The early morning sun cast a warm glow over the Magic Academy, bathing the grounds in soft, golden light. The academy was already bustling with activity as students and faculty went about their morning routines. In the cafeteria, the smell of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere for those just starting their day.
Alexander sat at a long wooden table, absently stirred his coffee, staring into the dark liquid, his mind still reeling from the events of the previous night.
Across from him, Elara, Tomas, and Selene chatted animatedly. Elara leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I heard there's going to be a demon's horn up for auction today," she said, her voice hushed with excitement. "Those are incredibly rare. I wonder who's going to get it."
Tomas nodded, taking a bite of his breakfast. "I'm more interested in what they'll have at the market," he said between bites. "There is a saying that you never know what you might find there."
Selene smiled, glancing at Alexander. "What about you, Alexander?"
Alexander shook his head, finally looking up from his coffee. "Nothing particularly want yet. I'm just here to see what's available. And maybe pick up something for Tomas if we find a good deal."
Tomas grinned. "You don't have to do that, you know." The other all replied with a big smile. "It won't work. It's a thank-you."
"Well, we'd better get going," Elara said, standing up from the table. "The auction starts soon, and we want to get good seats."
After finishing their breakfast, the group made their way to the auction. The path to House Terra, which managed the auction, wound through the academy's sprawling campus, passing by towering stone buildings and lush gardens.
The auction hall was an impressive structure, its tall, arched windows letting in streams of sunlight that illuminated the grand interior. Today's auction was undoubtedly the busiest one in the past six months. In the spacious hall, people were surging and the noisy noise made the group who had just entered feel dizzy. It was as if a swarm of flies were buzzing around their ears, making them feel upset.
Looking around the crowded hall, Elara frowned, shaking her head with a hint of exasperation. With no other choice, she led the group through the VIP entrance, guided by the auctioneer, and they finally made their way into the auction venue safely. "Well, at least we got in," she said, folding her arms as she leaned back in her chair. The room was filled with rows of seats, all arranged in a semi-circle around a raised platform where the auctioneer would conduct the event.
Though there were quite a few people inside, it was noticeably quieter than the bustling scene outside. Elara guided Alexander and the others to seats at the front, right by the auction table, where they settled in.
Alexander, sitting back in his chair, looked around with a bored expression, leaning lazily against the backrest as he waited for the auction to begin.
"Elara, isn't it about six months until the grade exam? Got any inside scoop?" Tomas asked, his voice a low whisper and carrying a note of eager curiosity. The question piqued Alexander's interest, and he raised an eyebrow, listening closely.
The grade exam was an annual event at the magic academy, mandatory for all students regardless of their year. Organized by the five major academies, the exam's content and format changed every year. Even high-ranking officials from the empire attended to observe.
Those who performed exceptionally well or caught the attention of influential mentors and officials might receive advanced magic, valuable resources, or even a direct invitation to join a government department, though the latter only applied to fourth-year students. Despite the tempting rewards, the exam was not without danger. Students' lives were at risk, and those who survived but didn't meet the academy's standards faced having their memories erased and being expelled.
...
Upon hearing Tomas's question, Elara nodded slightly and gestured for Alexander and the others to gather closer. "Who do you think I am?" she said with a proud smile. "I've heard this year's exam is going to be more dangerous than the last. It's set to take place in an ancient battlefield. I don't know the exact details yet, but we need to train hard and get stronger fast."
"Guess that means no slacking off," Tomas muttered, his expression falling as he nodded in agreement. Alexander, too, became pensive. He knew he'd have to accelerate his research with Lira. If he didn't gain control over his powers before the exam, he could be in serious trouble.
Shaking off his thoughts, Alexander glanced around the room, his gaze landing on a familiar face. Lira and Lucian had just entered the auction, her delicate features lighting up as she spotted Alexander and his friends. She gave them a small wave and a warm smile, then bowed slightly to Lucian, and then made her way over to where Alexander was sitting.
Seeing this, Elara couldn't resist teasing Alexander. "Well, well, it looks like someone's about to have company," she laughed, and Tomas and Selene joined in, chuckling as they watched Alexander.
"What's so funny? Why are you all laughing?" Lira asked curiously as she sat down next to Alexander.
"Oh, nothing much," Elara said with a mischievous grin. "We're just waiting for Alexander to tell us what's going on between you two."
At Elara's words, Lira's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink, and she quickly looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her robe. Alexander, feeling his own face heat up, scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Come on, Elara, cut it out," he mumbled, eager to change the subject. "So, Lira, why were you with Lucian?"
"Ugh, it's those old folks in my family," Lira's expression shifted slightly, a hint of annoyance flashing in her eyes. "They think it would be beneficial to maintain a good relationship with Lucian, given his family's status and influence."
At that moment, Alexander sensed a cold stare and turned his head slightly, only to find Lucian glaring at him with a hostile expression. Sometimes, he watched Lira with a possessive intensity, and when his gaze shifted to Alexander, it turned cold and hostile. Noticing Alexander's glare, Lucian sneered, his lips curling into a mocking smile before he turned away.
Narrowing his eyes at Lucian, Alexander stared him down for a moment before looking away, his thumb absentmindedly turning the magic ring on his finger, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes. During that fight, Alexander had killed werewolf and mastered the Black Fire spell. Although it was just a simple fireball, the unique, inextinguishable nature of the Black Fire made it incredibly powerful.
"Alexander, the auction is about to start," Lira said, snapping him out of his thoughts, and Alexander refocused his attention on the auction table.