A girl named Miyuuki was born in Hanaki Village, located on the outskirts of the Land of Shadow Veil.

A cool breeze drifted through the fields, carrying the scent of wildflowers across the sleeping village. Most of the houses had already extinguished their lanterns, and the only sound that remained was the gentle chorus of insects hidden among the grass.

Yet one figure remained awake.

"Just one more try..."

Miyuuki tightened her grip on the wooden training sword in her hands.

Sweat dripped down her forehead as she stood alone in the empty field behind her grandmother's old house. Her arms ached. Her legs trembled.

But she refused to stop.

"Again."

She swung.

The wooden blade cut through the air.

Too slow.

"Again."

She swung once more.

Most people in the village would have given up long ago. After all, everyone knew Miyuuki possessed no magic. Everyone knew she had no noble blood. Everyone knew a girl like her could never become a Lunar Knight.

At least, that's what they said.

Miyuuki lowered her sword and pouted.

"I'll become one anyway."

The words left her mouth with stubborn determination. The moon above seemed to shine a little brighter. As if listening.

Miyuuki sat down in the grass and stared toward the night sky. Countless stars glittered above her.

She said.

“It's so beautiful."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Just wait for me."

“One day, I would prove it to the people of this village. That I could enter Morthalis Academy. And I would become a Lunar Knight! “

“No matter how impossible it seemed. No matter how many people laughed at me. I will use my own power to reach my goal. “Miyuki, sigh...

She raised her arms, and she stretched both her hands.

“That is for today’s training. Well, I have to go now before the chief finds out that I am gone. "Miyuuki returns to the chief house and gets ready for tomorrow’s daily task.

Miyuuki gazed at the moon one last time before leaving.

Her grandmother used to tell her that no matter how dark the night became, the moon would always shine somewhere above the clouds.

Whenever she felt lonely, she would come here.

Whenever she felt discouraged, she would train here.

This small abandoned house was the only place where she could truly be herself.

Miyuuki smiled softly.

"Grandma..."

She tightened her grip on the wooden sword.

"Just watch me."

"One day, I'll become a Lunar Knight."

With renewed determination, she turned and began walking back toward the village chief's residence.

Above her, the moon silently watched.

And somewhere beyond the stars, fate had already begun moving.

TOMMOROW - MORNING

The sun had barely risen when Miyuuki woke up.

As usual, she began her daily chores around the village chief's house. She swept the floors, cleaned the windows, prepared water for the household, and completed every task assigned to her.

Despite the exhausting work, Miyuuki couldn't stop smiling.

Today, she planned to visit the village library.

The entrance examination for Morthalis Academy was drawing closer, and she wanted to study as much as possible. Deep down, Miyuuki believed she possessed magical power like everyone else.

She simply didn't know how to use it yet.

With a bucket in hand, Miyuuki hurried toward the kitchen to fetch water.

Lost in thought, she failed to notice someone approaching from the opposite direction.

Bump!

"Aah!"

The bucket slipped from her hands, splashing water across the floor.

Miyuuki's eyes widened.

Standing before her was the Village Chief's daughter, Sayuri.

Drops of water stained the expensive dress she was wearing.

Miyuuki immediately lowered her head.

"I-I'm sorry, Miss Sayuri! I didn't mean to bump into you!"

Sayuri stared at the wet stain on her clothing.

Her face twisted with irritation.

"Sorry? Is that supposed to fix this?"

She brushed the water from her sleeve with disgust.

"Do you have any idea how expensive this outfit is?"

"I-I'll clean it right away!"

"Honestly, you're so clumsy."

Sayuri crossed her arms and glared down at her.

"You spend all your time dreaming about Morthalis Academy when you can't even walk properly."

Miyuuki lowered her gaze.

Sayuri smirked.

"Don't tell me you're still planning to take the entrance exam."

Miyuuki clenched her fists.

"...I am."

For a moment, Sayuri looked surprised.

Then she laughed.

