Introduction

  A lady walked through the woods, picking various flowers, plants, and leaves. She moved with purpose, her experienced hands deftly collecting the needed ingredients. As she pushed through the dense brush and trees, she noticed a massive tree with sprawling branches that seemed to stretch endlessly. Curious, she approached it, but as she neared the tree, a sudden sound shattered the serenity: the unmistakable cry of a baby. Her heart raced as she hurried closer, scanning the roots of the enormous tree until she found the source of the sound.

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  As the sun rose over the horizon, its warm rays filtered through the small, humble room where Myuk lay wide awake. He had been waiting for this moment. "TODAY IS THE DAY!" he yelled, leaping out of bed with boundless energy. However, his enthusiasm betrayed him, and his head collided with the low ceiling. "Ow!" he groaned, clutching his head as he crumpled to the floor.

  From outside the door, a sharp voice rang out. "ARE YOU TRYING TO DESTROY MY HOUSE?!"

  The door swung open to reveal an elderly woman, her short white hair framing a face lined with wisdom and a hint of exasperation. She carried a spatula and glared at the boy on the floor. "How often have I told you not to jump out of bed like that?"

  She was Sylvara, Myuk's grandmother and caretaker. A herbalist who lived in the slums, she was known for her sharp tongue but carried a deep love for her grandson.

  Myuk rolled over, grinning sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Grandma. I was just too excited."

  Sylvara's eyes bulged as she pointed toward the ceiling. "THEN EXPLAIN THAT HOLE!"

  Myuk followed her gaze, and his heart sank as he noticed a significant dent. "There's a hole?!" he cried, tears welling up in his mismatched eyes—one red and the other white. He dropped to his knees, bowing repeatedly. "I'm so sorry, Grandma!"

  Sylvara sighed, shaking her head. "I'll forgive you, but only if you pass your entrance exam today."

  Her words snapped Myuk out of his apology. His head shot up, his eyes wide with determination. Sylvara smirked, turning her back to him. "Clean this room! I don't want a messy house!" she barked, her voice softened by a small smile as she closed the door behind her.

  With newfound resolve, Myuk got to work. He tidied every corner of his room, wiping the dust from his bed and cleaning up the debris from the ceiling. Once satisfied, he went to his modest wardrobe and selected his favorite outfit: a white shirt, a black jacket, black shorts, black socks, and red shoes. Though inexpensive, the outfit was precious to him because Sylvara had worked tirelessly to afford it. He adjusted the fabric in front of the mirror, his fingers lingering on the material before he grabbed his backpack and packed a spare change of clothes.

  Before leaving, Myuk stood at the door, glancing back at his small room. Memories flooded his mind: his first night trembling in fear during a thunderstorm, comforted by Sylvara; long hours spent practicing elemental magic; and dreams of one day leaving the slums. With a deep breath, he closed the door, ready to face the challenges ahead.

  Downstairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted him. Sylvara was at the stove, her hands busy with a frying pan. Myuk sat at the table, eagerly devouring the food she had already set out for him.

  "Are you prepared?" she asked without turning around.

  "Definitely! I've been practicing since I was ten," Myuk mumbled through a mouthful of food.

  A piece of toast flew through the air, hitting him squarely on the forehead. "DON'T TALK WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL!" Sylvara scolded, though a faint chuckle escaped her lips.

  Myuk rubbed his head, laughing as he picked up the toast. "I'm sorry, Grandma." He resumed eating, more carefully this time.

  Sylvara's tone softened. "You know most noble children begin training at five. It's my fault you started so late."

  Before she could say more, Myuk rose from his seat and wrapped his arms around her. "You've done more than enough, Grandma. Everything I am, I owe to you." He kissed her on the forehead. "Now it's up to me."

  Sylvara's lips curved into a gentle smile, though her eyes held a trace of sadness. Before she could respond, the front door burst open, flooding the room with sunlight.

  "MYUK, IT'S TIME!" a booming voice declared.

  A tall figure stepped into the room, blocking the light. It was a young man with golden hair, vibrant green eyes, and a grin as wide as the horizon. Standing six feet tall and firm, he wore a white shirt, a brown tailcoat, long black pants, and brown boots. Garrick Terranor—Myuk's closest friend—had arrived.

