The man in midnight-blue robes stepped forward, his presence heavy enough to make even the wind pause. His silver hair shimmered faintly as he surveyed the field of nervous students, eyes sharp with quiet authority.
"I am Headmaster Caelum Arvoux," he announced, voice carrying effortlessly across the grounds. "From this point on, every choice you make will determine the result of this exam."
A hush swept over the crowd. Even Wak stopped swishing his tail. Jerry coiled a little tighter around Mavis' shoulder, sensing the shift in mana.
The headmaster clasped his hands behind his back and continued, "The entrance examination will be conducted in three main segments. First, the physical exam. Next, the magic exam. And finally, the written portion."
Mavis swallowed. Physical exam? Magic exam? Written portion? All in two days?
"As prospective students of Arouz Academy," Caelum said, pacing slowly, "you are expected to show ability, potential, and discipline. The outdoor tests—the physical and magic portions—will take place today. Those who pass will be granted dorm rooms and will take the written exam tomorrow, which will determine your class placement."
He paused, letting the gravity sink in.
"Failure to complete any segment will result in immediate disqualification."
A low murmur rippled through the students.
"And lastly—" He raised one hand, and the floating pillars around the field brightened in unison. "Remember that your decisions matter. In magic, in combat, and in life. Choose wisely."
Before Mavis could blink, the headmaster vanished. One moment he was there—firm, grounded, ominous—and the next he dissolved into shimmering particles that drifted upward like stardust.
Alya exhaled loudly. "He always does that. Show-off."
Mavis stared, slack-jawed. "He disappeared."
"Yup," Alya said, as if this were Tuesday-level normal. "Headmaster Arvoux specializes in astral and spatial magic. He likes to make an entrance. And an exit."
Jerry flicked his tongue, unimpressed.
"Dramatic."
Alya clasped her hands together. "Okay, before the exam starts, listen—there are five main class rankings." She held up one finger. "S-Class. That's the highest. Elite students. Prodigies. Monsters."
"…Monsters?" Mavis echoed.
"Smart monsters," Alya corrected. "Then A-Class—really smart and talented. The top ten percent. After that is B-Class—good students, above average, decent potential. Then C-Class—regular students, nothing special. Then D-Class—barely scraping by."
"Is that all?" Mavis asked.
Alya grimaced. "There's also F-Class, but it's… not really a class. It's more like a holding pen for people who can't read, write, cast magic, or survive basic coursework."
Mavis blinked. That hit a little close to home.
Alya pressed on eagerly. "I'm aiming for A-Class. But realistically…" She puffed out her cheeks. "Probably B. Or B-minus. I'd even take a C-plus if it meant fewer essays."
Mavis smiled slightly. Alya could complain about anything and make it sound endearing.
Alya continued rambling, waving her hands dramatically as she spoke. "Look, the point is—S-Class students get priority access to rare spellbooks, elite professors, dangerous field trips, and even private training rooms. It's like a dream! But uh—well, I'm not dreaming that big. I just need to pass the dorm exam and avoid being put in F—"
She stopped mid-sentence as a sharp whistle cut through the air.
An instructor in steel-gray training armor strode toward the gathering crowd, his expression serious enough to silence everyone instantly.
"ALL APPLICANTS," he barked, "ASSEMBLE AT THE MARKED LINES!"
Alya jolted. "Oh gods—it's starting!"
Mavis felt her pulse quicken as students scrambled into formation. She glanced at Alya, who gave her a determined nod.
Jerry lifted his tiny head, runes glowing faintly.
"Do not fail," he said.
Mavis inhaled deeply.
The exam had begun.