THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 24
"Dungeon exam"
Alex sat at his desk, staring at the flickering candlelight. It had been three months since the mysterious figures had appeared at the academy. Despite his efforts to uncover their identities and motives, he was no closer to the truth. The memory of their cloaked forms and the way they vanished still haunted him.
Ethan's sudden departure for alleged family issues only added to the mystery. He hadn't returned or even sent word since then. It left Alex and Emily to finish their potion assignment alone, which they had successfully completed, earning high marks and two stars each.
Life at Valorwood Academy had resumed its normal rhythm. Classes, training sessions, and assignments filled the days. But the question of who those figures were and what they wanted still gnawed at Alex.
He stood up, shaking off his thoughts, and began preparing for the day. As he was putting on his uniform, the academy's bell rang, signaling an assembly. All students were to gather in the school hall. Alex quickly finished getting ready and headed out.
As Alex walked through the corridors, he spotted Emily ahead. She turned and smiled when she saw him.
"Hey, Alex!"
"Hey, Emily," he replied, catching up to her.
"Have you heard anything from Ethan?" Emily asked as they walked.
Alex shook his head. "No, he said he went to deal with some family issue. He won't be back until further notice. It's strange, but I hope he's okay."
Emily nodded, a worried look crossing her face. "Yeah, me too."
They continued walking together, the buzz of other students around them growing louder as they neared the hall.
[Valorwood Academy: School hall]
The school hall was packed with students, all talking excitedly about the unexpected assembly. Alex and Emily found seats by the middle rows, curious about what was happening. As they settled in, the room fell into a hush as the doors opened and several students entered.
All eyes turned to gaze at the two figures striding confidently into the room. Damon and Victor Eldraine,(GM) Grandmaster level students and Alex's elder brothers, commanded attention with their imposing presence.
Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire
"Look, it's the Eldraine brothers! They're Grandmaster level, the highest rank in the academy!"
"Unbelievable, they're so young and yet so powerful!"
"I heard they're the most skilled students in the entire school!"
Emily nudged Alex, her eyes shining with excitement. "Your elder brothers are impressive, aren't they? They quickly advanced to Grandmaster level, I'm sure you will reach that level soon enough."
Alex's gaze followed his brothers as they made their way through the crowd, their presence drawing admiration and awe from the other students.
As Damon and Victor took their seats at the front of the hall, the room fell silent, awaiting the start of the assembly. Alex's thoughts turned to his own journey, and the long road ahead of him to reach their level of mastery.
The principal, Principal Thaddeus Hawke stepped up to the podium, raising a hand for silence.
"Students of Valorwood Academy, thank you for gathering here today. We have some important announcements regarding the upcoming academy first term examination ."
He paused, allowing the murmurs of excitement to die down.
"First, I'd like to acknowledge our Grandmaster students, Damon Eldraine, Victor Eldraine, Elara vex, kaidën Star weaver and lastly, Lyra frost who have demonstrated unparalleled skill, wisdom, and leadership. They serve as an inspiration to all of us." He said.
The hall erupted into applause.
As the principal continued with the announcements, "The time has come to announce the Dungeon Exam, a crucial assessment that will test your skills, strategy, and teamwork."
Murmurs erupted throughout the hall, excitement and nervousness evident on the students' faces.
"The Dungeon Exam will take place in two weeks' time," Principal Thaddeus continued. "You will be divided into teams and tasked with exploring a specially designed dungeon, overcoming challenges, and defeating the final boss."
Alex's heart raced at the prospect. He had heard rumors about the Dungeon Exam, but never thought he'd be facing it so soon.
"Teams will be formed based on your current rankings," the principal explained.
"Freshmen and Apprentices will be grouped together, while Adepts, Skilled, and Expert students will form their own teams. Masters and Grandmasters will serve as team leaders and mentors."
The room fell silent, students processing the information. Alex felt a mix of emotions: excitement for the adventure, but also fear of the unknown.
"The Dungeon Exam is a crucial step in your academic journey," principal Thaddeus emphasized.
"It will push you to your limits, but also offer valuable rewards and recognition for those who succeed."
With that, the assembly concluded, leaving the students to ponder their fate and strategize for the challenges ahead.
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Valorwood Academy of Arcane Arts Ranking system is as follows:
1. Freshman (F):
- New students with little to no experience.
- Still learning the basics of magic and combat.
2. Apprentice (A):
- Students who have demonstrated basic proficiency in magic and combat.
- Still developing their skills and learning more advanced techniques.
