"Whoa... so this is it. Just as I thought, it’s massive."
I stood before the gates.
I had finally made it—at long last, I was at the Arnold Magic Academy.
For anyone in the world who studied magic, enrolling in this academy was both a lifelong dream and a necessary milestone. The vast majority of sorcerers active on the global stage were graduates of this institution. Consequently, anyone aspiring to greatness sought entry here.
And so, I—Ray White—was also fortunate enough to be admitted.
As for the entrance exam... well, I was actually exempt. I should clarify that it wasn't a back-door admission, though.
The standard exam apparently consisted of both written and practical components, and the academy’s standards were exceptionally high. It was a place where many nobles and children from prestigious sorcerer families enrolled.
Out of everyone here, I was apparently the only student from an ordinary family.
My mother, father, and even my grandparents were not sorcerers. Not a single person in my lineage possessed the gift.
Apparently, it was a rare occurrence—a mutation of sorts. I was the first person in my family's history capable of wielding magic. After many twists and turns, I set my sights on becoming a sorcerer, which led me to where I am today.
"Listen, Ray. If things get hard, you can always come home."
"I'll be fine, Mom. I'm a fledgling sorcerer now. I've prepared myself for this."
"I see... You’ve truly grown up."
"Indeed. Your father is proud of you too."
"Big brother! I'm coming next year, so just you wait!"
"Yeah. I'll be looking forward to it."
With my family’s support, I had come here all on my own. All the way from the countryside to this academy...
To be honest, the fact that I got lost several times along the way was a secret I intended to keep to myself.
With that thought, I passed through the gates. I felt eyes on me from all directions, but I tried not to let it bother me. It was probably just me being self-conscious, anyway. There was no doubt about that.
Dressed in my brand-new gray uniform, I had even trimmed my somewhat long, bluish-black hair specifically for my enrollment. There shouldn't have been anything strange about my appearance.
"Hey... isn't that him?"
"Yeah... the one from the rumors?"
"Ah, right. That one."
"It’s him... no mistake about it..."
I could hear them whispering, but I kept walking.
"Let's see... am I going the right way?"
I checked the map included in my student handbook. This academy was truly vast—so large that a person could easily get lost just by walking normally. I could have just followed the crowd to reach my destination, but I wanted to get the layout down in my own head.
As I stopped to study the map, a sudden thud hit me from behind.
"Tch... watch where you're going."
"My apologies. I was preoccupied with the map."
I offered an immediate apology. Since I was the one who had stopped abruptly in the middle of a crowd, I was clearly at fault. I bowed my head sincerely.
"Hm? Wait... are you Ray White?"
"Oh! You know me? That’s a relief. I just arrived from the country and don't have any acquaintances yet. I hope we can be friends."
I extended my right hand to the man, but...
Smack! He swatted it away.
"Hah... you’re that Ordinary, the first one in the academy's history, aren't you?"
"I am... is there a problem with that?"
The man and his followers looked at me with mocking smirks.
"Don't you get it? If you want to survive here, coming from a sorcerer lineage is the bare minimum. Ideally, you should be a noble."
"Hmm...? What do you mean? I’m sorry, I’m still quite ignorant regarding the world of sorcerers. I’d appreciate it if you could explain it to me."
"Hah! As if I’d waste my time doing something that tedious. Well, do your best. I'm expecting great things from you, Ordinary."
With that, they turned and walked away briskly.
I had hoped to make a friend quickly, but I suppose it wasn't meant to be. If they weren't interested, there was no point in forcing the issue.
"Hey, you."
"Hmm? Did you need something?"
"Well, I happened to overhear your conversation... Ah, but first, let me introduce myself. I'm Amelia Rose."
"Miss Rose. A pleasure. I'm Ray White. You can just call me Ray."
"I'm fine with Amelia, then. We're both freshmen, after all."
"I see. Then I'll be in your care, Amelia."