"You?"

She shook her head.

"That's impossible."

"Morthalis Academy is for nobles, talented mages, and future Lunar Knights."

Her eyes narrowed.

"Not for a servant girl with no magic."

The words stung.

But Miyuuki remained silent.

Sayuri turned away and said.

"Know your place, Miyuuki."

As she walked off, Miyuuki slowly looked up.

Her chest hurt.

Her hands trembled.

But her determination remained unchanged.

One day...

She would prove everyone wrong.

After Sayuri disappeared down the hallway, Miyuuki quietly cleaned the spilled water.

Her hands trembled slightly.

The words still hurt.

Not for a servant girl with no magic.

Miyuuki lowered her head.

Then she suddenly laughed.

"Hehe..."

If she listened to every person who told her she couldn't do something, she would have given up years ago.

Slowly, she stood up and dusted herself off.

"Then I'll just have to work harder."

After finishing her chores, Miyuuki grabbed her notebook and hurried toward the village library.

The entrance examination was getting closer.

And she had no intention of losing.

Little did she know that her journey toward Morthalis Academy and the truth of her destiny was about to begin.

The Village Library was one of Miyuuki's favorite places.

Whenever she had free time, she would rush there with a notebook in hand and spend hours reading anything she could find.

History books.

Magic textbooks.

Stories of heroes.

She read them all.

Today was no different.

After finishing her chores at the Village Chief's house, Miyuuki hurried through the village and pushed open the library's wooden doors.

The familiar scent of old books greeted her.

Miyuuki smiled and said.

"I'm back."

She immediately made her way toward a shelf near the back of the building.

A section she had visited countless times before.

The section dedicated to Morthalis Academy.

Carefully, she pulled a large book from the shelf and placed it on a nearby table.

The cover read:

"The History of Morthalis Academy."

Miyuuki's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Morthalis Academy was the most prestigious magical institution in the Kingdom of Aurelia.

Founded over two thousand years ago by the Astralis Dynasty and the Seven Noble Clans, the academy served as the center of magical education throughout Aetheria.

Many of the kingdom's greatest heroes, scholars, generals, and mages had graduated from its halls.

Most importantly, it was the primary path toward becoming a Lunar Knight.

The Lunar Knights were the elite protectors of Aurelia.

They defended the kingdom from monsters, magical disasters, and threats that endangered the people of Aetheria.

To many children, they were heroes.

To Miyuuki, they were an inspiration.

She carefully turned the pages.

Images of towering academy buildings filled the book.

Beautiful stone structures stood beneath banners bearing the symbol of the moon.

Students from every corner of the kingdom gathered there.

Many came from noble families.

Others were descendants of the Seven Noble Clans.

Only the most talented mages could earn admission.

For commoners, acceptance was incredibly rare.

Miyuuki stared at the illustrations.

Then she smiled.

"I'll get there someday."

Her voice was quiet.

Yet filled with determination.

The librarian chuckled from across the room.

"You still haven't given up on that dream?"

Miyuuki shook her head immediately.

"Never!"

The old librarian laughed.

"You really are stubborn."

Miyuuki placed both hands on the book and looked at the image of Morthalis Academy once more.

One day.

She would walk through those gates.

One day.

She would study beside talented mages and noble students.

And one day,

She would become a Lunar Knight.

Even if nobody believed she could.

Even if the entire village laughed at her dream.

Miyuuki would never give up.

For the first time in her life, she felt that her future was waiting somewhere beyond the borders of Hanaki Village.

And that future began at Morthalis Academy.

–The Next day–

Miyuuki's eyes shot open.

Her heart pounded against her chest.

The nightmare had returned.

She found herself gasping for breath as tears slowly formed in her eyes.

In her dream, she had seen her grandmother again.

The warm smile.

The gentle voice.

The small house where they had once lived together.

Then she saw it all disappear.

The day her grandmother passed away.

The day she became alone.

"...Grandma..."

