accepted into the Imperial Arcane Institute virtually ensured one's future as a mage, a position held in higher regard than even nobility.

"Hello, I am the steward of the Count of Koster..." "I represent the Marquis of Angus..." Several well-dressed gentlemen approached Kane and his family, extending offers of patronage, eager to align themselves with the newfound talent.

From the moment Kane displayed his magical potential, the trajectory of his family's destiny shifted dramatically.

Envy and admiration radiated from the crowd, each secretly harboring hopes of becoming the next fortunate candidate. However, it would be some time before another was admitted.

Finally, it was Sorinus's turn.

Sorinus remained composed, unlike the others. He knew his magical aptitude well. Like Kane, he possessed average abilities, and if Kane could be accepted, so could he.

"Place your hand upon the crystal sphere," the examiner instructed.

Sorinus was already familiar with the procedure. His slender, fair fingers gently made contact with the crystal sphere.

The sphere began to glow...

The examiner, visibly surprised, raised his head.

It seemed another qualified candidate had emerged.

The crowd craned their necks, eager to witness the outcome.

The glow from the crystal sphere intensified rapidly, surpassing Kane's previous display.

"Wow..." Whispers of awe swept through the crowd in scattered murmurs.

The brilliance of the crystal sphere became blinding, akin to a miniature sun illuminating the plaza.

The examiner, unable to contain his excitement, rushed forward and grasped Sorinus's hand tightly.

"Above-average mental aptitude, above-average magical perception!" "Affinity with fire elements!" "Congratulations, Sorinus Alduran, we look forward to the day Yageshtra Arcane Academy proudly claims you as its own!"

A hushed silence fell over the plaza."

Everyone was stunned.

The attitude of the short-bearded man towards Sorinus and Kane was completely different, a world apart from those who had been eliminated from the testing.

"Congratulations, Sorinus Alduran," he addressed Sorinus by his full name, a gesture of respect and courtesy.

"We look forward to the day Yageshtra Arcane Academy takes pride in you."

What high praise it was!

The highest magical academy, coveted by countless, now to boast of one person's glory?

Just how terrifying was Sorinus's talent!

Even a fool could discern it.

With average talent, Kane could at least achieve the strength of a second-tier mage.

So, what heights could superior talent reach?

Fifth-tier Mage-Sorcerer?

Eighth-tier Mage-Lord?

Or even...Saint-level?!

No one knew.

They only knew that Sorinus's future was one of brilliance and splendor.

In comparison, Kane, who had seemed quite outstanding, now appeared dim and lackluster.

Like fireflies under the moonlight, overlooked.

Only the short-bearded man truly understood what Sorinus's talent represented.

Grand Mage Gleyston, the pillar of the empire, had superlative mental aptitude and magical perception.

Though talent did not solely dictate one's success in magic, it was closely intertwined with opportunities and effort.

But who said this sixteen-year-old before him couldn't become the next Gleyston?

The previous year, he had recruited a student with superlative talent, which had caused a sensation throughout the academy and the entire capital.

And now, another prodigy with super-superlative talent had emerged...

The short-bearded man could barely contain his admiration for the divine manifestation of magic. Moreover, he knew Sorinus's talent surpassed this.

The categorization of magical talent on the continent had always been vague.

Even among those with superior talent, some were stronger than others.

Sorinus had demonstrated the intensity of the crystal sphere's glow.

The short-bearded man...

Had never seen anything like it in his life!

"Good heavens, what have I witnessed?!"

"The crystal sphere is on the verge of bursting!"

"Unbelievable!"

Gasps of astonishment surged through the crowd.

All eyes were fixed on Sorinus, filled with admiration, astonishment, jealousy...

"I am the steward of the Duke of Layne..."

"I am..."

Servants from various noble households, waiting to recruit elite talents for their masters, rushed towards Sorinus.

They had witnessed the birth of a prodigy.

It was foreseeable that once the news spread, the entire capital would remember one name—Sorinus Alduran.

Kane stared blankly at Sorinus, his mouth gaping like it could fit an egg.

This youth, who appeared to be around his age, was simply too formidable!

Despite his best efforts, Kane had barely managed to illuminate the crystal sphere, yet Sorinus had nearly caused it to "burst."

And he seemed so relaxed while doing so.

A hint of despondency crept into Kane's heart.

He suddenly realized that while lineage and birth could be changed, some things were truly innate...

"Please follow me..."

The short-bearded man did not give those extending olive branches any opportunity, instead offering Sorinus a gentle and polite smile as he led him away from the crowd.

As for the subsequent tests, he no longer concerned himself.

Sorinus followed behind the short-bearded man, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Wasn't his talent only average?

How could it have become superlative?

"Each Pasture Lord who possesses a dragonkin gains magical abilities corresponding to that dragonkin..."

Upon inquiring with the system, Sorinus understood.

It was similar to his speculation—his talent improvement should be related to the contract he formed with Iya.

He was essentially sharing Iya's talent.

Dragonkin were acknowledged masters of magic.

A mature dragonkin possessed magical prowess equivalent to at least a ninth-tier Mage-Lord, with exceptional ones capable of reaching Saint-level.

Dragon language magic was no trifling matter.

Sorinus finally qualified to step through the gates of the academy.

The interior of the academy exceeded his expectations.

The spacious and tidy academy avenue, lined with tall ash trees, with blue and purple irises everywhere, evoked a comfortable feeling.

"All incoming students are first-years, but you are an exception and will be placed in the best class of second-years..."

"After enrollment, you must reside within the academy. Accommodations will be arranged for everyone, and you may bring servants. There will be one opportunity to go out each week..."

"Students must abide by the academy's rules. Violations will result in deductions of corresponding credits, and accumulated deductions to a certain value will lead to expulsion. These details are detailed in the handbook that will be issued shortly..."

The short-bearded man introduced Sorinus to various aspects of the academy.

Sorinus felt a strange sensation, as if he had returned to his past university life.

"Here are your belongings—standard robes and the student emblem. The robes come with a minor dust-removal enchantment, and the colors vary for students of different grades..."

Handing Sorinus a neatly folded navy blue robe, the short-bearded man also presented him with a silver emblem.

"Tomorrow, report with your emblem. Someone will guide you through everything here..."

"Is there anything else?"

Looking at the items in his hands, Sorinus pondered for a moment before speaking, "One last question...what is the annual tuition fee for the academy?"

The short-bearded man paused for a moment, then smiled, "All expenses for students will be covered by the empire. You won't need to spend a single copper coin. Of course, if you engage in personal magical research, you'll need to pay for the magical materials yourself..."

Sorinus nodded thoughtfully.

No wonder it was called the Imperial Arcane Institute, the equivalent of a national university in another world.

It was a means for the empire to recruit commoner mages.

"Any other questions?"

Sorinus looked at the short-bearded man and asked, "One last question...what is your name?"

The short-bearded man smiled brightly, "Fellig Edmund. You can just call me Fellig."

"In that case..."

The short-bearded man performed a standard mage's etiquette gesture with utmost solemnity, saying, "Once again, on behalf of Yageshtra Arcane Academy, welcome, Mr. Sorinus Alduran."