Chapter 17: Entrance Examination [1]
One week later-
Klein stood in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, adjusting the formal black coat Arwen had carefully prepared for him.
Arwen stepped up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she looked at his reflection with soft eyes.
"You look handsome."
Kissing his cheek, she whispered "Good luck out there, I am sure you will get selected."
Klein turned around in her embrace, pulling her close.
He wrapped his arms around her and took her lips in a soft kiss.
Arwen melted into him instantly, reciprocating the kiss.
Smiling, she whispered against his lips "I’ll be waiting for you tonight."
"Mhm," Klein replied and kissed her once more, savoring the warmth of her body against his.
After a few more kisses, he reluctantly pulled away, pressing one last kiss to her lips.
"I’ll come back as soon as I can."
Arwen smiled softly and nodded, watching him leave the room with a gentle look in her eyes.
---
*vroom* Klein quickly parked his car at the parking lot and stepped into the airport.
When he arrived at the VIP terminal, several people waiting for their flights noticed him immediately.
"Isn’t that him?" one young man whispered to his friend.
"Yeah... the one who awakened with us at the Rite. The Mythic-rank guy."
"I heard he got golden light during the test. Crazy."
Klein kept his expression neutral as he walked through the terminal, ignoring the whispers and curious stares.
He was led by a staff member toward a private boarding gate.
Waiting for him there was a luxurious private shuttle belonging to the Langford family.
Evelyne von Langford was standing beside it, looking as elegant as ever in a white and gold outfit that perfectly suited her.
Beside her, Julia was standing, looking at him with curious eyes.
Evelyne smiled as Klein approached "Klein. Right on time. I’m glad you accepted my offer to travel together."
Klein gave her a nod "Thank you for the invitation, Miss Evelyne. I appreciate it."
Evelyne gestured to the girl beside her "This is my younger sister, Julia. She’s also attending Grayhaven and will be taking the entrance examination today."
Julia stepped forward and extended her hand "Nice to finally meet you."
Klein shook her hand firmly "Likewise. It’s good to meet you, Julia."
Evelyne watched the interaction with a faint smile before gesturing toward the open door of the private shuttle.
"Come. We have a long flight ahead. We can talk more comfortably inside."
The three of them boarded the luxurious shuttle.
Klein sat by the window seat of the shuttle, looking down at the sprawling landscape below.
The shuttle flew at a high altitude, offering a breathtaking view of the world beneath them, the vast forests, rivers and floating islands connected by massive bridges.
His eyes narrowed subtly ’This world is so different from my old one,’
’In my previous life, the world was ruled by Emperors and absolute monarchs. Power was concentrated in the hands of a few.’
’But here... even though there is a Central Federation which acts like the central government, the real authority is split among powerful noble families who rule over their own sectors like kings.’
His gaze shifted slightly toward Julia ’Like the Langford family,’
’They are a Duke family. That means they have enormous influence over a large territory. Resources, military power, political connections... they control all of it.’
While the Central Federation handled major laws and international matters, the noble houses governed their domains with near-autonomous power.
Dukes like Evelyne’s father were essentially rulers of their own small kingdoms.
’There are also the Guilds... massive organizations of mercenaries and professional Arbiters who dive into the Towers and Dungeons.’
’They hunt for treasures, complete commissions, and fight on the frontlines against monster outbreaks. Some guilds are as powerful as noble families.’
’And there is also Churches of powerful Gods who have some influence.’
His gaze narrowed futher ’For the time being, my goal is to get stronger and enter the [Tower].’
’If I enter the tower and show some potential, some damned gods will lay their eyes on me.’
His eyes flickered to Evelyne ’I wonder if Evelyne has a contract with one of the Gods. Considering her strength and potential, I wouldn’t be surprised.’
As time passed, Klein was provided with luxurious food and drinks.
After two hours, the shuttle finally began its final approach, giving Klein a full view of Grayhaven Academy.
It was breathtaking.
The Academy was built across several miles of landmass and floating mountains.
Grand arched bridges and runes linked the different sections, while mana-powered elevators and sky-rails ferried students and staff between the floating islands.
Below them, lush gardens and forests stretched out, and in the distance, Klein could see the silhouettes of several smaller Towers used for practical training.
Evelyne noticed his focused expression and spoke up with a faint smile.
"Impressive, isn’t it?"
Turning to her, he nodded "It is."
With a smile, she spoke "Grayhaven is the best environment for someone with your talent."
"But it is also extremely competitive. Students here come from all over the region, nobles, guild heirs, genius commoners... Everyone is fighting to stand at the top. You will need to prove yourself quickly if you want to avoid being overshadowed."
---
The shuttle smoothly landed on a private VIP platform reserved for noble families and special guests.
As the door opened, a wave of fresh, mana-rich air rushed in.
Evelyne stood up "I have some matters to attend to as a current student, but I’ll be watching your performance from the observation tower. Julia will show you to the examination area."
Julia turned to him "Come on, Klein. I’ll take you there."
Klein quickly followed Julia off the shuttle.
As they walked along the wide path toward the Central Evaluation Plaza, Julia glanced at him in the corner of her eye.
’He doesn’t seem like a trained guy. I guess it’s just fluke that he awakened such a rare class...’
Looking at him, she asked "Have you ever held a sword before?"
With a shake of his head, he replied "Nope."
Upon hearing this, Julia let out a quiet sigh, "I see," she said in an indifferent voice but Klein could sense the disappointment in her tone.
"In that case, I think it would be better for you to focus on the theory examination in the third segment. Since you have an affinity toward Spirits, you’re essentially a summoner and controller type."
"Combat evaluations tend to favor those with direct martial backgrounds or those with combat classes."
She continued walking beside him, "Many combat-class Arbiters from noble families begin rigorous training at a very young age. Sword forms, mana circulation techniques, tactical combat... it’s all drilled into us from childhood."
"If you’ve never held a weapon before today, jumping straight into the practical combat portion might put you at a disadvantage."
Klein smiled faintly "I’ll take your suggestion into consideration."
Julia gave him a brief sideways glance, "Don’t misunderstand. I’m not doubting your potential."
"A Mythic-rank class is rare for a reason. But raw talent and actual combat experience are two very different things. Grayhaven doesn’t tolerate weakness. If you want to survive here, you’ll need to adapt quickly."
They continued walking in silence toward the massive Central Evaluation Plaza, where thousands of applicants had already gathered.
In the distance, they can see crystal pillars for the mana capacity test, reinforced arenas for combat evaluation, and large lecture halls for the theory segment.
Julia finally spoke again, "If you need any advice during the exam... you can find me. Let’s exchange contact information."
Klein nodded and took out his phone. They quickly scanned each other’s codes, adding one another as contacts.
"Let’s go."
