The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays across the vast training grounds of Crimson Academy. Students gathered in clusters, their nerves concealed behind thin veils of confidence. The second phase of the assessment was about to begin, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
Leo stood at the edge of the crowd, his eyes calm as he surveyed the bustling activity. Beside him, Tristen fidgeted, his nerves barely concealed.
"Relax," Leo said casually. "It's just a glorified sparring match."
Tristen glanced at him and laughed nervously. "Easy for you to say. They're not looking at you like you're a stain they want to wipe away."
Leo raised a brow. "I am human. That makes me the academy's unofficial mascot of disdain."
Tristen smirked despite himself. "Fair point."
Before they could continue, a voice rang out, smooth and dripping with arrogance.
"Well, if it isn't the academy's charity cases."
