Chapter One - Welcome

(past)

"They're coming!!" shouted a man at an observation post.

"Attention men, all in your positions!!" shouted the army officer "the future of our kingdom depends on us!!

A thousand men were organized according to their functions, archers positioned themselves behind, spearmen with shields in front, in the middle of this formation were the men who would fight with everything, it was a battle formation made to hold a true invasion.

Behind them a crowd of people fled, all headed towards the giant gate that was open, the gate of the wall was the only thing that would stand between them and what was fiercely advancing, was a line of defense to ensure a mass evacuation.

They were still far away but they could already hear their advance, thousands of demonic creatures were running towards the gate, the vast majority of the monsters were beings with more or less human form, little bigger than ordinary people.

There were huge demonic beasts, some as big as dinosaurs, a few winged ones carrying smaller creatures, and at least one giant that plodded along behind.

"We are only a thousand men, what can we do!? "said one of them crying "we are going to be quartered in a moment!

"Stop crying and raise your head, your family is on the other side of the gate!" shouted the commanding officer "each demon you kill out here is one less to attack your family!

With the officer's words the man wiped his face, he was still shaking but now he showed a firmer expression, everyone was there like him, a thousand men to stop a horde of demons, something impossible from any point of view.

" I'm going to say this at once: we are all going to die "said the officer "don't have any doubts that we are going to be killed in a terrible way, some faster than others, but we are all going to die.

All the men looked at the officer, he was the man responsible for leading the thousand man battalion from that gate, another 10 battalions had gone to the front line, the approaching demons were proof that they were annihilated in battle.

"We'll be dead whether we fight here or run inside, so why get killed without a fight?" continued the officer "I'm going to die too, but I'm going to take as many motherfuckers as I can with me!"

The men's eyes burned with will, if death was certain then why be afraid? The people behind them needed time to escape, they would guarantee that time with their lives, and maybe that way many would manage to escape.

"Fight to the end, if you can still lift a sword, fight until your arm is ripped off," continued the officer, "and after your arm is ripped off, bite the bastard who ripped it off.

" hahahahah I heard that demon meat tastes horrible " said the second in command.

"It's like burnt wild boar meat seasoned with dung," replied the officer "I know because I've bitten one once, when it bit my arm.

" And how did you make that comparison? "asked the other "have you tried the meat seasoned with shit?

" This is not the point now, what matters is that I will not allow each of you to die without taking at least 10 enemies with you "he said "whoever does not meet this goal will see me in the world of the dead!!

"Yes sir!!!" they all shouted in fury.

"Well, the men are motivated now" said the petty officer looking back "but is it the empire's mages? Will they come?

" They need to come, the bigger ones will manage to pass through the wall and the flyers will reach far away "said the other "if they are not stopped on that side it will be more difficult inside.

"At least they gave us all this magical equipment" said the relieved non-commissioned officer "a fully equipped warrior is worth more than 100 “naked” men

The demonic horde was approaching quickly, now that they were closer they were heading straight towards the open gate, the people who were still following through it began to run wildly, livestock ran away in various directions, people knelt on the ground and prayed, men Willing to fight, they picked up sticks or anything they could use as a weapon, the soldiers in formation prepared for battle.

The lesser demons arrived first, the officer thanked the fact that they didn't know how to use military strategies and just wanted to kill, when the first wave came into range the archers fired.

The enchanted arrows flew farther and faster, when they started to fall they glowed and activated the magic stored in them, some became engulfed in flames, others turned into lightning, some split into 100 equal arrows, a rain of magic fell on the first wave. from the horde.

" We did it! We ended the first wave! "celebrated one of the archers.

" Well, here comes the second one going over the first one! "said one of the men in front "prepare your shields!!

The soldiers in front wore the thickest armor and huge shields, when the second wave of monsters arrived they received the impact with their shields, thanks to the magic of the shields the weakest demons were thrown back, the men in front then attacked with their magic-enhanced spears, when they pierced they released power that exploded them from within.