"Anyway, we shouldn't just stand around here. Let's talk while we walk."
"That would be a great help."
I began walking alongside Amelia.
Amelia Rose.
With her signature long crimson hair and her transparent Burning Eyes, she possessed a beauty that could only be described as pure.
The female students wore uniforms based in red, which complemented her appearance perfectly.
She also looked quite athletic. Her proportions were excellent, and she was tall for a woman. I was just under 180 centimeters, so she had to be at least 170.
Thanks to the advancement of magic, human bodies were often physically enhanced, leading to a higher average height than in the past. Even so, she was definitely on the taller side.
Beyond her height, there was an unmistakable air of elegance in her every movement.
Come to think of it, the name Rose sounded familiar...
"So, it seems you really are the first Ordinary in this academy’s history."
"That's right. Apparently, I'm some kind of mutation."
"Heh... I see. If you ever run into trouble, feel free to come to me for advice."
"That's very kind of you, Amelia."
"By the way... do you not know who I am? I'm actually a bit of a celebrity, you know."
"Ah, my apologies. This is the first I've heard of you. Forgive my ignorance, but I'd appreciate it if you could enlighten me."
"I see. Well, I suppose it’s only natural that my name hasn't reached the ears of the Ordinaries. Er... anyway, you know that there are nobles among sorcerers, right?"
"I do."
"Well, have you ever heard of the Three Great Noble Families?"
"Wait! That rings a bell. Don't tell me your family is one of them?"
"Exactly. House Rose is the head of the Three Great Noble Families. For the record, I also placed first in our year."
"Whoa! To think I'd get to meet such a legend... could I get your autograph?"
"I don't mind, but... you’re a strange one, Ray."
"Am I? Well, if you could just sign this board... and another for my sister..."
"You're surprisingly pushy. Well, whatever. It’s not like it makes me feel bad."
I had her sign the autograph boards I’d brought with me. I was glad I’d had the foresight to pack them along with some colored pens.
"There you go."
"Whoa! Incredible! Such beautiful handwriting!"
"Well, I am a public figure, after all~"
Amelia seemed quite pleased with herself, looking a bit proud.
"But more importantly... are you going to be okay?"
"Hmm? About what?"
"Weren't you being harassed a moment ago?"
"Huh? No, not really. They just declined my greeting. Greetings in the city must be quite difficult. My manners were clearly lacking... I'll have to study up on that."
"If you're not bothered by it, Ray, then I suppose it’s fine... but please, do be careful."
"Of what?"
"Factional infighting is fierce at this academy. To the point where the faction you join can determine whether or not you even graduate. That's why members of the Three Great Noble Families are given such preferential treatment. It feels a bit awkward saying it myself, but that’s just how it is. Given the circumstances, as an Ordinary, you’re going to have... a difficult time."
"Well, I'm not worried. Factions or otherwise, I intend to enjoy my life at this academy to the fullest."
"You're quite the optimist. Or perhaps just carefree?"
"Heh... I'll put my vote on the latter."
"Pfft, what is that? Ahaha! I think I might have taken a liking to you."
"Is that so? I've just come from the country and don't have any friends yet. I'd be honored if you'd be my first, Amelia."
"Saying it like that makes me a little embarrassed... but sure. I look forward to being your friend."
"Likewise."
This time, we shared a firm handshake.
"By the way, Ray, have you heard?"
"Hmm? Heard what?"
"The rumors about the Ice Sword Sorcerer."
"...No, I can't say I have. Could you tell me more?"
"A genius sorcerer who appeared a few years ago. They were so proficient in ice magic that they earned the alias 'Ice Sword Sorcerer.' People already call them one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers. They say this person has reached the very essence of ice magic..."
"...And what about them?"
"There's a rumor that they might be among the new students this year. But that's impossible, right? I can't imagine someone like that would bother coming to an academy."
"...I suppose not."
We continued our idle chatter as we made our way toward the auditorium for the entrance ceremony.