Admission Part 2

Everyone looks astonishing in the uniform of the academy.

"Mrs. Dea Fuenness, good to see you looking so fancy as ever. However, I didn't know Hoon has a brother.."

"He's not my son."

Elaine replied irritatedly while containing herself.

"He's a son of my friend who passed away, he gets along with my son really well so I took him in."

Reonal, Hoon's father added.

He didn't have to make that up, really. Jae-ki thought.

"An orphan, I see. That's quite saddening." The lady childishly acts like about to cry.

Bulls**t, you don't seem like sad at all. Elaine swear in her thought.

When reaching the astrodome of the academy, they part ways. Parents and guardians are to be seated in the side area of the venue while the students will be at the center.

"Greetings, greetings, greetings! The Alentoria Institution for Scholars warmly welcomes each and every one of you!"

"Thank you for joining our academy's opening ceremony."

Audience applause.

"blah, blah blah..."

"Hey, don't mind the lady's statement earlier. She's born with a sharp tongue ever since." Hoon said.

"Don't worry, I am unaffected at all."

"..."

He really sometimes acts mature for his age. I feel like talking to an old man in front of him. Hoon thought.

I'm glad the human skin-like masking band is effective. I have no information about the dress code of the academy but just to make sure.

"That's it for my little preamble, now, let me present to all of you, my pride and the most-competent professors in our humble academy."

The crowd applauded as the professors stand up from their seats and showed their mana beasts.

"WOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

The students made a noise after witnessing the mana beasts of each professor.

The director looked in the direction of Jae-ki and smiled at him.

Does he know me? What a dumb question to ask, of course, he's the director after all. But his aura, it's the same as what I felt back in the evaluation building.

Oh no, it seems like I've unconsciously invited unnecessary suspicions. He thought.

"Before you proceed to your respective classroom. A few prerequisites will be needed to properly assess a scholar's current capabilities."

"The purpose of this is to create a learning environment where each and everyone will have the opportunity to address their shortcomings."

"I forgot to introduce myself, I am Edward Schezderre, the executive director of this academy."

I see this year has so many promising scholars. In terms of number, the upper class is on par with the commons.

(The Commoners are called The Commons and the Upper Class are those above them)

But it all comes down to quality.

"We will be measuring your mana core, please get in line."

"First sphere, upper nadir"

"First sphere, lower horizon"

"First sphere, upper horizon"

"Woah" The students exclaimed

"To be able to reach the upper horizon at such a young age. Not bad, not bad." The professor with the long white beard said.

"First sphere, lower nadir"

"Second sphere, lower nadir"

"Woah, who is that?"

"Dang, he must be the genius from the upper class, the rumored Descendant of the Wind Gods Notos and Euros!"

Edcel GaleBurz -Second Sphere, Lower Nadir

Third Son of the House de GaleBurz

Students murmur.

Hah, I'm one of this generation's outstanding geniuses. There's no way I would be in the same sphere as these low classes. Edcel thought.

"Another second sphere, lower nadir?"

"That's from the upper class as well!"

Kleia Myuollin - Second Sphere, Lower Nadir

First Daughter of the House de Myuollin.

Hoon Dea Funness - Second Sphere, Lower Nadir

First Son of the House de Dea Fuenness

Aryana Rousante - First Sphere, Upper Zenith

Second Daughter of House de Rousante

Tch. If only I was given more time, I could have made a breakthrough. Aryana thought.

Kael Estoria - Second Sphere, Lower Nadir

Second Son of House de Estoria

Hmph. Five main houses from the upper class with all their money going into the pocket of a private instructor, I expected no less from their children. I'm rather interested in this young lad. Quad-casting is unheard of, if this got publicized, the balance between the Noble Houses and the Empire's Royal Family might collapse. This must be handled accordingly. Morriegreen thought.

Even my Magenta's vision can't measure his mana core. He's probably above the offspring of the five main houses. Reonal thought as he rub his chin and smiled like an idiot.

"It's his turn."

Morriegreen and Reonal were full of anticipation.

"First sphere..."

What? First sphere? Morriegreen and Reonal thought.

"No, if it's first sphere then it must be at least zeni-"

"Lower Nadir"

"WHAT?"

"Eh? What is this?"

No affinity? The proctor thought.

'Don't mention it.'

The director uses telepathy.

It's the director. The proctor thought for the second time.

The proctor nodded to show acknowledgment without facing the director

I was excited about nothing. He's just mediocre. Reonal thought.

"Hey, don't be discouraged by your mana core level. You just have to work hard!" Hoon cheers Jae-ki.

"Oh please, just mind your own business. Is it even okay for you to hang out with me?"

"You're so mean, sob sob."

"Don't worry, I see no social status with you." Hoon smiled.

Despite recognizing this punk as the son of an upper-class family, I was a bit shocked to know that Dea Fuenness is with the five main houses.

