ACADEMY EXAM

  On the day of the Stars Academy’s entrance examinations, a diverse group of 16-year-olds gathered, each aspiring to secure a place within the esteemed institution. Thanks to Professor Alaric’s intervention, Ethan was permitted to participate, with the committee accepting the explanation that illness had delayed his application the previous year.

  The examination process was rigorous, designed to assess both innate magical abilities and intellectual acumen. Candidates faced a series of tests, including practical demonstrations of aura manipulation, theoretical knowledge assessments, and problem-solving scenarios.

  The Castle of Stars buzzed with anticipation as representatives from all the Great Houses assembled for the annual entrance examination. At the heart of the grand hall stood a colossal Moonstone, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow. Elevated thrones encircled the chamber, occupied by dignitaries observing the aspirants lined up for their evaluations.

  Each candidate, upon hearing their name, approached the Moonstone and placed a hand upon its cool surface. The stone’s color shift indicated the House alignment, while its brightness reflected the individual’s aura strength. Acceptance into a House hinged on these manifestations, with representatives gauging both affinity and potential.

  Among the gathered youths, murmurs rippled through the ranks. Noble-born candidates, having trained from an early age and bolstered by fragments of Moonstone provided by affluent families, often regarded commoners with disdain. One such noble, noticing Ethan’s age and modest attire, sneered, “You don’t belong here, old man. This place is for the gifted, not for those who missed their chance.”

  Ethan, aware of the whispers and derision, maintained his composure. He recalled his mentor’s advice: “True strength lies not in birthright, but in one’s resolve and actions.” Drawing a deep breath, he awaited his turn, determined to let his abilities speak on his behalf.

  As the evaluations progressed, the hall bore witness to a spectrum of talents. Some candidates elicited mere flickers from the Moonstone, while others illuminated it with dazzling brilliance. The nobles observed with critical eyes, their judgments swift and often unforgiving.

  As the entrance examinations at the Castle of Stars progressed, a diverse array of candidates stepped forward to place their hands upon the Moonstone, each hoping to secure a place within one of the Great Houses.

  Introductions and Exam Results:

  ? Liora Ravenscroft: A poised young woman from a noble lineage, Liora approached the Moonstone with confidence. Upon contact, the stone glowed a deep blue, signifying an affinity with the House of Aquarius. The brightness indicated a strong aura, eliciting nods of approval from the Aquarius representatives and proud smiles from her parents seated among the dignitaries.

  ? Gareth Ironwood: Hailing from a family renowned for their martial prowess, Gareth’s touch turned the Moonstone a fiery red, aligning him with the House of Aries. The stone’s moderate glow suggested potential, though not exceptional. His father, a stern-faced knight, maintained a neutral expression, masking any disappointment.

  ? Selene Moonshadow: A commoner with no known magical heritage, Selene nervously placed her hand on the stone. To her surprise and others’, it shimmered a gentle silver, indicating a connection to the House of Cancer. The subdued luminosity reflected a modest aura, but the Cancer representatives welcomed her warmly, recognizing her potential.

  Darius Stormwind: A scion of the influential Stormwind family, Darius approached the Moonstone with an air of confidence. Upon placing his hand on the stone, it radiated a vivid red hue, signifying alignment with the House of Aries. The stone’s intense brightness showcased his formidable aura, prompting murmurs of admiration from the audience. His father, Lord Cedric Stormwind, observed with a proud yet measured expression, acknowledging the expectations that accompanied such a display.

  Finally, Ethan’s name echoed through the chamber. Stepping forward amidst hushed whispers, he placed his hand upon the Moonstone. The stone responded with an unprecedented radiance, its hue shifting to a vibrant green, symbolizing a profound connection to the Virgo House. Gasps resonated among the spectators, the intensity of the light surpassing all prior displays.

  The noble who had mocked Ethan earlier now stared in disbelief, his smug expression replaced by astonishment. The Virgo House representatives conferred briefly before nodding in unison, signaling their unanimous acceptance of Ethan.

  Ethan withdrew his hand, the Moonstone’s glow gradually dimming. He bowed respectfully to the assembled Houses before returning to his place among the candidates. The hall buzzed with renewed murmurs, this time tinged with admiration and curiosity.