Miyuuki quietly lowered her head.

The room was silent.

Only the pale moonlight entered through the window.

For several moments, she sat there, allowing herself to cry.

Today was an important day.

Yet she could not stop thinking about the person who had supported her more than anyone else.

Eventually, Miyuuki wiped away her tears.

"No."

She shook her head.

"Grandma wouldn't want me to be sad today."

Taking a deep breath, she stood up.

Today was the day she would leave Hanaki Village.

Today was the day she would travel to the capital and take the entrance examination for Morthalis Academy.

Quickly, she packed her belongings.

There wasn't much.

A few spare clothes.

A notebook filled with study notes.

A wooden sword.

And a small pouch containing the money her grandmother had left for her.

It wasn't much.

But it was all she had.

After finishing her preparations, Miyuuki stepped outside.

The village chief stood near the entrance.

When he saw her bag, he scoffed.

"So you're really going?"

Miyuuki nodded.

"Yes, sir."

The chief crossed his arms.

"Hmph. Don't get your hopes up."

"You'll fail anyway."

Several villagers nearby laughed.

"She's really going?"

"A commoner?"

"Does she even have magic?"

"What a waste of time."

Miyuuki lowered her head.

The laughter echoed around her.

But she remained silent.

She had heard these words countless times before.

The village chief smirked.

"When you fail, don't expect a warm welcome when you come crawling back."

Miyuuki tightened her grip on her bag.

Then she smiled.

"Even if I fail, I'll know I tried."

Without waiting for another response, she continued walking.

Behind her, more laughter followed.

But she refused to look back.

As she reached the edge of the village, another carriage approached.

It belonged to Sayuri.

The chief's daughter sat comfortably inside, dressed in fine clothes.

Several servants accompanied her.

When she noticed Miyuuki walking alone, she laughed.

"You're seriously planning to walk all the way to the capital?"

Miyuuki nodded.

"Of course."

Sayuri shook her head.

"How pathetic."

The carriage moved forward.

Before disappearing down the road, Sayuri glanced back one last time.

"Try not to collapse before you get there."

The carriage disappeared into the distance.

Miyuuki simply smiled.

Then she continued walking.

Alone.

The journey to the capital took three days.

Three days of walking.

Three days of sleeping beneath the stars.

Three days of pushing forward despite her aching feet.

Whenever she felt tired, she remembered her dream.

Whenever she felt lonely, she remembered her grandmother.

And whenever she felt like giving up, she remembered the words of the villagers.

She would prove them wrong.

Finally, on the third day, the capital came into view.

Miyuuki stopped in her tracks.

Her eyes widened.

The city was enormous.

Towering buildings stretched toward the sky.

Magical lights illuminated the streets.

Countless people moved through bustling marketplaces.

Colorful banners decorated the roads.

The entire city felt alive.

For the first time in her life, Miyuuki was speechless.

"So this..."

She smiled brightly.

"...is the capital."

Excitement filled her heart.

This was where Morthalis Academy stood.

This was where her future awaited.

After spending some time exploring the city, Miyuuki eventually found a small inn where she could spend the night.

The room was simple.

But to her, it felt perfect.

As she lay in bed that evening, she stared up at the ceiling.

Tomorrow.

The entrance examination.

Tomorrow.

Her dream would finally begin.

Unable to contain her excitement, Miyuuki hugged her pillow and smiled.

"Just wait for me, Morthalis Academy."

And with that thought, she slowly drifted to sleep.

The day of the Morthalis Academy entrance examination had finally arrived.

The capital of Aurelia was more lively than ever. Citizens from every corner of the kingdom gathered around the grand arena to witness one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Families cheered for their children.

Merchants lined the streets, selling food and souvenirs inspired by Morthalis Academy and the Lunar Knights.

Excitement filled the air.

For many noble families, the entrance examination was a tradition. But for commoners, it was a rare opportunity to change their future.

