The Entrance Examination

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!"

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