I am Just an Average Tamer

Kai and Liliana stood just outside the towering gates of Azurean Academy.

Before them loomed the grand facade of the most prestigious academy in the region.

A marvel of elegant design and raw presence.

Tall iron-wrought gates stood open, flanked by statues of mythical beasts carved in pristine stone—one a wyvern with wings unfurled, the other a lion with a crystal embedded in its chest.

The gates led into a broad courtyard paved with smooth granite, the edges lined with trimmed hedges and crystal-light posts that flickered faintly even in daylight.

Beyond the courtyard, the Academy itself rose like a fortress carved from white stone and infused with mana.

Spires rose into the sky, connected by arching bridges and suspended walkways.

The central building had a clocktower with silver hands and glowing runes just beneath its face.

"Wow…" Liliana whispered.

Kai remained silent, eyes scanning the campus grounds with calm but he, too, felt the weight of the place settle in his chest.

Around them, a few students had paused, most already gathered in the courtyard or chatting in small clusters.

Their eyes lingered on the two who had just arrived.

Specifically, the extravagant carriage they had stepped out of.

"That crest... Isn't that House Raelis?"

"They must be. Look at that emblem on the carriage door."

"Who are they?"

Kai heard the murmurs.

His ears, trained sharper than most, caught every word.

But his expression didn't change. His posture remained relaxed, one hand casually resting on his pocket.

He didn't need to acknowledge them.

Liliana turned to the coachman and gave a respectful nod.

The man, dressed in crisp uniform, tipped his cap in return. "Best of luck, young miss, young master," he said.

With a snap of the reins, the carriage turned and began its departure, wheels crunching softly over the gravel.

Kai exhaled slowly and looked up at the Academy gates once more.

The students, mostly first-years, were steadily marching through the grand iron-wrought gates of Azurean Academy, each eager not to miss the entrance ceremony.

Their chatter buzzed, shoes clicking across the clean marble path that split into several lanes ahead.

Among them, a few upper-year students stood out.

Some guided the newer ones with folded arms and knowing eyes; others lounged casually near the stair railings, already indifferent to the pomp.

Kai and Liliana lingered a moment longer, taking it all in.

Then, just as they took a step forward, the sharp clatter of another carriage arriving drew their attention.

The murmurs swelled like a tide.

The carriage was sleeker, adorned with a gentle silver-blue crest shaped like leaf. Its doors opened smoothly, and a tall, poised figure stepped out.

He had striking white hair tied loosely behind his head and purple eyes.

Dressed in the same academy uniform.

The murmurs grew louder.

With a slight bow of his head, the elven boy extended his hand to someone still inside the carriage.

A slender hand, fair and adorned with an emerald ring, took his.

And then she stepped out.

Her long green hair flowed down her back like a silken waterfall, and her bright red eyes surveyed the scene with detached grace.

She was draped in the female version of the academy uniform and was none other than the Elven Princess Rashira.

Gasps and excited whispers passed through the crowd like wildfire.

"Is that really her?"

"She's even more beautiful than the rumors…"

"And that's Sevyr with her?! Lucky bastard…"

With practiced ease, Rashira looped her arm around Sevyr's, her posture flawless, and together they made their way toward the academy building.

Sevyr, ever the showman, waved casually to the crowd without sparing them more than a glance.

Kai raised an eyebrow, while Liliana just stared ahead, arms crossed and face unreadable.

Just as Kai turned his head toward Liliana, he saw her cross her arms and glance away, nose slightly upturned.

"D-Don't expect me to do that," she muttered under her breath.

Kai blinked. "What?"

She said nothing, cheeks puffing slightly as she began walking ahead with quick steps.

Kai sighed and followed, choosing not to press her for answers.

More students had started arriving now, pouring in from all directions, many in groups, some solo, others practically skipping with excitement.

A few wore nervous expressions, clutching their bags like lifelines, while others walked with the swagger of overconfident brats.

Liliana suddenly tugged at his sleeve. "Hurry up, you dumb slowpoke! We're gonna be late!"

Kai arched a brow but still quickened his pace to match hers. "You really need to learn patience someday."

"I'll add it to the list, right after teaching you not to stare like a creep."

He smirked, but said nothing.

After weaving through the crowd, the two finally reached a pair of massive oak doors lined with golden inscriptions.

