As a quiet tension hangs over the observation chamber where professors, academy staff, and notable noble heads monitor the students' progress. They peer intently at the numerous screens, each one showing different sections of the forest, with groups of students scattered throughout. Most of the professors and staff expected minor incidents, but nothing like the foreboding dark mist currently spreading across the forest.
As the dark aura thickens, alarmed murmurs break the silence. The entire observation team senses that something is fundamentally wrong. The dark mist doesn't behave like normal mana; it's volatile, oppressive, and seems to corrupt everything it touches.
Professor Arlith, a seasoned mage and expert in elemental control, narrows her eyes at the screen displaying the dark mist seeping into the forest. "This… this shouldn't be possible. There's no source listed in the archives, no known magic that would cause such decay." She leans in closer, her gaze growing hard. "This is something… ancient." Her voice shakes slightly as she speaks.
Professor Reinald, an elderly historian, crosses his arms with a deep frown. "Ancient? This kind of aura was last recorded centuries ago during the Arcane Wars. But those sources were vague, almost mythological." He looks around, hoping someone has a more grounded explanation, but finds only equally puzzled expressions.
Professor Lyrenne, the head alchemist, mutters to herself as she assesses the dark mist's effects. "Look at the plants withering instantly… this isn't normal mana contamination. It's something corrosive, infecting everything it touches." She scribbles notes furiously, already planning to research any known countermeasures.
Some professors, like Instructor Beryn, who specializes in combat and defense, are more concerned about the students. "At this rate, that mist is going to spread through all the zones. We can't let it reach the weaker students. We need a containment strategy, and fast."
.
Not far from the professors, the noble heads, who represent powerful families across the realm, express varying degrees of concern and frustration.
Lord Valencis, an influential noble with a vested interest in the academy, frowns deeply as he watches the monitors. "This is absurd. How could the academy allow such a situation to occur? I sent my son here to learn, not to be exposed to… whatever that is." His tone is laced with accusation as he glares at the staff, his patience thin.
Lady Andrine, a noble known for her affinity with ancient magic, is more intrigued than outraged. "This aura is fascinating. It almost feels… sentient. I wonder what kind of magic could create such an effect." Her interest is met with sidelong glances from the other nobles, who clearly find her perspective unsettling.
Duke Remorin, the head of one of the largest families, taps his fingers on the armrest of his chair. "Regardless of how 'fascinating' it may be, this is a threat to the academy's reputation and our children's safety. If the faculty can't contain it, we may need to intervene ourselves."
…..
Back with the academy staff, several senior officials exchange worried glances. They know the situation has spiraled beyond the typical control measures they've relied on during past tournaments. The Head of Operations, Mallian, addresses the assembled professors and nobles, trying to maintain order amidst the growing tension.
"We're aware of the severity of the situation," Mallian begins, his voice calm but strained. "Our top priority is the safety of each student. We're taking immediate action to assess and contain this unknown aura." He gestures toward a screen showing a team of staff members dispatched into the forest.
Security Chief Ordis, a stoic and disciplined man, cuts in. "We've already tried activating emergency protocols, but it seems the interference is stronger than anticipated. The students' Aetheris devices are showing varying degrees of failure. Communication has become unreliable."
This revelation stirs a wave of shock among the nobles and professors. Several heads turn towards Grandmaster Veridane, who has been silent, studying the monitors with intense focus.
Unlike the others, Grandmaster Veridane remains composed, watching the screens with a calculating gaze. His silence unsettles some, while others view it as a sign that he's formulating a plan. When someone finally asks for his opinion, he speaks in a low, measured tone.
"This is no ordinary mana. Its nature is parasitic. It's not just spreading; it's feeding, growing stronger with every life it touches." His words hang in the air, casting a somber mood over the room. "We cannot treat it as a simple contamination."
He directs a sharp look at the assembled professors. "We must begin identifying the origin and find any weaknesses. This is beyond a mere test of skill for the students. If left unchecked, it could spread beyond the forest."
As they watch, the screens display scenes of students struggling to protect themselves from the dark mist. Many are seen channeling their mana to form protective barriers or using augmentation to move quickly through the forest, avoiding the encroaching darkness.
A group of students stumbles, coughing violently after inhaling the mist. Another group is shown fending off agitated magic beasts, which have become more aggressive due to the contamination.
Some students are retreating, while others press forward, determined to complete their objectives despite the danger. The resilient ones adapt, layering their own mana over their skin like a second layer of armor, effectively shielding themselves from the effects of the mist.
The nobles and professors exchange glances as they witness the students' varying responses—some showing fear, others displaying bravery beyond their years.
…..
Professor Arlith, still deep in thought, turns to Veridane. "What if this is a catalyst? Something we're unaware of—a trigger designed to activate under specific conditions? It could be ancient magic, responding to the collective mana output in the forest, or perhaps it's reacting to the students' use of their Aetheris devices."
This theory sends a ripple of concern through the room. If the dark mist is indeed reacting to the students' mana or the Aetheris devices, they're all in grave danger. The professors and staff realize they may have unwittingly exposed the students to something much more sinister.
Lady Andrine, watching the screens with a glimmer of fascination, murmurs to herself, "If only we could study it closer. There must be more to it than simple destruction. This aura is ancient, potent… and it feels as if it's alive."
Her musings, though quiet, reach the ears of some professors, who share her curiosity yet shudder at the thought of exploring something so dangerous.
As the atmosphere in the observation chamber grows tense. The professors, staff, and nobles continue to argue, theorize, and plan, but the weight of the unknown threat is pressing on them all. They are forced to acknowledge that, despite their combined expertise and power, they are dealing with something far beyond their understanding.
Grandmaster Veridane issues a final order, his voice resonating through the room. "Prepare containment teams. If this dark mana continues to spread, we may have no choice but to intervene directly. The safety of Valtherion Academy and our students is paramount."