Some demons were not killed, the men in the middle advanced and fought with swords, axes and magic spears, with the fury contained in them the remaining monsters were eliminated.

The officer and his companion fought a larger demon that approached, with his sword he concentrated the magic power and cut the creature in half, the other one who fought with a curved sword produced a wave that cut some smaller ones, they were combat mages , mages specializing in using magic to destroy.

The men at the top of the gate were not left out, with a huge catapult they fired an energy ball that flew far, it hit one of the giant beasts exploding its head, they would need 5 minutes to fire another one, so they would only use it to shoot down the bigger ones arrived.

Most of the lesser demons were eliminated, but the bigger ones were coming, even the smallest one was twice human size, some had distorted shapes like tentacles and blades, there was one that rode an even bigger creature like a knight, seeing that the soldiers again feared, it was now that they would die.

"That's my order to the gate team" the officer was saying "begin to close" it.

" But there are still thousands of people trying to get to him! "said one of the soldiers.

" The evacuation was very late, we can't do anything "said the officer "if we don't close the gate those who have already passed will be caught, it's sacrificing thousands to save millions.

With great regret the gate team did the procedure, upon completing it the gates would close completely in a minute, seeing the gate being closed people ran with more despair, the soldiers then retreated closer to the gate, the people who stayed behind Behind them they begged for mercy, begged them to let them in.

"This gate will not open anymore, this is for the good of those on the other side" said the officer "I will not ask for forgiveness, because I will die with you too, but I chose this to guarantee time for you.

" We have common swords and spears here, I suggest you take them "said the non-commissioned officer "take these weapons and use them to defend yourself while fleeing, go as far away from here.

People realized that there was no escape, some gave in to madness and killed themselves with the weapons they took, some parents armed themselves to protect their children, following parallel to the wall they fled away from the battle, but they knew that eventually the demons would they would chase and be caught.

" Mates, I was your captain for 5 long years " said the officer " I hate half of you, and the other half owes me some money.

"Aren't you going to forget about it even now?" asked the non-commissioned officer indignantly.

"But if I'm going to die in this hell I want to be by your side" he continued "let's make our names with the blood of these demons!!

All the soldiers screamed, some men who were desperate were caught up in the excitement and joined the battle, without the fear of death they fought like demons, and thus surpassed the quota of 10 enemies, some even killed 50 of them, all the soldiers and civilians in the battle died exactly as the captain said, but the number of enemies slaughtered became almost legendary for a single battalion, the battle of the gate was recorded as the greatest act of resistance against demonic invasion, and their names were etched in history. .

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(in the present)

" Welcome to my humble academy " greeted a man sitting in his armchair " imperial princess Merilda.

"I thank you for your reception, but I ask you not to call me the imperial princess" the young woman before him asked "and also don't be so modest, your "humble" academy is simply the greatest institution of teaching magic on the continent.

She was right, there was no institution of higher learning than this one, a huge tower where magic was studied in every possible way, laboratories and workshops working non-stop to create new spells or magical instruments, a city that lived off of it was built in around the institution over the centuries, people came from all over the continent to learn the use of magic.

" You turned 15 and you're here, does that mean you came to sign up for classes? "asked the gentleman "but you should have the best private tutors at your disposal...

"Certainly as the emperor's daughter I would have such a privilege" she said "but I want to study here, a very dear person said that private lessons will never replace the experience you gain here.

The bearded old man smiled in satisfaction, a princess who wanted to learn like other people was rare, it showed that she had great wisdom and could become an excellent empress.

" Can you tell me why? "he asked interested "why do you want a superior experience?

" The great invasion is approaching, I want to be prepared for it "replied the young woman "I will not be the empress who will let her kingdom fall.

The great invasion occurred every 200 years, when the black star eclipsed the sun and rained hundreds of thousands of demons on the world, the black dot in the sky that was the black star could already be seen, and over the years it would become closer and closer to the fateful date.

"In the previous battle the kingdom was almost devastated, the deaths are countless even today" she said "even knowing the exact day of the invasion the evacuation was delayed, and it took us almost 10 years to clean up the kingdom, I do not intend to repeat the mistakes of the emperor of that era.