  Flashback

  Garrick and Myuk first met on a fateful day when they were children. Myuk, then ten years old, had accompanied Sylvara into the wilderness as she gathered herbs, leaves, and flowers to create her remedies. As Sylvara bent down to inspect a patch of rare plants, Myuk wandered off, his curiosity leading him deeper into the dense brush.

  He stumbled upon a boy his age, standing in a clearing with his hands stretched out, chanting. The boy's golden hair caught the sunlight, giving him an almost otherworldly glow. Myuk froze, watching in awe as the boy called forth a massive stone, nearly his size, from the ground.

  Unable to resist getting a closer look, Myuk crept forward, careful not to disturb the scene. However, his clumsiness betrayed him, and he tripped over a root, tumbling into the clearing with an audible thud.

  Startled, the boy turned, his green eyes wide with surprise before they softened into amusement. "Are you okay?" he asked, offering a hand to help Myuk up.

  Myuk rubbed his head, embarrassed. "I think so. Was that… magic?"

  The boy's expression shifted to curiosity. "Have you never tried magic before?"

  Myuk shook his head, his awe apparent as he looked at the remnants of the summoned stone. The boy smiled and resumed chanting, summoning smaller stones that floated and swirled gracefully in the air. Myuk's eyes lit up as he watched the stones dance, captivated by the display.

  Their moment of discovery was interrupted by a regal woman's voice. Emerging from the forest, she wore a white gown adorned with golden embroidery and a silver crown that marked her status. Her stern gaze locked onto the boy. "I've told you about wandering off to train. And now you've brought a commoner? Are the boys in the palace not sufficient company?"

  The boy frowned, pulling his hand free from hers and stepping in front of Myuk protectively. "This boy is my friend. Please don't speak badly of him."

  The woman sneered, her eyes flickering to Myuk, who stood frozen in place, his gaze fixed on the ground. Before the tension could escalate further, Sylvara's voice rang out from the brush. "Myuk! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

  She burst into the clearing, her face a mix of relief and exasperation. As she inspected Myuk for injuries, the regal woman's demeanor changed instantly. "Sylvara? Is this your boy?"

  Sylvara straightened, her tone polite but firm. "Yes, Lady Morvanna."

  Recognition dawned on Lady Morvanna's face, and she softened, bowing her head slightly toward Myuk. "My apologies for my earlier behavior. I would be honored if your boy could be friends with mine."

  Garrick's face lit up as he extended a hand toward Myuk. "The name's Garrick. Garrick Terranor."

  Myuk hesitated for a moment before taking the hand. "My name's Myuk," he said with a shy smile

  As their hands shook, a bell chimed in the distance. Lady Morvanna placed a hand on Garrick's shoulder. "We must go. It's almost dinner time. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Sylvara."

  "The pleasure was all mine, Lady Morvanna," Sylvara replied with a respectful bow.

  As Lady Morvanna and Garrick walked away, disappearing into the brush, Myuk felt Sylvara's hand on his shoulder. They began their journey back home, but Myuk glanced over his shoulder one last time. Garrick turned back, smiling and waving. Encouraged, Myuk waved back, his earlier unease replaced with a sense of belonging.

  When they returned home, Myuk stopped at the door, gazing at the sky. "I want to learn magic," he declared.

  Sylvara smiled, placing a gentle hand on his back. "Well, let's get you some books."

  From that day forward, Garrick visited often, teaching Myuk what he could about the world of magic. The two became inseparable, practicing and studying together late into the night, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

  Present Day

  As Garrick stood in the doorway, a frying pan flew through the air and smacked him squarely on the head, sending him reeling back into the wall. "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO KNOCK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON?" Grandma Sylvara bellowed, still holding her throwing stance. Garrick, clutching his head, slowly slid to the ground.

  After a few moments, he managed to sit up, bowing in apology. "I'm sorry, Grandma Sylvara! I'll knock next time!"

  Meanwhile, Myuk tried to tiptoe away from the chaos, hoping to avoid Garrick's punishment. However, Sylvara's sharp glare caught him mid-step. "And where do you think you're going? He is your friend, and you should have instructed him better," she scolded.

