Starless Reincarnation

The first test was designed to assess an applicant's theoretical understanding of mana and its applications. It was a critical component of Eldoria Academy's entrance process, ensuring that every student had a solid foundation in the fundamentals before advancing into the more practical and combative aspects of their education.

Raven found herself seated in a grand lecture hall that doubled as the examination room. Rows of wooden desks stretched across the room, each adorned with quills and inkpots. The high, arched windows let in streams of light, illuminating the intricate mana-infused etchings on the walls—runes of protection, clarity, and focus.

The proctor, a tall elf with piercing green eyes and a voice sharp as a blade, stepped to the podium. "Welcome, applicants," he announced. "This test will evaluate your knowledge of mana, its origins, its usage, and the creatures it permeates—mana beasts. You have one hour. No talking, no cheating. Begin."

Raven glanced down at the parchment in front of her, scanning the questions. They ranged from the straightforward to the challenging, each designed to test not only rote memorization but also critical thinking.

Define mana and explain its role in the balance of the natural and magical world.

What are the primary methods of manipulating mana, and how do they differ across elemental affinities?

Describe the evolutionary traits of mana beasts and how their mana cores function.

Explain the concept of mana saturation in an environment and its potential risks.Provide a tactical analysis of handling a Tier 3 Shadow Wolf using fire and earth affinities.

Raven smirked. The first few questions were almost laughably easy for her. Mana is the lifeblood of this world, she thought, her quill scratching across the parchment. It flows through all living beings and the very earth itself, acting as both a source of power and a connective force between existence and magic.

She breezed through the section on elemental manipulation, her mind naturally drawing comparisons to the Qi techniques she had mastered in her past life. Her knowledge of mana beasts, though new to her, was bolstered by Thalia's relentless tutoring and the many books she had been forced to read over the past six months.

The question about mana saturation gave her pause. It was a more advanced concept, often overlooked by beginners, but Raven had studied it during one of Thalia's lectures. She carefully wrote her response, detailing how excessive accumulation of mana in an area could destabilize the local environment, potentially causing phenomena like mana storms or the spawning of unpredictable mana beasts.

The final question on strategy required more than just theory; it demanded creativity and practical insight. Raven sketched out a detailed plan, noting how fire magic could be used to create barriers of flame to corral the Shadow Wolf, while earth magic could trap it with sudden terrain shifts. Her answer included contingency plans, highlighting her ability to think ahead.

Around her, other students furrowed their brows, some chewing nervously on their quills. Celia, seated a few rows ahead, appeared calm, her quill moving steadily across her parchment.

As Raven finished her last answer and leaned back in her chair, she glanced at the proctor, who was watching her intently. It was as if he could sense the precision and depth in her answers. She met his gaze briefly before looking away, her mind already shifting to thoughts of the next test.

When the hour was up, the proctor clapped his hands. "Time is up! Place your quills down and step away from your desks."

Raven stood, handing in her parchment with a quiet confidence. The first test had been manageable, even enlightening in some ways. But as she exited the hall and caught sight of the combat grounds in the distance, her heart quickened. The second test was next—the one that would truly determine if she was ready for Eldoria Academy.

After a brief respite following the first test, the applicants were ushered out to the combat grounds. The field sprawled across a massive open area, encased by tall stone walls etched with shimmering runes. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of mana-infused anticipation and the lingering tension from students preparing to showcase their strength.

Raven stepped forward, her katana strapped securely at her side. She felt the weight of its presence, a comfort and a promise of power. Beside her, Celia gave her a reassuring nudge and a bright smile. "You've got this, little sister. Just remember what you've trained for."

The proctor for the second test, a broad-shouldered dwarf with a gruff demeanor and a voice like thunder, addressed the applicants. "Listen up! This test isn't just about brute strength—it's about control, strategy, and adaptability. You'll be facing mana beasts that we've captured and contained for this purpose. Each of you will step into the arena and show us how you handle a real fight. Impress us, and you'll move forward. Fail, and—well, better luck next year."