"That poor man, he was a great leader but he was surrounded by incompetents "lamented the lord "the person who governs the kingdom at the time of the invasion is always the most unhappy.

" I intend to change that, of course I will not be on the throne when the invasion arrives, but I will help my father "she said "for that I need to master magic, I will become the most powerful magician in the empire, I will fight for my father protecting the kingdom.

"And I will be by your side Princess Merilda" said the young woman behind her.

The young woman was the same age as the princess, wild red hair, she behaved almost as if she were a military woman, when questioned she said she was the princess's cousin, her name was Aella.

" I will sign up together with the princess, I intend to protect" her while I'm here "explained the other "and at the same time become useful to the princess in her Aellado.

" I'm sorry, Aella is the daughter of the head of the imperial guard "said the other embarrassed "since she was 10 she has been studying to serve in the army.

" It's great to see young people so enthusiastic, this year will be very interesting "said the bearded gentleman "but since you'll become a student we won't be able to give you special treatment or perks, you'll have to follow the rules like all other students.

" It couldn't be different, in fact I don't want to be recognized as a princess here "she said "I will hide my identity, I will behave like all the students, and you can't call me or treat me like a princess, do you hear Aella?

"As you wish my lady" she replied.

" And don't call me ma'am, you're my cousin "said the other sighing "let's try to forget our positions here.

" hahahaha youth is so beautiful... oops, it's almost time "he said getting up "it's almost time for the opening ceremony, see you later.

He took a cloak and a hat typical for wizards, with them he simply disappeared from the room, the two had already seen this type of magic before in the castle, but it was no less impressive, the secretary then guided the two to where the ceremony would be carried out.

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" Damn it, I'm going to be late! "said the young man running.

He ran desperately towards his goal, there were many obstacles on the way to reach the academy, but luckily the gates were already in sight, but the inspectors were about to close it.

"Wait! I'm coming! "shouted the young man running faster.

The inspectors paid no attention and kept pushing the gate, the young man nevertheless managed to jump and pass through the middle of the gate before the two halves closed, he fell and rolled on the ground to laugh later.

" hahahahahha it wasn't this time! "he said pointing to the two inspectors.

"This one has a guy who's going to leave here in a month" said one of them making an ugly face.

The young man got up and took his things, he went to where he saw a lot of people gathering, it was the courtyard of the academy that was already prepared for the opening ceremony, a new year began for the academy and new students arrived.

"Rookies line up, we need to count you all" said a senior senior.

Everyone lined up, there were people from all over the continent, people of all ethnicities or races, nobles and commoners, the only requirement to become a student was the ability to use magic, something that only 10% of the population could currently, a commoner to be born with that ability was a blessing, and that's why Derek was here today.

"Oh man, just how many people are here?" Derek said looking around.

" Every year 3,000 new students arrive at the academy "explained someone next to him "congratulations on having received the gift of magic.

Derek looked to the side, he saw a young woman with silver hair and eyes, even without confirmation he could say that she was a noblewoman, someone who was sure she was born destined to use magic.

" I'm Merilda, what's your name? "she asked.

" Huh? I'm Derek, I come from the manor of Arven "he replied "you look like you came from the capital.

" hehehehe... you got it right..." she laughed without grace.

"Mistress Merilda, you shouldn't talk to these commoners" asked Aella whispering very close.

"I have to learn to converse with the common people" she replied in the same tone "if I intend to govern one day I need to know all my subjects.

" Please, take this crystal ball "asked the veterans who were passing by and handing it "keep it with you until the end of the ceremony.

The crystal ball little bigger than an orange was delivered, all the new students held it trying to imagine what it would be, some who came from families of magicians already knew, so they were "eager" Derek just kept it in his coat pocket .

" I apologize for making" you wait "announced a voice out of nowhere "we will now begin the opening ceremony.

