Lucian stood before the massive, ancient gate of the dungeon, his sharp dark-red eyes gleaming in the dim light. The aura of the place was suffocating, thick with the remnants of powerful magic. He exhaled slowly, assessing the structure before him.
"This is the perfect path to the Tenberis Heart," he murmured to himself. "But the obstacles ahead may trigger alarms within the academy. If I act recklessly, the knights will surely interfere. I need a flawless plan. First, I must fulfill my promise to the Rutherfords."
With a final glance at the sealed entrance, he turned away, shutting the door behind him before making his way back to his dormitory.
The next morning, Lucian continued his rigorous routine. After a quick breakfast, he attended his first lecture of the day—Chanting and Spell Activation—taught by Professor Elara Thorne, one of the academy's esteemed magic scholars.
Elara stood before the class, her presence commanding yet graceful. "Today, we will focus on controlled spell activation. Magic is not just about power; it is about precision. A true mage does not let their magic dictate their will, but instead, bends magic to their command. Now, students, try chanting your elemental magic in a controlled manner."
The students began their practice, each attempting to channel their elemental affinity. Most of them struggled to manifest stable magic beyond their first affinity.
Lucian, however, remained composed. He stepped forward and chanted with a calm but firm voice:
"O embers of the abyss, bathed in the blood of the fallen,Ignite the void and tear through the unseen.By the will of fire, let the eclipse descend—Crimson Eclipse!"
A dark-red fireball materialized before him, its radiance piercing through the shadows, illuminating the entire classroom like a miniature sun. Gasps echoed through the room as students shielded their eyes from the sheer brilliance of the spell.
Professor Elara's brows rose in admiration. "That's an exceptional Fourth-Class fire spell. What is your name, child?"
Lucian met her gaze, his voice unwavering. "Lucian Rutherford."
Elara turned to the class. "Observe how Lucian maintains control over such a powerful spell. This level of mastery is what you must all strive for."
Six months had passed since Lucian's enrollment in Arcadia Grand Academy, and it was finally time for the midterm examinations.
The first phase was a theoretical assessment.
Standing at the front of the grand hall, Chancellor Elysia Valtoria addressed the gathered students. "I hope you have all prepared diligently. The first phase will test your theoretical knowledge. You have four hours to complete the exam, but the faster you finish, the more points you will receive."
Lucian stared at the test paper, his expression indifferent. "What's the point of this? When a battlefield erupts, no one is going to ask you about mana theory," he thought in irritation.
Despite his disdain for the subject, he completed and submitted the exam in two hours. As he walked out, every other student, including Maximus Raveshade, Elias Draxen, Isolde Valmont, and Viker Ardent, gaped at him in disbelief.
Maximus recalled Lucian's earlier words—he had claimed not to study for the theory test. Yet, he had finished faster than anyone else.
Lucian ignored their stares and proceeded to the academy's combat arena for the second phase: Combat Evaluation.
Unlike the standard classes where students dueled amongst themselves, the Grandmaster class required students to battle against the instructors.
As Lucian entered the battlefield, Professor Alistair Virellian noticed him. "Lucian, why are you here? Did you abandon the theoretical exam?"
"No, sir," Lucian replied casually. "I've already completed it."
Silence filled the arena. The gathered instructors exchanged glances, surprised by his confidence.
Professor Octavian Graves, an esteemed Eighth-Class magician known for his strict demeanor, stepped forward. "Then I shall be your opponent."
Octavian specialized in four elements—Fire, Water, Earth, and Lightning. The exam's objective was simple: students had to withstand an instructor's magic for as long as possible.
Lucian took his position at the far end of the battle circle, opposite Octavian.
The battle commenced.
Octavian wasted no time, activating a Fifth-Class spell, Titan's Embrace, reinforcing his body with raw magical strength. Without hesitation, he surged forward, vanishing in a crackle of lightning.
Lucian turned sharply, conjuring a wall of fire to obstruct Octavian's advance.
Undeterred, Octavian countered with a high-pressure water blast, dousing the flames instantly.
Lucian smirked. Without missing a beat, he combined two fire spells, forming a Hellstorm of Fire, engulfing the battlefield in a blazing inferno.
Octavian's eyes widened. "To think you would combine two spells rather than using them individually… Impressive." He thrust his palm forward, sending a lightning sphere skyward, dispelling the storm in a violent explosion.
Closing the distance in an instant, Octavian coated his fist in hardened earth and lunged at Lucian.
"Enough!" Elara Thorne shouted. "Octavian, this is an examination, not a battlefield!"
Lucian, however, remained calm. Just before the impact, his body dissipated into flames—a fire clone. He had already repositioned himself several feet away.
Octavian smirked. "Elemental clone magic? That requires an advanced understanding of spell weaving… As expected."
He retaliated with an Earth-Binding spell, locking Lucian's legs in hardened stone. Without hesitation, he followed up with a Fire Blast.
Rather than defend, Lucian channeled his mana in a circular motion, absorbing the flames into an orb. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed it back at Octavian.
Professor Caden Blackwell watched in shock. "How can he manipulate mana so precisely? This level of control is unheard of."
Alistair Virellian chuckled. "This has become far more entertaining than I expected."
Breaking free from the earth bindings, Lucian summoned six fire circles around Octavian. "This ends now."
Refusing to accept defeat, Octavian defied the examination's limitations, casting a Sixth-Class Lightning spell—Lightning Roar. Bolts of electricity rained down, shaking the battlefield.
Elara erected a barrier, shielding the spectators. "Octavian, that's enough!"
Lucian's gaze sharpened. Coating himself in fire, he drew the academy-issued sword and slashed through the lightning with swift, calculated strikes. Each movement radiated controlled destruction, leaving behind brilliant fire trails.
In a final move, Lucian appeared behind Octavian, his blade hovering just inches from the professor's neck.
The crowd fell silent.
Professor Lysandra Wythe whispered, "His technique… It's both fierce and elegant."
Alistair grinned. "Lucian, I doubt you would have survived had we not intervened… But you've proven yourself today."
Elara sighed, turning to Octavian. "You've broken the rules. The chancellor will decide your punishment."
Octavian, without protest, exited the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Magnus Rutherford and Cedric watched from a distance.
Magnus muttered, "What is he? I gave him our family's secret swordsmanship manual before the academy, and he's already mastered the seventh stage."
Cedric nodded. "And on top of that, he's an extraordinary fire mage."
Lucian took a seat, awaiting the third phase—Team Combat.