  In the aftermath of Ethan’s remarkable display during the entrance examination, Professor Alaric stood alongside a fellow Virgo instructor, his expression one of pride and anticipation. “He’s the one I’ve been telling you about,” Alaric remarked, his gaze fixed on Ethan.

  The decision to allow Ethan’s participation, despite his age, stemmed from Alaric’s advocacy. He had conveyed to the elder council that Ethan possessed the potential to elevate the Virgo House’s standing within the kingdom. “Ethan might be our chance to ascend in the hierarchy,” Alaric had asserted, emphasizing the transformative possibilities Ethan’s unique abilities could herald for their House.

  The hall buzzed with murmurs as representatives from other Houses discussed the unprecedented brilliance of the Moonstone during Ethan’s assessment. Traditionally, the Virgo House had been undervalued within the kingdom’s hierarchy, primarily due to its non-combatant focus on manufacturing tools, enchantments, and alchemy. This specialization often led to perceptions of lesser importance compared to the martial prowess esteemed by other Houses.

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  Observing this, Darius Father Lord Cedric’s demeanor shifted subtly, his eyes reflecting surprise and a hint of dissatisfaction. This paternal reaction ignited a spark of jealousy and resentment within Darius, directing his ire toward Ethan.

  Aftermath and Parental Reactions:

  Throughout the hall, reactions varied:

  ? Liora’s parents beamed with pride, already envisioning her future contributions to the Aquarius House.

  ? Gareth’s father maintained a stoic demeanor, though a subtle clenching of his jaw hinted at unmet expectations.

  ? Selene’s family, present among the common folk, exchanged tearful embraces, overjoyed by her unexpected affiliation with the Cancer House.

  Ethan’s extraordinary display not only secured his place within the academy but also inadvertently sowed the seeds of rivalry with Darius, setting the stage for future conflicts and challenges.

  The academy grounds shimmered under the full moon’s glow as the newly admitted students gathered in a ceremonial circle. The massive Moon Rock, an ancient stone said to channel the constellations’ power, stood at the center, pulsing softly with light. Tonight was the sacred night of the Moon Rock Ceremony, a ritual performed only once a year when the moon was at its brightest.

  Each student had received a ring upon passing the entrance exam, a symbol of their acceptance into their respective Great Houses. These rings were not mere ornaments—they acted as conduits, absorbing the celestial energy refracted through the Moon Rock, enhancing a student’s connection to their house’s power.

  The students stood in line, awaiting their turn to step forward and receive the blessing of the stars. Nobles, commoners, and those in between—all were gathered, though not on equal footing. The noble-born students, trained from an early age, held their heads high, some whispering amongst themselves, casting glances of superiority toward the less privileged.

  Among them stood Darius. Darius came from one of the most prestigious houses, his father a high-ranking noble with strong influence over the academy. He had been trained since childhood, fed fragments of Moon Rock to strengthen his aura, and had long been expected to rise to the top. But after Ethan’s shocking display during the entrance exam, Darius had been overshadowed. His father’s disapproving glare still lingered in his mind, fueling his resentment.

  As the ceremony began, one by one, students stepped forward, pressing their rings against the Moon Rock. The rings would glow in response, its color revealing their house.

  Some students barely managed a dim glow, their power weak. Others, particularly the nobles, had steady, bright reactions, proving their strength. The crowd murmured with approval when Darius stepped forward—the Moon Rock blazed with an intense hue, signifying his high potential. He smirked, turning to glance at Ethan, expecting to see hesitation in his eyes.

  But Ethan was not in line where he should have been.

  A flashback revealed why.

  Before the ceremony, Darius’ father had spoken with the academy guards, instructing them to subtly shift Ethan’s position to the very back of the formation. The logic was simple: the Moon Rock’s energy was strongest in the front, where the direct celestial rays channeled first. Those standing further back would receive only a fraction of the remaining energy, making it appear as though their potential was weaker.

  Ethan had been placed in the worst possible position. A deliberate attempt to humiliate him.

  Unaware of the manipulation, Ethan simply waited, watching as each student absorbed their share of power. Finally, his turn came.

  Stepping forward, he placed his hand on the Moon Rock.

  At first, the stone flickered faintly, as expected for someone at the back. A few noble students chuckled under their breath. But then—something unexpected happened.

