Upon Araia's return from Mr Caloi's old friend, she promptly joined her companions, marking the commencement of the third phase of the Physical Test.
As the third phase unfolded, a considerable number of participants had already withdrawn, yet a substantial portion persevered. The examination commenced with an initial count of approximately 100,000 individuals. Presently, more than half of the participants remained in contention.
***
Amidst the challenge, the takers found themselves on the precipice of an adrenaline-pumping ordeal. The colossal spinning wheel suspended high above a shimmering pool of water, loomed before them. Its ominous presence demanded their unity.
Their hearts pounded in unison as they gazed up at the daunting structure. With a collective breath, they stepped forward, knowing that their success hinged on teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Each candidate brought their unique strengths to the fore, forming an intricate web of collaboration.
As they embarked on this treacherous exam, shouts of encouragement and instructions filled the air. Hands grasped for balance, voices echoed with determination, and the wheel's rhythmic rotation began to obey their synchronized efforts. Step by step, inch by inch, they inched closer to conquering this formidable obstacle, their unity a testament to their shared purpose and unwavering resolve.
***
The takers stood at the threshold of the fourth leg of the physical test, a place of mystery and challenge. This new trial beckoned them with its intricacies, a culmination of their physical and mental endurance.
They entered a vast chamber, filled with towering walls adorned with a labyrinthine pattern. The air was electric with tension and excitement as they realized that this was the puzzle maze, a true test of problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork.
They met a bewildering variety of curves and twists as they made their way deeper into the maze. Every turn unveiled a fresh riddle that was more complicated than the one before it. Yet, they pressed on, relying on their collective intelligence and collaborative spirit.
Their voices echoed softly in the maze as they communicated their findings and insights. Fingers traced the maze's intricate markings, seeking clues hidden within the design. They organized into a single front determined to overcome this formidable obstacle, and with each issue they fixed, they got closer to their goal.
As they moved farther into the maze, they couldn't help but reflect on the challenges they had previously encountered. During the third phase of the physical examination, they had witnessed a few of their fellow test-takers forfeit because they were unable to handle the demanding conditions. It served as a vivid reminder of the test's harsh criteria.
Despite the setbacks and the dwindling number of participants, they pressed on, their determination unwavering.
***
As Araia observed her fellow takers, many of whom bore a striking resemblance to her, she found herself immersed in contemplation. The resolute determination to secure a coveted place within the school was palpable, yet the harsh truth lingered in her mind - not all would emerge victorious. Her disappointment deepened as she contemplated the distribution of the 500 available slots among the various Hegemony groups.
Despite this sobering reality, Araia stood resolute before the ultimate challenge, a formidable wall that symbolized the relentless obstacles she had encountered throughout the gruelling test. Her thoughts drifted back to her introspective moments, ruminating on the unique challenges and the scarcity of slots, particularly noting that the majority of her fellow takers hailed from the Pearl Empire, her own place of origin.
With an unwavering resolve gleaming in her eyes, she turned her attention to her fellow takers, those who had shared the burdensome journey alongside her. This moment stood as a defining crucible, a test of their unity and cohesion, for they recognized that this towering wall could only be conquered through the combined strength and agility of their collective efforts.
Without hesitation, they formed a human pyramid, their bodies interlocking like intricately crafted puzzle pieces. Araia positioned herself at the base, anchoring the structure with unyielding determination. Together, they commenced their ascent, each step fueled by the profound weight of their shared dreams and aspirations, propelling them ever higher.
Remarkably, the once-insurmountable obstacle appeared to diminish with each passing moment. As they triumphantly scaled the summit in unison, a symphony of triumphant smiles and exchanged glances resonated through the air. In that transcendent moment, they not only conquered the physical barrier but also vanquished the doubts that had shadowed their resolve.
Araia comprehended that they had now drawn one step closer to securing their coveted places within those limited slots, substantiating the indomitable power of determination, teamwork, and unwavering resolve. This achievement held profound significance, particularly within a field where the majority shared her roots in the Pearl Empire.
