After wandering the streets and taking multiple wrong turnings I had arrived at the Academy presentation. The Western Square was quite literally a square space that was surrounded by buildings that each extruded spires with one edificial spire that overshadowed the main stage. The platform, which was raised so those at the back like myself could see, was made of dark oak. It was enclosed by the crowd of aspiring students who also filled all the available space in the square.

There must be over a thousand people here.

Suddenly, a wave of something was projected through the crowd - an invisible pulse.

Silence fell over everyone.

The soft tap of footsteps on wood filled the eerie quietness and a figure came into view. A man wearing battle robes different to those I had seen worn by the sentinels of the wall sauntered towards the front of the wooden stage. Messy brown hair clung to his forehead, and I could see a sword's hilt that protruded from his back.

“Good morning and welcome to Hessdalen for those who are here for the first time. I hope your journeys here haven’t been too difficult or uncomfortable. I am Professor Pyre Head of Weaponship at Borealis Academy and this year I am overseeing the entrance examinations.”

“-Get this commoner scum off stage, where are the actual professors!”

An eruption of cheers sounded from the crowd, those around me punched the air and shouted in agreement. Although others dressed in simple tunics and rugged clothing stood there lifeless staring into the persons back in front of them or at their own feet.

“Silence.”

The shouts of the candidates ceased, and all movement stopped. I could hear my heart thumping against my chest as a heavy weight of bloodthirst lay over me. The air grew dense and people around me started choking, falling to their knees, veins popping out of their necks. They dropped one by one as the pressure increased. The throng had soon been decimated to a crumpled heap of bodies with only several still standing. From my far back positioning in the crowd, I could see all the madness unfolding…

“Argh, is this all a peasant needs to do to become a professor at the greatest school in The Orchid?” questioned a male, dressed in attire that looked more like jewels than actual clothes. He stood near the stage, among the sea of bodies writhing on the ground around him but instead of appearing defiant, he seemed to be putting on a brave face as his hands clung to his knees. The other slightly standing nobles looked like they tried to nod to show their support for the noble but their efforts only made them look like they were struggling even more under the now immense pressure that the Professor was exerting.

Wait. I’m still standing.

My eyes suddenly darted towards the man on the platform. His head turned to face mine, and I could see the subtle cyan glow emitting from his eyes even at the distance away I was. Shit, Shit. I dropped to the floor and pretended to squirm in pain.

“I guess Noblemen and women don’t change – a new intake every year and nobody is different. You’re all fundamentally pricks,” the professor's voice echoed as if his voice was being produced from all directions around me. A smile crept onto my face. The pressure then eased until the air returned to normal.

Groans followed and the candidates started to get up, many holding their heads. Before, any riots ensued, although I doubt anyone would even raise a finger against Professor Pyre, he explained the test in brief detail.

“-Inside the testing facility just wait to go into an examination room and the tester will explain more to you when you are in there. Last thing before you go through. Those who fail the preliminary test do not be disheartened. Everyone has a purpose no matter how big or small.” He paused. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for this commoner turned Professor powerful enough to suppress the prejudice against him. “Now fill into the entrance and good luck. You will need it.”

And with that, he strode off stage and out of view.

What is that strange feeling of déjà vu?  

***

ALDOVER STEIN’S POV

I had escorted the young noble to Borealis academy before retiring to my room in one of my master’s many manors in Hessdalen. The young Lord and several other talented noblemen had not needed to take the preliminary test due to having come from distinguished families like ours.

I grinned and reminisced over the proceedings of the day.

My grin fell off my face and my hand gripped my glass of Calder tightly like a vice. My knuckles turned bone-white.

That boy.

Not only had he spoken back to me but he was also unaffected by my aurora.

“ARGH!”

I hurled the glass at the mahogany wall, it shattered into a million shards and the alcohol stained the wood a saturated violet.

He must be dealt with. The Stein family is not to be disrespected. It must be sorted before the Lord and Lady even hear a slither about the confrontation. If that peasant is in the Capital that only means one thing.

A venomous smile grew across my lips.

He is applying for the Academy.