The taxi tilted slightly as it came to a stop, its brakes letting out a soft hiss. It halted before an expansive area so immense that all three passengers—despite having prepared themselves—fell silent in stunned awe for several seconds. When the car door opened, the cool morning air and the overwhelming vastness rushed in, carrying with it the fresh scent of newly cut grass and the dignified essence of ancient marble.
Mrs. Lan was the first to lose her composure. She lifted a hand to her mouth, her eyes widening in shock.
"Oh my goodness… it's this big?! I thought it would look like one of those pretty universities, but this… this is a palace!"
Standing beside his mother, Thiên Ân was just as astonished by the enormous castle-like structure before them. Though he had looked at photos of the Harmonic Royal Academy dozens of times online and had dreamed about this place countless nights, the real sight still made his heart pound—like something deep inside him had just awakened.
The Harmonic Royal Academy rose majestically—not a mere building, but an immense architectural complex, a true fairytale castle straight out of European legend. Its central tower soared proudly into the sky, adorned with sharp Neoclassical lines, the pale sandstone glowing with the early sunlight. At the very top, a massive arched glass window carved with a magnificent golden amber treble clef glimmered like a shining heart, silently resonating with the academy's spirit.
Intricate cornices ran along perfectly symmetrical Roman columns, making the entire structure feel like a grand symphony without sound. Two crescent-shaped wings extended outward like welcoming arms, embracing the vast marble courtyard. Decorative pools reflected the golden glow of the towering windows, creating shimmering ripples—like a symphony of light performing across the water.
Thiên Ân parted his lips slightly, whispering as though afraid his voice would break the moment:
"…It really is the Hogwarts of music…"
Beside him, his father, Mr. Trọng, watched his wife and son stand frozen, his expression a mix of pride and amused helplessness.
"Going in yet? Or planning to stand here until evening and let the guards chase you? Tens of thousands of people are waiting."
Mrs. Lan jolted back to her senses and cleared her throat to hide her childish embarrassment.
"Well… I was just looking! Alright, alright, let's go!"
Mr. Trọng watched them hurry toward the grand entrance, muttering under his breath:
"She keeps saying he's nothing like her… Look at them—like two drops of water."
He chuckled softly before following.
Inside the main gate was a sea of elegantly dressed people, bustling yet maintaining an air of refinement. Just a glance at the packed parking area—filled with Porsche, Rolls-Royce Phantoms, Mercedes-Maybachs, and the latest Teslas—was enough to show that today was a festival for the global elite. The air carried not only the scent of competition, but also that of expensive perfume and the confidence born from wealth.
Thiên Ân felt his breath hitch. He had always known this place was grand… but not this grand, not this far removed from everything he'd ever known.
As he was still overwhelmed by the extravagance around him, two familiar voices called out from amid the noise:
"Thiên Ân! Over here!"
Hoàng Nam and Đức Minh appeared, waving wildly like signaling flags. Hoàng Nam—always bright and energetic—and Đức Minh—calmer, cooler, adjusting his neat shirt—walked toward him. Thiên Ân hurried over, his worries easing instantly.
"You guys… what are you doing here?"
Hoàng Nam grinned widely, carefree as ever:
"To cheer you on! If your best friends don't come, then who will? Besides, we wanted to see what a top-tier academy looks like."
Đức Minh adjusted his silver-rimmed glasses, his voice even and analytical:
"We finished our exams already. Now we're here to watch you suffer."
Hoàng Nam frowned at him.
"Hey, don't pressure him!"
"I'm motivating him," Đức Minh replied flatly, a barely-there smile tugging at his lips.
Their appearance warmed Thiên Ân's chest. He didn't say anything—just nodded, expressing his gratitude silently.
His parents caught up to them. Mrs. Lan beamed.
"Heavens, Hoàng Nam and Đức Minh! You two came as well?"
Both boys bowed politely: "Good morning, ma'am, sir," earning even more affection from the couple.
Just then, the academy's high-end sound system activated. A deep, steady male voice with a refined British accent echoed through the vast courtyard:
"Good morning, everyone. I am Albrecht Rowan, the academy's steward and supervisor of this year's examination. Congratulations to all candidates who have made it here."
Steward Rowan announced the number, his calm tone unable to hide the weight of it:
"Ten thousand candidates—selected from over one hundred thousand applications worldwide."
Hoàng Nam whipped his head toward Thiên Ân, eyes bulging like he had just spotted a mythical creature.
"One hundred thousand?! You beat ninety-nine thousand people?! Thiên Ân, you're not normal anymore!"
Đức Minh remained composed, simply pushing up his glasses as he spoke matter-of-factly:
"Not surprising. He's the top student in our school."
Thiên Ân frowned slightly.One hundred thousand. The number suddenly felt real—too real.
"I'm not even sure I'll—"
But his heart was beating faster, caught between fear and a rising tide of determination.
Nearby, Đức Minh's sharp ears caught a snobbish voice from behind:
"These people look average. Even without trying, more than half of them will fail."
A young heir—hair slicked back with gel, platinum watch gleaming—stood with two enormous bodyguards behind him.
His personal butler bowed obsequiously:
"Your talent is absolute, young master. With your violin skills, the Academy will roll out the red carpet. Your acceptance is guaranteed."
The young heir lifted his chin arrogantly, not even bothering to acknowledge those around him.
"Of course. I am not on the same level as they are."
Đức Minh frowned, his hand tightening slightly, but he said nothing.Thiên Ân glanced toward them, a faint heaviness settling in his chest.Here, every person was talented—each one was the "Thiên Ân" of their own school.An invisible chill of anxiety brushed the back of his neck.
Seeing his expression, Hoàng Nam smacked his back loudly—BỐP!—bringing him back to reality.
"Relax! You're our school's boss!"
Steward Rowan concluded the announcement, his voice authoritative yet solemn:
"Candidates, please check your registration numbers and assigned examination zones. We wish you the results you aspire for."
Mr. Trọng looked at his watch; the seriousness returned to his face.
"It's time. Go on, Thiên Ân."
His two friends raised their hands high, eyes full of encouragement:
"Good luck! We'll be watching the live broadcast on the big screen!"
Mrs. Lan pulled her son into a tight hug, as if afraid he might disappear if she let go.
"Go make me proud, alright? You don't need to win—just do your best!"
Mr. Trọng placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder—a steady, quiet source of strength.
"We'll be right here waiting. Don't worry about anything."
Thiên Ân looked up. In his father's eyes, he saw a reflection of himself—small, nervous, but burning with determination.He nodded firmly, turned away from his anxieties, and walked toward the grand archway—toward the door of his dream.
"I'm going now, Mom, Dad!"