Surviving the Magic Academy With Just Intelligence Stats

The grand avenues of Lumina Crown bustled with activity as Ambrose and his companions made their way through the capital. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, their voices rising above the general din of conversation. Citizens of all classes mingled in the streets—nobles in fine silks brushing shoulders with laborers in simple tunics, all participating in the vibrant tapestry of city life. Coin exchanged hands in countless transactions, the lifeblood of commerce flowing through the kingdom's heart.

Princess Athena trailed behind the group, her warrior's gait measured and attentive despite the distracting tumult of her thoughts. Her eyes remained fixed on Ambrose's slender frame as he navigated through the crowded marketplace, seemingly unbothered by the press of bodies that would have overwhelmed someone of his delicate constitution.

Dammit, he must have done something to me, she thought, pressing her fingertips against her temple. The sensation was maddening—like an itch beneath her skin that she couldn't scratch. Something was interfering with her thoughts, clouding her judgment, yet the more she tried to grasp the nature of this influence, the more elusive it became. Her warrior's instinct screamed that magic was at play, but what manner of enchantment could affect her so subtly yet profoundly?

After traversing several main thoroughfares and winding side streets, the cobblestone path opened to reveal their destination—a majestic structure that dominated the surrounding architecture. The building rose in graceful tiers of white marble and gold trim, its façade adorned with statues of legendary heroes caught in moments of triumph. Above its massive double doors, ornate lettering proclaimed: "Heroes Association."

The group halted collectively, taking in the impressive sight before them. The Heroes Association stood as an institution separate from royal authority or noble influence—a global organization dedicated to governing those gifted individuals who chose to use their talents for the greater good. While branches existed across the continent, this headquarters in Avaloria's capital represented the pinnacle of the organization's presence in the kingdom.

Adelaide stepped forward with practiced confidence, approaching the armored guard who stood at attention beside the entrance. Though the others couldn't hear the exchange, they observed the guard's expression shift from stern professionalism to surprised recognition. After a brief conversation, Adelaide returned to the group and leaned close to Ambrose, whispering information directly into his ear.

Ambrose nodded, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts. "Let's go in," he announced to the group, his voice calm and measured.

They passed through the ornate entrance into a grand foyer that seemed designed to impress even the most jaded visitor. Chandelier crystals scattered rainbow prisms across marble floors polished to mirror-like perfection. Tapestries depicting famous battles hung between columns of veined marble, while display cases showcased artifacts from legendary quests. Gold and silver accents caught the light from tall windows, creating an atmosphere of opulent grandeur that spoke volumes about the association's wealth and influence.

Even Ambrose, despite his analytical nature, found himself momentarily captivated by the surroundings. He had brought his party members here with dual purpose: his party needed hero licenses to legally raid dungeons and hunt monsters outside the academy's curriculum, though he could have just visited a nearby branch and gotten the licenses, he saw this as an opportunity to reward their hard work with a trip to the capital. It also provided him a chance to experience the city without his Rational Mind skill suppressing his thoughts as this was a valid reason.1

As they stood admiring the magnificent interior, a young woman approached. Her uniform—a tailored ensemble in the association's colors of navy and gold—marked her as an official guide. With a practiced smile and graceful bow, she welcomed them and beckoned them to follow deeper into the building.

"This way, please," she said, leading them down a corridor lined with portraits of past heroes.

As they progressed through suspiciously empty halls, the party exchanged puzzled glances. The absence of other applicants or association members became increasingly conspicuous.

Even Princess Athena found herself surprised by this unusual treatment. The association had apparently cleared the entire building for Ambrose's party—an honor typically reserved for dignitaries of the highest rank. Only someone like my father would receive such treatment, she thought with growing bewilderment. Do they consider the Rothschild heir equal to royalty?

A more cynical thought followed: this arrangement conveniently solved a security dilemma for the royal family. With the building cleared, they could ensure the safety of the Rothschild heir without deploying an obvious protective detail, thus preventing any potential disaster that might strain relations between the crown and the northern dukedom.

Athena shook her head in frustration, her hair swaying with the motion. Politics was an endlessly tangled web she had never wished to navigate. Her desires were straightforward—to face enemies with blade in hand, to earn glory through honest combat. These complex power dynamics and diplomatic considerations only served to irritate her warrior's sensibilities.

After traversing several more corridors and ascending a grand staircase, they arrived at their destination. The guide gestured toward a set of heavy double doors, which swung open at their approach.

"The testing chamber," she announced with another practiced smile.

The space beyond resembled a vast training arena more than a simple room. Various weights and exercise equipment lined one wall, while sophisticated magical testing apparatus occupied another. The polished wooden floor bore countless scuff marks from previous assessments, silent testimony to the countless aspiring heroes who had proven their worth in this very space.

The guide stepped toward a particularly complex device in the center of the room—a crystalline structure mounted on a pedestal, surrounded by arcane symbols etched into the floor.

"You'll need to undergo a test before you can receive your hero licenses," she explained, gesturing toward the apparatus. "This will measure not only your physical capabilities but also your mental aptitude and magical potential, therefore working for both combat and non-combat types"

Her hand swept across the device, causing the crystals to glow with inner light. "Who would like to go first?" she asked.

A/N - Check Chapter 13: Entrance Exam [PART 1]