The front entry to the prestigious Celera Magic Institute was filled with eager applicants, waiting in line to enter the grounds. Celera Institute ranked just below the unmatched Arens Institute which was closed to all but the most gifted or well-connected in the realm. For anyone who aspired to be successful, obtaining entry was the gateway to not just a good life but a great life.

  Arnos got to the front of the line, presented his paperwork, and was ushered past. He was given scornful glances, and even heard the muttering of "commoner" said just loud enough to be heard. And he was one. A commoner amongst the noble, the rich. Out of place. However, he had fulfilled his ambition.. Through his sweat, blood, tireless nights of study, Arnos had made it.

  He let out a quiet sigh of satisfaction, taking his first steps on the sprawling campus. Everything around him seemed designed to show off the academy's wealth and status. Celera Magic Institute stretched across over one thousand acres of well-kept grounds, featuring vast training fields, clear fountains, and herb gardens filled with rare magical plants, each carefully maintained. Ahead stood the main building, a symbol of the kingdom's history and power. Made of dark volcanic stone, it had a wide terrace and two tall spiral pillars which pointed skyward, as if intending to invade the heavens. It was rumored, and substantiated by ancient historical texts, that these ancient, enchanted pillars were said to repel intruders with powerful protective magic.

  The school grounds were enclosed by a towering four-meter-high wall constructed from black-grey stone. This formidable structure had only one opening in the east, marked by a tall, imposing iron gate painted pitch black.

  Moving inside the gate, Arnos came across the massive building of Celera Magic Institute. The main building had two points of entrance or exit, used by students and staff to commute between the building and the ground. These were situated in the east and west, though neither point was fitted with a gate.

  As one of the kingdom's most respected magic schools, Celera enjoyed the favor of the royal family and noble houses. These wealthy patrons heavily funded the academy, ensuring their children had access to the best education, resources, and security. They spared no expense to create an environment that gave their heirs every possible advantage.

  Looking around, Arnos saw groups of students heading toward the main building, chatting and laughing with ease. It was clear that many of these nobles had known each other long before arriving, attending banquets and private events together. Even on the first day, they naturally grouped with others of similar status.

  Scanning the crowd, Arnos saw that most of his peers came from powerful families, their outfit tailored perfectly and decorated with subtle signs of their wealth. For commoners like him, getting accepted into Celera was a rare feat - only one or two non-nobles were admitted each year. They not only had to compete with other commoners, but also with nobles trying to claim the same spots. Those few who managed to enter were often treated with disdain or at best ignored.

  But Arnos wasn't bothered. He already knew about the academy's social hierarchy. The elite rarely associated with those they deemed beneath them, and he planned to focus on his studies and avoid drawing attention. If they ignored him, that was fine by him.

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  Entering the main building Arnos stepped into a grand hall. The polished white marble floors and ornate chandeliers gave the space a warm glow. He looked up to see intricate carvings on the walls, each telling a story from the academy's past. He paused for a moment, appreciating the beauty around him.

  His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp voice filled with arrogance. "Oh, really? Another commoner amazed by the decor? Step aside if all you're going to do is gawk."

  Arnos turned to see a young woman approaching. Her finely embroidered outfit spoke of wealth and sophistication. Her long, perfectly styled blonde hair flowed over her shoulders, and just behind her stood a butler, his every movement showing the precision of someone trained to serve nobility.

  Realizing he was in her way, Arnos moved aside, wondering, Are butlers even allowed here? But his curiosity was cut short when another voice called out, "Princess Emily!"

  A young man with jet-black hair and sharp eyes approached, his confident stride drawing attention. His charming smile was aimed at the blonde-haired girl Princess Emily.

  "We've been waiting for you, Princess Emily," he said warmly. "I trust your journey was pleasant?"

  Emily's eyes flicked to Arnos with clear disdain. "It was," she replied with a dismissive smile, "though I did have to deal with a small insect." Her gaze lingered on Arnos, making it clear she was referring to him.

  Arnos met her gaze without flinching, keeping his face neutral while thinking, if she's going to rule the kingdom someday, commoners sure are in trouble. But that's not my concern. Better to stay away from her.

  He started to slip away quietly, hoping to avoid further attention, but a voice stopped him.

  "And where do you think you're going?"

  Turning, he found Emily's cyan eyes locked on him, her expression mocking.

  "I was just excusing myself, Your Highness," Arnos said evenly, keeping his tone polite. "I wouldn't dream of imposing on someone of your status."

  He thought to himself, nobles love their egos, a little flattery might keep her satisfied.

  A smirk appeared on her face. "At least you know your place," she said. "Maybe you should drop out now and apply for a more suitable job like tending my dogs.That seems fitting for someone like you."

  Arnos felt a twinge of irritation but kept his face calm. Is she serious? he wondered. Then, with a polite bow, he replied, "I'm not skilled in animal husbandry, Your Highness. I'd hate to cause trouble for your pets. Perhaps fighting goblins as a lowly adventurer would suit me better."

  A small crowd had gathered by now, whispering and chuckling at the exchange.

  One girl muttered, "He does look like someone suitable to take care of animals."

  Another chimed in, "Perhaps he should be my butler instead. He seems to know how to behave, wouldn't you agree? Maybe, if he grovels, I might even consider letting him." They laughed mockingly.

  A boy in the crowd commented, "Though his appearance doesn't quite suit a butler, perhaps a maid instead."

  The comments only seemed to amuse Emily more. She laughed softly, fanning herself. "A lowly adventurer? How fitting! Even goblins might not like your company.

  Arnos forced a polite smile, though his patience was wearing thin. Oh, I'd prefer their company over hers any day, he thought.

  Out loud, he said calmly, "That may be true, your Highness. Still, I plan to make the most of my time here, even if I'm at the bottom of the class. Being last at Celera is better than leading anywhere else."

  Emily looked down at Arnos for one last time and with that, she turned away, clearly bored with the conversation. The crowd began to disperse, some laughing, others giving Arnos pitying glances.

  As the hall emptied, Arnos exhaled, his expression steady. He thought to himself, if she ever becomes queen, this kingdom is doomed.