Although Morthalis Academy accepted students regardless of social status, only a handful of commoners had ever earned admission. Even so, countless hopeful applicants continued to chase their dreams every year.

Among them was Miyuuki Tsukihana.

As she walked through the academy gates, her heart pounded with nervous excitement.

"So many people..."

Her eyes wandered across the enormous arena.

Hundreds of applicants stood together, dressed in robes, armor, and academy uniforms from private tutors. Some confidently displayed their magical abilities, while others quietly reviewed notes before the examination.

Miyuuki smiled.

"I really made it..."

Before she could admire the arena any longer, a staff member's voice echoed throughout the venue.

"Attention, all applicants!"

"Please proceed to the central arena immediately!"

The applicants quickly gathered in front of the massive stage.

Moments later, the spectators erupted into cheers.

The ceremony was about to begin.

A young woman stepped onto the stage with a bright smile.

She wore elegant academy robes decorated with silver embroidery and held a crystal microphone that amplified her voice across the entire arena.

"Good morning, everyone!"

"My name is Aria Silverwind, and I have the honor of serving as today's host for the Morthalis Academy Entrance Examination!"

Thunderous applause echoed throughout the arena.

Miyuuki stared in amazement.

"She's beautiful..."

Aria laughed as she waved toward the audience.

"I'm twenty-two years old..."

She paused dramatically.

"...and still looking for a husband!"

The arena burst into laughter.

"Just kidding!"

She giggled before continuing.

"But before we begin..."

"Are all of you ready to meet the Six Lunar Knight Captains?"

The crowd exploded with excitement.

Cheers echoed throughout the stadium.

Some spectators even stood from their seats.

Besides Miyuuki, a girl with long silver hair grabbed her shoulders in excitement.

"Ahhh! I can't believe we're actually going to see them!"

Miyuuki jumped in surprise.

"Oh! Y-Yes... me too!"

The girl smiled brightly.

"I'm Eleanor Whitestar!"

"What's your name?"

"M-My name is Miyuuki."

"It's nice to meet you, Miyuuki!"

"I hope we both pass today's exam!"

Miyuuki smiled shyly.

"I hope so too."

The two girls exchanged cheerful smiles before returning their attention to the stage.

Aria raised both hands.

"Everyone!"

"Please calm down!"

"You'll be meeting the Six Lunar Knight Captains in just a few moments."

The arena suddenly fell silent.

A deep horn echoed across the capital.

Booooom!

Magical fireworks illuminated the sky as six enormous banners descended from above.

Each banner bore the crest of one of Aurelia's Seven Noble Clans.

Golden trumpets sounded.

The massive gates behind the stage slowly opened.

"The Six Lunar Knight Captains have arrived!"

One by one, six figures stepped onto the stage.

Each wore a different uniform representing their Noble Clan, yet all carried the silver crest of the Lunar Knights upon their chest.

Aria stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen..."

"I proudly present the greatest protectors of the Kingdom of Aurelia!"

"The Six Lunar Knight Captains!"

The audience erupted once more.

"First..."

"Captain Leon Solarius!"

"The Commander of the Lunar Knights!"

Born into the prestigious House Solarius, Leon graduated as the top student of Morthalis Academy and became the youngest Commander in Lunar Knight history. His exceptional leadership and unwavering sense of justice have inspired countless knights throughout Aurelia.

The crowd applauded loudly.

"Second..."

"Captain Seraphina Tempestris!"

Known as the pride of House Tempestris, Captain Seraphina is renowned for her unmatched speed and brilliant tactical mind. Her mastery of Tempest Ether has earned her the title of the Stormblade of Aurelia.

"Third..."

"Captain Kael Pyralis!"

A fearless warrior from House Pyralis, Kael is celebrated as one of Aurelia's strongest frontline fighters. His courage and relentless determination have made him a hero on countless battlefields.

"Fourth..."

"Captain Lyra Verdantia!"

