The Extra's Reincarnation

If this boy has no core and no sign of proper mana control, then that means... The barrier’s detection system perceived him as a threat! His uncontrolled energy interacted with the barrier’s coding, creating an outward flux of positive and negative energy.

Bourne carefully pieced together what had happened.

Not only did the boy use his own energy to counteract the barrier’s output, but his control was flawless. He had managed to stop the destruction of his surroundings, something that seemed impossible considering the immense power involved.

If even a single particle had slipped through his control, it would have resulted in devastating consequences.

Examining the destroyed entrance with his mana vision, Bourne was amazed by the perfect symmetry outlining the gates.

He had never seen such potential before. While he had heard of rare cases where children awakened both their mana and elemental cores at an early age, and even some who awakened multiple cores, this was beyond anything he had ever encountered. A child with no prior awakening exerted a power that defied all odds.

If this boy were to reach his full potential, Bourne knew he may have just witnessed a true mage of this generation being born.

EHEM…

He faked a cough and addressed Julian.

"What is your name, boy?"

Julian, still scared, looked away. "Julian... Julian Uzziel."

He still looks frightened... It seems this old man has lost his touch to make children smile.

Bourne put on his kindest, grandfatherly expression, hoping to entice Julian.

"What a wonderful name," he said warmly. "You must come from a loving family."

"I don’t have a dad," Julian replied, his voice small. "So, how could it be a nice family?"

"...!"

Bourne winced, realizing he had touched a nerve. He quickly recovered, offering a solution.

"How about this?" he proposed. "We’ll get Nivel’s relative to put in their future admission to enter the academy, and we’ll show you both around!"

He turned to Nivel with a serious expression and Nivel flinched, seeing a faint aura of pressure exert right towards him.

Without a single thought, he approached Julian, his voice gentle.

"Julian," he said, "this academy is a place of wonder and learning. I’m sure your mother would be proud if you entered here. I know you might have plans elsewhere in the future, but just remember this academy isn’t for nobles or royalty, it’s for everyone."

Julian looked at Nivel, then at the academy gates.

"It wouldn’t hurt to see what’s inside, I guess..."

Bourne, barely containing his excitement, clapped his hands together.

"Wonderful!" he exclaimed. "We’ll head to the main office first."

As they passed through the gates, Julian felt a tingling sensation wash over him.

He glanced back, half-expecting to see another explosion, but everything remained calm. The academy grounds stretched out before them, an expansive campus of elegant modern buildings and lush gardens.

Ezekiel bounded ahead, his eyes wide with excitement. "This place is huge!" he exclaimed. "Look at all the students!"

Indeed, the pathways were filled with students of all ages, some hurrying to classes while others lounged on the grass, books spread out around them.

Julian noticed the diversity - there were humans of various ethnicities, but also elves with pointed ears, dwarves with bushy beards, and even a few beings he couldn’t identify.

As they walked, Julian felt a strange tingling sensation, like static electricity dancing across his skin.

He glanced down at his hands, half expecting to see sparks, but everything looked normal.

"You feeling alright, Julian?" Nivel asked, noticing his distraction.

"Y-yeah," Julian replied quickly. "Just...taking it all in."

Headmaster Bourne led them toward an imposing building at the center of campus. Its grand facade was adorned with intricate carvings and statues of famous mages.

"This is the main administrative building," Bourne explained. "We’ll get Ezekiel’s admission paper, have it filled, and then our tour can start afterwards."

30 minutes later…

"Julian, we’ve finished."

Nivel completed Ezekiel’s admission papers while Julian dozed off on the couch in the lounge.

"Uh...oh, okay..."

Julian rubbed his eyes and just moments later, Headmaster Bourne walked in with the same woman as before.

"Thank you for filling out the application, Ezekiel. We look forward to seeing you at the admissions exams in 10 years."

Bourne reached out his hand towards Ezekiel, and he eagerly shook it.

"I’ll do my absolute best, sir!"

Ezekiel puffed up his chest, trying to appear confident. The girl next to Bourne playfully rubbed his head, causing him to smile.

"I hope I get to see you grow into a fine young man, Ezekiel."

Bourne replied warmly, gesturing for the girl to stop.

"Enough of that. Before I introduce her, I must announce that I will be stepping down as headmaster of this academy soon. And when that time comes, this person here will take over. Julian and Ezekiel, meet Kiera Nyx."

Julian’s eyes widened as he studied the woman more closely. She no longer looked like the small girl from earlier, but a tall, elegant woman with an aura of quiet power. Her light blue hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes held a depth of wisdom that belied her youthful appearance.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you both," Kiera said, her voice melodious. She smiled warmly at Julian and Ezekiel. "I look forward to seeing your progress in the coming years."

Julian felt a strange tingle run down his spine as their eyes met. There was something about her that felt... familiar, though he couldn’t place why. He shook off the feeling and managed a polite nod.

"Now then," Headmaster Bourne said, clapping his hands together. "Shall we begin our tour? There’s much to see, and I’m sure you boys are eager to explore."

As they exited the administrative building, Julian hung back slightly, still feeling overwhelmed by it all. Ezekiel, on the other hand, bounded ahead, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Look at that!"

Ezekiel exclaimed, pointing to a group of students practicing magic in a nearby courtyard.

Colorful bursts of elemental energy danced through the air as the students honed their skills.

"That’s the junior practice yard," Kiera explained. "Students often gather there to work on their spell-casting techniques between classes."