"The goal of this academy is to introduce you to the world of magic and help awaken your talents. While some of you have talents way higher than the rest, all that means nothing if you have not awakened it. Before that, you are very much like a regular human without any powers. So while the talent matters, perseverance and hard work are what count.
To officially graduate from this academy you must reach middle stages of novice rank, or study for 4 years while reaching at least level 2. If you fail to awaken after 2 years, you will be kicked out of the academy as we do not tolerate inefficiency or lack of progress. We are an institution of excellence and continuous growth; hence we expect our students to demonstrate a high level of commitment, determination, and improvement. Let it be clear, we do not measure success solely in terms of magical ability but also personal development, dedication, and the willingness to strive for excellence. Nevertheless, awakening one's magic remains a fundamental requirement, serving as a testament to the student's capacity to grasp and harness the magical forces that define our existence." With that headmaster Alcastor finished his speech, turned around, and walked off the stage.
Following Thorne Alcastor's introductory speech, a teacher walked on stage and made an announcement, dividing people intro groups. Maximus and his group was led through a labyrinthine network of corridors and stairways.
They finally arrived at a large corridor that housed many rooms. When Max opened the room, it was plain with two narrow beds separated by a small table. A window on one wall let in a bright beam of sunlight.
"This will be your room," Faust announced, gesturing for Max to step inside.
Max looked around the room, taking in its simplicity. It was a far cry from his home's rustic charm, but it was his new home for now so he had to made do with whatever he could get.
Just as he was taking in his new surroundings, the door creaked open again, revealing a boy about Max's age. He was tall, with sandy brown hair and curious green eyes. He looked at Max with a wide grin.
"You must be my new roommate," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Oliver Dresdan, the son of Viscount Edmund Dresdan. Please call me Oliver. Lets get along."
Max shook his hand, introducing himself. "It is nice to meet you. I am Maximus Volkel. I come from the Snowbrook village in the northeastern Valtoria by the border with the Kingdom of Arindor. Lets get along."
That evening, Maximus, Oliver, and the rest of the students gathered in a grand hall. Thorne Alcastor stood at a podium at the front of the room, his presence demanding attention.
"Students," he began, his voice echoing through the hall, "here at Aldrion Junior Academy, you will be exposed to a variety of subjects, magical and mundane, to foster a well-rounded education. Your classes will include History, Etiquette, Foundations of Magical Theory, languages, and many others."
"At the end of your fourth year or when you reach the middle stages of the novice rank, you will be required to take an examination, both practical and theoretical, in the discipline based on your talent. This exam will not only test your knowledge and skill but also your dedication, integrity, and heart. Only those who pass this examination will graduate from Aldrion Junior Academy and be recommended to a higher-level academy."
With this, a murmur went through the hall. An examination to graduate? Maximus felt his heartbeat quicken. "Just you wait! I will show everyone what a true billiards prodigy is and will graduate the earliest."
Headmaster Alcastor continued. "Remember, hard work, perseverance, and respect for all - these are the values we instill in our students here at Aldrion Junior Academy. Hold them close, and you will do well. That is all for today. Your classes will begin tomorrow. Make sure you get a good night's sleep."
The following day, Maximus had his first class - History. Knowing that it is crucial to learn about the history and the power layout of different kingdoms and empires, Max did not dare slack off. His previous knowledge from another life was useless for now, so all he could do is be a diligent student and listen.
"I would like to welcome everyone in my class. My name is Leon Loinfield. I will start off by asking if anyone knows about the origin of magic and talent in general? Why can creatures cultivate their magic and knight talents to surpass the limits posed by the mortal body? Unfortunately, we do not know most answers to these questions. But you must learn that life is unfair and that you need to use any opportunities that you have to improve your strength because there will always be someone stronger and bigger than you."
"Nobles must be aware that commoners can use their talents to surpass them and rise to power. Commoners must know that before they have enough power to go against their enemies, doing anything will result in a tragedy befalling them and their families. World is unfair and you must realize that."
"As far as we know, the greatest mage to have ever walked these lands is Seraphus the Enlightened. The Lord was not born with a magical bone in His body, nor did He come from a lineage known for its magical prowess. He was, for all intents and purposes, a commoner. A Man of humble beginnings who, like a comet, appeared out of nowhere and changed the magical landscape forever.
The initial days of His life were like those of any commoner. The daily struggle for survival, the hardship, and the very mundane existence was all He knew. The spark of magic within Him, however, lay dormant, waiting for the perfect moment to awaken.
The turning point in His life was a day unlike any other when He experienced an epiphany. This day was not marked by a grand celestial event, nor was there an omen signaling a shift in destiny. It was an ordinary day, but for Lord Seraphus, it was the beginning of an extraordinary journey. The epiphany, now famously known as "The Enlightenment," was a turning point in His life. It awoke the dormant magic within Him, unveiling a reservoir of magical talent unprecedented in history."
Maximus was hanging onto every word that came out of Leon Loinfield's mouth. He was completely engrossed in the story of Seraphus the Enlightened. He found himself lost in the tale of the commoner-turned-great-mage, a flicker of admiration igniting in his heart.