The Cold Heir

Ralf left the carriage, bypassing the long queue of teens all eager to step through the teleportation gate. With an air of authority, he approached one of the staff members who had just finished verifying the authenticity and reading the mana signature of another teen, allowing him to go through.

It took Ralf barely a moment before he returned to the carriage, his face a mix of urgency and relief. "You're clear to go," he informed the siblings with a nod towards the gate. 

Ved stepped out first, adjusting his uniform as he took in the sight before him. The massive teleportation gate, made of reinforced mana-infused steel, shimmered faintly with protective enchantments.

His sister stepped out after him, her gaze sweeping over the scene with a calm, calculating look. Though she said nothing, Ved could tell she was assessing the environment, just as he was.

Ved and his sister exchanged a glance, the silent communication between them speaking volumes. They knew the privilege they held, not having to wait in line like the others.

Around them, other noble carriages arrived. Some came from renowned families, their lineage boasting powerful mages and warriors, while others were commoners trying to test their luck or maybe their skills.

The siblings followed Ralf, who navigated them through the crowd with practiced ease. 

Whispers filled the air as they walked toward the gate.

"That's Ved Flack… the heir of the Flack family."

"And his twin sister, the one who wasn't chosen… I heard she's just as cold as him."

"Flack family… Ice magic users, right? I wonder how strong they really are."

Ved ignored them, as did his sister.

One of the teens, who bore the unmistakable air of nobility and was about the same age as Ved and Lyra, approached them. He was a handsome youth with brown eyes and matching hair, presenting himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to respect. 

He was Varys Atlas, from the House Atlas, the second most influential family in Lisistin city, right after the Flacks. For years, they had been expanding their influence in the city's council, even by supporting Lyra's claim to the heir position.

"Young Lady Lyra," Varys said, giving a small bow that was more about politics than respect. "Young Master Ved, nice to see you here, right before this big adventure."

Ved raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "Varys, still charming as ever. see your family's ambition hasn't waned."

Lyra just nodded, her face calm but her eyes sharp. "Varys, we appreciate your support. What brings you to us today?"

Varys smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just to wish you luck, of course. And to remind you that the Academy is not just a place of learning, but also of alliances. The House Atlas wants to keep our good relationship with the Flacks, especially with talents like you two."

It was clear this wasn't just a friendly chat. Varys was here to make sure their families' political games continued at the Academy.

Ved smirked, but didn't say anything.

Lyra gave a slight nod, showing she knew what was up but kept it cool. "We'll keep that in mind, Varys. Thanks for the good wishes."

Varys nodded, stepping back but not before giving Lyra a look, a silent acknowledgment. As he walked away, 

They reached the gate, the staff member Ralf had spoken to, gave them a quick look, checking their identity again, before waving them through.

Ralf gave them a nod, a silent wish for luck. Ved stepped forward first, feeling the tingle of magic on his skin as he passed through the gate. His sister followed after.

The moment Ved walked through the teleportation gate, everything around him changed. A dizzying sensation gripped him, like being pulled through water, but pushed along by some unseen force. Then, just like that, he was back on solid ground.

In front of him was this huge arena, like a coliseum, with stone walls covered in glowing symbols that seemed alive with magic. A shimmering barrier surrounded the whole place, trapping the hundreds of kids who'd just shown up. Up above, floating platforms held instructors and academy staff, watching everything from their high spots.

Lyra appeared beside him, adjusting her uniform, her expression unreadable as always. More students continued materializing in waves, some stumbling from the sudden shift, while others recovered quickly, eyes darting around in search of threats or opportunities.

Ved spotted a few familiar faces right away.

Varys Atlas was nearby, chatting with a bunch of other nobles who'd already teamed up. He looked relaxed, but Ved could tell he was sharp, scanning the place like he was sizing everyone up.

Then there were other candidates that stood out, Ved could tell they were strong just by looking at them. There was a tall, muscular teen with red hair and a greatsword strapped to his back, radiating confidence. 

Next to him, a girl with green hair, clocked in a dark robe, had this mysterious vibe about her, like she was hiding something. And many more, there were plenty more like them.

Ved scanned the crowd, taking in the mix of faces—some nervous, some cocky, others just trying to figure out what was going on. He noticed a few more standout figures.

 A wiry kid with sharp eyes and a bow slung over his shoulder, moving with a quiet grace that screamed danger, a girl with blue hair, her hands crackling with sparks of lightning, looking ready to fight at a moment's notice, and a boy with a hammer bigger than his head, laughing loudly with a group of friends, but his eyes kept darting around alert.

A low hum suddenly buzzed through the air, grabbing everyone's attention. A bright light flashed in the middle of the arena, and just like that, a man with white hair and striking golden eyes stepped forward. Ved immediately recognized him. 

A legendary mage known for his mastery over multiple elements and his ruthless teaching methods. Headmaster Frederick Levitin. His golden eyes swept over the gathered students, and silence fell over the crowd.

"Welcome," Frederick's voice rang across the arena, cutting off all chatter. "Today, you start your journey at the Academy—if you pass of course. Here it doesn't matter whether you come from noble bloodlines or humble origins, your past does not matter here. Strength, intelligence, and determination will define your future."

A wave of anticipation surged through the students.

"As you all know we only take 500 students a year," Frederick continued, " but way more of you are here. Many of you have trained your whole lives for this moment, yet only a fraction of you will succeed."

He raised one hand, and the ground under them started to shake. Circular platforms, about three meters wide, began rising from the stone floor, hundreds of them, spread out evenly across the arena.

"The entrance exam is simple," Frederick said. "Survive."