A deep, resonant chime echoed through the academy grounds, vibrating faintly against the stone pillars and glass windows of the main courtyard. Conversations quieted almost instantly.
A clear, amplified voice followed:
"The Entrance Trials have officially concluded. All students are to disperse calmly. Assignment notices will be distributed momentarily."
A ripple of anticipation passed through the crowd. Some students straightened nervously. Others exchanged hopeful glances. A few already looked pale.
The voice continued, steady and authoritative:
"Each student will receive a written notice listing the departments and classes they have been accepted into. Please follow the instructions on your notice carefully. Students who were not accepted into certain departments may reapply next academic year. Talent manifests differently for everyone. Do not be discouraged."
That last sentence lingered in the air.
A faint shimmer began to flicker above the courtyard. One by one, glowing slips of parchment materialized in front of each student. Some grabbed theirs eagerly. Others hesitated, staring as if the paper itself held their fate.
Whispers broke out immediately.
"I got in—!"
"No… only one department?"
"They said I can retry next year…"
I felt the air shift as a parchment slowly formed in front of me, hovering just within reach.
This was it.
My future at the academy, written in ink.
I walked through the hallways of the Magical Academy, the parchment clutched in my hand. The ink still shimmered faintly, as if it remembered the magic that had summoned it. My steps echoed softly against the polished stone floors, and I kept glancing at the intricate arches above. The hall smelled faintly of old books, comforting, in a strange way.
The notice had said to report to Professor Lin in Room 12 of the Magical Hall, but I had no idea where that was. The hallways stretched in every direction, lined with doors marked by glowing symbols and engraved names. I paused at a corner.
"Excuse me," I called softly to a passing student, "could you tell me where Room 12 is?"
The student nodded with a small smile. "Second door on your left down this hallway. You can't miss it, there's a faint purple aura around the door."
"Thank you," I said, bowing slightly. I hurried down the corridor, my heart beating faster. A purple glow, like the color of Space Magic, hung faintly over the door. Room 12. That had to be it.
I knocked, pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was small but orderly. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with thick books, jars of herbs, and neatly coiled scrolls. A few glowing crystals floated lazily in the corners, bathing the space in soft lavender light. Behind a desk cluttered with papers, a middle-aged man looked up, adjusting his glasses. His smile was warm, but his eyes shone with barely contained excitement.
"Ah! You must be Lianmei," he said, standing quickly. "Professor Lin. Welcome. Sit, please. We have much to discuss."
I lowered myself onto the chair across from him, trying to calm my racing heart. The parchment in my hand felt heavier suddenly, as if it carried the weight of everything that was about to change.
"You've been accepted into two departments," Professor Lin began, pointing to the parchment. "Alchemy, which I understand you are already familiar with, and…the Rare Magic Class."
I blinked. "Rare Magic? I… I thought I had just tried the elemental trials?"
He chuckled softly. "Yes. But the Rare Magic Class isn't something you apply for. The system detects latent ability, unique affinity, or just sheer potential. It's the highest tier here at the academy. Students accepted into this class are among the rarest and most promising in decades."
"The structure is simple," Professor Lin continued. "Magic is divided into different tiers. Most students start in Common Magic: Earth, Water, Fire, Air. Then comes Advanced Magic: Lightning, Ice, Wood, Poison. Even higher, we have High Magic, which includes Light, Shadow, and a few other specialties. And then… Legendary Magic. This is reserved for Space, Time and Void. You are the only student entering this tier this year and well since like forever."
I swallowed, feeling the parchment tremble slightly in my hand. My mind raced. So… thats why everyone was so suprised but forever… what?
"What…what do you mean with forever" I asked, my heart thundering in my chest.
"Just what I said, there hasn't been someone who has gained one of the legendary magic abilities, in a few hundred years."
He leaned forward slightly. "You will not be alone. I have studied every text and reference I could find on Space Magic. I cannot wield it myself, but I will guide you as best I can. You'll also receive support from other professors for control, safety, and understanding of your abilities."
I nodded, absorbing the weight of it all. Finally, a place where my skills mattered. But I am really starting to get nervous. Since Forever… the only one in a few hundred years….THIS IS CRAZY!
Professor Lin continued, pointing to a list on the desk. "Other participants of the Rare Magic Class are: Yung Yu, Dai Chen, Sheng Rui, and Liang Yue. You may already know them, they are very well known. If not, you'll certainly learn more about them in time."
I nodded again, trying to steady my breathing. Legendary students, part of this class. And I, Lianmei, was joining them. Somehow. I can't really wrap my head around this, but I got this.
"This batch," he said, picking up one, "confirms your enrollment. Keep it with you at all times. It confirms to which deoartments you have been accepted to and also grants access to some areas. For example the laboratories and the rare magic hall."
I took the batch carefully. There it was, pure white Batch, which has a potion botte and a "Rare Magic" engraved with gold glittering writing. My main lessons would be in Alchemy, which felt familiar, almost comforting. The Rare Magic Hall is… intimidating, even on paper.
"You'll find your Alchemy work will keep you busy," Professor Lin added. "Rare Magic exercises will occur less often, but each is critical. The professors specializing in each rare field will guide you personally. And of course, I will accompany you frequently, especially at the beginning."
I nodded again. Finally, I had a place where my abilities, even if small, mattered.
I thought for a moment. "Will… will I be able to see the other students in Rare Magic, sometimes?"
Professor Lin smiled. "Occasionally. They are disciplined and focused, but you may observe. You'll learn from them in time, even if indirectly. And just as a tip, sometimes in the future, you will also be acquired to work together with them."
I stood, letting the weight of the moment sink in. Rare Magic. Legendary classmates. A path that would demand everything from me… and yet, for the first time, I felt like I belonged.
I tucked the parchment into my robe and stepped out of Room 12. The Magical Hall stretched around me, bustling with students, but now, I was part of it, and my journey in the Rare Magic Class was just beginning.