3. Adept (AD):
- Students who have shown significant improvement and mastery of basic skills.
- Beginning to specialize in specific areas of magic or combat.
4. Skilled (S):
- Students who have achieved a high level of proficiency in multiple areas.
- Demonstrating leadership and mentorship qualities.
5. Expert (E):
- Students who have reached an advanced level of mastery in their chosen specialization.
- Showing exceptional skill and innovation in their field.
6. Master (M):
- Students who have achieved the highest level of mastery and expertise.
- Recognized as leaders and authorities in their field.
7. Grandmaster (GM):
- The most exceptional students who have surpassed even the Master level.
- Demonstrating unparalleled skill, wisdom, and leadership.
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The next two weeks passed in a blur of intense training and strategy sessions.
[Sunny day , Forest field]
The sun beat down on the forest field, casting a warm glow over the assembled students. Alex stood alongside his teammates, Lucien, Lara, and Kaidën Starweaver, their eyes fixed on the towering cave doors before them. These massive entrances marked the beginning of the Dungeon Exam, a crucial test of their skills and teamwork.
Professors, the school councilors, and the principal observed from a distance, utilizing small magical birds as cameras to monitor the students' progress. The birds flitted about, their tiny wings beating rapidly as they transmitted live footage back to the observers.
The students were divided into groups of four, each led by a designated leader. Alex's team was one of many, all gathered in the forest field. The principal addressed them, explaining the rules and safety mechanisms in place.
"Your safety is our top priority," the principal emphasized. "Each of you has been given an artifact that will teleport you to safety if your life is in danger. However, if you choose to use it to return here in this very place, you will forfeit and fail the first-term examination."
Alex fingered the small, crystal-like artifact hanging from his neck. It was a comforting presence, knowing that help was just a thought away. He glanced at his teammates, each with their unique abilities and strengths.
"Everyone looks kinda quiet in this team, I'll break the ice," Lara said with a smile.
"Well, let's start by introducing ourselves. I'll go first. My name is Kaidën Starweaver. In terms of rankings, I'm at Grandmaster level, and I'm supposed to be the leader in this group of ours."
[Name: Kaidën Starweaver
Academy Rank: (GM) Grandmaster
Magic ability: unknown]
Lara continued, "My name is Lara Flynn. I'm at Adept level. I specialize in healing, and I'll be supporting those who are injured. I'll do my best to work hard and help everyone pass."
[Name: Lara Flynn
Academy Rank: (AD) Adept
Magical abilities: Heal]
As Alex was about to speak, Lucien let out a sigh. "My name is Lucien Ravenwood. I'm at Expert level," he said, his tone somewhat condescending.
[Name: Lucien Ravenwood
Academy Rank: (E) Expert
Magical abilities: Unknown]
Lara's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, you're from the Ravenwood family?! Ravenwood is one of the top five families in the Eastern Nations. Your family is really famous, like the Eldraine family!"
Lucien's expression turned smug. "Of course, we are."
Alex chuckled. "Not forgetting about me, my name is Alexander Eldraine. I'm at (F) freshman level."
[Name: Alexander Eldraine
Academy Rank: (F) Freshman
Magical abilities: Unknown
Unique skill: Conquerors Call]
The team exchanged nods, their introductions breaking the ice and setting the stage to begin the Dungeon examination.
The MC, a tall, imposing figure with a booming voice, continued to explain the rules. "The monsters within the dungeon were captured during raids and are being used to nurture your skills. You will be watched, and your progress will be evaluated. Remember, teamwork and strategy are key to success."
"The teams must stay in formation," the MC announces, their voice echoing through the arena.
"You will be transported to your respective dungeons, and any deviation from your assigned formation may result in... unpleasant consequences."
The teams nod, adjusting their positions to ensure they're in the correct formation. Alex's team stands together, their eyes fixed on the MC.
"Remember, your goal is to reach the heart of the dungeon and claim the treasure within," the MC continues. "But be warned, the dungeons are treacherous, and not all of you will succeed. Let the challenge begin!"
With a flash of light, the teams disappear, transported to their respective dungeons. Alex's team finds themselves standing in front of a large, ominous-looking door, adorned with ancient runes and symbols.
"Looks like we're here," Lucien says, his voice low and confident.
"Stay sharp, team," Kaidën reminds them. "We don't know what dangers lie within."
Lara nods, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "I've got our backs. Let's move in."
Alex takes a deep breath, his heart filled with excitement . "Let's do this!"
With a unified nod, they push open the door and step into the unknown.
TBC....