A Sea of Mages and Fleeting Points

I waited quietly in front of the tent. Keeping my post like this, making it obvious I was standing guard, was the only way to satisfy the professor. If I stepped away carelessly and upset her, I'd undoubtedly catch another beating later. By the time I'd finished setting up the tent, quite a crowd had gathered. There had to be thousands already. And more kept pouring through the gate. With over ten thousand new students this year, that meant twice as many mages crammed into one spot.

I'd never seen so many mages in one place before. Even in the university city where the gate stood, their numbers never topped a thousand. The same went for the slums on the outskirts. But here they were, all gathered. And most of them were probably better mages than me. Tension made my body stiffen slightly.

I checked the time: just past 10 a.m. The admission notice said to cross the gate by noon sharp, so the ceremony was still hours away. Might as well check out the crowd until then. With that thought, I scanned the open plaza carefully.

Surprisingly, people had clustered into groups. Like me, they'd each decorated their spots in their own ways. The most striking was a massive mansion carved from ice. Its beautiful, transparent walls let everyone outside peer right in. Several people inside were chatting. A huge throng surrounded the mansion, but no one dared approach easily. Guards ringed it—powerful mages, obvious at a glance. Hiring muscle like that? Must be some big shots.

Then I felt someone staring at me. Who? Curiosity piqued, I focused my mana to trace the gaze. It was Hongryeong.

I shot to my feet and bowed deeply. He gave a slight nod before turning back to his companions. I quickly looked away. The exam still haunted me. Sometimes his face, twisted with disgust, jolted me awake from nightmares. Best to ignore him completely.

Seeing Hongryeong there confirmed it: that group was packed with great family scions. A whole different world from mine—no need to dwell on it.

I observed the other mage clusters one by one. Dressed in varied styles, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠each with distinct traits, they were already forming factions before the ceremony even started.

As I watched, someone poked my shoulder. No warning at all. I whipped around in surprise. Aili stood there, flashing her signature grin and waving.

"Hey."

"Long time no see, Lady Aili."

"Hehe, yeah, it's been a while." She glanced at the tent. "Who's inside?"

"My professor. Another professor came by, so I stepped out."

Her eyes widened briefly. She stared at the tent, then turned to me. "That talk from the exam hall... it was true?"

"Why would I lie?"

I smiled softly and manipulated my mana. A doll emerged, setting out chairs and a table. As she sat, the doll smoothly pulled her chair in. Then it poured her a cup of tea—the kind she'd favored during the exam. Her smile deepened after a sip.

"Even better than before."

"Yes, I refined the spell a bit."

We sipped in silence. Only after draining her cup did she speak. "Seen Hongryeong?"

"Yeah, in that mansion with the others."

"What about Shaking Rope?" Her voice dropped, laced with intrigue.

I blinked in shock. Shaking Rope—here? I'd scanned the plaza but missed her. "No, did she pass?"

"Yep. She's lurking among the other witches, eyeing Hongryeong. Hiding thoroughly, so she's hard to spot. Hehe, should be fun later."

I forced a wry smile. This was why I'd been careful not to make enemies during the exam. Grudges lingered viciously, like with Shaking Rope. Of course, Hongryeong wouldn't care—he was great family stock. Street rats like me had to watch out. Her passing irked me; qualifying from that disadvantage meant her talent was no joke.

"Glad she made it. Seen Siger?"

"Nah, that old guy's probably out."

She shook her head. As he'd sensed himself. Our group's sole dropout. Or rather, four passers—including acquaintances. Should I be glad? Shaking Rope's case soured that.

We drank and idly watched the plaza. Now's the chance? No one nearby, Hongryeong ignoring us.

"Lady Aili, not heading to that mansion?"

Her smile vanished instantly. Eyes narrowing coldly, the air froze as her mana coiled around me like ropes.

"Ugh, no plans to."

She leaned forward, elbows on the table, gaze dissecting my face. I endured with a wry smile. Her mana reeked of blood.

"Who told you?" she whispered, voice edged like a blade.

"Hongryeong. Right after the exam."

"Hmm. That young master, huh?"

Her smile returned, but it felt off—unsettling. No killing intent toward me anymore; it had shifted to him. I exhaled inwardly. I had no clue about their relationship or motives. All I could do was hide everything or reveal it all. I chose transparency—safer that way. I'd tell the professor about Hongryeong too. More secrets meant more suspicion; full disclosure from the start avoided that.

The mood eased; we chatted about ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠daily life. Midway through her month's tales, she casually mentioned killing a mage—who turned out to be university-bound.

"Haha, good one."

I laughed it off as a joke, but cold sweat trickled down my back. Why share this? Did she see me as a useful tool? Better than target, at least.

Time to pivot. She was hooked on the tea—embellish that. I exaggerated my month's improvements, demonstrating shifting colors and aromas. Cups multiplied on the table; her eyes sparkled, following along. Got her. I sighed inwardly, weaving tales into the brew.

Chatting away, the plaza filled up. Even this outskirts spot crowded. Clock check: nearly noon.

"Time's up."

