1-03: Applicant Test I

Cassidy's teachings were a little more than Veronica could handle. More in the sense of that she couldn't really do any of the things the Cassidy wanted her to do. Like softcore sexual flirting.

But, Cassidy did teach her a few things that she could actually use. Hopefully.

The two got off their carriage once it arrived at the academy. It was a very large plot, with perhaps seven or eight large buildings, if not more.

"This is... more than I expected." Cassidy stood in awe at the academy grounds. Extravagant statues leading the applicants towards the courtyard. "I thought this school was merit based but..."

"This looks like a school for nobles..." Veronica added, her brain overloading from the major difference from her home town and the academy in the capital.

The girls hardly snapped out of it as they followed the pathway into the courtyard, where many, many new students were. At a quick count, there couldn't have been less than five hundred applicants. Most of whom looked rich enough to purchase one of the school buildings.

Cassidy looked around, not at what the school can offer, but everyone in the area. It was clear she wasn't looking for friends.

"What are you looking for?"

"The next person for you to make out with."

"I-I don't need another person! Right now anyways..."

"Wouldn't it be nice to get that upgrade sooner rather than later though?" Cassidy replied with a sky smirk. "Oh, she's pretty cute." She said, not exactly pointing out which girl.

"Cass, I'm being serious. I don't need someone else right now. The upgrade isn't even very useful. I think."

"Look hun, just leave it all to me. I'll find the perfect person for you. In the mean time, you can practice making out with me."

'Make out with my best friend for practice. I mean, I guess it makes sense...' Veronica thought, trying to get it through her head.

Soon though, a few people walked onto a stage in front of the applicants. Teachers perhaps. Or at least some form of offical staff members. The first, and only person to speak was a rather beautiful woman who couldn't have looked much older than her mid or perhaps late twenties. Slightly tanned skin, long, dark brown hair.

"Ahem. I am the current headmaster of this academy, Beatrice Ardenmeyer. You have all come from different places of the world to come to this school, and we appreciate that. However, just because your applications were accepted, does not mean you are students at this academy." Headmaster Beatrice exclaimed.

There were a few whispers along the lines of "then why did I apply?" or similar. But, it was obvious, no?

"I understand your confusion. However, we cannot just take in everyone who applies. All applicants must pass the week long selection process. You will be examed on basic knowledge and your physical fitness. You do not need to be the best of the best right off the bat. Though, we still have large expectations, and if you do not meet those, you will be sent back home."

There was... even more outrage. What did people expect? This was a highly prestigious school. Of course they wouldn't accept everyone as a student. They had to prove themselves.

"Aha! Target spotted!" Cassidy whispered, confusing Veronica.

"What target? What are you talking about?" Veronica whispered back, dumbfounded.

"You'll see. I'll give you the details later. Time to do some witchy reconnaissance!" She slowly made her way away from Veronica, wiggling through the crowd.

Veronica, on the other hand, was just confused, the poor girl.

"Today, you will take a short interview with some of our various teachers, and then make your ways to the temporary barracks assigned to you. We will continue after that. So, let's start. If your Spirit is a magic class, please follow Miss Arachne," a tall, pale woman in the stage who could be mistaken for Cassidy if she were a succubus, raised her hand in a way that said to follow her.

"Rogue classes. You'll follow Mister Harriot." A rather average looking man with no discernable uniqueness to him.

"And warrior classes, follow Miss Tisha." A tall woman, taller than Miss Arachne, with dark gray hair and blue eyes. She seemed somewhat familiar to Veronica, but where has she seen her before?

"Anyone with non-combat classes, you'll follow Mrs. Haley." Why are all the female teachers, so far, so beautiful? Is that normal, or some kind of bonus this school gives its female employees?

No matter. All the students, Veronica included, followed their respective staff members, splitting apart from everyone else. In the warrior group, there were roughly two hundred people at a glance. Which means Veroninca has a rather low chance of getting in. But so do the other students.

All two hundred applicants followed the one teacher, who led them to one of the many large buildings. It was rather large, with an enormous stained glass window above the doorway, like what you'd see at a church. Though, the design on this window pictured an armored knight slaying a dragon.

'What have I gotten myself into?' Veronica thought, as she entered the building.

"Welcome to the warrior's training hall. Here, any of you who pass, will be using this place for any training related to your class." Miss Tisha stated, continuing to lead the students a little further.

She led all of them to a large counter, where many other younger people were, perhaps some older students who agreed to help out.

"Please line up, and start your interviews. Don't worry, they shouldn't take too long." Miss Tisha said as she took a seat behind the counter, with the older students as well.

Veronica herself lined up in front of Tisha, where many students decided not to go. Which made sense, as she was quite intimidating. Though, the line was still quite long.

Luckily for Veroninca, she was one of the first in line. And so, her turn soon came up.

"Hello there. Please tell me your name and the basics of your Spirit." She was quite straightforward, which, more or less, eased Veronica.

"I'm Veronica Dornan and my Spirit seems to be some form of versatile fighter, I think." It wasn't technically a lie, right?

"I see. And what made you want to come here, as opposed to other combat academies?" The next question came, quick as lighting.

"Well, I guess it's because I would be able to learn more about it, and figure out what it wants from me better at this academy."

"Decent answer. And finally, do you know who I am?" She asked, staring deep into Veronica's soul.

Then, and only then, it clicked into her head.

"You're... You're Mercury Tisha, nicknamed 'Mercy' for your merciful actions towards your opponents in battle. You once helped in the war a few years ago, fending off over a thousand troops by yourself, to allow the wounded to evacuate, during the Battle of Helm's Point..."

"Well, it was two hundred, and I had about a hundred troops helping me. Though, I guess they needed to fantasize something. But, finally, you're the first person who recognized me. Tell me how you figured that out?"

"I read a lot of books." Veronica stated plainly, realizing that she's practically casually talking to a hero.

"That explains it, I guess. Well, your interview is over. Please follow the signs towards the applicant dorms and rest for a bit.

And so, Veronica did, still barely believing that she was standing face to face with the greatest warrior of this generation.