Phoebe and the dwarf knight emerged from the warp gate in the northern section of the academy, where the faculty buildings were located. As they walked toward the grand faculty building, Phoebe couldn't help but marvel at its imposing structure. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior—vast halls adorned with elegant chandeliers that sparkled like stars, intricate paintings depicting historical battles and legendary figures, ornate fountains murmuring softly, and countless other luxurious details that spoke of the academy's prestige.
They soon arrived at the headmaster's office. The dwarf knight knocked firmly on the heavy door.
Knock knock knock.
"Headmaster Andrew, I'm here to report something important," the dwarf knight announced.
"Okay, come in," replied a calm, masculine voice from within.
As the dwarf pushed the door open, Phoebe's eyes fell upon the headmaster. He was a striking man with cyan hair neatly brushed down, piercing red eyes, and a monocle perched on his left eye. He appeared to be in his early thirties, dressed in a pristine long-sleeved white outfit with black buttons lining the upper chest and a white scarf draped around his neck. Golden wing symbols gleamed on both shoulders, signifying his high rank. Most distinctive were his bat-wing-shaped ears, lending him an air of mysterious dignity.
This was Headmaster Andrew, a vampire by race. Vampires were renowned for their incredible agility and the unique ability to recover from injuries by consuming blood.
"What is it you need to report? And who is this young lady?" Andrew asked, his gaze shifting curiously between the dwarf and Phoebe.
"Headmaster, it's urgent. We've received a special permit from her. Please take a look," the dwarf replied, handing over the document.
Andrew scanned the permit, and a smirk slowly crept across his face. "So, my old friend Julius Von Trinity personally issued this, did he? With that blonde hair of yours matching his so closely, one might wonder if you're his hidden child from some secret affair."
"N-No, not at all!" Phoebe stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm from the Kingdom of Freedom. I was raised as an orphan in the Orphanage of the Freed, managed by our director, Mister Alfred. Oh, and there's also a letter from Mister Julius. He instructed me to deliver it to you personally."
She handed over the sealed letter politely. Andrew read it carefully, his expression shifting from amusement to understanding.
"I see... so you're the orphan Alfred raised. Now it all makes sense," he said, clearly entertained.
"Yes, do you know our director, Mister Headmaster?" Phoebe asked, her curiosity piqued.
Andrew chuckled heartily. "Oh, absolutely. You see, Alfred, Julius, and I were inseparable back in the day—troublemakers through and through. HAHAHA!"
"I see... so you're friends with both the director and Sir Julius," Phoebe replied, a small smile forming on her lips.
"Indeed. Julius mentions here that he sees great potential in you to become a ranker. This should be quite entertaining, watching you grow," Andrew said, his smirk returning.
"I... I don't know about that," Phoebe admitted, uncertainty creeping into her voice.
"Well, why not give it a try? This academy is a place to learn anything and everything you desire. Grow stronger every day, and chase that dream of yours," Andrew encouraged, his tone light yet genuinely amused.
"I don't know what the future holds, but I'll do my best," Phoebe said softly.
"Trust in yourself. If Julius sees potential, it's there. That man's intuition is legendary—it's how he climbed to his current position. His judgment is rarely wrong. Believe in yourself, okay?"
"Yes, I will. Thank you, Headmaster," Phoebe replied, her smile brightening with newfound confidence.
"Excellent. By the way, the entrance examination will be held in the large dome on the east side of the academy. It starts in about three hours—the preparations are still underway. Do your best; I'll make sure to come watch personally and see what you're capable of," Andrew said with a soft, encouraging smile.
"Yes, I will! Thank you so much, Headmaster," Phoebe said, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Alright, you're dismissed. I need to finish some work so I can attend your exam. You there—escort her to the dome," Andrew commanded the dwarf knight.
"Understood, sir," the dwarf replied promptly.
"Thank you very much, Headmaster," Phoebe added before they departed.
Phoebe and the dwarf knight left the office and made their way back through the warp gates: from the north to the center, and then to the east, where the massive examination dome loomed. Upon arrival, Phoebe bid the knight farewell.
"We've arrived. Good luck on your examination, madam. I'll return to my post now," the dwarf said respectfully.
"Thank you so much for your help, Mister Knight," Phoebe replied, bowing her head graciously.
Now alone, Phoebe stood at the entrance of the enormous dome, taking in the scene. Dozens of other examinees milled about, but five in particular caught her eye—each exuding an aura of extraordinary power and heritage.
The first was a young man in academy attire, with black hair brushed forward and sharp crimson eyes. Vertical metallic stripes ran along his arms, and two horizontal black ones adorned his neck. A massive white claymore rested beside him on a bench where he sat, deeply engrossed in a book. He belonged to the Riveras race, known for their metallic body stripes that allowed them to sense vibrations in their surroundings, making ambushes nearly impossible. Riveras possessed immense physical strength and mostly hailed from the middle continent.
