The capital of the Kingdom of Valerith was nothing like the villages Leon remembered. The streets were wide and clean. Banners bearing the royal crest — a silver phoenix on deep blue — hung proudly from stone buildings. Carriages moved steadily through the roads, and nobles stepped down in elegant coats marked with their family emblems. And above it all stood the academy. The Grand Arcanum of Valerith. It rose from the highest point of the city, white towers stretching toward the sky. Ancient symbols were carved into the stone walls, glowing faintly under the morning sun. Bridges connected the upper towers, and a massive courtyard spread before the open gates. Leon stopped walking. For a moment, he simply stared. He had heard stories about the academy. But seeing it like this… was different. “You look impressed.” The faint voice in his mind sounded amused. Leon ignored it. The gates stood open, welcoming the next generation of Valerith’s elite. This was not just a school. It was where generals were trained. Where royal advisors were chosen. Where the most talented youths shaped their future. Only those who passed the entrance exam could study here. Only the best would rise. Leon adjusted the strap of his small leather bag. He didn’t want fame. He only wanted to build a stable future for himself and his family. Nothing more. The examination grounds were filled with tension. Students were divided into groups while instructors watched from raised platforms. Some candidates looked confident. Others clearly nervous. Leon stood quietly in line. When his turn came, he stepped forward without hesitation. The first test required each student to form and control a magic circle. It sounded simple. It wasn’t. If you used too much power, the circle would break apart.

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  Too little, and it would collapse. Control was everything. Leon focused carefully. His movements were steady, Precise. He adjusted the flow slowly, correcting it little by little. No wasted energy, No unnecessary force. Above, one instructor watched him closely. A tall man with sharp eyes and streaks of silver in his dark hair. While others forced their circles to glow brighter, Leon’s circle remained clean and stable. The instructor narrowed his eyes slightly. Interesting he said to himself. The test soon shifted to combat drills. Students were paired randomly. Leon observed his opponent before moving. He reacted calmly and ended each match quickly. No flashy moves, No dramatic finish. Just efficient control. From the platform above, the instructors exchanged quiet looks. “He’s holding back,” one said softly. Another instructor nodded in agreement. “Yes. He is.” By late afternoon, the results were revealed Students crowded around a large board.

  Three divisions were listed:

  Standard Division.

  Advanced Division.

  Noble Division.

  Leon searched for his name. He expected Standard. Advanced, at most. But his name was not there. He frowned slightly and checked again. Then he saw it: Leon Nightshade., Noble Division. The noise around him seemed to fade. Then the whispers began.

  “Nightshade?”

  “That’s not a noble family.”

  “There must be a mistake.”

  Leon remained silent. He could feel the stares now: curious, annoyed, confused. This had not been part of his plan. Inside his mind, the faint voice returned. “Well,” it said quietly, “this should be interesting.” Leon turned away from the board. The sun was setting behind the academy towers, casting long shadows across the courtyard. He had only wanted a quiet start. Instead, he had been placed among nobles. Whether he liked it or not…his new life had begun.