An old man wearing a starry robe and hat appeared, he introduced himself as the Dean of the Academy, his name was Androuet, a veteran mage who was once a student and later a teacher, behind him all the teachers of the academy were gathered. .

"Another year begins for our world and also for the academy, and it is magnificent to see this courtyard full every year" he spoke "you were blessed with the ability to use magic, some by blood inheritance, others by fate, and some by accident, but they're all the same once they're here.

Derek vibrated inside, he received his ability through an event in his life, and intended to master magic to fulfill his ambition, he heard about the academy of magic and that anyone was accepted, so he made a long journey to reach the your destiny.

" Classes officially start tomorrow, the rest of today will be for you to know your places in this academy "explained the dean "we have accommodation and all the necessary facilities, several classrooms to accommodate all of you.

He made a gesture with his staff and magic lines appeared on the floor, the lines divided the students into groups of 100, each group would be in a room and would have a different number.

"Looks like we'll be in different rooms" said Merilda looking at the line separating her from her cousin.

" And I was right by your side..." she said, lamenting with her head down.

The dean continued explaining, most of them were about schedules and rules, how classes would be recognized and how progress would be made, students who failed the 1st year were expelled from the academy, those who failed in the following years were regressed one year.

" We usually say that every year that goes by eliminates half of the students, that means that of the 3 thousand new students only about 200 will get to receive the diploma "explained the dean "for these the future will be guaranteed, there will be no lack of work for a magician trained in this academy.

"That's what I wanted" said Derek excitedly.

"Did you come for the money?" asked Merilda interested "Trained magicians can get any job anyway.

"Money is just a means to an end" he replied "I'm after something I can only achieve with magic.

" In my case I'm preparing for the future "she said "to fix past mistakes too.

The dean explained that the students would have general magic classes in the morning, and in the afternoon they would attend a specific course, the courses were divided into the 8 main types of magic taught in the country.

"Each of you has the talent for one of the 8 types, following this path is the best way to maximize your abilities "explained the dean "now all of you hold the crystal ball you received, it will show you which group you belong to.

Quickly all the students held the crystal ball, the dean ordered them to concentrate on it and the ball would do the rest, it would manifest a reaction according to the type of magic that its possessor had, for some it started to vibrate, for others it became cloudy, some developed spikes, others pulsed like a heart.

"As I imagined, I am a combat mage," said Aella, seeing her crystal ball spark, "and your lineage asserts itself once more.

She looked at her cousin's crystal ball, it shone with a beautiful white light, that meant she was a magician of light, Merilda already expected that because both her father and mother inherited the same path.

"The perfect magic to face the demons, they won't do well this time" she said proudly "and you too Aella, as a combat mage I expect great deeds from you.

" I'll do my best "she said proudly.

"Hey! Look at that!" someone shouted, scared.

Everyone looked at Derek, the crystal ball he was holding turned black as pitch, this indicated that he used the very rare magic of darkness, if light magic was perfect to fight demons then darkness magic was the magic of demons themselves .

"hoho looks like we have a dark wizard over there" said Androuet "when was the last time we saw one?

"The last one to go through the academy was 8 years ago" replied the secretary next to him.

" Oh yes, I remember him, he became a professional killer " he said smoothing his beard " I liked him.

Everyone looked at Derek who seemed surprised by the result of his magic, some took steps backwards instinctively retreating, the dark magicians almost always made pacts with the demons, Aella touched her cousin's shoulder as if asking her to step aside, but Merilda seemed pity" Derek.

"So that's how it's going to be? Fuck you fucking demons" he said looking at the crystal ball.

"Derek, I'm sure it's possible to avoid this path" Merilda was saying "I mean, even if it's more difficult you can still go to the other courses.

" Don't worry, if they want to play like that I'll join their game "Derek started smiling confidently "I don't care if it's dark magic, I'll use it!

Everyone saw the expression he made, it was someone who seemed to have received a great gift, with that everyone was sure he would become a terrible villain, Merilda seemed to be seeing someone who had fallen into sin of their own accord, but Derek himself seemed to be feel victorious.