There was nothing quite like attending a school where everyone was working towards the same goal. It gave everyone a sense of community, of camaraderie, and it helped develop friendships that would last well after graduation. At least that's what the proctors had told everyone during the introduction ceremony; they would become allies-in-arms, brothers and enjoy a sense of belonging unlike anywhere else. That sounded fine and all but this was a place of higher learning, not some summer camp where everyone could sing along and play games. For some that message fell a bit short, seeming almost artificial and cheesy. Though they spoke of everyone becoming friends there was an air of competition about the academy. Indeed, the entire atmosphere of the State Alchemist Academy was unlike any other school around; the push to succeed and improve oneself was almost suffocating. Anyone could become an Alchemist if one so chose to but it still took a lot of work, especially if you wanted a higher position. 

In spite of the uncertainty surrounding the establishing of such a school, Central had gone ahead with its plans and built the Academy anyways. There it sat high atop a hill in the Eastern district of the city, sprawling across a sizable plot of land and overlooking a high-class residential district below. The buildings surrounding the Academy lent an air of prestige and wealth to it, though one didn't necessarily need the most finances to attend. Yes it was a private school but it was also to train military personnel, so anyone who wished to join could. As a result people from all walks of life entered the halls during the inaugural ceremony this year; rich and poor, those from the country and those from the city; foreigners and local names alike, it took all kinds to make up the class. After brief introductions to the faculty were given the prospective students were thrown to the proverbial wolves and assigned their first test; a placement test in order to determine where in the class they fit academically as well as who might be selected for the student governing body. 

Students who scored particularly high, generally the top 50, had the opportunity to become part of the student body if they so chose. Seats were limited and interviews with the faculty had to be done, and even then there wasn't a guarantee you could get in. For some the chance to gain a position of power right away was too much to pass up, and many went right into the offices following the exams to await their chance at grabbing a spot. Not every student who scored highly desired any sort of prominence, nor did they want to make a fuss over their achievements. Aldis was one such student who really could not be bothered to chase after any extra opportunities, they sounded like too much work. Instead he was just one amongst the crowd currently gathered at a series of cork boards, scanning over the names to try and find where he had fell. Starting from the top he went down the list, and after finding his name within the top 10 he broke into a small smirk, folding his hands into his pockets casually as he chuckled. And he was scolded for blowing off studying, so much for that being an issue.

Relaxed as he might be about the exams it couldn't be said everyone shared his viewpoint. For some it was essentially do or die, which was silly seeing as you got in even if your tests were poor. The only difference was what your potential rank might be upon completion of the Academy, and therein the jobs that might be available to you. A girl not far off to the side sounded pretty concerned with how she had done, and without knowing her name it was impossible for Aldis to check her score. Looking over at the pink-haired girl he smiled amused, shrugging his shoulders as his eyes went back up to the board. "Sure, as long as you don't care what you end up doing for the rest of your life," he replied, his eyes swiveling to the corners to gauge the girl's reaction. "I'm kidding, before you freak out. It's a placement test, no use in getting all bent out of shape over it." Oh boy, she was going to have a tough time of things if just the placement test got her panties in a bunch. She wasn't alone though, all around him he could hear uneasy murmurs and sounds of sorrow as students realized maybe they ought to have done a little better. Aldis could only roll his eyes at their woes, it was so silly to get worked up on day one.