Academy

Gathering around the notice board, all the participants crowded together, eagerly looking for their names on the posted lists.

"Yes! I got selected!" someone exclaimed.

Among the crowd, many found their names and cheered with excitement, while others, whose names were absent, wore expressions of disappointment and dejection.

Ragnar and Julius persistently scanned the lists until they finally saw their names.

"Hehe, my friend. Seems like we are going to see each other a lot," Julius said excitedly.

Ragnar smiled, but with a hint of uncertainty. "I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," he replied.

As they were talking, a girl with silver hair approached them.

"Hello, guys," she said.

Ragnar and Julius turned around, both surprised albeit for different reasons. For Julius, it was the girl who had outperformed him in the mana sensitivity test. For Ragnar, it was the girl he had saved. It was Erica.

"Oh Erica, nice to see you. How did it go?" Ragnar asked.

"Fortunately, I passed. I see that you also made it. Congrats," Erica responded, looking relieved.

Feeling left out, Julius cleared his throat loudly. "Ehem."

"Oh right, Erica, this is Julius. Julius, Erica," Ragnar introduced them.

"Hello, my lady. I hope you are having the very finest of days." Julius bowed slightly, trying to come off as charming.

Ragnar looked at him oddly. 'What is wrong with this guy?' he thought.

"Uhm, hello," Erica replied, awkwardly imitating the bow.

As evening fell, the trio decided to walk back together, discussing their dreams and ambitions. Erica found it difficult to converse with Julius, who was overly flamboyant and awkward in his attempts to impress her. It became clear that he was not adept at communicating with women.

They eventually parted ways to pack their things for the academy. Ragnar, who didn't have much, simply gathered his small bag and sword. With the academy providing rooms for the students, there was no need for him to spend more money on accommodations.

After dinner, Ragnar sat on his bed, reflecting on his day. His sparring session with the instructor had revealed the vast gap between an unawakened individual and a rank 2 awakened. Marek's fluid technique showed him the difference in skill between ordinary people and those from families of the divine council members.

There were many mysteries and challenges ahead, but one thing was clear to Ragnar: he needed to become stronger.

...

The next day, Ragnar woke up early, gathered his things, and felt a wave of relief that he had passed the exams. Otherwise, he would have had to find alternative ways to learn about this world. At least the academy would provide him with basic knowledge and skills.

Upon arriving at the academy, he checked in at the counter and was directed to his dormitory. Among the thousands who had applied, only around 70 students had passed the entrance exams, and Ragnar was one of them.

He went into his room and left his belongings. All new students were requested to gather in their classroom for a quick introduction, so Ragnar quickly headed there.

The classroom was packed with students, and Ragnar spotted a familiar face at the back. It was Julius. He went over and sat next to him. Shortly after, the teacher entered the room and called for silence.

"Quiet," the teacher commanded, and the chatter ceased immediately.

"First of all, welcome to Axiom Academy. As most of you noticed, not many passed the entrance exams. Barely ten percent succeeded, and the rest will have to try again.

To avoid confusion, we decided to hold a brief introductory class where students can ask about anything academy-related, and we'll do our best to answer.

Before we start the Q&A, I want to inform you all about the kind of academy you've entered. Bear in mind, this is not to scare you away but to show the reality of things.

Unlike other great academies that protect and nurture their students carefully, we place great importance on toughness and survival here. The academy revolves around the mission system. Essentially, once you're competent enough, you will pick a mission and complete it. During those missions, students might face death, injury, or trauma. Whether you come back stronger or not is up to you. Further explanations will be given in class. That will be all from me. Questions?"

The students narrowed their eyes. Now that reality was before them, they had to tread carefully. They had enrolled knowing the risks, but they were all dreamers, willing to risk everything to achieve their goals. Even Julius was tongue-tied, pondering the gravity of the situation.

Ragnar, however, saw it as a good thing. To him, the more he killed, the stronger he could become.

One student raised his hand and asked, "Sir, to what extent can the academy help us?"

The teacher replied, "Good question. The academy will provide the basics: mana circulation, body strengthening, and basic sword techniques. Beyond that, you'll have to find the right techniques, skills, and knowledge that suit you best.

In terms of protection, the academy will protect you while you're on campus. Outside of it, you're on your own."

After the discussion, the students were given a free day to interact, explore, and prepare themselves. Ragnar returned to his room and organized it. He rearranged the furniture to his liking, leaving an empty space in the middle for training and other activities.

Then he went out to explore the academy. For fresh recruits, the library and training grounds were accessible.

Ragnar decided to visit the library. On arriving, he saw Erica sitting with books piled around her.

"Hello there. I thought I would be the first here."

Erica was surprised to see Ragnar. "I thought you'd go to the training ground?"

"Actually, I have a great interest in magic. I heard the archives here have theory about magic and related things."

"Oh, you came to the right place. Look at this book, 'Path to Magic.' It gives an insightful description about magic. You can check out the other books, they're all good."

"Thanks." Ragnar nodded and went around the place. He would flip through the books from time to time, getting a basic gist of their content.

The library consisted of three floors, with only the ground floor accessible to him. Browsing through the countless books, he finally found one to his liking, 'The Art of Mana Sensing.'

It was written by an unknown author. The book gave an overview of how to feel mana for those who could not. It was the perfect book for him, as he really wanted to sense it.

Ragnar found a quiet corner and started reading. The book explained that sensing mana was about attuning oneself to the natural flow of energy around and within. It required immense concentration and a calm mind, emphasizing meditation and mindfulness.

Following the book's guidance, Ragnar closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, trying to clear his mind of all distractions. He imagined himself as a still pond, allowing the ripples of mana to flow through him. At first, he felt nothing, but he persisted, determined to grasp even the faintest sensation.

Minutes turned into hours as Ragnar sat there, deep in meditation. Slowly, he began to feel a subtle tingling sensation, like a gentle breeze brushing against his skin. It was faint but undeniable.

On opening his eyes, he saw the system notification.

[Congratulations. Host has successfully sensed mana.]

'I did it.'

To think he would be among those who are lucky enough to sense mana, he was excited to learn more. He returned the book and headed out of the library. It was already evening, and he was the only one inside.

The quietness of the library added to the sense of accomplishment and peace he felt. As he walked through the empty halls, he couldn't help but smile. His journey at the academy was just beginning, and he was already making strides.

Exiting the building, the cool evening air greeted him. The academy grounds were serene, with only a few students milling about. Ragnar took a deep breath, savoring the moment. He had sensed mana. This was a significant step forward.