The arena was a cauldron of anticipation. Hundreds of students lined the massive stone walls, their uniforms blending into a sea of muted blues and silvers. Conversations buzzed through the air—some tense, others lighthearted, but all charged with the weight of the upcoming trial.
The Third Phase: Historical Exam had every student on edge.
Groups formed and dissolved as classmates sought last-minute allies or quick refreshers on their Aetheris devices. A few more confident individuals, mostly nobles with extensive private tutoring, smirked at their less-prepared peers.
"This will be easy," a noble boy remarked, his tone dripping with arrogance.
"Easy for you," a commoner muttered under his breath, shooting the boy a glare. "Some of us weren't spoon-fed this stuff since birth."
A ripple of tension spread as more commoners exchanged wary looks with the nobles. The unspoken divide between those with resources and those without was palpable, an ever-present reminder of the academy's rigid hierarchy.
…..
Amid the chatter, Seraphina stood slightly apart from the crowd, her crystal-blue eyes focused on the glowing screen of her Aetheris. She was typing, her fingers moving with precision as she crafted a message.
"Seraphina!"
Her name rang out across the arena, loud and insistent. She didn't respond, her gaze remaining fixed on her device.
"SERAPHINA!"
This time, she turned her head slightly, her sharp eyes locking onto the source of the voice. It was Kallus, his rough, handsome face set in a frown, his white hair tousled as if he'd run to find her.
Seraphina rolled her eyes, turning back to her Aetheris.
Kallus's brow twitched in frustration. "Don't ignore me!" he barked, stomping closer.
….
Elsewhere in the arena, Soren prowled through the throng of students, his sharp gaze flickering from one Aetheris to the next. His mana-enhanced vision allowed him to steal quick glimpses of their notes, a sly smirk tugging at his lips each time he picked up something useful.
As he walked, his eyes caught on a figure leaning casually against the east wall.
Lucius.
The sight of him made Soren's teeth clench and a vein bulge on his temple. Memories of his humiliating defeat in the first phase flooded back, stoking the flames of his anger.
"I'll get him," Soren muttered to himself, his smirk turning sinister. "Not here, but in the fourth phase… oh, I'll make him pay."
With a final glare, he turned away, disappearing into the crowd.
…..
Lucius's sharp eyes swept across the sea of students, mentally cataloging their movements, their tension, their confidence—or lack thereof.
Some will fail miserably, he mused, and some who shouldn't succeed will surprise us all.
His Aetheris buzzed faintly, drawing his attention to a notification. The system had detected and dismissed the bloodlust directed at him.
His gaze shifted toward the crowd, settling on Soren's retreating back. Lucius sighed audibly. "Petty as ever," he murmured, recalling the novel's description of Soren's grudge-holding tendencies.
A tap on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts.
"Lucius, you okay?" Ash asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"I'm fine," Lucius replied curtly. "Focus on the notes I gave you. Especially the three key topics."
Ash raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. His Aetheris chimed, signaling a new message. Opening it, he found detailed explanations of three crucial historical events:
1. The Founding Of Valtherion Academy: The academy's origins during the Great Rift War, built to unite magic and technology to combat threats from other dimensions.
2. The Integration Of Aetheris: The development and implementation of Aetheris technology, revolutionizing how people access mana and historical data.
3. The Collapse Of House Draven: A scandal involving a powerful noble family and their misuse of forbidden magic, leading to their downfall.
Ash's eyes widened. "This is… incredibly detailed."
Lucius glanced at him sideways. "Don't get used to it."
Ash's expression softened into a smile. "You're kinder than you let on."
Lucius scoffed. "I prefer having options to not having any."
Ash chuckled, tucking the Aetheris away. "Thanks, though."
Lucius waved him off dismissively, his gaze drifting upward. "It's starting soon."
Ash frowned, glancing around. "It doesn't look like anything's happening. Shouldn't we be in classrooms for an exam like this?"
Lucius didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the sky.
Following his gaze, Ash's breath hitched. Above the arena, a massive amalgamation of mana particles was forming, swirling together in an intricate dance.
...
A large screen materialized above the arena, and Grandmaster Veridane's commanding visage appeared. His voice boomed, silencing the crowd.
"Students," Veridane began, "congratulations on making it to the third phase of the admission tournament. Your resilience and determination are commendable."
He paused, his expression softening. "I must also address the incident during the second phase. To those who were injured or lost loved ones, you have my deepest apologies. We failed to protect you, and for that, I take full responsibility."
The students listened intently, their focus unwavering.
Veridane continued, his tone firm. "The third phase will test more than your knowledge. It will challenge your ability to think critically, adapt to the unexpected, and understand the foundations of our world's history, magic, and technology."
Ash leaned closer to Lucius, whispering, "But why here? Shouldn't we—"
Lucius raised a hand, silencing him, his gaze still fixed on the Grandmaster.
Veridane's voice grew heavier. "History is not static. It is not a mere collection of facts and dates. History is alive, shaped by the actions of those who live it. Here at Valtherion, you will not simply learn history. You will make it."
The mana above the arena pulsed, descending in a cascade of light. The ground trembled, and a glowing magic circle formed beneath the students' feet.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes, her posture stiffening.
Kallus grinned, his fists clenching with excitement.
Gaius sighed, slipping his Aetheris into his sleeve, his expression unreadable.
Soren cursed under his breath, gripping the shoulder of a nearby student.
Elena stood tall, her apprehension clear in her furrowed brow.
Ash's eyes widened in shock, his hand instinctively reaching for Lucius.
Lucius, however, remained calm, his gaze locked on the screen.
Veridane's voice echoed one final time. "Your journey begins now. Forge your history. Good luck."
The magic circle flared, engulfing the arena in blinding light. Then, silence.