Prince of The Ruined Kingdom

Luna's first day at Lupusrica Academy unfolded in a surprisingly calm atmosphere. After her encounter with Ezuthal, she decided to keep a low profile and go with the flow of academy life like any other new student. The main hall was buzzing with students getting ready for their first test: a magical ability assessment.

Sitting among her peers, including Aria, the cheerful girl she had met during the orientation ceremony, Luna felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"I'm so nervous!" Aria whispered, twirling a strand of her long hair. "This magical ability test will determine our classes, right?"

Luna nodded slowly. Although she was well aware of the significance of the test, having known about it long before arriving at the academy, she chose not to dwell on it. After all, even though her name was now Luna, she was still Ellora—a princess with magical experience far beyond that of most of the new students. But she didn't want to stand out.

A middle-aged male instructor stepped forward to the center of the hall. His face was stern, radiating authority, and his golden-patterned robe indicated his status as a senior sorcerer at the academy.

"Welcome, new students of Lupusrica Academy," his voice rang out clearly, echoing through the hall. "Today, you will undergo your magical ability assessment. This is the first step in your long journey to mastering magic. This academy, as you know, not only teaches the theory of magic but also its practical application in the most effective forms."

Several students around Luna appeared anxious, whispering to each other about the ranks they might achieve.

"Of course, you may have already heard that one's magical ability is categorized into eight ranks," the instructor continued. "I will explain them again to ensure everyone understands."

Luna listened calmly, although she was very familiar with the ranks that would be mentioned. Aria beside her struggled to focus, her expression revealing her underlying stress.

"The first rank," the instructor began, "is Aligner. This is the basic level, where a sorcerer can only adapt to the magical energy around them. They may sense the magical energy but are not yet able to control it fully."

A few students exchanged worried glances, perhaps fearful of being placed in this category. Aligner was the most basic level, often seen as novice sorcerers who had yet to grasp the fundamentals of magic.

"The second rank is Conductor. Sorcerers at this level can channel magical energy through their bodies, but their manipulation or control of magic is still limited."

Aria looked deep in thought. "I hope I can at least be a Conductor," she murmured.

Luna smiled slightly, thinking that Aria was likely much stronger than she realized.

"Next, we have the third rank: Resonator. At this level, sorcerers can begin to resonate with the magical energy around them and use it to stabilize their magic. Resonators are where sorcerers begin to understand the essence of magic more deeply."

Luna noticed some students nodding, appearing more confident. The Resonator rank was a point where a sorcerer began to show tangible progress in mastering magic.

"The fourth rank: Interferer. At this level, sorcerers can disrupt the flow of magic around them. They begin to possess the ability to counteract enemy magic and alter the magical currents in specific environments."

Some students frowned, realizing this rank indicated a greater level of control and the ability to compete in magical duels.

"The fifth rank is Synchronizer. Sorcerers at this level can synchronize their magical energy with others, whether to cooperate or to control magic with high precision. Synchronizers typically have the ability to form combined magical attacks or more complex defenses."

Aria stared intently at the instructor. "That sounds so cool," she said softly to Luna. "Imagine being able to work together with synchronized magic!"

Luna offered a thin smile, recalling her past experiences when she had practiced magic synchronization in royal training. Collaborating in a team with magic was indeed a valuable skill.

"The sixth rank is Amplifier. Amplifier sorcerers can significantly enhance their own magic or that of others. They can strengthen magical attacks or defenses and even influence the magical energy in their surroundings."

Many students looked impressed by this explanation. The Amplifier rank was known as the point where sorcerers began to demonstrate extraordinary power in battle.

"The seventh rank is Dominator. A Dominator not only perfectly controls their own magic but can also manipulate the magical energy of others. They can disrupt, redirect, or even seize control of an opponent's magic."

The students started to appear more tense. Dominators were incredibly powerful sorcerers, and few ever reached this level. Luna remained calm, even though she understood these powers more deeply than they could imagine.

"And finally, the eighth rank: Integrator. This is the pinnacle of magical ability, where a sorcerer can fully merge with the magical energy in this world. Integrators can seamlessly blend magical energy, creating unparalleled magic in strength and complexity."

A moment of silence enveloped the hall after this explanation. The Integrator rank was legendary among sorcerers, with only a few having ever reached this level.

"Now, each student will be tested to determine your magical abilities," the instructor said, his tone firm. "This test will mark the beginning of your long journey at this academy."

Aria clasped Luna's hand nervously. "I hope I don't score too low," she murmured.

Luna looked at Aria gently. "Don't worry. What matters is how hard you work to learn and grow. Your initial rank doesn't define everything."

Aria smiled, feeling a little more at ease after hearing Luna's words. "Thank you, Luna. You always sound so wise."

Luna just smiled faintly. Deep down, she knew this test was merely a formality for her. Her abilities far surpassed those of her peers, but she had no intention of showing that. For her, living as an ordinary student was more important than flaunting powers that could draw unwanted attention.

