noveldrama
Chapter 153 Location
Chapter 153 Location
"Please, everyone, line up!" echoed the energetic voice of the mage-clad woman, whose dark-colored robes and badge on her chest revealed her position as a professor at the academy. With a staff in hand, her imposing presence stood out on the green grass field of the campus, where a multitude of young men and ladies gathered, each emanating an aura of nobility.
The process of assigning each student to their respective classrooms was about to begin, and the mage-lady ensured that everyone paid attention to her instructions. The youths wore fine suits and dresses, reflecting their noble lineage or the high positions their families held in the empire.
Among them, there was an air of anticipation and excitement, mixed with the solemnity of an important moment in their academic lives.
With firm gestures and an authoritative voice, the professor guided the students to their educational destinies, making sure each one showcased their magical aptitudes or demonstrated the quality of their swordsmanship. Additionally, she ensured their ranks were correct, a crucial aspect in the academy's hierarchy.
"Attention, everyone!" her voice resonated across the green grass field. "Next, each of you must go through the protocol established by the empire. Ahead of you are the third-year students, who will be responsible for verifying your rank."
The youths set out, following the instructions diligently as they prepared to undergo scrutiny of their abilities and the judgment of their third-year peers.
The tension in the air was palpable, each student aware of the importance of this moment; depending on which classroom they were assigned to, they had more opportunities for growth—all of them aimed for the most prestigious classroom, "Primitivo."
The mage-lady continued to give orders firmly, ensuring the process proceeded with precision and efficiency. In the vast green grass field, a total of 50 rows formed, each crowded with approximately 300 students eager to know their destiny in the academy.
Each student advanced one by one towards the booths located at the front, where three academy students awaited, all boasting the prestigious emerald rank, being in the third year.
The procedure was simple but crucial. Each student, upon entering the booth, sat in front of a table where a crystal ball rested. By placing their hand on it and applying their mana, the orb changed color, thus revealing the student's rank.
The colors of the crystal balls were more than simple shades; from modest silver to dazzling platinum, each tone represented a different rank within the academic hierarchy in each of the classes. Those destined for the first year reached a maximum rank of silver up to the maximum gold; those of the second year from base-Platinum to its maximum.
Additionally, there were age requirements to ensure the maturity and capability of the applicants. Generally, those between the ages of 17 and 25 had better chances of entering without hindrance.
A boy with white hair and bright red eyes burst into the tent, capturing the attention of the young woman in charge of managing the students' ranks. She opened her eyes slightly, surprised by the newcomer's distinctive appearance, and after a few seconds of bewilderment, she recognized the boy. Her eyes widened, and she stammered nervously, "P-Please, have a seat and place your hand on the crystal."
The girl, of plebeian origin like most of the students, tried to maintain her composure in the presence of the distinguished young man. The uniforms, though the same for all students, varied slightly depending on the year they belonged to.
However, Anthony Von Valeriano's status and lineage, belonging to one of the most powerful families in the empire and one of the nine ducal families, stood out clearly.
The girl couldn't help but feel nervous in the presence of someone so influential. With trembling hands, she activated the crystal orb and watched closely as Anthony placed his hand on it.
Anthony smiled inwardly as he watched the nervous girl before him. Since his arrival on campus, he had attracted many looks, and even some students had discreetly distanced themselves upon noticing his presence. He was located in a part of the campus reserved for first-year students, which meant he had temporarily separated from Lysandra, who was at the opposite end of the grounds.
Despite the looks and whispers surrounding him, Anthony maintained an expression of indifference, as if he were completely oblivious to the attention he garnered. His gaze wandered among the students, searching for the main characters of the cast, but he found none of them nor any important supporting characters.
With a natural ability to perceive details, Anthony sensed the tense and expectant atmosphere in the air. He could hear the subtlest murmurs of the students around him, as well as feel the furtive glances following him every step of the way.
However, he remained unperturbed, although he knew very well that Anthony's reputation was terrible—all the sons and daughters of the nobles knew it too, so it couldn't be helped.
With a calm demeanor contrasting with the anticipation of the moment, Anthony slowly placed his hand on the crystal. A thin thread of darkness seemed to slide into the orb, triggering an instant reaction. The orb suddenly glowed with a dazzling intensity of yellow, flooding the tent with its radiance.
The girl in front of him adjusted her glasses and took out a crystal, beginning to write quickly while muttering to herself. After a few moments of concentration, she announced firmly, "Anthony Von Valeriano, Rank: Mid-Gold." Once she finished writing, she glanced at the boy next to her, who nodded in confirmation.
"Please, follow me," the boy instructed seriously, and Anthony nodded in response. He followed the boy through the campus until they reached a secluded area, where a metal dummy awaited patiently.
The boy indicated with a serious gesture: "Strike the dummy with all your might." Without hesitation, Anthony walked towards the dummy and drew a low-level sword from his ring. With a fluid movement of his arm, the dummy was cleanly split in half.