Representing House Verdantia, Captain Lyra is Aurelia's greatest healing knight. Her compassion, wisdom, and mastery of Verdant Ether have saved thousands of lives throughout the kingdom.

"Fifth..."

"Captain Orion Umbrael!"

The mysterious representative of House Umbrael, Orion specializes in reconnaissance and covert operations. His countless secret missions have protected Aurelia from dangers hidden in the shadows.

"And finally..."

"Captain Cedric Astraeus!"

A brilliant scholar from House Astraeus, Cedric is famous for exploring ancient ruins and recovering relics from the Divine War. His knowledge of Aetheria's forgotten history is unmatched.

As the introductions concluded, the entire arena erupted into thunderous applause.

Miyuuki stared at the six captains with sparkling eyes.

"So that's..."

"...a Lunar Knight."

Her heart raced with excitement.

One day...

She wanted to stand among them.

Aria smiled warmly before continuing.

"Now that you've met the Six Lunar Knight Captains..."

"Allow me to explain today's entrance examination."

A magical screen appeared behind her.

"The First Examination..."

"A Written Examination."

"This stage will test your intelligence, magical knowledge, and understanding of the history of Aurelia and Aetheria."

"The Second Examination..."

"An Ether Affinity Assessment."

"Each applicant will place their hand upon an ancient crystal capable of measuring ether affinity, mana capacity, and magical potential."

"The Third Examination..."

"A Combat Trial."

"You will demonstrate your swordsmanship, magic control, reaction speed, and battle awareness against magical opponents."

"The Final Examination..."

"A Team Trial."

"You will be assigned to groups of five."

"This stage will evaluate your leadership, teamwork, courage, and ability to protect others."

Aria looked across the thousands of applicants.

Her smile slowly became serious.

"Remember..."

"Morthalis Academy does not seek the strongest."

"We seek those who possess the heart to protect Aurelia."

She raised her hand high into the air.

"Applicants..."

"Are you ready?"

"YES!!"

The voices of thousands of applicants shook the arena.

Miyuuki clenched her fists.

This was it.

The first step toward her dream.

"Then..."

Aria smiled.

"Let the Morthalis Academy Entrance Examination begin!"

As the crowd cheered, the applicants proceeded to the first examination.

Proctor Aleric Valemont:

"I am Aleric Valemont, the proctor of the first examination. This test will assess your knowledge and understanding of magic and the history of Aurelia. You will have one hour to complete the written examination. You may begin."

The room immediately fell silent as every applicant focused on the test before them.

Miyuuki remained calm. She had spent countless hours studying in the village library, and every late night of hard work had prepared her for this moment.

Without hesitation, she answered each question with confidence.

Meanwhile, many of the other applicants struggled. Some frowned as they read the difficult questions, while others nervously scratched their heads, unable to remember the answers.

The written examination was designed to eliminate those who lacked the necessary knowledge to study at Morthalis Academy.

After an hour had passed, the first examination came to an end.

The successful applicants were then guided to another chamber for the second examination—the Ether Resonance Assessment.

As everyone gathered inside the hall, whispers about Miyuuki began spreading among the applicants.

Female Applicant:

"Psst... Look at that girl. I heard she doesn't even have any magic. How did she manage to pass the written exam?"

Another Female Applicant:

(She chuckled.) "What are you talking about? If she really doesn't have any Ether, then she's definitely going to fail this examination."

The two girls laughed quietly.

Nearby, another group of applicants noticed Miyuuki.

Male Applicant:

(He smirked.) "Hey, look at that girl. Her hair is gray. I've never seen anyone with hair that color before."

Another Male Applicant:

"I heard she's weak. She must have been incredibly lucky to pass the first exam. What a waste... she's actually pretty." (He laughed.)

The applicants continued whispering and mocking Miyuuki from a distance.

Noticing the gossip, Eleanor immediately walked over to her.

Eleanor:

*(*She frowned.) "Don't listen to them. They're just jealous because you aced the written examination! Honestly, I feel like punching them. Why are they saying such horrible things about you?"

