We went to the bathhouse to relax a bit.
"What a nice atmosphere here," said Tasu.
"I agree, I like it too," I replied.
On the way to the bathhouse, we learned that there were six days left until the academy admission day. We decided it would be worth enrolling. It would speed up the recovery of our memories, allow us to learn new spells, and make us more experienced. And upon graduation, we'd have a professional mage certificate, which would give us an advantage in everyday life. At least, that's what I was told.
"Unfortunately, in the future, it may no longer matter..."
"Well, I suggest we find a place to stay," I proposed.
"Yeah, that'd be good. I heard you can rent a two-story house for 100 Piru," said Tasu.
"Seriously? That cheap?"
"Yeah, I was surprised too."
"Either the guild pays well, or the prices here are incredibly low."
After the bath, we went to inspect the house we could rent. It was a two-story building made of gray brick with wooden elements. The first floor had a kitchen and a living room with access to a backyard. On the second floor, there were six bedrooms and a bathroom. Each room had a double bed.
"This is more of a palace than a house," I said after inspecting it.
We rented the house and spent the next six days preparing for the entrance exams. Tasu focused on math and spellwriting, while I worked on physical training. That's how the six days passed.
"Admission Day"
We slowly approached the academy. It was massive and resembled a castle. A tall fence surrounded it, with an archway at the entrance. Near the academy was a large field, bigger than a football field, likely meant for practical lessons.
"Hey, girl, who do you think you are?" someone shouted.
"I'm sorry! It was an accident!" a girl replied.
"Hey, Akusa, it looks like something's going on. Let's check it out," said Tasu, casually finishing a sandwich.
"Seriously? When did you even get that sandwich?" I asked, surprised.
"No, let me go!" the girl cried out.
"Hey, guys, is there a problem?" I asked, stepping closer.
"Is she your girlfriend?" one of the boys asked rudely.
"No, we're not even acquainted."
"Then mind your own business."
"I can't just ignore a pretty girl being bullied for no reason," I said, moving closer to him.
"Wait, don't," the girl whispered.
The boy stepped toward me and raised his hand, but Tadoki stopped him.
"Fighting is prohibited on academy grounds," Tadoki said sternly.
"Tadoki-sama..."
"I understand you're new. Don't worry, the entrance ceremony and exams will begin soon."
We continued onward, and the girl joined us.
"Thank you for standing up for me," she said.
"It's nothing."
"You're a newcomer, right?" Tasu asked.
"Yes, I'm just enrolling."
"We are too, so let's keep it casual. Akusa, you're okay with that?"
"I don't mind."
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself! My name is Shiari Ufem."
"I'm Tasume Sukudzu, but just call me Tasu."
"And I'm Akusa Takaru."
"Nice to meet you."
We reached the academy entrance, where guides directed us to the stage. The school's principal and possibly the city's leader were expected to speak there. We took our seats, and a few minutes later, Tadoki-sama stepped onto the stage. It turned out he was the student council president of this school, which explained his teleportation abilities.
After him, a beautiful girl with long white hair and light blue eyes took the stage. She was dressed in a school uniform with red accents.
"Who's that?" Tasu asked.
"That's Kimi Kishimiya, the leader of our country," Shiari replied.
"Wait, she's running the country at her age?"
"Yes, her parents passed away, and all the responsibility fell on her shoulders."
"That can't be easy..."
"Hey, Akusa? Akusa!"
I was completely mesmerized by her beauty.
"If you look closely... She seems like that girl," Tasu thought, then started interrogating me.
"Akusa Takaru, are you still with us?"
"Yeah, what do you want?"
"Do you like her?" Tasu asked with a sly grin.
"No... of course not."
Though in truth, I did.
Meanwhile, Kimi was delivering her speech:
"Welcome to the Academy of Magic, students. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your journey. For some, it's the first step into the world of magic; for others, it's the continuation of a quest for mastery. Regardless of where you stand, remember this: the power you wield is not merely a gift, but a responsibility.
Magic is an art, a science, and a weapon. How you use it is entirely up to you. But remember, true strength lies not in destruction, but in creation. In the ability to protect those who are weaker.
Ahead of you are trials, both physical and moral. Your resolve, character, and willpower will be tested. Do not fear mistakes; they teach us more than success ever could. Remember, greatness is born not in solitude, but in friendship, in the ability to work as a team and support one another.
As the leader of this country and as your peer, I believe in every one of you. Each of you has the potential to become a great mage, but it's up to you to decide what kind of mage you'll become.
Remember, your actions today will shape not only your future but the future of our world. Let your hearts be filled with determination, your minds with a thirst for knowledge, and your souls with a yearning for justice.
Good luck, students. May the light of magic guide you to great achievements."
The entire hall erupted into applause.
"Now, I'll explain how the exams will proceed," Kimi began. "First, you'll be divided into first-years, second-years, and third-years. Each of you will take three exams: a mental test, a practical test, and a mana capacity test. Based on the results, you'll be assigned to classes: A, B, C, or D. Any questions?"
"How will the practical test be conducted?" someone asked from the crowd.
"You'll need to hit a target from a distance with your strongest spell. Detailed information can be found on the notice board near the school. Any other questions?"
There were no further questions, and Kimi bowed before leaving. Everyone applauded her.
"Looks straightforward enough. Good thing Tasu and I registered for admission two days ago, otherwise we'd be stuck in a long line," I thought.
We stepped outside, where a board displayed the exam venues and the teachers who would be supervising us. We approached our teacher.
"Let me introduce myself," the teacher said. "My name is Rin Tosukawa. I'll be teaching you theory."
"Hope we get along!"
"Yes!" everyone replied.
She looked strong. We headed to the first exam.
In a large room, a massive cube hovered in the center, measuring mana levels. The previous students' results ranged between one thousand and five thousand. None of the first-years had scored above ten thousand.
Kimi approached us.
"Hello, everyone!" she said. Shocked gasps were heard all around, and everyone bowed their heads except Tasu and me.
"No need for such formalities. I'll be studying in your class. Hope we get along!"
"Yes, of course," everyone replied in unison.
"The ruler will study with us?"
"She must be incredibly strong!"
"And a beauty to top it off!"
"Shh... She's our ruler!" students whispered.
"Alright, my turn," Shiari said, stepping up to the cube.
The teacher observed and recorded the results.
"9350."
It was a high score, and everyone around was surprised.
"Now me," Kimi said, stepping up to the cube.
"12200."
"The first person to score above ten thousand," I thought.
"Akusa, you go first," Tasu suggested.
"Alright..."
Kimi stared at me in surprise, thinking, "He's so handsome... No! No! What am I even thinking?!" She blushed.
"13700," the result echoed.
"No! Get rid of these silly thoughts! What's wrong with me?!"
"Akusa, you're strong," the teacher said.
"Not really..."
"Now it's my turn," Tasu said.
"14400."
"You've gotten stronger," I noted.
"They're truly capable. Definitely destined for Class 1-A," Rin thought.