They sat quietly among the rows of chairs, watching as each student was called up to undergo their magical ability assessment. The instructor at the front of the room began to unveil a large device that immediately captured everyone's attention—the Quantum Eye, an ancient artifact shaped like a digital eye that emitted a radiant purple light. This was no ordinary tool; it was a relic from the age of demon wars, and only a few knew that it could measure magical energy with astonishing precision.

Luna gazed at the device with caution. While it appeared commonplace to most students, she understood the history behind it. As a princess who had studied ancient magic, Luna was aware that the Quantum Eye had vulnerabilities—flaws that only someone with a deep understanding of its workings could identify. She took a slow breath, attempting to calm her racing thoughts. She had already decided to conceal her true power, and this time she had to be especially careful.

One by one, names were called to the front. The students who stepped up looked anxious and tense, some even trembling as they approached the Quantum Eye. When their turns came, the device emitted light that indicated their magical ability, ranging from the most basic level, Aligner, to the highest rank, Integrator.

"Aria Ethans!" the instructor called out in a loud voice.

Aria, the cheerful girl sitting next to Luna, stood up with enthusiasm. Though nervous, her face radiated excitement. Luna watched her with a faint smile, noticing Aria's confident movements.

Aria stood before the Quantum Eye and placed her hand on it, waiting for the results. The purple light began to pulsate, and within seconds, the instructor's voice echoed through the room.

"Interferer!" he announced firmly.

Aria stared at the instructor in shock, but a broad smile quickly lit up her face. "Interferer! I can't believe it!" she exclaimed, jumping slightly. "I did it, Luna! I really did it!"

Luna smiled gently at Aria's excitement. "Congratulations, Aria. That's a great rank," she replied calmly. "I'm sure you can go even further."

"Thank you, Luna! I know you'll get a great result too!" Aria said eagerly.

But Luna knew that, for her, the result was not the important part. She had resolved to hide her powers, and she couldn't let the Quantum Eye reveal who she truly was. Quietly, Luna began to devise a way to deceive the device. She planned to align her magical energy just enough to produce a nondescript level—perhaps on par with Aria's.

"Next, Luna Dmitrievna Kudryavtseva!" the instructor called.

Luna took a deep breath, stood up, and stepped forward gracefully. All eyes were on her. Her calm and elegant demeanor drew the attention of many students, but Luna maintained a neutral expression. Standing in front of the Quantum Eye, she placed her hand on the artifact.

The purple light enveloped her hand, slowly swirling around her body. Luna carefully suppressed her magical power, aligning her energy with the flaws of the artifact that she knew so well. Time seemed to slow as Luna focused intently.

After a brief moment, the instructor's voice finally broke the silence.

"Interferer."

Luna regarded the instructor with calmness, then offered a gentle smile. "Thank you, sir," she said politely before returning to her seat. Inside, Luna felt a wave of relief. Even though she had pressed her energy down as much as possible, the result of Interferer still emerged. It was better than she had expected. At least no one suspected her true power.

Aria, sitting beside her, appeared absolutely thrilled. "You're an Interferer too, Luna! We have the same rank! I know we're going to be an amazing duo at this academy."

Luna turned to Aria and smiled softly. "It seems so," she replied in a calm tone. "I'm glad we're at the same rank."

Behind her tranquil smile, Luna felt relieved. At least she had managed to keep her true abilities hidden. However, in the back of her mind, she acknowledged that despite minimizing her magical energy, the outcome was still higher than she had hoped. This indicated just how potent her magical energy was, and although she had successfully manipulated the assessment, there was still a slight risk involved.

Meanwhile, Aria couldn't stop smiling. "I can't wait to see how we'll work together later," she chirped. "I feel like I'm going to learn so much at this academy. You know, I really worked hard to get in here."

Luna listened attentively to Aria's stories, though her mind was still preoccupied with her own test results. "I'm sure you'll become a great sorceress, Aria," Luna replied calmly. "This academy will provide you with plenty of opportunities to grow."

Aria nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! And I'm lucky to be friends with someone like you, Luna. You're so calm and confident. It inspires me."

Luna merely smiled, not wanting to comment too much. As their conversation continued, the tests for the other students proceeded in front of the hall. Some achieved the Resonator rank, while others only reached Conductor or even Aligner. Though some appeared disappointed, the atmosphere remained vibrant and enthusiastic.

Once all the students completed their assessments, the instructor delivered his final remarks.

"Congratulations to all of you who have finished this magical ability test. You will be grouped based on your results to begin your magical training. Remember, your initial rank is not the end of everything. Here at the academy, we evaluate you based on your effort and the progress you make. So, don't be afraid to continue practicing and improving your abilities."

All the students nodded in agreement, while Luna sat quietly in her chair, feeling relieved that the day's tests were over. She had successfully concealed her true identity, and now the real challenge began: living as an ordinary student at Lupusrica Academy. However, Luna knew that even if she longed for a quiet life, her past and extraordinary magical abilities would not be easily forgotten.