Inside was the Grand Assembly Hall.

Rows upon rows of polished seats curved around a central elevated platform. The ceiling stretched high above with floating crystal lights that mimicked a soft blue sky.

Banners representing various disciplines, beast tamers, mages, warriors, scholars—hung proudly along the upper walls.

The front and middle rows were filled with first-years, most of them upright, eager, whispering quietly to one another.

The back rows? Those were a different story.

Second and third-years slouched lazily in their seats, some sharing snacks, others openly sizing up the new blood.

A few smirked and whispered to each other, already picking out which first-years would be fun to tease or exploit.

Well. that was just how things worked at Azurean.

Even the professors allowed a degree of hierarchy-based hazing, claiming it to teach resilience, adaptability, and "the real truth of the world."

Of course, there were limits, ones that, when crossed, brought harsh punishments.

But within those bounds? It was fair game.

Kai scanned the rows and quickly spotted two empty seats midway through the center block.

"There," he said, nudging Liliana.

Without waiting, she made a beeline for them, slipping past a few nervous students and plopping into the seat with a relieved sigh.

Kai followed suit, taking the seat beside her.

"Good thing we made it in time," Liliana muttered, a breath of relief escaping her lips as she adjusted her skirt.

Kai didn't respond, only leaned back slightly in his seat, eyes scanning the massive hall that buzzed with anxious anticipation.

Moments later, a side door creaked open near the stage, and a man strode in with confident, measured steps.

He was tall and lean, his posture immaculate, with sharp grey eyes and hair pulled neatly into a low tie.

His dark indigo robes were trimmed with gold, bearing the crest of Azurean Academy stitched over his heart.

Unlike the students' uniforms, his robe was lined with streaks of deep crimson, denoting his rank as a senior faculty member.

He reached the center of the stage and cleared his throat.

The room quieted.

"Welcome, students," he began, voice steady and smooth.

"I am Professor Veylin Raen, instructor of Theoretical Combat and Field Tactics. On behalf of the entire faculty, let me congratulate you on passing the entrance trials and stepping into the next phase of your journey."

A respectful silence followed as everyone listened.

"You stand now within the walls of Azurean Academy, a place that will shape your mind, test your will, and forge your future. You are here not merely to learn spells or command beasts... but to understand power. And how to wield it without being consumed."

Some students straightened at that. Others exchanged nervous glances.

"Now then," Veylin stepped aside slightly and gestured behind him. "It is my honor to welcome the one who leads us all. The head of Azurean Academy. Please give your attention to—Principal Serion Talwyn."

The doors at the back of the stage opened.

And everything shifted.

A sudden pressure swept through the hall like a silent wave, heavy and overwhelming. A few first-years gasped audibly. Some clutched the armrests of their seats. Even Liliana stiffened.

Kai's eyes narrowed. That wasn't just aura, it was dominance.

Then, just as suddenly as it came, it receded.

A tall, broad-shouldered man in simple yet regal black robes walked up to the podium.

His short silver hair and deep-set amethyst eyes glinted under the soft glow of floating lights.

There were no flashy ornaments, no glowing accessories, just quiet authority.

"Apologies," the principal said, voice calm.

"I forget that many of you are experiencing that for the first time."

Some chuckles broke out from the back rows, likely seniors who had felt it before. But the tension was already broken.

"I won't speak for long," he continued. "Azurean is not an easy place. Nor is the world beyond these walls. Here, you will face challenges, some crafted by us, others by your own peers. You will be pushed, broken, and rebuilt."

He paused, eyes sweeping across the rows.

"But if you endure… if you grow… then you may stand where we stand today. Or even further."

Silence.

Clap! Clap!

Then, gradually, applause erupted.

First from the front rows, then building toward the back. Some students murmured to each other, inspired. Others simply looked overwhelmed.

Principal Talwyn gave a small nod, then stepped away.

Professor Veylin returned to the podium. "Thank you, Headmaster."

He waited for the room to settle before continuing.

"Now… to end the ceremony's formalities, allow me to introduce someone who truly needs no introduction. The top scorer of this year's entrance trials. The one standing at the peak of this year's first years…"

He smiled faintly. "The Ace of the Freshman Class. Please give a warm welcome to…"

He gestured to the side of the stage—

"Lei Mei."