"Thank you for using our services. Here is my card, you can contact us-"

Lukas slammed the door before the cab driver could finish advertising his services. Services my foot! Lukas swore never to use their services again. 

The reason was fairly simple. During the journey, he fell asleep and dozed off for about 2 hours.

When he woke up he found out that he had barely moved from the spot he dozed off! As if that wasn't enough, the whole ride was very bumpy and uncomfortable. 

Lukas regretted not using the train. The train t-fare was 200 copper notes, so he didn't consider boarding one.

Needless to say he now understood the ancient proverb 'Penny wise, pound foolish'. Exorbitant prices and bumpy rides, he wasn't using their services ever again!

Lukas walked towards the entrance, following the signboards to navigate himself. Soon enough he found himself at the entrance. He didn't move forward again, his mouth gaping wide. The first thing that came to his mind was huge.

There was a very huge gate which served as the entrance. It was very tall, well over 30 meters. He couldn't see anything inside even if he tried to. The gate had a glassy look to it. The words Aegis Imperial High School were written on it in cursive. The gate looked like it would break from the lightest of hits.

Although if that were so, then the school wouldn't be the number one in the empire.

The gate, contrary to its look, was made from the skin of a peculiar catastrophe class beast. It was very strong and could withstand 3 attacks from a God at the peak of his strength.

Surrounding the gates were walls which were equally as tall as the gate. 

The walls were very wide that the end couldn't be seen, while the top of the walls were wide enough for 4 cars to pass by side by side.

The walls were very sturdy, as they were made from the skin of rock tyrant titan, a catastrophe class beast famed for its defense. The walls could withstand up to 10 attacks from peak demi-gods beings and was almost immune to attacks below the demi-god level.

Behind the walls was another layer of security, which was the teaching staff. The teachers were incredibly powerful, with the Dean himself being a peak demi-god, halfway into the God level.

This was another reason why Aegis Imperial High School was the number one school in the empire. It was famous for its security. 

Parents, most especially nobles could feel at ease knowing that the chances of their children being hurt by monsters were close to none.

Of course, that equally made it extremely hard to enter. Every year over 1.5 million people applied and only 10,000+ were admitted. 

The tests required to get accepted changed every year, so there was little idea about the selection process. Lukas wondered what the test this year would be about.

Lukas looked around and noticed he wasn't the only one intimidated by the colossal gate and its walls. There were a lot of people standing still and admiring the sight before them. 

If the outside was this impressive what would he find inside? 

Lukas wondered as he steeled himself before going in as a wave of anticipation swept over him.

***

Noelle looked at herself in the mirror. She was looking good today. She wore a stylish red shirt and a pair of shorts, showing off her long legs, with black sneakers. 

There was one reason why she was dressed like this. She was planning on taking the test at Aegis Imperial High School. There was no other school better for her. 

She looked at herself in the mirror, satisfied with what she saw before making her way out of the room.

"-give it to me! It's mine!"

"No! It's mine!"

Two children around the age of five were arguing with each other while dragging an action figure of an anime character with a bald head and a cape.

There were two people with characteristic silver hair sitting on a couch trying to pacify the two kids.

Noelle laughed as she watched the drama unfold. Her laughter made all of them aware of her presence as they all turned to look at her. 

The parents let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Noelle.

"Big sis Noelle!" the two children, obviously twins exclaimed as they threw away the action figure before diving into her arms.

"Nathaniel, Nash, did I hear you two arguing just now?"

"No big sis!" the children exclaimed simultaneously.

Noelle laughed again, showcasing pristine white teeth before reaching her hands into her pockets. She brought out 2 pair of candies, handed them the candies before shooing them away. 

The children thanked Noelle before making their way to their room, running all the way.

"Thank you Noelle." Her father said. Her mother stood up and hugged Noelle before saying.

"You're taking the test today?"

"Yes mom." She replied.

Her mother reached into her pocket and brought a beautiful silver necklace. She looked at it fondly before handing it to her daughter. 

Noelle looked at the necklace her mother handed her. It was a very beautiful necklace with a butterfly pendant on it. Noelle knew it was her mother's heirloom. She knew how much her mother cherished it as it was a gift from her late grandmother.

Noelle looked at her mother before asking.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes my baby. It has always been a source of strength for me. But I don't think I need it as much as you do. You can think of it as your good luck charm from now on. Please take it."

Noelle looked at the necklace, then at her mother, still contemplating if she should take it. After seeing the sincere gaze of her mother she finally took it and clasped it around her neck. 

She hugged her parents before wishing them goodbye. As she stepped out the door a certain silver haired boy popped into her train of thoughts. She shook her head furiously, blushing as she made her way down the street. She hailed a cab, got in the backseat, told the driver her destination before relaxing.

"I wonder if he's going to be there today." Noelle thought as the car sped past the streets.