Next was a poised woman also in academy attire, chatting animatedly with a group of girls from various races. She had lavender-blue hair with neat bangs and matching eyes, holding a dark gothic parasol in one hand and a bladed fan in the other. Surprisingly, she was human—like Phoebe. Humans were short-lived and physically weaker than many races but remarkably adaptable. Most resided in the outer continent.
Another standout was a graceful woman with long rose-colored hair styled in double space buns and eyes of the same hue. Four pristine white wings sprouted from her back, and delicate wing-like ears framed her face. She stood confidently at the dome's entrance. This was a Lumier, the same race as the head of the three great gods, Lumine El Lumier. Lumiers could modify their environment and copy traits from other races within certain limits. They primarily lived on the inner continent.
Then there was a sociable young man with dark blue curly hair brushed forward, dark blue eyes, and glossy fish-fin ears. Two flintlock pistols were holstered at his sides as he conversed easily with others. He was a Murlok, the race loyal to the Hydro Sovereign. Murloks had fish scales on their arms and gained explosive boosts to strength, agility, speed, and recovery when in contact with water—rain or sea. They too originated from the middle continent.
Finally, a brooding figure sat on a bench with arms crossed, surveying the area. He had light lavender, tousled medium-length wavy hair, matching eyes, and majestic black elk-like antlers atop his head. This was a Guertenaz, sharing the race of one of the three great gods, Xanos El Guertenaz. Their antlers sensed everything around them, and they could command living beings that heard their voice—within limits. Guertenaz dwelt in the inner continent.
Phoebe could scarcely believe she was standing among such godlike beings from godlike races. Feeling out of place, she kept to herself near the entrance, avoiding any unnecessary attention.
Moments later, a young, chubby orc girl approached the dome. As she neared, she tripped spectacularly, tumbling to the ground. Laughter erupted from the crowd.
"Bwahaha! How clumsy can orcs get?" one examinee jeered.
"You savages from the outer continent should learn some manners! This is a prestigious academy, not your filthy villages!" another sneered.
"This is exactly why I can't stand being around those barbaric outer continent races," a third added.
The mockery continued, leaving the orc girl flustered and humiliated on the ground. The notable five Phoebe had observed—the Lumier, Riveras, Murlok, human, and Guertenaz—merely watched with cold indifference.
But then, a kind hand extended toward the fallen girl. Looking up through teary eyes, the orc saw a vision of elegance: a blonde human girl with bangs framing her beautiful blue eyes, dressed in academy attire with a sheathed weapon at her side. It was Phoebe.
"Are you okay? Here, let me help you up," Phoebe said gently, her voice warm and reassuring.
The orc girl instinctively took the hand and stood, brushing herself off. "T-Thank you so much. I'm fine now."
Phoebe smiled softly. Orcs, like this girl, had human-like features but with rounded bellies and slower movements. What they lacked in speed, they made up for in raw, destructive strength capable of leveling buildings. They were native to the outer continent.
"Hello there. My name is Phoebe. It's nice to meet you," Phoebe introduced herself warmly.
"Y-Yes... M-My name is Ammy Grainstone," the girl replied shyly.
"Grainstone? That's a noble name. Are you from a noble family?" Phoebe asked with genuine interest.
"Well-umm... I'm the princess from the Kingdom of Tough, in the southeast of the outer continent," Ammy admitted nervously.
I see, it's an honor to meet you, Princess Ammy," Phoebe said, bowing respectfully.
"N-No, please! No need for that. We're both just examinees here. Treat me casually," Ammy insisted, her stutter easing slightly as they shared a friendly smile.
Their moment was interrupted by a booming laugh. "Bwahaha! An orc princess and a commoner human—what a perfect pair of savages uniting!"
Phoebe turned to see the source: a tall young man in academy attire with red hair spiked upward and dark black eyes. Black tattoo marks covered his arms and neck. He was a troll—tall, immensely strong, with rapid regeneration. Trolls mostly lived in the middle continent.
Phoebe met his gaze unflinchingly. "Why does it matter if we're both from the outer continent? Did the three great gods ever decree that we can't travel to the middle continent or attend this academy? For someone as tall and imposing as you, you sure enjoy picking fights with little girls like us. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
The troll's face twisted in rage. "What? What did you just say, you savage beast?"
The air grew thick with tension. Phoebe and the troll glared at each other, their eyes burning with mutual hostility, as if ready to strangle one another on the spot. The surrounding examinees watched in stunned silence, the atmosphere electric with impending conflict.