And here I am, at the most prestigious academy in the human world: Aeternum Academy.

  At last, I can begin working toward my goal…

  The towering gates rose before me, ready to welcome this year’s new students. Every applicant had to pass the entrance exam, and I was the last one to step into the hall.

  Without wasting time, I walked inside and headed toward the first of the two trials: the written exam on magic theory and general Qi studies.

  All eyes were on the new recruits.

  Not that anyone would notice me.

  Once seated, the exam began.

  I scanned the questions carefully, answering with confidence.

  Or at least, I thought I was.

  The questions kept getting harder—far beyond what ordinary freshmen should be expected to handle…

  Two hours later, the exam ended. Reluctantly, I handed in my paper, nearly half of it left blank.

  I can make up for it in the practical exam, I thought naively.

  We were soon escorted to the second location: the practical combat test.

  I glanced around cautiously. Some of the most influential names of the Empire were present, including the Third Princess, Cecilia Ashrynn, descendant of the legendary Fire Mage.

  We were all under scrutiny.

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  And I doubted I would find the person I was looking for so easily.

  I wonder which of them will become my first step toward the truth.

  As I continued observing the crowd, a man with a long beard—yet strangely youthful features—stepped forward.

  “Welcome to Aeternum Academy, warriors! Allow me to introduce myself. I am one of humanity’s greatest fighters… and the headmaster of this institution.”

  He let out a booming laugh.

  “Ahem, ahem… I hope you understand that we only cultivate the best here. Even gaining admission will not be easy. Do your best… and above all, enjoy yourselves! Ahahaha!”

  *What a strange man*, I thought.

  “With that said,” he continued, “Senior Professor Granade will now explain the details of the test.”

  “Greetings,” Granade began. “One by one, you will enter that room, where six professors await you—each a master in a different field. You must demonstrate your magical level. Obtain at least three approvals out of six, and you will be admitted.”

  *Hm. That sounds too simple… I should be careful.*

  After waiting for my turn, I finally entered the examination room.

  Despite my usual composure, I felt a faint pressure under the gazes of so many seasoned warriors.

  “Greetings. My name is Loki. I will now demonstrate my magic.”

  I gave a slight bow, hiding any trace of tension.

  Some of the professors muttered.

  “Tsk. Another commoner who doesn’t know his place.”

  “Ahaha, I can already sense his weakness.”

  A professor with gray hair and piercing blue eyes silenced them.

  “Enough. Let’s observe.”

  Once the room fell quiet, I looked away from them and focused on the training dummy in front of me.

  Slowly, I channeled external energy. After a brief moment, a bolt of lightning formed in my palm and shot straight toward the target.

  Boom!

  The dummy remained standing—slightly scorched, but intact.

  I was left breathless, struggling to steady myself.

  “Hahaha! That’s all? After all that preparation?” one professor sneered.

  He immediately fell silent under the gray-haired woman’s cold stare.

  “It is still an acceptable level for a freshman,” she said calmly. “Now, show us your internal energy.”

  I met her gaze and answered honestly.

  “I don’t have any internal energy.”

  Several professors nearly fell from their chairs.

  Some of the students outside exchanged incredulous looks.

  “W-What do you mean? Everyone has internal energy!” the professor exclaimed, eyes wide.

  “Not me,” I replied evenly, never breaking eye contact.

  *I’m screwed*, I thought with a faint smile.