"We've already assigned your designated major and minor classes to take. You can now proceed to your respective classroom. Major classes are mandatory while minor classes aren't required but are highly recommended and we're encouraging our students to attend them as well." Edward stated.

Jae-ki

Major - Practical combat class

Minor - Mana fostering class

Minor - Elemental mastery class

Major - Mana beast class

Even without an elemental affinity, I will still be taking an Elemental mastery class? Jae-ki thought

- PRACTICAL COMBAT CLASS -

"I am professor Errwan Astreme."

"Our class will be straightforward and as simple as it sounds to be."

"Today I will be assessing your combat ability, your fighting style, and your imperfections."

"I'll have you demonstrate in class, individually."

"Excuse me, professor. I have a suggestion."

"Oh, I almost forgot, you should first raise your hand, state your name or your family name followed by your concern."

"Tell me about that suggestion of yours, Mr.?

"Dufflestone."

"Go ahead, Mr. Dufflestone."

"Why don't we have a one-on-one duel? I think it is better to assess our skills if we fight with someone else."

He's like staring right into my soul, for real. Jae-ki thought.

"I approved of your suggestion, go ahead and be the first to show your skills in fighting."

Meyer nodded and goes to the front.

"I, Meyer Dufflestone am challenging Jae-ki to a one-on-one duel."

I know this was coming. Do I really look that weak to be picked on?" Jae-ki thought.

Sighs.

"Are we allowed to use buffs and enchantments?"

"You're not, Mr. Jae-ki."

"In this class, we will disregard every manipulation of mana including strengthening buffs and enchantments. Am I clear?"

"Yes." The students replied together.

"Go pick your weapons from the side of this room."

"Remember this, Jae. No matter what weapon you use, you don't have to think too much. You just grab it and swing it."

"I have trained your body differently so you don't have to worry about what weapon is at your reserve."

The statement of Jae-ki's Uncle Jino pop into his head.

Jae-ki picks up the wooden two-handed sword.

"Are you ready to be beaten up?" Meyer asked with a hysterical smile.

Jae-ki didn't respond to his provocation.

"I see, I see... Hahahaha"

Meyer stopped laughing and run toward Jae-ki.

"Take this."

Meyer jumped and throw a vertical slash. Jae-ki was able to block it.

His swing has strength but it is not something that I can't block. Jae-ki thought.

Thrust and left swing. You're finished. Meyer thought.

Meyer throws a thrust aiming at Jae-ki's neck.

Jae-ki avoided the sword by tilting his body facing the right side.

"Got ya, try to block this!" Meyer shouted.

Meyer swings his sword rapidly aiming at Jae-ki's left part.

"Heh." Jae-ki smiled.

Jae-ki did a backflip distancing himself from Meyer.

"I just blocked your first move to check your strength but you are slower than a slug."

"Block your sword you say?"

Jae-ki drops the tip of Meyer's sword from his left hand that he broke when he tumbles dodging Meyer's sword while shouldering his longsword.

"What is that?" one of the students asked.

"It's the tip of Meyer's sword!" the other student answered.

Meyer grit his teeth in annoyance. His arms holding the sword are trembling.

"Let me do the favor of ending this duel that you proudly suggested."

Jae-ki said while pointing his longsword to Meyer.

Jae-ki dashes forward and swings his wooden longsword. He throws plenty of swings while leaving no opening and chance for Meyer to counterattack.

Defend was the only option for Meyer. He can barely block everything, Jae-ki's swings are getting faster and faster.

Meyer's sword flew and Jae-ki stopped his swing upon nearing his opponent's neck.

Jae-ki withdraws his sword, steps back, and acknowledges Meyer out of courtesy.

"Well done. Both of you showed splendid swordsmanship."

"Who will go next?"

The professor said as it was heard from a paper-thin like glass, an artifact for monitoring a place.

"Is he the one who got your attention?"

The man within the shadow asked.

He slowly moved outside the dark area of the room and walk closer to the artifact on the table.

The man in white clothing. The two swords in a white scabbard imprinted with a golden insignia.

Arszen, the second rapier of the Emperial's Twelve-Saber. He's a long-time friend of Director Morriegreen.

"Judging from his moves, he must have been trained well. Maybe a swordmaster's his teacher."

"No. That can't be."

"You won't understand. The other day, in the admission testing, he uses a bow."

"And?"

"You mean, he was able to take down 50 dummies using a bow?"

"Precisely."

"On a normal occasion, this isn't something to be surprised with. His mastery, it's not polished but formidable, a bow and a sword."

"I wonder what's next."

Director Morriegreen said while his interlocked hands are in front of him.

"Everything takes time. Don't stress yourself." Arszen said.

"If I make him my student, will the academy be fine with it?"

Arszen added.

Morriegreen was surprised.

"Just kidding, haha. Don't take it seriously."

Arszen turned around and walked towards the dark area of the room.

Jae-ki...huh. Arszen thought.

The director continued watching the students perform through the artifact.