The Selection was one of the most important days of the Heavenward Academy, because it'd determine which type of mage was one, and the class he needs to be attending. It was a day where a a student's talents were exploited and ranked, earning them a title across the Academy. Those who were quite fortunate were given a chance to be tutored by one of the best mages in the kingdom for a few months.
And for that, Emilia wanted to do her best.
She sat on a bench, in the great hall, with the other students who were supposed to go through the Selection. It only happened once a year, and she didn't want to miss this opportunity for growth. She had always wanted to become S ranked, to be trained under a powerful mage. And now the opportunity had presented itself in front of him.
Her pulse quickened.
Standing in front of them, on the raised dias, was the principal. Her mane of hair fell down her shoulders, breaking into light curls that accentuated her caramel skin, pink lips and piercing brown eyes. She has a scar on the lower lip, creating a rough line that had threatened to split her lip into two pieces. She wore a coat that flowed down to her ankles, and heels that raised her a little high, making her taller than her average height.
Valeria was her name, and she was one of the few S ranked mages that had survived the wars against the demons. But now, she had retired from fighting and changed her occupation to teaching. Everyone loved her, loved how she was tense when it came to gearing up students.
"As you all know, today is the day we've been waiting for..." Valeria said, her eyes tracing down the small paper that was on the pulpit. "....a day where each and everyone of you will be Selected, categorized by your own talents. And for those who'll be fortunate enough, you'll be given a chance to be tutored by one of the best mages across Gran'le for a limited set of months."
The air was very heavy with anticipation, and Emilia felt unease with this whole idea. She could bail out if she wanted, but she couldn't. She had been training for this day for all her life, and she didn't want to miss an opportunity to shine. She just had to believe in herself, just as Asami had taught her. But, it wasn't as easy as she thought it'd be.
"Now, you'll stand in the ring, and you'll be given a chance to demonstrate your potential against another mage." Valeria proceeded, her voice heavy with excitement. "Those who fail to stand their ground for just five minutes will be utterly disqualified."
Disqualified.
The word rang in her ears, her insides twisting and turning. She tilted her head a little, staring down at the other students who were excited and nervous at the idea. A magic duel. Of course they'd love that. Mages had a tendency of showing off their skills when they got the chance. There were a few boys that were gathered at the other side, excitement bubbling in their eyes as they stared down at the empty ring. Perverts. She thought.
Boys only had one thing in mind, showing off to win girl's hearts. But hers wasn't going to be stolen.
Valeria's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed out at the sea of eager faces. "And now, without further ado, let us begin the Selection! Our first contestant is... Alucard Alvarez!"
The hall fell silent, as if the very mention of his name had commanded everyone's attention. Emilia's eyes snapped towards the stairs, her gaze locking onto a figure emerging from the shadows. She wasn't expecting him to be the first.
Alucard Alvarez descended the stairs with a quiet confidence, his scarlet hair a striking feature. His storm grey eyes seemed to survey the room, their steady gaze unreadable.
A small scar rested on his brow, a reminder of a painful past that she so well knew about. Emilia's eyes lingered on the scar, her mind wondering about the story behind it. She had heard rumors that Alucard's father was responsible for the scar.
He was clad in the academy's uniform, the sleeveless, high-collared shirt accentuating his lean physique. His pants were a deep, dark grey, and his black boots seemed to be polished to perfection.
As he walked towards the ring, Emilia's gaze snagged on the necklace hanging around his neck. The pendant was shaped like a blade, its edges glinting in the light. And she knew perfectly well where that necklace came from. She gave it to him back in the day as a birthday present, and she never thought he'd still have it.
Alucard's eyes seemed to sweep the room, his gaze lingering on Emilia for a moment before moving on. She felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, a spark of curiosity that seemed to arc between them.
Alucard was the son of one of the few nobles that were descended from royal blood. And for this, everyone was interested in seeing what he had to offer. But deep down, she knew he was only doing it for his father. She felt sad for him.
The air in the hall seemed to vibrate with anticipation as Alucard stepped into the ring, his eyes fixed intently on some point across the room. Emilia's heart pounded in her chest, her senses on high alert as she waited for the next contestant to be announced.
"Damien Aniston," the principal said and a collective gasp rang through the hall.
Emilia's eyes widened in surprise, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of the mysterious Damien Aniston. She had heard of him, of course - who hadn't? He was a Paladin, one of the elite group of mages chosen by the Holy Church to protect the Capital. The Paladins were renowned for their exceptional magical abilities. They were the epitome of magical prowess, and Emilia couldn't believe that one of them was about to participate in the Selection.
But who would be strong enough to defeat him?
Her eyes landed on a figure standing up from the other side of the hall, where a few S-ranked mages sat observing the proceedings. Damien Aniston was clad in average clothes that consisted of his white baggy shirt whose sleeves were folded, dark pants that had a couple of belts crisscrossing, and boots. His dark hair messy and unkempt. He climbed down the stairs, his movements effortless.
As he reached the ring, he casually ran a hand through his hair, his eyes scanning the room with a hint of amusement. Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before moving on.
Valeria's voice cut through the silence, her eyes glinting with excitement. "There has been a change in the Selection process this year," she announced, her voice firm and clear. "Instead of students competing against each other, you will be facing off against a Paladin."
The hall erupted into a furry of whispers and gasps. Fighting against a Paladin? It was unheard of!
"And for those who are lucky enough to emerge victorious, you will have the opportunity to become their student."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat as she gazed at Damien Aniston, her mind racing with the possibilities. Could she really defeat a Paladin and earn the right to be their student? The thought sent a surge of determination coursing through her veins and only wished she had trained hard enough.
*
Alucard stood, a surge of unease crawling through his skin as he stared down at Damien, who stood a distance from him. Damien's hand rested on his waist, his silver eyes staring boringly at down at him as if he was expecting something better. Alucard could feel the heavy weight that came from the prying eyes, and the need to survive gripped him. One thing for sure, he knew there was no way in hell he was going to defeat him....but at least, he could stall him.
"Kid, you're one of those nobles aren't you?" Damien asked, his lips stretching into a smirk. "If you're, please give me a better show."
"Begin!" The principal's voice was all they needed.