Chapter 23

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As we disembarked from the airship, we were greeted by a senior representative of the Beria Academy of Aura who expertly escorted us through the bustling crowds. I couldn't help but notice the varied backgrounds and races of the students around me, from elven and demon students to commoners and even a few nobles. Despite my attempts to blend in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of self-consciousness as I noticed a few snickers and sneers directed towards me. As a half-demon, I was all too familiar with the prejudices and discrimination that came with my mixed heritage.

As we were led to a nearby hall, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people gathered there. The crowd was noisy and chaotic, but with a single command from the senior representative, a powerful wave of magic swept over us, instantly silencing the crowd. The clicking of shoes on the stage caught my attention and my eyes were drawn to the figure that emerged from the stage. At last, the heroine of the academy had arrived.

As the students settled into their seats, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The stage was set for the arrival of the student council, and all eyes were fixed on the entrance. Suddenly, a figure appeared, dressed in the academy's crisp uniform, radiating an aura of confidence and authority. It was Alice, a second-year student and one of the main heroines of the story. With her long silky blonde hair, sharp and clear blue eyes, a perfect figure, and a badge of the student council on her shirt, she commanded attention. Her charisma was undeniable, and as she stepped up to the podium, a wave of attraction swept through the crowd.

Alice was not only a student council member, but also one of the academy's most talented and prestigious students. As a representative of the council, her responsibility was to welcome newcomers and organize them, and her ability to do so was evident in the way she commanded the room. The council members were all monsters of talent, with mysterious and prestigious backgrounds. They were more than capable of handling such tasks, but they took their responsibilities seriously and carried them out with discipline and efficiency. As the students listened to her words, they knew they were in good hands.

Alice will also be the one who will be the one to trouble Freya the most.

Just imagining the scene of Freya being trampled by Alice sends shivers of scarcity down my spine…

Alice began her speech by welcoming the newcomers and explaining the process of testing and class assignments. She was blunt and straightforward, telling them that if they were unable to meet the requirements, they would not be enrolled in the academy. Although it was harsh, it was the reality for many weak individuals, as the path of an aura master was filled with danger and life-threatening challenges.

As the newcomers were assigned numbers indicating their turns, they were separated into different groups. My lady and I were separated as we had different groups. After some time, it was my turn, and I saw many leaving with sad faces while others beamed with joy as they were led to another room.

Inside the testing room, I found myself facing a man who I assumed to be an examiner of some sort. In the center of the room stood a shining crystal orb, resting on a square table. I knew that this crystal orb was used to identify an individual's elemental powers, and the brighter it shone, the stronger the elemental power was. In the novel I had read, I remembered that a few of the heroines had even broken the crystal during their turns.

As I reached out to touch the crystal, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I did. The moment my hand touched the crystal, it crumbled into pieces, cracking and breaking apart before my eyes. The examiner's eyes widened in surprise, but the most astounding thing was yet to come. The pieces of the crystal started turning into dust particles and completely disappeared from existence. This must have been due to my 'third' element, something that was extremely rare and powerful.

The examiner was momentarily frozen in shock, but he quickly regained his composure. Glancing at me, he wrote something on a piece of magic paper that flew from his hand and disappeared into the air. "Good job," he said, "you can now move on to the final stage of the test. You will be randomly allotted a partner to fight from the selected participants. Your performances will determine whether you will stay here and, if so, what class you will be placed in."

I nodded… I could only hope that I don't face any main character from the plot or I will be doomed.

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'My cursed luck! Dammit!'

Standing before me was a striking figure, a dark-skinned beast woman with striking features that commanded attention. Her grey wolf ears were perked up, and her fluffy grey tail was held in an elegant position behind her. She was dressed in a formal coat and pants, resembling a soldier in her attire. In one hand, she held a longsword, its glinting blade reflecting the light of the room. Her green eyes met mine, piercing and intense, as if she wanted to see into the depths of my soul.

She was none other than Caroline Schultz, one of the heroines of the novel. A member of a prestigious noble family renowned for their swordsmanship and the unyielding warriors they produced, she was a prodigy from birth and a warrior at heart. She was proud of her family's legacy, and her sense of justice and adherence to rules were evident in her every action. Her reputation preceded her, and it was clear that she was a force to be reckoned with.