East Valencia
Anchor Street
09:30 AM
Leon's POV
After my thoughts had settled and the initial surge of adrenaline subsided, I forced myself to focus on the reality of my current situation.
"Athelguard Academy..."
That is where everything begins. To be precise, right in the middle of the first chapter for the first-year arc. Entering Athelguard is not just an option; it is a mechanical necessity for my plans. I need to be close to the main cast, specifically because they sit at the epicenter of half the catastrophes that will unfold there. The risk is astronomical, but the dividends? They are equally massive.
"Time to start preparing."
I flung open the wardrobe and began sorting through the clothes I'd need. I had already pre-booked a ticket for the train heading to the capital, Astoria, where the academy is situated. As for the entrance exam...
"Status."
Name: Leon Arcas
Strength: F+
Intelligence: A+
Agility: E
Element: Fire
Elemental Affinity: E
Overall Power: E+
"Hmm... my intelligence stat jumped? Is it because of these new memories?"
The status window—a phenomenon shared by every inhabitant of this world—was a manifestation of one's Mana synchronized with the brain. Naturally, it remained invisible to everyone except the owner.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
"Coming! ...That must be Marcus."
I shouted while zipping my bag and tossing it onto the bed. I headed to the door and, as expected, there stood Marcus—my neighbor and friend. He was the same age as me and was also gearing up for the entrance exam.
"Leon, don't tell me you just woke up! Hurry, we need to get to the station!" Marcus spoke with a strained, urgent tone.
"I just finished packing. Give me a second," I replied.
I ducked back into my room, did a final sweep to ensure I hadn't forgotten anything, then grabbed my bag. On my way out, I checked my phone to confirm my train ticket and exam permit.
"Everything's ready."
"Hey, Leon... do you actually think we can pass?" Marcus asked as I locked the apartment door. "I heard it's brutal. They only accept about eighty people out of a thousand."
"I think you should start looking into some random university or learning your father's trade right now," I answered flatly.
Marcus scoffed. "Look at you, talking down to me like your situation is any better."
"Well, I'm feeling better than ever today," I replied as we began walking out of the neighborhood. "By the way, did you ever confess to that girl or what?"
Marcus's face lit up with sudden excitement. "No, not yet. I'm planning to do it after I get accepted into Athelguard. Leah will definitely say yes then... Oh, what about you, Leon? Is there anyone you like?"
"No, there isn't," I lied. In truth, there was—my favorite character and one of the main leads of the novel: Lylinia von Valderious. The daughter of Duke Valderious, one of the strongest humans in existence, an S-Rank powerhouse.
Winning her over would be... complicated, to say the least. But I intended to try.
"Tsk... you're so boring. Do you plan on living alone forever?"
I ignored him as we continued toward the Mana-carriages. East Valencia was a coastal trade hub, a city that tethered the Empire to the maritime silk roads. The scent of the sea dominated the air, made crisper by the presence of Mana—the world's clean energy source.
As we approached the city center, floating commercial holograms flickered everywhere. The buildings weren't tall—a law enforced to preserve the city's heritage—mostly painted in shades of pale blue and stark white. It was a beautiful, coordinated sight against the backdrop of the sea and sky.
We soon reached the station. The Mana-carriages resembled trams, running on rails etched with glowing blue runes that pulsed with energy. The station was teeming with crowds, most dressed in light summer attire.
"It's here," Marcus noted as the carriage pulled in.
We boarded, and the following minutes were filled with mindless small talk until we reached the main railway station. We waited about twenty minutes until our ride arrived: The Lightning Express. It operated on a maglev system powered by Wind Crystals.
Marcus and I found our seats. Sitting across from us was a young couple who seemed to be in their own world.
"Hmph... I'm starting to get nervous," Marcus muttered, his gaze shifting anxiously.
~All passengers, please prepare for departure. We will be leaving in five minutes.~
A female voice echoed through the speakers. Moments later, the train surged forward with staggering speed.
Our destination: The Imperial Capital, Astoria.
The goal: Athelguard Academy.