Miyuuki:

(She smiled gently.) "It's alright, Eleanor. You don't have to do that. What's important right now is focusing on the next examination." (She let out a small giggle.)

Eleanor:

"You're right... but I still don't like people talking badly about my friend."

Miyuuki:

(She laughed softly.) "Thank you, Eleanor. You're very kind."

As the applicants continued chatting among themselves, the large doors to the examination chamber slowly opened.

A beautiful young woman stepped gracefully into the room.

The entire hall instantly fell silent.

Her long orange hair flowed elegantly behind her, while her emerald-green eyes carried a calm yet dignified presence.

Although she appeared to be no older than twenty, an overwhelming aura surrounded her, causing every applicant to instinctively hold their breath.

Several male applicants stared in complete admiration.

Male Applicant:

"Who... is she?"

Another Male Applicant:

"Maybe she's today's proctor?"

Third Male Applicant:

"No way... Wait... orange hair... green eyes... and big boo—"

Female Applicant:

(She slapped the back of his head.) "Will you stop being a pervert already?! That's the famous mage known as 'The Etherseer!' She's the only person in Aurelia capable of analyzing a person's Ether with a single glance!"

Male Applicant:

"E-EH?! Seriously?! I thought the Etherseer was supposed to be an old woman!"

Third Male Applicant:

"Yeah! Me too!"

Female Applicant:

"Both of you, be quiet!"

The mysterious woman smiled as she walked toward the center of the chamber.

Her footsteps echoed softly throughout the silent hall.

She looked around at the remaining applicants before letting out a gentle laugh.

Proctor Seraphine Evercrest:

(She giggled softly.) "Well... I'm pleasantly surprised. It seems there are still quite a few survivors from the written examination."

She smiled warmly.

"Allow me to introduce myself."

"I am Seraphine Evercrest, your proctor for the Second Examination."

Before we begin, the Moonstone Monolith, an ancient relic entrusted to Morthalis Academy by the Astralis Dynasty. Its purpose is to reveal the true nature of the Ether that resides within your soul.Each applicant will approach the Monolith individually and place one hand upon its surface.

The Monolith will first emit a silver light as it synchronizes with your Ether. Once the resonance is complete, the silver light will transform into the color of your natural Ether Affinity.

Through this assessment, we will determine:

A glowing screen appeared

Your Ether Affinity

Your Mana Capacity

Your Ether Purity

Your Magical Potential

Do not attempt to manipulate or force your Ether. The Monolith responds only to your true nature, and it cannot be deceived.

When your name is called, step forward calmly, place your hand upon the Monolith, and await your results.

The Ether Resonance Assessment will now begin."

At the center of the examination chamber stands a towering crystal pillar nearly three meters tall. It appears transparent, yet countless streams of colored light flow endlessly within it. Silver runes engraved around its base emit a faint glow. The artifact has existed since the Divine War. Only Seraphine can fully activate it.

As the assessment begins... Professor Seraphine Evercrest stood beside the Monolith with her usual calm expression.

Proctor Seraphine Evercrest:

Applicant Number Twelve, Eleanor Whitestar.

Eleanor:

(Eleanor jumped excitedly.) That's me!

She turned toward Miyuuki and smiled.

Eleanor:

Wish me luck!

Miyuuki:

(Miyuuki nodded with a warm smile.) You can do it, Eleanor! Taking a deep breath, Eleanor stepped onto the platform. The entire hall watched as she approached the Moonstone Monolith. She gently placed her right hand against its smooth surface.

For a brief moment...Nothing happened.

Then, a soft silver light emerged from the crystal. The light slowly spread across Eleanor's arm before surrounding her entire body. The examiners watched quietly.

Applicant:

Look.

"The resonance has begun." One of the professors adjusted his glasses. "The silver light is scanning her ether." Several seconds passed. The silver glow suddenly shimmered. Tiny particles of light rose into the air.

