Chapter 22: It’s time for the practical evaluation
Little by little, several young people entered, among them nobles and commoners. About an hour later, around fifty admitted students had gathered in the amphitheater. That’s when an elf with an overwhelming aura—surpassing even that of a Level 7 Swordmaster—entered the room and ascended the stage. It was the Dean.
"A few decades ago, it was unthinkable for a commoner to reach heights such as Archmage, Swordmaster, Inquisitor, Scrutator, or even to attain Rank A or S as an adventurer. But thanks to His Holiness, supported by the noble families, it was decided to found an institution that ignores social or economic status, favoring instead the potential for progress of its students. Believe me, the hour is grave. I won’t go into details, but the Saint of Prudence warns us that we have less than ten years before darkness engulfs the world. Only the strongest and most ruthless will survive... and restore the light of Luciel."
"A rather shocking introduction, isn’t it?" remarked the Dean with a slight smile, observing the stunned expressions of the new students. "Welcome, everyone. I am Merlin Lheim,"
The Dean was an elderly woman with long white hair. Yet, despite her appearance, her aura radiated extraordinary vitality.
"I am pleased to see that this year counts several exceptional cases among our students. I am here to explain the rules for the next three years. First, as you can see, the Martial Arts and Mage Sections are separate—with the exception of the Practical Methodical Skills course. Second, as I have already mentioned, this institution values potential rather than social status. Therefore, any wealth or external influence you possess is of no importance here. The academy provides nothing—except housing. You will have to earn it, as well as much more, through a ranking and merit point system. Each trimester, you will be evaluated on both theory and practice. For example, we might organize a tournament to determine your ranking—from first to last. The best will receive hundreds of merit points, luxurious manors with servants, and privileges like free access to teleportation gates. As for those at the bottom of the ranking... let’s just say they’ll have to settle for miserable conditions or simply drop out."
"Points are not just for buying food. Here, you can get anything—from a simple dessert for 5 points to resources needed to level up... or even Rank A artifacts. As you can see, nothing is free. Potential and power are kings at A.L.L. Finally, as with all new students during their first trimester, an initial evaluation will take place. This allows us to assess your basic abilities and, of course, attract the attention of a faction."
"In ten minutes, the evaluation will begin. BE THE SHINING STAR OF YOUR GENERATION AND HELP US EXTERMINATE EVIL!" With these words, Merlin left the stage, leaving the students to digest this information.
Once the Dean had left, the amphitheater filled with noise. The commoners, confident in their potential, applauded and vowed to prove themselves. As for the noble students, still naive, who had imagined the academy would be easy, relying on their family’s influence rather than their own work—they wore dark expressions. Some even protested to the already departed Dean, their despair betraying their psychological distress.
That’s when one realizes that even though factions were essentially absent from Merlin’s speech, they remained the central point. No need to have merit points when you’re part of the main members of a major faction.
"Damn, our years here are going to be super intense," Morgan muttered thoughtfully.
"I’m far too talented to worry about that kind of thing," Eden replied, half-asleep.