Ansel finally arrived at Valeon Academy, the grand institution that stood like a fortress of magic and swordsmanship.
Walking through its towering gates, he could hardly believe he had made it this far.
However, reality hit him hard — he noticed he had been assigned to Class F, the lowest-ranked class in the Academy.
Around him, well-dressed noble children laughed and chatted in groups, occasionally throwing sneering glances at the "common-looking" students like him.
At the highest balcony overlooking the grounds, Principal Xavier Dragonheart stood silently, observing the sea of new students.
A legend in Celestria, Xavier was known as the strongest mage and swordsman in the continent.
An old man with long silver hair, a heavy beard, sharp golden eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat, he wore a long coat over battle-worn robes, and a sword hung lazily by his side.
Beside him stood Professor Camila Giovani, an elegant woman with striking green eyes, long golden hair tied neatly back, and a staff engraved with countless runes resting against her shoulder.
She was one of the finest mages of Valeon.
Xavier's eyes scanned the students.
"Hmph... So these are the sprouts who dared to step into my Academy," he muttered with mild amusement.
"They're all five years old, yet look so determined. Not bad."
Professor Camila smiled slightly. "This batch seems promising. I even heard that the third princess of the Valoria Empire has enrolled this year, along with the second son of the Asura Clan, famed for their swordsmanship."
Xavier let out a small laugh.
"Interesting. It'll be fun watching these seeds grow for the next twelve years."
As Xavier continued scanning the crowd, his gaze paused.
There, among the other students, stood Ansel — small, quiet, and seemingly fragile.
Xavier narrowed his eyes. "Huh? I don't feel anything from that one," he said.
Professor Camila followed his gaze, frowning.
She grunted, a sound of clear disapproval.
"Tch... He has no mana at all. What is a pathetic student like that doing here?"
Xavier grunted back, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Ah... I remember now. He's the bastard child of the Greenal family."
Camila crossed her arms, her lip curling in distaste.
"The prestigious Greenals? Impossible."
"It's true," Xavier replied.
"Count Veron Greenal asked me personally. Said the boy would not use the Greenal name here. Instead, he's enrolled under his mother's surname — Nighthawk."
Camila snorted, unimpressed.
"Hmph. Without mana, he's worthless. Why bother?"
Xavier shrugged lazily. "Apparently, the Count thought giving him a chance was enough — since some of his blood runs through him."
"How noble," Camila said with a hint of sarcasm.
Xavier turned to her.
"Go inform the teachers. We'll greet the students officially in the Grand Hall."
"As you wish, Principal," Camila said with a respectful nod, before leaving.
Xavier's gaze returned to Ansel.
He scoffed at first — but then something strange happened.
For a fleeting moment, as Ansel looked up at the Academy's towering banners, his purple eyes gleamed — deep, endless, and terrifying.
Xavier stiffened.
What is this feeling? he thought, heart pounding.
Why do I suddenly feel... unwell?
He shook his head.
Perhaps I'm just overworking myself, he told himself, but the unease lingered.
Far below, unaware of the powerful eyes upon him, Ansel quietly promised himself:
I will endure. I will rise. Even if the world itself tries to crush me.
The true path was about to begin.