The atmosphere in the room was noticeably different from the earlier one. It buzzed with a sense of anticipation. As Ahiro settled into the room, he couldn't help but wonder about the challenges that awaited him.
The wait for the physical examination to commence was filled with whispers among the students, exchanging thoughts and speculations about what they might face. Some shared stories they had heard about previous years' tests, while others tried to calm their nerves by practicing deep breathing exercises. Ahiro, too, prepared himself mentally for the challenges ahead.
The moments passed, and the room fell into a hushed silence.
A new teacher appeared before the students, he had a truly distinctive appearance. His body was composed of various types of rocks, each layered seamlessly to form a humanoid figure. It was as if the very earth itself had given birth to him. His outer layer resembled granite, giving him a rugged and sturdy appearance. His face, sculpted from a lighter, smoother stone, had deep-set eyes that appeared to be made of polished agate, shimmering with a subtle play of colors.
His voice matched his robust appearance. When he spoke, it was like the resonating echo of a cavern, deep and sonorous. Every word he uttered seemed to carry the weight of the mountains, and his words reverberated through the room.
"Congratulations to all of you who have successfully passed the Theoretical Knowledge Test," he boomed, his words filling the room with a tangible presence. His eyes, like stones themselves, surveyed the room with an unwavering gaze. "You have taken the first step on your path to becoming true Awakeners."
The students listened in awe as his voice continued to rumble forth. "Now, it's time to move forward. You will be assigned temporary dormitories for the night. Tomorrow, the real challenge begins. The Physical Examination will commence promptly at 5:00 AM. Let me make one thing clear," he said, his tone growing stern. "Punctuality is a virtue we hold in the highest regard here at Valorius Institute. Being late by even a single minute is not acceptable and will result in detention."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "Prepare yourselves mentally and physically. Tomorrow's test will not be easy, but it is necessary to assess your awakened abilities. Rest well tonight, for you will need all your strength in the morning. Now, proceed to your temporary dorms and ensure you are ready to begin anew at dawn."
With that, he turned and began to walk away leaving behind a trail of stone particles. The students started to make their way to their temporary lodgings.
The night passed with a mixture of excitement and anxiety as students lay in their temporary dorms, contemplating the challenges of the day ahead. The halls were silent, except for the soft, steady hum of the academy's automated systems, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the students began to stir. They had barely gotten any sleep, their minds preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming Physical Examination. Despite the nerves, there was a palpable determination among them.
Ahiro was among the early risers. He had barely managed a few hours of restless sleep, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending test. He rose from his bed in the temporary dorm, a simple but comfortable room that provided just the basics for a night's stay. He changed into his training gear and checked his smart band for the exam location.
The academy was already buzzing with activity. Students filed out of their dorms, their expressions ranging from anticipation to nervousness. The promise of breakfast awaited them in the cafeteria, but they had to ensure they arrived at the examination grounds on time.
Outside, the morning air was crisp and invigorating. Ahiro joined the stream of students heading towards the examination grounds, which were located in a sprawling training area. The sky was gradually brightening as the sun began its ascent, casting long shadows across the open field.
In the distance, he could see the imposing figure of the rock-like teacher who had addressed them the previous day. He was already present, standing near a designated starting point for the Physical Examination. Ahiro checked his smart band once more to ensure he was on time.
As the minutes ticked away, more students gathered around, their anxiety mounting. The rock-like teacher observed them with a stern but attentive expression. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and the students exchanged nervous glances.
The sun finally breached the horizon, bathing the training area in a warm, golden light. With the first rays of daylight, the rock-like teacher raised his voice, and it reverberated through the quiet morning air. "The Physical Examination begins now!" he announced, and the students tensed, ready to prove their mettle in the challenges that lay ahead.
The rock-like teacher stepped forward, and the students fell silent, their attention fully focused on him. His voice, deep and resonant, carried across the training field.
"My name is Dracus Stoneheart. If we meet again you will address me as Sir Stone" he began. "Today, we will test not just your physical prowess but also your adaptability, resilience, and determination. Valorius Academy values the development of well-rounded Awakeners, and this examination is a crucial step in that journey."
He continued, "You will face a series of physical challenges designed to push your limits. These challenges will require you to overcome obstacles and demonstrate your strength, agility, and endurance. Remember, the path to becoming a powerful Awakener is not just about your awakened abilities but also your physical and mental conditioning."
The teacher's eyes swept over the students, each of them standing tall and eager, awaiting his instructions.
"Now, I must emphasize an important rule for today," he said firmly. "No use of awakened abilities is allowed during the Physical Examination. Drones and teachers will be monitoring your every move, and any use of your powers will result in immediate disqualification. This test is about your raw physical capabilities, not your awakened abilities."
He paused to let the gravity of his words sink in before continuing, "Additionally, you are expected to maintain sportsmanship throughout the examination. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in penalties. Remember, your fellow students are not your enemies but your comrades on this path of growth."
With a nod, he concluded, "These rules are non-negotiable. You will find the challenges fair and designed to push you to your limits. Now, without further ado, let the Physical Examination begin. The first challenge awaits you."
The teacher instructs the students to follow him. They obediently follow him to a sprawling track field that extends as far as the eye can see. The field is expansive and well-maintained, with neatly marked lanes for sprinting and running. The bright green grass is soft underfoot, and the sky above is clear and inviting.
In the distance, they notice a border of tall trees that marks the edge of a nearby forest. The forest adds an air of mystery and adventure to the setting, its dense foliage hinting at hidden secrets within.
The track field is surrounded by a sense of tranquility, with the distant chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves in the forest creating a serene backdrop. It's a place that feels both inviting and full of potential, setting the stage for what's to come in their training or adventure.