Then, the silver transformed into a brilliant golden yellow radiance. Golden yellow stars floated around Eleanor as rays of warm light illuminated the platform.

The examiners and applicant gasped.

"Beautiful..."

"So that's Astra Ether."

Professor Seraphine slowly opened her silver eyes. For a few moments, she quietly observed the golden ether surrounding Eleanor.

Proctor Seraphine Evercrest:

"Applicant Eleanor Whitestar."

"Ether Affinity: Astra Ether."

"Mana Capacity: A-Rank."

"Ether Purity: Ninety-three percent."

"Magical Potential: Excellent."

The professors immediately recorded the results. The crowd applauded. Eleanor's face lit up.

Eleanor:

I did it!

She bowed politely before leaving the platform. As she walked back, she couldn't stop smiling.

Eleanor:

Miyuuki! I got Astra Ether!

Miyuuki:

Congratulations! (Miyuuki smiled happily.) I knew you would do well.

Eleanor:

(Eleanor laughed.) "I'll be waiting for your turn!" She gave Miyuuki an encouraging thumbs-up before returning to the applicants' line. Miyuuki looked toward the glowing monolith.

As Eleanor stepped down from the platform, the hall filled with applause. The emerald glow of her Astra Ether still lingered faintly around the Moonstone Monolith.

Several examiners smiled as they recorded the results.

One Examiner:

Another excellent Astra candidate. House Solarius continues to produce remarkable talents.

Second Examiner:

Her ether flow is stable as well. She'll have no trouble adapting to the academy. 

Nearby, several professors quietly reviewed the list of remaining applicants. One name caught their attention.

Third Examiner:

Next is... Miyuuki Tsukihana.

The examiner adjusted his glasses.

Third Examiner:

She's the girl from the countryside, isn't she?

Fourth Examiner:

Yes. Her written examination was impressive, but...

He glanced toward Miyuuki, who quietly stood at the back of the applicants.

"...Her Ether is almost impossible to sense."

Another examiner nodded.

Fifth Examiner:

I tried observing her during the practical orientation this morning. Nothing. Her ether fluctuations are unusually faint.

The group exchanged uncertain looks.

Second Examiner:

Perhaps she's simply a late bloomer.

Fourth Examiner:

Or perhaps she possesses almost no Ether at all.

A few examiners quietly sighed.

Third Examiner:

If that's the case... She won't survive Morthalis Academy.

Across the room, several applicants overheard the conversation. The whispers spread almost instantly.

Applicant:

Did you hear that? Even the examiners think she barely has any Ether.

Another Applicant:

So that's why she looks nervous.

Sayuri couldn't help but smile.

Sayuri:

(She folded her arms confidently.) Looks like the entrance examination was just beginner's luck.

A few students laughed softly. Not everyone joined in.

Eleanor glanced toward Miyuuki with concern. She gently grabbed her friend's hand.

Eleanor:

(She smiled reassuringly.) Don't listen to them. They don't know you like I do.

Miyuuki forced a small smile.

Miyuuki:

Thank you... I'll do my best.

High above the platform...Proctor Seraphine Evercrest quietly observed everything. She had heard every whisper. Every assumption. Every conclusion. Yet… Unlike the others… She never judged an applicant before the Monolith revealed its answer. She calmly closed the record book in her hands. Then she raised her voice.

Proctor Seraphine Evercrest:

Applicant Number Thirteen... Miyuuki Tsukihana.

The whispers immediately ceased. The entire examination hall turned toward the quiet girl standing at the end of the line.

Miyuuki took a slow, steady breath. Then...She stepped forward.

Miyuuki:

(She quietly clenched her fists.) I can do this...

She climbed onto the platform and bowed respectfully before Seraphine.

Proctor Seraphine Evercrest:

Do not be afraid. Simply place your hand upon the Monolith. Allow your Ether to answer.

Miyuuki:

Y-Yes, Professor.

With trembling fingers, Miyuuki gently placed her right hand against the crystal.

