The car stopped abruptly. I swallowed, but still pulled the handle, thanked the driver and went outside. A bright light hit my eyes, and my heart began to tap dance. After all, there was a huge number of cadets near the entrance to the central department.

Horror, what a crowd here, a hundred people! By the end of the training, our number should be significantly reduced, no less than two or three times. I hope I won't be among the excluded.

Looking at the candidates, I saw fire in their eyes, some fear. Everyone came here for the same thing.

A man with a military bearing, obviously from the Academy, began to divide us into groups. The crowd, like a living snake, began to disperse and line up in small columns.

Excitement gradually grew into ... boredom. When will this ceremony end? Now, I suppose, there will be fiery speeches - the most unnecessary part of the performance. At least for me. It's better to start learning right away.

Bright flash of light. We instinctively covered our faces. Some cadets fell, obviously frightened by such a surprise. And Albertina was to blame. She appeared before our eyes: elegant, slender, in golden armor, more like a tunic. Eyes like emeralds, and hair as if dipped in liquid gold. The goddesses from the retinue were also dressed, who stood in a semicircle behind her.

Albertina seemed too beautiful, is she really the Goddess of Wisdom? It would be better to open an academy of young beauties, would be a success. Standing there, preparing for the ceremony in their tunics. The male cadets were already staring at the harlots with might and main. No wonder, it's hard to break away from such beautiful girls.

“Candidates,” said Albertine solemnly, “I am the one who will wake up your strength.” From this day on, you will have to endure two years of horror and torment. I will make some of you real killers. Those who fail to complete the course will be expelled. After that, you will go to the front line, where you will fight along with your brothers. Candidates, introduce yourself and state the purpose of your stay at the Academy.

I can't help feeling that she's not intimidating us, but has broken a nail and is asking people standing in front of her to give her a manicure. I hope I come out of here a fighter and not a model or a hairdresser.

The cat-eyed blond came out first, wearing jeans and a Mickey Mouse T-shirt. Seriously?! This is an entrance ceremony to the Academy, not a matinee in the garden. It looks like I shouldn't have worn my best shirt and trousers with shoes. I could just put on shorts, or even come in some shorts. Why does this ceremony make me more and more disappointed?

— I am Aran Adams from America, Washington city. I am twenty two years old. Came to the Academy looking for justice for my parents' killers.

The second came out a cute brunette with freckles on her cheeks. This is what I understand. Shirt and skirt - I chose strict clothes, not like a blonde.

“My name is Eva Brooks, I came to the Academy to learn more about the Gods, I'm twenty-three.

And so it went on. Tenth, eleventh... twentieth... twenty-fifth... At the fifty-sixth name, I could no longer listen, I didn't care why they came, I wanted to sleep. After all, all night I could not sleep from excitement, only in the morning I had a little pokemar. The eyes began to close. Darkness enveloped everything around.

A sharp click, and I was back to reality.

— Candidate! Candidate! Albertine screamed.

- My turn? Really…” I rubbed my eyes.

“Name, why did you come, quickly,” the Goddess got angry.

“Understood,” I hurried. — I am Alester Lambert from England, city of London, I am twenty-three years old.

After these words, the crowd groaned, fragments of phrases reached me:

He's from Ground Zero.

“I thought the British were exterminated.

- Poor child…

It's the same thing every time, it's annoying! I'd rather lie. What city I'm from is a formality. Nothing more.

- An Englishman? Albertine was surprised. I thought you English...

“Yes, Albertina, imagine we are not extinct,” I interrupted the Goddess.

Yes, what did this beauty think about herself. Does she think that since I am an Englishman, I should stand and remember how her former friends destroyed my city in the very first?! I understood in seconds what she wanted to say, so I interrupted her in advance. One lady from the retinue did not like my objections to Albertine and my tone. The girl took a step and screamed:

“But how dare you interrupt the goddess Albertina and talk to her in such a tone, boor!

- Oh sorry. And you must be Madame Albertina's hairdresser?

Everything, right now, will burst, how she pouted and blushed. Retinue of the Goddess of Wisdom, and nerves to hell. And where is the wisdom?

“Enough,” said Albertine. - A wit, that means. So know: wits are not liked here. Purpose of arrival?

- No comment.

— So be it. Candidates, say goodbye to your relatives and go to the Academy.

Finally it's all over. She seriously thought that I would take it and announce the purpose of my arrival, like those hundred morons before me who laid everything out in the open? I only came here to learn how to kill gods with magic, not talk about the worst moment of my life. Hmmm, I didn't expect the ceremony to be like this… As they say, expectation and reality.

Now the most difficult moment for me has come ...

- Good luck, son. I hope when I see you in two years, you will come out as a great magician. Know that I am always proud of you,” my father held out his hand to me.

“Thank you dad… thank you for everything.” I shook my ottsuruk tightly with a smile on my face.

After joining the Academy, we will no longer be able to appear in Kendro. The study will go on without stopping ... And during the time off, it seems to me, we will stupidly lie down like lifeless dolls.

Two years is a very long time ... After all, we have always been together. In sorrow or joy ... together.

Octavia lowered her gaze, sighed heavily, and stepped closer to me.

"Brother, look at me!" To graduate from the Academy... I love you, youngest, - she tightly squeezed me in her arms and kissed me on the cheek.

After saying goodbye to my family, I followed the others to the Academy. We were led by the retinue of the Goddess. There was tension in the air, and the air became somehow tart and heavy. It looked like I could touch it.

With every step I took, I felt better and better.

What can I say … My adventures begin. Now, we need to stick together.