  Myuk sighed and joined Garrick on the floor, bowing beside him. Seeing the two boys kneeling side by side softened Sylvara's expression. "What am I going to do with you two? You'll both be troublemakers at the academy," she said, though her voice carried more concern than frustration.

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  Garrick glanced up, his usual grin returning despite the growing lump on his head. "My older brother is there. He'll take care of us."

  Sylvara sighed, her stern demeanor easing a little. "Well, as long as you two don't cause too much trouble, I suppose that's good enough."

  The boys straightened up, exchanging relieved smiles before bursting into laughter. After a few moments, Garrick moved to examine the door he had so unceremoniously slammed open, ensuring it was still functioning correctly. While preoccupied, Myuk turned to Sylvara, his expression serious.

  "Here," Sylvara said, handing him a food container filled with snacks. "I packed you a lunch with a few extras."

  Myuk took the container and smiled as he tucked it into his backpack. But as he stared down, a single tear slipped down his cheek. Sylvara gently wiped it away. "There's no need for tears. There comes a time when every child must leave the nest to do greater things. If you want this, promise me you'll give it your all. Be the best at it."

  Myuk looked up, his eyes shimmering with emotion. "I promise, Grandma." He hugged her tight, savoring the warmth and love she had given him throughout his life.

  As they separated, Sylvara smiled, her eyes betraying a hint of sadness. Garrick, now waiting outside, leaned casually against the wall. He waved as Myuk stepped out the door.

  "Thank you, Grandma," Myuk said one last time, waving back as he followed Garrick. Together, they began their journey.

  Sylvara watched them disappear into the distance, her smile fading as she looked down at her hands. As she turned back inside, her gaze fell upon a locked chest in the corner of the living room. "The time will come when you'll be back here for that," she murmured. "And I pray you'll forgive me for not telling you sooner."

  The Journey to the Academy

  As Myuk chased after Garrick, they left the familiar sights of the slums behind and ventured toward the bustling inner town. The magic academy lay on the far side of the city, a destination that felt both thrilling and daunting.

  Garrick's toned physique and fondness for training gave him an edge as he sprinted ahead, using a touch of magical enhancement to increase his speed. Myuk, on the other hand, struggled to keep up. His magical aptitude was not as developed, making the journey more of a challenge.

  As they weaved through the crowded market, a flyer from a nearby shop fluttered into Myuk's face, obscuring his vision. He yanked it away, only to crash headlong into someone.

  Both tumbled to the ground, books and materials scattering across the cobblestones. Myuk scrambled to his feet, his face red with embarrassment as he hurried to help the woman he had collided with. "Are you hurt? I'm so sorry! There was a paper that flew in my face, and…"

  The woman laughed softly, adjusting her glasses. "It's quite all right. I'm unharmed," she assured him. "But you should hurry. Your friend seems to be leaving you behind."

  Standing a little taller than Myuk, the woman exuded a calm presence. She wore a white mage's robe adorned with intricate golden designs. Her long brown hair framed a face with bright hazelnut eyes that glimmered with kindness and wisdom.

  Myuk's gaze fell on one of the books he had picked up. The title read The Past, Present, and Future of Magic by Professor Eryn Faelwyn. Stunned, Myuk handed the book back and her other belongings, bowing deeply.

  "Thank you," she said with a smile before continuing.

  As Myuk ran to catch up with Garrick, the woman adjusted her glasses and glanced back at him briefly, thoughtfully. Then, with a faint smile, she continued onward.

  After 15 minutes, they both arrived at the entrance of Nysteria Magic Academy. The gates were grand, flanked by intricate stone carvings of legendary mages. Beyond the gates, a vast courtyard teeming with students, almost all wearing uniforms similar to Garrick's. However, the colors of their outfits varied, representing their respective houses: orange for House Ignis, known for their specializing in Flames; blue for House Thalor, known for specializing in Water; brown for House Terranor, for specializing in stone; green for House Zephyris, for specializing in Wind, and yellow for House Voltaris for specializing in Lightning.

  As they stood amidst the bustling crowd, Garrick looked around, his eyes wide. "There sure are a lot of students trying to take the entrance exam this year," he remarked, his voice tinged with excitement.

