The morning sun shone brightly over the courtyard of Elsgard Magic Academy, where hundreds of young hopefuls had gathered. The wide stone plaza was alive with chatter — students from every corner of the kingdom stood shoulder to shoulder, each clutching their admission slips, faces a mix of nerves and excitement.

Leon stood quietly among them, his gaze sweeping across the familiar sight. The elegant fountain at the center, the silver banners fluttering with the academy’s crest, the faint hum of magical wards in the air — every detail was exactly as he remembered.

It really is the same… ten years ago, he thought, feeling a strange mix of warmth and melancholy. Back then, I was just another kid dreaming of glory.

“Hey, you look way too relaxed for someone about to take the exam.”

Leon turned toward the voice and found a boy with messy brown hair and bright green eyes grinning at him. His robe was slightly crooked, and his staff looked like it had been polished only this morning.

“I’m Raine, by the way,” the boy said cheerfully, holding out a hand. “You here for the exam too?”

Leon took the handshake. “Yeah. Name’s Leon. Leon Milford.”

“Nice! Let’s survive this together, Leon. Heard they sometimes use monsters for the test.”

Leon smiled faintly. “That depends on the year.”

“Eh? You sound like you’ve seen it before.”

“Something like that.”

Raine laughed. “Well, whatever it is, I’m ready! I’ve been practicing my barrier spell all week—”

A clear chime rang through the courtyard, cutting through the noise. The crowd fell silent as a figure stepped onto the raised podium.

She was tall, graceful, and sharp-eyed — a woman in her early thirties, her hair the color of raven feathers, and her robe adorned with silver markings that shimmered faintly. Her mere presence quieted hundreds of students in an instant.

“I am Professor Elara Vaunt, head of Magical Practical Studies,” she said, her voice smooth yet commanding. “Welcome, aspiring magi of Elsgard.”

Leon’s chest tightened slightly at the sight of her. Professor Elara… I haven’t seen that face in years.

In his previous life, she had been one of the examiners who personally recommended him for admission — and one of the professors who would later die defending the academy.

Elara’s gaze swept over the gathered students. “I see determination, pride, and perhaps… a bit of fear. Good. You’ll need all three.”

A few nervous chuckles rippled through the group. Leon noticed Raine gulp beside him.

“The entrance examination,” Elara continued, her tone calm but edged with mischief, “is designed to test not only your magical skill, but your instincts. Remember, power without awareness is useless.”

Students began whispering among themselves. Some bragged about their training; others speculated on what the test would be.

Then Elara raised a hand, silencing them instantly.

“The first test,” she said with a faint smile, “is simple.”

Dozens of students leaned forward eagerly.

“Don’t get wet.”

“…Huh?” someone blurted out from the crowd.

Raine blinked. “Wait, what does she—”

Before he could finish, the ground beneath everyone shuddered.

Then — with a deafening crack — the entire plaza split in two.

“Wha—!?”

The stone floor gave way beneath their feet, and the candidates screamed as they plummeted downward. Leon’s reflexes kicked in instantly — his hand flashing with light as he formed a basic wind spell to steady his fall. Around him, students flailed wildly, trying to conjure anything to slow their descent.

A faint roaring sound reached his ears — and his eyes widened. Below them wasn’t rock or earth.

It was water. A massive, glowing pool of churning blue mana stretched beneath the cracked courtyard like an underground lake.

Above, Professor Elara watched calmly from the podium, arms crossed, as the students vanished below in a rain of panicked screams and splashes.

Her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“Welcome,” she murmured, “to your first lesson in survival.”