Half a month ago, inside the conference room of Augustus College.

This was the routine summary meeting for the entrance exams held a week prior. Officials reported on the results one by one. Then, admissions would begin.

Attendees wore uniforms in five distinct colors, symbolizing rank and role. White marked apprentice teachers—mostly twenty-year-olds. They were top graduates from Augustus College or talents recruited elsewhere. Though they handled admissions, they stayed silent here, only observing.

Gray uniforms belonged to regular teachers. They taught non-specialized courses like mythic epics and social etiquette. Mostly promoted from apprentices, they were young too. Though higher ranked, they had little say in this meeting.

Senior teachers wore bright red robes. Gold thread embroidered the cuffs and collar, setting them apart. These veteran mages were Augustus College’s backbone. They taught seven core subjects: Elements, Spirits, Nature, Beasts, Shadows, Heaven, and Alchemy. Academically and practically impeccable, they trained generations of mages now thriving worldwide. They also mentored talents from lower ranks. Their opinions carried great weight today.

Normally, this annual meeting was routine—important but rarely contentious. This year was an exception.

A young man in a deep purple velvet suit spoke, visibly agitated: "Under twenty years old. Mana value over twenty thousand. More than sixty invention patents—including over twenty military-grade ones. A perfect theory exam score. This student meets all criteria. I believe—"

An older man in similar attire cut him off: "But he’s a commoner!"

"So what? He meets every condition, no matter how strict!" the young man argued firmly.

"I must remind you, Professor Lu—what was the purpose of these conditions?"

"Of course. But I must also remind you, Professor Colon—another purpose was to give true geniuses a chance. Fifty years ago, we admitted a commoner who qualified, didn’t we?"

The debaters were two professors from Augustus College. They handled admissions and training for three special departments: Mechanical, Forging, and Magic Swords. They mentored advanced students and were the college’s elite. Every admission here required unanimous professor approval. Such disagreements were rare—unheard of in nearly fifty years.

The final decision rested with twenty figures at the front. They wore luxurious robes adorned with black crystals. These were Augustus College’s administrators and owners, commonly known as the College Council. They had begun discussing the dispute.

"The Council has decided!" The chairman and dean stood up. The professors stopped arguing instantly, awaiting the verdict.

"Professor Lu, if you sponsor this commoner student, the Council will admit him for advanced studies."

"Yes, I will. I’m even willing to be his mentor," the young professor replied immediately.

"Very well," the dean cautioned. "But Professor Lu—I must remind you. This responsibility is immense."

"I understand." The young man knew exactly what this meant. "Because Augustus College is a war college. And Mechanical Mages are war mages."