  Myuk adjusted the straps of his backpack. "Of course. It's the most prestigious school in all of Illysteria," he replied, his tone steady but filled with awe.

  Just as Myuk began to step forward, someone bumped into him from behind, causing him to stumble. Regaining his footing, he turned to see a girl in a blue uniform glaring down at him.

  "Look what the cat dragged in," she sneered. Her long black hair flowed down her back, and her dark eyes gleamed with malice. Two other girls flanked her, laughing as they noticed Myuk's appearance.

  "A commoner is trying to get into Nysteria?" one of them said, her voice dripping with mockery.

  The other added, "They should have told him what happened to the last commoner who dared to step out of place here."

  The girl in the middle, clearly the leader, chuckled. "Pathetic," she said, her voice loud enough to draw a few glances from nearby students. But her amusement was short-lived as Garrick stepped forward, his arms crossed and expression firm.

  "Don't you think that's enough, Selena?" he said, calm but authoritative.

  Selena's sneer turned into a glare as she locked eyes with Garrick. "You're no better than this filth, hanging out with him. I'm sure your family is sickened by you," she spat, her words biting.

  Despite the harsh words, Myuk kept his gaze steady, calm, and resolute. Myuk's lack of expression only seemed to anger Selena more. With a huff, she turned on her heel. "Come on," she said to her companions. "We need to get good seats for the exam."

  As the three girls walked away, their laughter and whispers lingered. Garrick glanced back at Myuk, half-expecting his friend to look dejected. But to his surprise, Myuk's face remained determined, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

  Garrick let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "How far did you get in your training?" he asked, hoping to shift the mood.

  Myuk looked down briefly. "I'm still at the edge of Lower Tier 1," he admitted. "I've been trying to break through to Middle Tier 1, but it's been tough."

  Garrick frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. "You're still stuck at Lower Tier 1?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he clapped Myuk on the back, nearly knocking him off balance. "Don't worry! You'll get there during the exam. Guess what tier I'm at now."

  Myuk steadied himself and glanced up at Garrick, taking in his confident grin. "No clue," he said honestly.

  Garrick flexed his arms dramatically. "I just broke through to Upper Tier 1!"

  Myuk's eyes widened in amazement. "WOAH! Upper Tier 1? You're almost at Top Tier 1!"

  Garrick rubbed his nose, clearly enjoying the praise. "Almost," he said with a grin.

  Entrance Exam

  As they reached the auditorium, they found seats isolated from the larger groups of students. The room was magnificent, with a high, vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate magical runes that glowed faintly. A large projector crystal hovered near the front, ready to display lessons. The wooden stage has been polished to a shine, with a podium and a microphone standing prominently in the center.

  Myuk couldn't help but notice Selena and her entourage a few rows ahead, whispering and chuckling. He chose to ignore them, focusing instead on the grandeur of the auditorium.

  After a few minutes, the doors closed with a soft thud, and the lights dimmed. A single spotlight illuminated the stage as a man approached the podium. He wore a lavish, tailored suit, his white hair perfectly styled, and his sharp red eyes scanned the room with authority.

  "Welcome," he began, his voice resonating through the auditorium. "I am Dr. Tharion Elcairn, Dean of Nysteria Magic Academy."

  The room fell silent as the spotlight illuminated the stage, and Dr. Tharion Elcairn stepped up to the podium. His tailored suit was immaculate, and his piercing red eyes scanned the crowd with an air of authority.

  "I would first like to formally welcome you," he began, his voice resonating through the grand auditorium. "Each of you has worked extremely hard to get to this point, so do not think your efforts are in vain if you fail. This school was raised on the foundation of teaching the next generation to be the leaders of tomorrow. To stop the wars of tomorrow and to lead us to a better future—that is what we strive to uphold."

  The room remained enraptured as he continued. "This academy has stood for over 1,000 years, even before the Revenant's Rebellion. We aim to learn from past mistakes and improve so nothing of that nature can ever happen again."

  He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before shifting gears. "Now, without further ado, I will explain the rules of the entrance exam. The entrance exam is simple. You will wait here until your name is called. The crystal projection will show an image of you if you do not hear your name. You will then proceed up the side steps on the stage and go behind the curtain, where you will be judged by myself and two other instructors."

