21st Century Archmage

“It still feels pretty meh…”

After Hyneth left, the marquises broke out of their shock. Then, under their gazes, I poured an adequate amount of mana into the mana stone, exchanged a few sword strikes with one of Marquis Astains Imperial Knights, and just like that, I passed.

The Skyknight Selection Exam was so much easier than I had expected. You had to be a 4th Circle mage or a Blade Knight under 30 years old. They werent light requirements— you had to be at the level of an Imperial Knight who lived and breathed the sword in order to become a Blade Knight. Among the countless mercenaries I met during my travels, there were quite a few Aura Blade Users, but only one that had reached Knight level.

‘Theres something else involved in Skyknight selection. I couldnt help but think that this wasnt the end. There was definitely a secret that I didnt know yet.

‘Can I also be called a Skyknight Academy student now?

In my hands was a magic identity token. Engraved on both sides was the number 117 and my name, as well as a picture of a wyvern. Upon passing, I had received this token. I still couldnt believe I had passed just like that.

‘Uhahahaha! Yes, I must be a heaven-sent genius of uncommon proportions~!

In the end, that was the conclusion I reached. What more was there to think? Even people far inferior to me had passed, so there was no way I could fail.

‘2 years is too long. I have to get myself a wyvern faster than that!

The problem now was that Skyknight training would last a long 2 years. But it was also true that there were always exceptional beings in the world. I wanted to live as one of them.

‘I have to go to the dormitories with this token, right? The dormitory within the capitals inner palace housed Skyknight students, as well as students from the Knight, Mage, and Summoner Academies.Its no different from the college life I heard about.

Though I didnt yet know the exact name of the building, there were many structures in this expansive area. I was sure that all of them had been developed to nurture the Bajran Empires talented youths.

“Lalala~”

This was a completely different world, where Imperial Knights and soldiers alike guarded the premises. It was a land of hope, where I, Kang Hyuk, would begin a new chapter of my life.

* * *

“This is the place you will reside in, Knight Kyre.”

‘Yesss. This is how it should be!

Someone called me “Knight” for the first time in my life. When I showed my cadet identity token in front of the dormitory, an attendant in his mid-twenties guided me to my room.

“This dormitory is for male students and houses two people in each room; it is called the Roperoni Dormitory. Datian Dormitory next door is where the female cadets are housed. Meals are provided in the morning, afternoon, and evening and can be accessed at any time. You are not permitted to wear anything other than the provided cadet uniform. In addition, most of the things you will need for daily life are provided for you in your room.”

‘As expected of an empire.

I hadnt yet had the chance to see the inside of a nobles house, but the sight in front of me seemed about that level. Plastered on the walls between the rooms were paintings related to the gods, wars, and history. A subtle magic formation was also protecting the hallway. From the plushy carpet lining the dormitorys floors, you could tell how much the empire valued the cultivation of their new talents.

“Please grasp the handle with the entirety of your palm.”

Within this luxurious dormitory comparable to modern hotels, a room assigned the number 512 was waiting for me.

‘A magic lock?

“Mana is distributed from an underground magic circle that handles all of the empire dormitories facilities. From protection formulas to hot and cold water, as well as spells like this lock, the magic circle fully provides for all such conveniences,” explained the attendant with pride.

“For it to do so much… it must be at least a Grade 3 magic crystal.”

“That is correct. A Grade 3 magic crystal is in use.”

The magic crystal was being used here in various ways. Completing a magic circle required magic crystal dust, and a magic crystal was absolutely necessary in the maintenance of spell functions. Magic crystals were also used in mana staves.

‘If you can get this many conveniences with just magic, you wouldnt be jealous of the 21st century.

The problem was that such conveniences were way out of reach for regular commoners. Magic crystals werent just stones you could find on the street, and turning magic crystals into usable magic items was no walk in the park, either.

‘Uhu! This is nice!

I entered the room as I chatted with the attendant, and I immediately liked what I saw. The large room didnt lose to any of the top suites in inns I had lodged in on the way here. Located on the 5th floor, warm sunlight shone in from the window and illuminated the room, and on each side of the room were large white beds. There were even furnishings like tea tables. It was better than the room I had lived in back on Earth.

“The cafeteria is in front of the dormitory in a separate building called Halphones. If there is anything you require, simply call the attendants in the first floor hall,” continued the attendant, not neglecting his polite guidance.

“May I ask your name?” I asked. He was an attendant, but because he was older than me, I couldnt talk disrespectfully.

“I am called Aki. Please feel free to speak casually. It is written in empire law that cadets receive quasi-knight treatment.”

“Th–thank you. Aki,” I said awkwardly, thanking Aki for his polite treatment, which clearly reflected the rigid rules of this hierarchical society.