GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 18.1: Processing

"You know them, Lord Atherwind?" the peer asked.

"No," Kein replied without hesitation, his voice carrying clearly across the space. "I don't."

He turned and walked away with his companion, who muttered something about "commoners should know their place when addressing nobility. Being students doesn't mean we're equal."

Celia stepped forward, but Vel caught her arm.

"Let me go," she said, anger flashing in her eyes. "How dare he—"

"Wait," Vel said quietly, his mind racing. "Think about it. Maybe he has reasons we don't understand. Four years with his noble father... maybe acknowledging us would put him in a difficult position."

"What—" Celia began, hurt and confusion mixing in her voice.

"Not now," Vel placed a restraining hand on her arm as officials called for attention. "We'll find him after the ceremony."

They reluctantly joined the other applicants facing the platform where wide stone steps led to an elevated area. At the top, a tall woman in elaborate blue robes embroidered with silver appeared against the backdrop of a giant entrance to the main building. Her elevated position commanded the entire courtyard, and her presence seemed to draw the very air into stillness.

"Attention candidates!" she called, her voice cutting through all conversation. "I am Archmagister Elyssia Caelum. Today, you stand at the threshold of possibility. Here, you will not be given your place—you will earn it."

"The Academy opens its doors once every three years," Archmagister Elyssia continued, her voice cutting through the morning air. "This is your opportunity to secure a future that would otherwise remain forever beyond your reach. We do not accept new students during our cycles—every resource, every instructor, every moment of attention is devoted to those we choose today."

Her gaze swept across the crowd, and Vel felt the weight of hundreds of dreams hanging in the balance.

"Those who fail today may return for one final attempt in the next cycle—if life has not already claimed them, if they still possess the will to try again. But know this: there will be no third chance. The Academy grants only two opportunities in any lifetime."

Vel felt the gravity of her words settle over the crowd like a physical weight. Beside him, Celia straightened, her jaw setting with fierce determination.

"The examinations will test not only your magical aptitude, but your resolve, your creativity, and your ability to work under pressure. Some of you will discover strengths you never knew you possessed. Others will find that dreams alone are not enough."

While the Archmagister spoke, Vel's gaze drifted toward Kein's distant figure. The boy who had once shared their dreams now stood among a cluster of noble candidates, his posture perfect, his attention fixed forward like a proper lordling.

The transformation struck Vel harder than he'd expected. This wasn't just about expensive clothes or refined manners. Four years in his father's house had changed something fundamental. The warm, impulsive boy who'd challenged Vel to endless sparring matches was gone, replaced by someone who could look right through old friends without a flicker of recognition.

Had their promise meant so little? Vel remembered their last day in Elnor—the determination in Kein's eyes as he'd sworn they would meet again at the Academy.

"Your first examination begins in one hour," the Archmagister announced, drawing Vel's attention back. "Proceed to your assigned areas according to your token numbers. And remember—the Academy does not coddle. We forge strength through adversity."