After completing her final test, the instructor at Lupusrica stood at the front of the hall, his expression calm yet firm. In front of him, the new students lined up, awaiting the next instructions. The atmosphere in the room gradually shifted from an anticipatory hush to a palpable tension that hung in the air. They all knew this moment would determine their academic futures.

"Attention," the instructor spoke with an authoritative tone, capturing everyone's focus. "You have all gone through a series of tests designed to assess your basic abilities, potential, and natural talents. Based on the results we have obtained, you will be divided into two separate learning groups: the first group is for those ranked Integrator to Synchronizer. You will join the Omniforge group."

A collective sigh of relief echoed, accompanied by a few small cheers from the students in the front row. Bright, confident faces could easily be seen among them. Those who suspected they were ranked high appeared more at ease now, exchanging satisfied glances with one another.

"The second group," the instructor continued, "is for those ranked Interferer to Aligner. You will enter the Neoforge group."

This time, the atmosphere in the hall changed dramatically. Low whispers spread quickly among the students who realized they were part of the Neoforge group. Their faces showed a hint of disappointment, though some tried to remain stoic. A divide began to form between the two groups, even before they were physically separated.

Luna, standing in the middle of the Neoforge crowd, simply smiled slightly. Her eyes scanned the hall, observing the shifts in expression on her peers' faces. She could see the instructor's plan clearly. They weren't just dividing groups for the sake of teaching; they were indirectly creating a hierarchy—castes, in more blunt terms—among the new students.

Aria, standing beside her, let out a long sigh but quickly put on a cheerful smile. "Well, I guess it's not a big deal," she said brightly. "We're all here to learn, right? And maybe with less pressure in Neoforge, we can learn more easily!" She tried to infect her fellow Neoforge students with her enthusiasm.

However, Aria couldn't hide the concern in her eyes as some of them began whispering and exchanging anxious glances.

"Does this mean we're not as good as them?" one Neoforge student whispered to another, glancing toward the seemingly more confident Omniforge group.

Luna remained silent, still smiling, as she observed how her fellow students reacted. She could see that most of the Neoforge group was beginning to feel the weight of unfairness. On the other hand, the Omniforge students stood tall, some even casting condescending looks toward the Neoforge group.

"You're in Neoforge, huh?" a voice broke the awkward silence. A student from the Omniforge group, clad in a neat robe with the academy's emblem prominently displayed on his chest, approached Luna and Aria. "You shouldn't get your hopes up about catching up to us," he said with a smirk.

Some Neoforge students frowned, but no one dared to respond. They knew the student came from a prominent family.

Aria furrowed her brow, stepping forward bravely. "We may be in Neoforge, but that doesn't mean we lack talent. We'll do our best here!" Her voice was filled with determination, although a slight tremor revealed her own stress over the situation.

The Omniforge student chuckled, followed by a few of his peers who had started to gather around. "Sure, keep dreaming, Neoforge," he taunted before turning away, leaving Aria glaring in anger.

Luna merely smiled faintly. She realized this division was more than just a difference in potential; it reflected the outside world, where status and power were always the deciding factors. This was the first real test—not just in magic but in facing social and mental pressures.

"Luna, are you okay?" Aria suddenly asked, pulling Luna from her thoughts.

Luna looked at Aria, still smiling. "I'm fine," she replied softly. "You seem to be the one thinking about this more."

"I just don't like how they're treating us," Aria admitted, her voice low. "As if we've already lost just because they're ranked higher."

"That's how the world works, Aria," Luna responded in a calm but sharp tone. "There will always be differences. No matter how hard you try, there will always be those who feel superior. What matters is how we respond to it."

Aria fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. But still, I don't like seeing my friends feel inferior just because of this system."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, the Omniforge students seemed to bask in the attention they were receiving. They spoke confidently, discussing their advanced learning plans while occasionally glancing at the Neoforge students with condescending glares. One of them, a tall young man with neatly tied black hair, looked at the Neoforge group as if they didn't belong in the same space.

"Look at them," he said in a low voice, loud enough for his group to hear. "It's clear that Neoforge is just a place for those who can't compete. We don't need to worry about them."

Several Omniforge students chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. The air of superiority surrounding them grew stronger. They walked with their heads held high, confident that their path at Lupusrica would be paved with victories.

Amidst the tension, the observing instructor finally spoke again, cutting through the murmurs in the hall.

"We have made this division not to belittle anyone," he said in a firm tone, as if sensing the growing rift between the two groups. "This division is meant to ensure that each student receives learning tailored to their needs. Each rank has its own advantages. Those of you in Neoforge, do not underestimate yourselves. You are here to learn, just like they are."

However, despite the instructor's wise words, they could not erase the feelings already planted in the students' hearts. The divide between Omniforge and Neoforge had begun, and Luna knew this was just the beginning of the unspoken caste system forming at Lupusrica Academy.

As she surveyed the faces around her, Luna let out a soft sigh. After all, this was a test much larger than just magic.

***