"Master, what are we going to do now?... Shadowwolf, they're not edible!" "Hmm, well, I intend to enroll you in the school. You're 9 years old right now, and the timing is right." "Okay, but which school? Korsalis?!" "Exactly—but there's one problem: we have no money for enrollment fees or parties. The only way into the school is by taking their exam, and I've already inquired—it will be held tomorrow!" "Alright, so what is the exam like now?" "Well, the exam is held in two different tracks—one for 'enhancers' and one for 'mages.' For you, you must participate in a martial arts championship, while all applicants also take a written exam." "A written exam? I know nothing but punching and running!" "Now, don't panic. Your exam will test the basic knowledge of any mana-user you have. Now, take Shadowwolf and go to the travelers' inn on the outskirts while I go write down your name."
Arian and Shadowwolf went to the travelers' inn on the edge of the city, and Zinarphil joined them after Arian's registration. In Shadowwolf's room, a black wolf, as soft as a cushion, was sprawled on the floor, fast asleep, while in front of Arian and Zinarphil, he prepared himself for tomorrow's exam. In the 'enhancer' track, only 121 candidates were participating, of which only 20 would be accepted! The exam consists of two stages: the first part is a written exam, and the second part is a practical exam. The written exam includes questions on topics such as the classification of mana-users and information about the mana circulation system; meanwhile, the practical exam for the enhancers this year is based on one-on-one combat among the students. However, since the number of applicants is large, only one candidate will be accepted by lottery. These were the details that Zinarphil provided to Arian.
Unlike the other aspects, Arian remained calm about this matter. To his surprise, it was Zinarphil who grew anxious—fidgeting with his disheveled, white hair as he watched Arian, who was seated in a near-sleep state. "I know you'll pass, but I'm afraid about one thing – your identity. If they find out... Your silver hair and blue eyes unmistakably reveal that you belong to the Legend race." These were the worried thoughts running through Zinarphil's mind.
The night passed quietly, and after a few hours the capital buzzed with its usual liveliness—indeed, even livelier than before—because people from every corner of the country had come to witness the entrance exam for School Korsalis. Moreover, today coincided with the anniversary of the school's founding—a school established 9 years ago after the war in honor of the peace among the races. Before the exam began, everyone had to gather in the central square of the capital, right across from the royal palace. Today, throughout the city, decorations displaying the school's emblem were set up—a symbol representing peace and friendship. This emblem featured a large tree engraved on a shield, along with the school's motto: "Today, Tomorrow of Yesterday, and Yesterday of Tomorrow."
"Wow, Master, look how crowded it is today! You're not saying they came just to see the exam, are you?" "Well, unfortunately, that's exactly what happened!" "Hey, young man, are you one of the exam participants?" "Yes, how else? Is there a problem?" "No, please come this way; we'll first conduct the written exam and then bring you to the battlefield. Now, if you would, enter your details – your name and your height!" "Certainly, but when does the combat start?" "After the kings' speech."
Arian, along with the exam supervisor, entered the palace to register his details and begin the exam. Soon after, a deep silence and immense pressure descended over the square as four kings appeared, leaving the people utterly astonished by their presence. "Very well, people, we are honored to have been graced today by the presence of four illustrious kings and the founders of Sharfiyab School: King Andreas, ruler of humans, accompanied by his famed black phoenix, Blackfire; King Aldinor, ruler of the elves; King Drakensicus, ruler of the dragons; and King Raxelius, ruler of the vampires, alongside his renowned serpent, Milran!" The crowd erupted in cheers, and many bowed respectfully in front of the kings.
Amid all these events, King Drakensicus quietly drew near King Andreas. "Did you feel his presence too, Andreas? That woman is here." "I know; Drako, don't make too much fuss now. In your kingship, and in that feeble, old, and unworthy maiden, there's nothing worth a second glance." Suddenly, in an unexpected act, Zinarphil shouted loudly, "Long live the kings, and long live King Drakensicus!" At these words, the crowd began to murmur again, and the guards struggled to quiet them.
"Alright, alright, we thank you, people, for this level of enthusiasm towards us. I, Raxelius, am honored to have been present in this gathering. In the past, vampires were not very popular; many of them unfortunately turned into bloodthirsty beasts, and we had to exile those demons to Zilandra! But today, our race is respected among these dear people. On behalf of my own kind, I thank all of you, and I look forward to the day when all races become one."
"Truly, that was an impressive speech, dear brother. I, too, King Andreas of the humans, am honored to witness such a scene. For me, the past means nothing; only the present moment is decisive."
"Both kings have shared their esteemed opinions, and I, Drakensicus, will add only that we are all the guardians of balance." After finishing his speech, King Drakensicus cast a long, lingering glance at Zinarphil, then returned to his place.
"In conclusion, I, King of the Elves, the ruler of the forests, thank all of you. Know that the past is never forgotten—it merely fades into the tiniest corner of the earth. Indeed, there was a time when we were all enemies, but now it is our children who uphold peace. School Korsalis! The reason for choosing this name is no accident—this school brings about a transformation in history; that is why it is called Korsalis."
After the kings' speeches concluded, the people moved to their designated spots to watch the exam. The written exam had ended, and all the students gathered in the palace's combat room