Arcane Heir: History's Strongest Mage

If the first orb exposed his abysmal potential, he would be failed on the spot.

What happens if I can't get into Arcadia?

He had never seriously considered failing the entrance exam—not because of arrogance, but because he didn't want to confront the consequences.

Now, with rejection looming, it no longer felt like a distant fear but a foregone conclusion. His thoughts grew tangled as he watched Lloyd's dejected figure disappear behind the right door.

I have a peer contract with Melody… Would I still be forced to attend Arcadia—not as a student, but as her servant?

But he quickly shook the thought away. Arcadia Academy would never permit servants to accompany students, not after witnessing what the headmaster had done to those he'd labeled "weeds."

There's a good chance the Winterbornes will discard me if I'm deemed talentless, he realized bitterly. No way they'll want someone like me as a son-in-law if my potential is trash…

While Michael spiraled into self-doubt, the examiner had already tested several more students. None had been dismissed as abruptly as Lloyd; all had progressed to the second orb.

"You may leave now," the examiner said again, waving his arm.

The right-hand door opened, and hushed whispers rippled through the crowd of examinees.

Huh? What happened?

Michael scanned the room, noting the confusion etched into every face. His eyes landed on the boy who had just finished the test—a student with long black hair that fell in limp strands past his shoulders.

The boy looked utterly crushed, as if he'd just received a death sentence.

"What's going on?" Michael asked, turning to Melody beside him.

Normally, she would have offered a snarky remark before explaining, but this time she looked too stunned to even speak.

"He had the same results as Braydon," she muttered, frowning. "His mana control was even better… but the examiner opened the right door this time."

Michael narrowed his eyes, shifting his gaze back to the heartbroken youth. The boy looked on the verge of tears, but still stepped forward, walking solemnly through the open door. It closed behind him with a soft click.

This doesn't make sense.

Are they testing for something else beyond soul density and mana control?

"Next, Melody Winterborne."

"Ah…"

Michael's head snapped toward her. Melody had stiffened at the sound of her name. For a brief moment, the sharp-tongued, confident girl he'd come to know was gone—replaced by a nervous, self-conscious teen.

"Y-You can do it, Melody," he said softly, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat.

"Yeah…" she replied, though her voice was distant.

He watched in quiet awe as she walked to the front of the group and stopped before the tall examiner. The man placed his hand atop her head for a few seconds, eyes closed, then gave a subtle nod.

"Thirteen years and three months. Proceed to the first orb."

Perhaps if this had happened before the last examinee, Melody might have been her usual self—confident, composed, maybe even smug.

But witnessing someone with results on par with Braydon being dismissed had clearly shaken her.

A sense of unease now blanketed the room, heavy and palpable.

Melody placed her hand on the orb and shut her eyes. Almost immediately, a deep green mist swirled into existence, bubbling violently within the glass. Flecks of violet lightning sparked and flashed in its depths like a brewing storm.

The orb crackled, and two bright orange rings emerged, rotating in elegant arcs across its surface. Just as it seemed to be over, the mist inside darkened—the verdant green slowly shifting into a bold, royal purple.

"That's enough," the examiner said flatly, raising a hand.

Melody staggered slightly as she was repelled from the orb, her expression dazed. But she regained her composure with admirable speed.

Without waiting for further instruction, she approached the second pedestal and steadied her breathing.

Michael watched with bated breath. Like him, mana manipulation was her strongest suit. He was eager to see how she would perform.

Melody flicked her hair over her shoulder, then stepped forward, placing her left hand atop the second orb.

In the blink of an eye, four lanterns lit up in succession—white, yellow, orange, and red—each shining with blinding brilliance.

She had already matched Braydon's result, and it looked effortless.

But when the blue lantern flickered to life, a wave of gasps swept through the room.

"She lit the blue one…"

Michael's eyes darted toward the tall examiner, who remained as expressionless as ever. But the three seated evaluators behind the long desk couldn't hide their reactions.

Charles, who already knew of Melody's skill, simply nodded to himself. The other two, however, were visibly impressed, their eyes widening as they exchanged murmurs.

For some reason, a strange warmth bloomed in Michael's chest. Though the praise wasn't aimed at him, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride.

The examiner took a step forward, clearly about to end the test—until he paused mid-step.

The green lantern pulsed faintly.

All eyes were drawn to the orb.

"She lit the green lantern!?"

"Is that even possible? She's younger than most of us!"

A frenzy broke out among the examinees, whispers and gasps echoing off the stone walls.

"That's enough. You may leave now," the examiner said, his voice firm.

The left door opened once again, signaling success.

Melody pulled her hand away from the orb, a triumphant smile lighting up her face. She turned back briefly, her sapphire-blue eyes locking onto Michael's.

"You better pass," she mouthed silently.

Then, with a flick of her hair, she strode toward the door. It closed behind her with a soft thud.

Michael stared at the closed door for a long moment—until he felt several piercing glares directed his way.

Of course. Melody's public display had just painted a bigger target on his back.

He sighed inwardly.

If I somehow manage to pass… life at the academy will be anything but easy.

But the alternative?

Far worse.

I can't fail here… he told himself, clenching his fists.