The day of the entrance exam at the Arcana Academy of Elysium had finally arrived. Evan stood at the gates of the grand academy, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He glanced around and spotted Alex and Alice approaching him.
"Ready for this?" Alex asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Evan nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Alice smiled softly. "We'll do our best. That's all that matters."
The trio entered the academy grounds, joining the other prospective students in the main hall. The hall was filled with chatter and the hum of magical energy. At the front, a stern-looking examiner stood, ready to address the crowd.
"Welcome to the Arcana Academy of Elysium," the examiner began. "Today, you will be tested on your magical abilities, combat skills, and knowledge. The results will be announced in one week. Good luck to all of you."
The first part of the exam was a written test on magical theory and history. Evan found his seat next to Alex and Alice, and they began answering the questions. The test covered a wide range of topics, from the origins of magic to the principles of spellcasting. Evan felt confident in his answers, thanks to his extensive reading and practice.
After the written test, the students were led to the training grounds for the practical exam. The grounds were divided into different sections, each designed to test a specific skill. Evan, Alex, and Alice were assigned to different sections but promised to meet up afterward.
Evan's first challenge was a combat test. He faced off against a training dummy enchanted to mimic the movements of a real opponent. Drawing on his father's combat skills, Evan dodged and countered the dummy's attacks with precision. He used his ice magic to create barriers and traps, successfully completing the challenge.
Next, Evan moved to the elemental magic section. Here, he had to demonstrate his control over the basic elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Evan summoned a small flame, manipulated water into intricate shapes, moved rocks with ease, and created gusts of wind. The examiner, a tall man with a keen eye, watched intently.
"Impressive control," the examiner remarked, jotting down notes. "Your transitions between elements are seamless."
The final part of the practical exam was a test of advanced magic. Evan was required to combine different elements to create complex spells. He focused his mana, channeling his energy into a spell that combined ice and lightning. The result was a dazzling display of frozen lightning bolts, which impressed the examiner.
The examiner raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Combining ice and lightning is no small feat. Your magical affinity is remarkable."
After completing his tests, Evan reunited with Alex and Alice. Alex had just finished her combat test, looking exhilarated. "That was intense!" she exclaimed. "I think I did pretty well."
As they waited for the final part of the exam, the trio shared their experiences and encouraged each other. The last challenge was a group task, where they had to work together to solve a magical puzzle. Combining their strengths, they quickly figured out the solution and completed the task.
With the exams over, the students gathered in the main hall once more. The examiner addressed them again. "You have all done well today. Your results will be announced in one week. Until then, rest and go home." Evan felt a sense of accomplishment as he left the academy with Alex and Alice.