  The energy that should have dissipated—the scattered, fragmented power left over from every student before him—did not vanish. Instead, it began to bend unnaturally, drawn toward Ethan’s ring.

  The crowd fell silent as they noticed the shift.

  A low hum vibrated through the air. The Moon Rock pulsed, its glow intensifying. The green hue of Virgo flared brightly, but something else shimmered beneath it—a hidden golden hue, faint yet undeniably present.

  Gasps erupted from the audience. Even the noble houses, seated in their elevated positions, leaned forward in interest.

  Ethan felt his ring burning hot against his skin as the celestial energy poured into him, filling his core, his very being.

  His mentor, standing among the faculty, exchanged a knowing glance with another Virgo elder.

  Darius clenched his fists, his father’s glare sharpening from the noble stands.

  By the time the energy faded, Ethan stood there, completely unshaken, his ring still gleaming with residual power.

  He had absorbed more than any other student.

  And though no one could yet explain it, the strange reaction of his ring had set whispers among the great houses.

  Something was different about him.

  Something they had never seen before.

  As the ceremony concluded, the newly admitted adepts dispersed, each following their respective house representatives toward their designated quarters. The Great Houses moved as distinct groups, their hierarchies evident even within their own ranks.

  Among the Virgo House, the divide between nobles and commoners was stark. The noble-born students instinctively clustered together, their finely tailored robes and polished rings a mark of their privileged upbringing. They whispered among themselves, exchanging knowing glances, their eyes occasionally flicking toward Ethan with thinly veiled skepticism.

  Yet, one noble stood apart from the rest.

  A young man, his sharp features softened by genuine curiosity, approached Ethan. Unlike the others, he did not carry an air of superiority—rather, he seemed intrigued.

  “That was… impressive,” he admitted, his eyes lingering on Ethan’s ring. “I’ve never seen anyone absorb that much energy at the Moon Rock ceremony. I’m Callan, by the way.”

  Ethan shook his hand, feeling an immediate sense of ease with him. “Ethan. Yeah, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting that to happen either.”

  Callan grinned. “Well, whatever you did, you definitely got everyone’s attention. I think even some of the other houses were watching.”

  As they walked toward their dormitories, the two continued their conversation, discussing the academy, their expectations, and the thrill of having finally been admitted. Unlike most nobles Ethan had encountered, Callan seemed genuinely interested in talking with him, not looking down on him as an outsider.

  Eventually, they reached their assigned rooms. The grand halls of the Virgo Wing were lined with doors, each leading to the chambers where students would reside for their training.

  Ethan found his assigned room and stepped inside—only to be immediately greeted by a whirlwind of energy.

  “Finally! My roommate arrives!”

  A lanky boy with dark eyes and an infectious grin practically bounced toward him, extending his hand before Ethan had even fully stepped through the door.

  “I’m Orin! And you, my friend, are officially my new favorite person.”

  Ethan blinked, caught off guard. “Uh, thanks? I’m Ethan.”

  Orin clapped him on the shoulder like they had known each other for years. “Ethan, my man, do you have any idea how lucky you are? Not because of the whole ‘crazy aura absorption’ thing—though that was awesome—but because you get to share a room with me, the most charming, and undoubtedly the most skilled enchanter of our generation!”

  Ethan chuckled. “Oh yeah? That’s a bold claim.”

  “Absolutely. And before you ask—yes, I do take requests,” Orin said, dramatically flicking his fingers as if casting a spell. “You need an enchanted quill that writes your homework for you? Done. A self-warming pillow for those cold nights? Easy. A pair of shoes that make you dance like a noble at a royal banquet? Well… I might still be working on that one.”

  Ethan couldn’t help but laugh. The energy Orin radiated was infectious.

  “Glad to have a roommate with some enthusiasm,” Ethan said, setting down his belongings.

  “Oh, you don’t even know the half of it. I have so many ideas for enchanted inventions, and now that I have a genius roommate who literally restructured his aura like a madman at the ceremony? Oh, we’re going to be legends, Ethan. Legends.”

  Ethan smiled, realizing that, despite everything—his late arrival, the nobles looking down on him, the mysterious golden hue in his aura—he had already made his first real friends in this new world.