As the train began to slow down, Keal's voice resonated once again through the speakers, calm yet commanding. "Welcome to the first phase of the exam. This stage is called the Elimination Round."
A wave of murmurs spread through the train. The students exchanged confused looks, unsure of what to expect. Bran, still half asleep, muttered, "First phase?"
Keal's voice continued, cutting through the tension. "Currently, there are 250 students aboard this train. Only the first 100 to reach the academy will pass this round. The rest… you'll have to wait two more years to retake the exam."
The shock was instant. The weight of the announcement hit everyone at once. Asher clenched his fists. He knew the competition was tough, but this? It was brutal.
A glowing number appeared on the students' uniforms, marking their identities for this challenge. Asher glanced down and saw the number 27 glowing faintly on his jacket. He quickly scanned the car for Mika. She held up her arm, displaying the number 18. Bran, still disoriented, finally looked down and groaned. "I'm 70?! Are you kidding me?"
Asher smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Guess we'll have to carry you, Bran."
But before they could dwell on it, the train screeched to a halt, the doors hissed open, and chaos erupted. Students bolted from their seats, running towards the nearest exit, all of them desperate to reach the academy first.
"Bran!" Asher shook his friend awake. "Come on! We're starting, man!"
Bran's eyes flew open in disbelief. "Wait, what? Already?!" He scrambled to his feet, still adjusting to the reality of the elimination round.
As the candidates flooded out of the train, Mika, Asher, and Bran sprinted forward, pushing through the crowd. Their first real challenge had begun, and there was no room for hesitation.
Chapter 28: The First Phase
The train moved at full speed through the Delta Region, heading towards the academy. Students were relaxed, some talking quietly, others simply waiting for the long journey to end. But without warning, the speakers crackled to life, and a voice filled the air.
"Welcome to the first phase of the exam."
The students froze, looking around in confusion. Asher tensed, his instincts telling him something big was coming. Bran, half-asleep next to him, stirred and opened one eye.
Keal's voice continued from the speakers, smooth but authoritative. "This stage is called the Elimination Round. On this train, there are currently 250 students. The first 100 to reach the academy will pass. The rest of you… will have to wait two years for another chance."
Murmurs spread through the train carriages. Some students gasped, others cursed under their breath. Bran sat up fully, blinking in shock. "Wait… what? The first phase? Already?"
Asher's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. "Only 100? That's insane," he muttered. Glancing at the glowing number on his uniform, he saw the number 27. Mika, standing nearby, had the number 18, while Bran, looking down at his own number, groaned.
"Seventy?! Oh, come on!"
Asher shook his head. "Could be worse," he smirked. "At least you're not 250."
But there was no time for more jokes. The students quickly realized that the train wasn't going to slow down. They had to make their move while it was still in motion. Asher stood up, adrenaline coursing through him. "Bran, get up! This is happening now!"
Bran, still processing what was going on, snapped fully awake. "Wait, we're doing this now?!"
Keal's voice returned, calm but final. "The train will not stop. If you want to pass this exam, you'll have to jump."
Suddenly, the carriage doors began to unlock with a loud hiss, opening up to the speeding wilderness outside. Students scrambled, some heading toward the exits, others hesitating.
"Let's go!" Asher yelled, his eyes locking with Mika's. She nodded, ready. Bran, still looking shocked but determined, gave a thumbs-up.
Without another word, the three friends ran for the nearest door, bracing themselves to jump into the unknown, the academy still far in the distance.