For a moment...Nothing happened. The examination hall fell silent. Then, a brilliant silver-white light burst from the Moonstone Monolith. The light flowed like liquid moonlight, wrapping around Miyuuki's entire body. The audience gasped.

Examiners:

The silver light has appeared!

Everyone waited. Normally, the silver light would only last for a second before changing into an ether color.

Red.

Blue.

Green.

Purple.

Yellow.

Every mage eventually revealed their true affinity. But this time...

One second passed. The silver light remained.

Two seconds. Still silver.

Three seconds. Nothing changed.

The whispers began.

Applicant:

Why hasn't it changed?

Another Applicant:

Did the Monolith stop working?

One Examiner:

*I*mpossible... The Monolith has never failed.

Five seconds. The silver-white light continued to shine without fading.

The hall grew restless.

Applicant:

Does she not have an Ether?

Another Applicant:

I've never seen anything like this...

Sayuri:

(She folded her arms with a smug smile.) Just as I expected. She's completely talentless.

Several students quietly laughed.

Miyuuki lowered her head.

Miyuuki:

(She bit her lip.) ...Did I fail?

Everyone believed the crystal had rejected her. Everyone...

Except one person.

Seraphine never looked away. Her expression, usually calm and unreadable, slowly changed. She activated her unique ability, Ether Sight.

The colors of every Ether in the room became visible before her eyes.

Brilliant flames of Solis.

Golden Yellow Astra.

Flowing Aqua.

Verdant Zephyr.

Dark Umbra.

Radiant Astralis.

Each Ether glowed with its own unmistakable color.

Then...

She looked at Miyuuki.

Seraphine's breathing stopped.

There was no color.

Only pure silver-white light.

Not empty.

Not colorless.

Chief Examiner Seraphine Evercrest:

(She whispered under her breath.) Impossible...

The moonstone monolith trembled.

A faint crack of silver light spread across its surface before vanishing.

The other examiners stepped back in shock.

One examiner:

Professor... The monolith reacted!

Seraphine slowly raised a hand.

Without taking her eyes off Miyuuki, she calmly spoke.

Chief Examiner Seraphine Evercrest:

Remain calm.

The room fell silent once more.

After several long moments, the silver light finally disappeared.

Miyuuki slowly removed her hand from the crystal.

She looked at Seraphine with nervous eyes.

Miyuuki:

Professor... What is my Ether?

The entire hall waited for the answer.

Seraphine stared at Miyuuki for a long moment.

Then, with her usual composed smile...

Chief Examiner Seraphine Evercrest:

Assessment complete.

She looked toward the audience.

Chief Examiner Seraphine Evercrest:

Ether Affinity... Unknown.

The hall erupted into confusion.

Applicant:

Unknown?

Another Applicant:

I've never heard of that before!

Sayuri:

(She laughed quietly.) She doesn't even have an Ether.

Miyuuki forced a small smile.

Although disappointed, she bowed politely.

Miyuuki:

Thank you, Professor.

She quietly stepped down from the platform and returned to her place beside Eleanor.

As she walked away, Seraphine watched her.

The applicants left the chamber...

Seraphine remained alone before the Moonstone Monolith.

The room was silent.

She slowly reached into the sleeve of her robe and removed an ancient silver pendant engraved with a crescent moon.

For the first time in a century...

The pendant began to glow.

Seraphine closed her eyes.

Proctor Seraphine Evercrest

(She whispered.) So... The prophecy was true.

Without another word, she turned toward the palace overlooking Morthalis Academy.

Far beyond the academy walls...

Inside the Royal Palace...

An ancient mural depicting the Moon Goddess suddenly shimmered.

A single crack spread across its surface.

At the same moment...

Deep beneath Aurelia...

Something sealed away for one hundred years...

Opened its eyes.

Chief Examiner Seraphine Evercrest:

(She whispered so softly.) Welcome back... Child of the Moon. ( She smiled)