  The students sat in rapt attention as he outlined the process. "You will be given two options: the practical examination or the demonstration. The practical examination involves answering five questions covering any subjects taught here. The subjects include Mana Theory and Application, Combat Magic and Dueling, Healing and Restoration, and Magic History. To pass, you must answer four out of five questions correctly."

  Dr. Elcairn's gaze sharpened as he spoke of the second option. "For the demonstration, you will perform a spell that we deem worthy of acceptance into the academy. A sound and magic barrier has been cast behind the curtain, ensuring no sound or magic escapes. Once you have completed the exam, you will proceed through one of two doors: the green door signifies a pass, and the red door signifies a failure. If you fail, you may apply again for the entrance exam next year."

  His voice grew stern as he delivered his final point. "Finally, if you attempt to harm the judges or threaten anyone while here, you will be banned from accessing this school or any other institution permanently. Do I make myself clear?"

  The students shouted in unison, "YES, SIR!"

  Dr. Elcairn's expression softened slightly. "Good. Now, without further delay, let us begin."

  He stepped aside, disappearing behind the curtain as the room filled with nervous murmurs. After a few seconds, a name echoed over the speakers, accompanied by an image displayed on the crystal projection. A student gulped audibly before rising and walking toward the stage, their steps heavy with apprehension.

  Names were called one by one, and students disappeared behind the curtain, each facing their moment of truth.

  After 8 minutes, another student's name was called, and his picture appeared on the crystal projection. He stood, adjusted his robes nervously, and proceeded up the stairs to disappear behind the curtain. One by one, students were called. The minutes stretched into hours.

  Finally, a name Myuk recognized rang out across the room. "Selena Thalor." Her image appeared on the crystal screen. Selena rose from her seat, her movements confident and precise. She paused and turned her head slightly.

  "Make sure you get yourself expelled," she said with a venomous smile. "I would hate to see you attempt this again next year."

  Her words stung, but Myuk refused to let them break his focus. He clenched his fists as Selena walked up the stairs, her blue uniform shimmering under the auditorium lights. She disappeared behind the curtain, and the students waited in tense silence for the next ten minutes.

  The next name called was one Myuk knew all too well: "Garrick Terranor." Garrick's picture appeared, his confident smile radiating from the projection crystal. He stood up, giving Myuk a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

  "See you on the other side," Garrick said, his tone brimming with optimism.

  Myuk watched his friend stride toward the stage with unwavering confidence. As Garrick disappeared behind the curtain, Myuk couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

  Another hour passed as more students were called. Some walked forward eagerly; others hesitated. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, speculation and whispers filling the air. Finally, the voice from the speakers rang out again.

  "Myuk Arcanis."

  His picture flashed on the crystal projection, and Myuk's heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and stood up. As he descended the stairs, whispers reached his ears.

  "A commoner? I hope he doesn't make it."

  "Just what we need—another Nymuka disaster."

  "I hope they expel him for good."

  The words were like daggers, but Myuk kept his eyes forward, his resolve unshaken. He climbed the stairs, his mismatched eyes focused on the curtain ahead. Pushing through, he stepped into a massive room.

  Three instructors sat at a long table at the far end. To the left sat Dr. Tharion Elcairn, the Dean's piercing red eyes watching Myuk closely. In the middle was a muscular man clad in heavy armor adorned with silver and gold lion motifs. His stern expression softened as he leaned forward, a hearty laugh escaping his lips.

  "A commoner has joined the entrance exam," he said, his voice booming. "I can't wait to see what you've got."

  On the right sat a woman in pristine white mage's robes with intricate golden embroidery. Her long brown hair framed her face, and her bright hazelnut eyes gleamed behind delicate glasses. Myuk couldn't shake the feeling he'd seen her before but couldn't place where.

  Dr. Elcairn's voice cut through his thoughts. "How shall you proceed? Practical or demonstration?"

  Myuk hesitated, his mind racing. He was confident in his theoretical knowledge but felt the weight of proving himself through action. Hoping for a breakthrough to push him to Middle Tier 1, he straightened his posture and met the Dean's gaze.

  "Demonstration," he said firmly.