"Go and get a Qi measurer immediately," said the professor, massaging her temples in astonishment.
An assistant rushed over and began measuring Loki’s internal energy. The assistant’s eyes widened, hands trembling as they held the device.
"It… it’s true… this boy has no internal energy!"
Some professors burst out laughing, others were speechless, unable to believe what they saw. I watched them carefully.
"Well, even if the measurer didn’t work, there’s not much to do," said the professor, resigned.
"Do you have anything else to show us?"
"Yes, I have an ocular ability. It allows me to read the movements of objects and people."
A commoner with an ocular ability? How strange, thought a scruffy-looking professor.
"Very well, let’s test it immediately."
At her words, dozens of fireballs appeared in the hall, all aimed at me. I activated my ability:my eyes gradually turned from white to red , and I began to anticipate the projectiles trajectories.
The fireballs hissed around me, blazing and unpredictable. Every movement was a projectile I had to foresee. One came dangerously close… instinctively, I created an electric spark that pushed me aside, narrowly avoiding it.
Silence fell over the hall.
"Good. Now we will give the results. You are admitted in my opinion."
"Absolutely inadequate," another professor scoffed, clenching his hands.
"I will not admit a commoner without internal energy," said a third, arrogantly.
"Interesting… you are admitted," added another, gazing at me with a slightly strange expression.
"For me, it’s a no," concluded a fifth professor.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
I stared the last professor in the eyes, showing no fear.
"Admitted. But you will have to prove whether my judgment was correct about you."
"Thank you. I will do my best," I said, bowing respectfully. Then I turned and left, amid murmurs and protests from the professors.
Two hours passed with corrections, discussions, and notes, until the test results were ready and posted in the academy’s central hall.
I wonder where I stand…
--Theoretical Magic and General Qi Exam--
1st: Cedric Whitmore
2nd: Kael Shadehart
3rd: Clara Lamiel
4th: Leon Hartwell
5th: Selena Goldwyn
…
433rd: Loki
Students crowded around the board, some whispering, others shaking their heads in disbelief.
"Not bad… Cedric is first," someone whispered.
"And the one without internal energy… 433rd? I thought it would be worse," muttered another.
Here I am… could have been worse, I suppose.
But I was more curious about the practical exam…
Let’s see…
--Practical Combat Exam--
1st: Kael Shadehart
2nd: Clara Lamiel
3rd: Cecilia Ashrynn
4th: Leon Hartwell
5th: Cassian Valerius
…
613th: Loki
Some students laughed softly, others sighed.
"Hey… that’s the one with no internal energy, but at least he can defend himself?" someone muttered, observing me from afar.
"Haha, one of the last… poor guy," added another with an ironic smile.
I ignored them and studied my position with a puzzled expression. Then I understood why… but being so low wasn’t necessarily bad. It could be useful. No one would suspect. I could improve in secret and gather information.
But for today, I should get some sleep.
As I headed to the reception to ask about the dormitories, I felt a strange tension and turned sharply.
Mm… it must have been my imagination, I thought, resuming my walk.
A professor emerged laughing from the spot where I had looked.
"More and more interesting…"
Asking an assistant for information, I learned there were three dormitories: Clarion, Astra, and finally Lux.
They were divided not by year, but by merit—everything depended on your position in both practical and theoretical rankings. I naturally entered the dormitory for those at the bottom of the ranking and finally arrived in my room.
A simple room, with a white bed, a small desk, a simple bathroom, and a window with a view of the magnificent garden. Although it was the least luxurious of the three dormitories, it was still a fine room. Definitely better than the one I had before in the slums.
I lay down on the bed. Finally, some peace after this exhausting day.
Or so I thought…
*Knock, knock*
A gentle knock at the door made me start.
"Excuse me, Mr. Loki, I wanted to let you know there will be a welcome party at 8 PM, and everyone is required to attend," said a distant, cold female voice, probably a maid.
Her footsteps echoed as she walked away.
Well, it’s 4 PM… I guess I can rest a bit…
I thought this and immediately fell asleep.
I opened my eyes with difficulty. Feeling dizzy and disoriented, I checked the clock… my eyes widened… --7:45 PM--
Damn… why does it always end up like this?