The crowd of applicants murmured nervously, but Raven remained composed. She scanned the arena, noticing the varied enclosures containing mana beasts of different tiers. From smaller creatures like Ember Sprites to larger, more intimidating ones like Earth Golems, each beast radiated a unique mana signature.

"Raven Vermillion," the dwarf bellowed, his voice echoing across the field. "You're up first."

A ripple of whispers passed through the crowd as Raven stepped forward. Her small frame and calm demeanor caught people off guard. More importantly, her last name drew attention.

"She's from the Vermillion family?"

"She doesn't look like them, though."

"Who exactly is she?"

Raven ignored the murmurs, her focus narrowing on the task ahead. She entered the arena, the gates opposite creaking open to reveal her opponent: a Tier 2 Shadowfang Lynx. Sleek and menacing, the beast's dark fur shimmered with an aura of shadow mana. Its golden eyes locked onto Raven, assessing her like prey.

"Remember," the dwarf called out, "you're being judged on more than just defeating the beast. Show control, precision, and an understanding of mana manipulation."

Raven's hand rested on her katana. As she unsheathed it, the polished blade caught the sunlight, its edge gleaming. She attuned herself to the lynx's mana, feeling its rhythmic pulse. This wasn't just a battle of strength but a contest of domination—of mana and the battlefield.

The lynx moved first, a blur of shadows darting to her side.

"You're slow. I see you clearly," Raven murmured.

She sidestepped fluidly, her blade slicing the air to intercept the lynx. The beast twisted mid-leap, narrowly evading the strike, and landed with a low growl.

Raven inhaled deeply, focusing on the creature. Her decades of battle-hardened experience from her past life sharpened her perception. The lynx's every move, every twitch of muscle, revealed its intent.

"Come, beast. Let me show you the power of a Vermillion."

The lynx lunged again, claws glowing with shadow energy. This time, Raven didn't dodge. Planting her feet, she swung her blade in a precise arc, grazing the beast's flank. Dark blood seeped from the wound, staining its sleek fur.

"You know," Raven said, meeting the lynx's golden gaze, "I thought I'd have to use mana for this. But against a weak creature like you? Seems unnecessary."

The crowd's murmurs turned to surprised gasps.

The lynx recovered quickly, pacing in a calculated circle. It studied her, its intelligent eyes searching for any openings. Raven tightened her grip on the katana, her mind racing through possibilities. Deciding to end the fight decisively, she called upon one of the techniques Thalia had taught her.

As the lynx lunged once more, Raven executed Vermillion Strike. She froze momentarily, her blade poised in a horizontal arc. In an instant, her form blurred, and the lynx faltered mid-leap. A shallow wound appeared on its neck, expertly placed to incapacitate without killing.

Snarling, the lynx flared its mana in a desperate attempt. Shadows coalesced around it, forming tendrils that lashed out violently. Raven remained calm, her katana slicing through the tendrils with unwavering precision. With a final burst of speed, she closed the distance, pressing her blade to the lynx's throat.

The lynx stilled, its golden eyes meeting hers. It no longer saw her as prey. To the lynx, Raven wasn't human—she was a predator, her mana radiating with a presence that demanded respect.

"Enough!" the dwarf called, stepping forward. "The beast yields, and the applicant passes."

Raven lowered her blade, exhaling slowly. Her composure never wavered, even as the crowd's murmurs swelled with astonished respect.

"She didn't even need mana to subdue it..."

"That strike—was that a Vermillion technique?"

"That means she is part of the Vermillion family!"

Raven ignored the whispers and walked calmly to the edge of the arena.

Celia met her with a wide grin and an enthusiastic hug. "You were amazing! I knew you had it in you!"

"Thanks," Raven said softly, glancing back at the arena where the lynx was being escorted away. The beast's golden eyes lingered on her, as if committing her to memory.

"Come on," Celia said, pulling her along. "That was just the beginning. Let's see how the others stack up against you!"

Raven allowed herself a small smile. She had passed the second test—not with brute force, but with strategy, precision, and control. And judging by the looks in the crowd, her name was one they wouldn't forget anytime soon.