The entire academy—or at least the first years—was on edge as the Placement Exams approached fast.
It was like a thick fog of tension had settled over the students, making every conversation clipped, every movement hurried.
Interactions between people were reduced to quick greetings or terse nods.
No one had the time to chat anymore.
Even trips to the town centers were becoming rare.
It was as if the entire world had shrunk down to study rooms, practice grounds, and dormitories.
The library, for one, was filled to the brim.
There were barely any free seats, and students practically fought for the last remaining textbooks.
The air inside was stifling with the scent of old parchment and fresh sweat.
Every now and then, you could hear a book slam shut in frustration or the scribbling of quills as people furiously took notes.
I was there more often than not, trying to cram as much information into my brain as possible.