"Dear Takers,
As we reach this pivotal juncture, I want to commend each and every one of you for your perseverance and determination thus far on your POSA journey. You've shown remarkable resilience.
The next two phases are the psychological test and the spiritual test, and let me remind you that these are the periods when your true potential will shine. I have no doubt that you are prepared for the challenges that lay ahead given how far you've already come.
Rest and refuel now since you'll get a chance to show off your skills tomorrow. Remember that every obstacle puts you one step closer to achieving your objectives, and your unrelenting dedication will see you through.
Stay focused, stay positive, and believe in yourselves. Disperse and get the rest you deserve. Tomorrow, you'll rise to the occasion and demonstrate your capabilities once again. Keep that indomitable spirit burning bright.
Best of luck to each of you!"
***
After completing the gruelling physical test, the four young women found respite in the embrace of nature. They lay upon a lush carpet of grass, gazing up at the expanse of the sky, where majestic flying beasts occasionally glided by, casting fleeting shadows over the landscape.
Amidst this serene setting, their bodies felt the weight of their exertions.
"OMG! My muscles ache," one of them exclaimed.
"Who could blame you?" Rachelle quipped, her playful tone breaking through the fatigue.
Araia couldn't help but wear a gentle smile, relishing the camaraderie that had developed among them. Their banter had evolved into a lively interplay, reminiscent of a playful fight between a dog and a cat.
Araia, her eyes fixated on the heavens, revelled in the cool breeze that rustled through the colossal trees surrounding them. The tranquillity of the moment seemed to soothe their weary souls.
In the distance, the Academy's grounds were scattered with fellow takers, some resting on the verdant grass, others gathered by the tranquil river. Their collective energy hung in the air, a reminder of the shared journey they had undertaken.
Araia broke the silence, turning her attention to Kat. "Are you, too, a native of the Pearl Empire?" she inquired, her voice as gentle as the breeze that caressed their surroundings.
While the number of students at the Academy had dwindled, a sense of unity prevailed among those who remained. Under the sprawling canopy of ancient trees, conversations flowed like a gentle stream, carrying with them the stories and dreams of those who aspired to become Mystics.
Kat, who had joined their banter, replied with casual grace, "My mentor instructed me to come here, but the reasons remain a mystery to me."
For a moment, their spirited exchanges gave way to curiosity as they seized the opportunity to forge deeper connections.
For the first time, she shared more about herself, captivating Lady Ciara's attention, while Araia and Rachelle nodded in unison.
Lady Ciara, ever the inquisitive spirit, turned her gaze to Rachelle. "And you, witch, are you a native of the Pearl Empire?" she asked, her tone laden with curiosity.
Rachelle, known for her spirited comebacks, playfully teased, "The spoiled brat is asking questions again."
"I reside here in the Pearl Capital. I serve as an assistant to the Librarian, so I've grown up amidst books. I aspire to become a Psychomagician when the grand awakening arrives," Rachelle explained, her eyes twinkling with visions of her future.
Amidst the back-and-forth banter, their conversation came to a brief halt, as if they had glimpsed an opportunity to understand each other on a deeper level.
Lady Ciara took the moment to refocus the discussion. "What about you, Kat? What do you aspire to be?"
"A Psychomagician," Kat replied, her voice carrying a hint of determination. "Nearly all of my mentor's students have achieved this, and I am her final apprentice."
Their ongoing playful repartee paused again, allowing the weight of the question to settle.
Araia turned her gaze toward Lady Ciara, her eyes reflecting the beauty of their surroundings. "And you, Lady Ciara, what is your dream?"
"I wish to become an Enchanter," Lady Ciara revealed with a sense of longing. "My mother is a highly skilled Enchanter, and I aspire to follow in her footsteps."
As the tales of their ambitions unfurled beneath the canopy of ancient trees, the girls seemed fully attuned to the world of Mystics that lay before them. Araia, the ever-attentive listener, felt a sense of camaraderie and shared dreams.
They all turned their expectant gazes toward Araia. "And you, Araia," they inquired in unison, eager to hear her aspirations amid this enchanting setting.