No sooner said, the tent's shadow sucked into the ground. Heisen emerged slowly. I stood and bowed. He glanced at me, then melted into his shadow.

"Your professor?" Aili asked.

I shook my head. "No, someone visiting mine. Professor Heisen."

As I explained, Professor Irian burst from the tent, griping irritably, face etched with exhaustion. I whispered to Aili and rose.

"That's my professor."

I hurried over, bowing. "You're out."

She pouted at me, dissatisfaction plain. "Sign up for his class during registration. That's the deal."

"His class?" My eyes widened in surprise.

She glared daggers. Mistake—backtalk to a pissed-off professor? I'd have eaten a fist normally.

"Yeah. Got a problem?"

"No, ma'am. I'll sign up right away."

No idea what he taught or how to enroll, but I shut up. One wrong word, and punches would fly.

Aili had stood; the professor eyed her courteous bow.

"Who's this?"

I gestured carefully. "My exam groupmate. Owe her big from the test."

The professor's gaze deepened on Aili, then she shook her head slightly. "Too much blood scent. Not my type. Annoying—keep her away."

Aili kept smiling, bowing calmly. "Yes, Professor. See you next time, Ebron. Call if you need help."

She left slowly. I watched her go, awaiting the professor.

She stared, eyes twinkling with mischief and sharpness. "Wondered how you passed intact—seduced a girl?"

"No, ma'am."

I masked fluster with a forced smile. Class barriers, skill gaps—insurmountable. Her dangerous vibe didn't suit me anyway. I craved safety, comfort.

Bored, she turned away. "Anyway, head to my tower after the ceremony. Tons to handle."

Her face brimmed with displeasure and spite. I bowed low. Catch her bad side now? A broken bone would be lucky.

Then murmurs rose from the platform. Professor Heisen stood there, unnoticed by many till now. A young attendant trailed him like a servant as he scanned the crowd. All eyes turned.

His weary face opened slowly. "Congrats on entering the university. I'm Heisen, who oversaw this exam."

Fatigue and apathy weighted his words. His gaze swept, landing on Professor Irian. He stared briefly, face drooping further.

"Nothing much to say. Do what you want here. Follow the rules, and you're free. Look 'em up later."

Annoyance crept in. "Old currency's useless. Everything's points now—even this exam. Top ranks get more, bottom get less."

His voice faded; by the end, barely audible. Too lazy to continue.

The youth behind grinned and stepped forward. Heisen muttered, "Hear the rest from him."

Then he dropped into shadow, reappearing beside us. Rubbing eyes tiredly: "Didn't know what else to say, so I came back. He'll handle it."

Professor Irian giggled; her irritation gone.

"Hello, everyone!"

A burly man spread his arms, booming. Massive mana vibrated the plaza—not mere sound, but soul-imprinting magic.

"No long speeches—they're pointless. Just adding to what Professor Heisen said on points. Example: our first 'welcome' trade."

He pulled out a fluttering paper crammed with writing.

"The beasts from your exam? Provided by our Beast Corporation. You killed plenty before buying. Pay up front."

Murmurs rippled. Such a scam. Professor Irian just smirked.

"We collected for busy newbies: 1,000 points each. Check your scores. And here's a souvenir for your first trade."

He emptied a spatial pouch skyward; items rained. One landed in my hand—a ring.

"We call it a score wallet. Soul-synced, so replace if lost. Infuse mana to check points!"

I peered at the dark mineral ring, etched with intricate runes. Mana in: numbers appeared.

My score? Tapped the number; transaction log popped up.

1,100 admission points—gone. Even the "souvenir" ring deducted. Rage bubbled.

"All checked? Lesson one: don't trust people too much! No refunds now."

Groans filled the air, but no protests. He outclassed every newbie here.

"I'm Luo, customer director at Beast Corporation. Thoughts on your first trade?"

He scanned, laughed. "Lots of gripes, huh? Perfect intro to this place. Need strength—and points. That's it. You got neither."

Chilling words, delivered smiling. "Earn points for classes, living—everything. Ceremony over. Survive!"

Luo floated away, paused, returned sheepishly. "Interested in Beast Corp? Visit anytime. We got dibs on newbies—don't get scammed elsewhere!"

Then he vanished for real. Newbies exchanged confused glances, milling aimlessly.

The great families left first from the ice mansion, striding confidently. Many trailed them naively. I tsked. What if they rob your points?

I stayed put. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Professor Irian stretched, grinning like it was all hilarious.

"How many points left?"

I showed the ring. She snickered. "Heh, gone after one meal. But remember: sign up for his class next registration. Skip it, and you're pulp."

Heisen chuckled too, amused.

"I'll head out. See you."

He melted into shadow.

"Let's go."

She snagged me with mana, launching ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠us skyward. Wind battered my face; eyes stung. Glimpsing through: mountains. Dozens, hundreds piercing the sky, pulsing mana. Vast wilderness—no civilization.

The university, ceremony—nothing like I'd imagined. Points mattered; getting fleeced day one? Instant crisis. An unforgettable welcome.