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The students entered the academy's grand entrance hall, each step drawing them deeper into the fortress-like walls of the Arcane Academy. High above, arches spiraled into darkened rafters, and torches flickered with an unnatural, cold flame. The space echoed with an ancient silence, as if it held the memories of every mage who had walked through these halls. Eighteen-year-olds from all corners of Ravenwood and beyond, the students' eyes were wide with wonder and nerves. They had come seeking mastery over their own soul-lust and a place among the powerful.
Standing at the far end of the hall, cloaked in the same rich purple robes, was the same hooded figure who had welcomed them at the gates. Now, he addressed the room with a voice that seemed to reverberate through the very stones.
"The first trial," he intoned, "will awaken the element within you. All mages are born with one, but only those strong enough will be able to channel and command it. When called upon, each of you will step forward. Let the academy witness your power. Afterward, your strength will be measured in another way—your lust level, the very essence of the curse that binds you."
The students exchanged nervous glances, some determined, others uncertain. In the crowd stood a striking girl who seemed to draw attention without effort—Liana Ravenshade. Her long dark hair cascaded down her back, framing a face as beautiful as it was intimidating. She had a slim waist, her curves bold and proportioned in a way that left men staring. Liana, however, kept her eyes focused and sharp, her gentle blue gaze scanning her fellow students with calculated poise.
Beside her, another young woman stood with a slender, almost delicate frame. She had chestnut-brown hair that fell just below her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face. Elara Nightwind was quieter, her hazel eyes gentle but observant. She exuded a quiet strength, as if aware of the struggles that lay ahead but unfazed by them. Elara had come to the academy to develop her healing abilities, her empathy for others shining through even in her reserved demeanor.
Not far from them stood Rune Ashvale, a figure who exuded a restless, rebellious energy. With his lean frame, messy jet-black hair, and a scar by his left eyebrow, he was a contrast to the more polished students around him. His vivid green eyes flickered with confidence and a bit of mischief, as though he was already sizing up the competition. Rune seemed entirely at ease, unbothered by the academy's imposing atmosphere. He caught Liana's eye and offered her a grin, one that was both charming and unapologetically bold.
As the students shifted and murmured, the robed figure's voice cut through the room once more. "We begin. Each of you will step forward. Allow the power within to come forth."
One by one, the students stepped up to the platform at the center of the hall. A circle of intricate runes lay engraved into the stone floor, glowing faintly as each student approached. The first trial was straightforward but powerful—awakening the element within each mage.
Liana Ravenshade was one of the first to be called. She strode forward with purpose, ignoring the whispers that followed her. Standing within the rune circle, she felt the hum of magic beneath her feet, a sensation like cool water flowing through her veins. She closed her eyes, focusing on the energy within her, and with a soft gasp, felt a surge as her element awakened.
A torrent of water swirled around her, encircling her body in a twisting current of blue and silver. She opened her eyes, her gaze reflecting the color of her element. The water danced at her command, as if eager to serve her. A murmur ran through the crowd, impressed by the strength and fluidity of her control. As Liana stepped away, a satisfied smile played on her lips. She had done well, and she knew it.
Next came Elara Nightwind. She stepped into the circle with a calm, quiet confidence, feeling a gentle warmth settle over her. She closed her eyes, focusing inward, until a faint, shimmering green light began to flow around her. The energy was soft yet powerful, embodying the essence of earth. Vines sprouted from the ground around her, delicate flowers blooming along their length. Elara opened her eyes, her hazel gaze softened by the gentle glow of her element. While not as overtly impressive as Liana's water, her control over earth showed a rare, nurturing energy, drawing a few approving nods from the overseers.
Rune Ashvale was next, stepping forward with an almost casual stride. He gave a quick smirk to the crowd before entering the circle, his eyes flashing with anticipation. He felt a surge of energy as his element responded instantly to his call. Fire erupted around him in wild, crackling flames, the heat palpable even from a distance. Rune seemed unfazed by the flames as they encircled him, his vivid green eyes reflecting the blaze. The crowd watched in awe as he manipulated the fire with ease, forming shapes in the air before letting it die down with a confident flick of his wrist.
As more students continued to awaken their elements, Mira Stonebrook stepped forward. A beautiful girl with long auburn hair and captivating brown eyes, Mira drew attention effortlessly. She was calm and focused, her gaze steady as she stood within the rune circle. A gentle breeze stirred around her, growing in strength until a whirlwind of air surrounded her, lifting strands of her hair in an ethereal dance. Mira's control over air was precise, her movements almost serene as she guided the wind.
Then came Finnian Stormrider—Finn, as he was called by those who knew him. Of average height and build, Finn was easily overlooked by those around him, but he held a quiet resolve. As he stood within the circle, he closed his eyes and felt a spark within, a connection that burst to life in a crackle of lightning. Electricity arced around him, bright and intense, illuminating his sandy brown hair and hazel eyes. The crowd watched as he steadied the bolts around him, his control imperfect but determined.
And finally, Caelum Thornfield—the one who had yet to join the others—stepped forward. His tall, powerful figure drew every gaze, his dark wavy hair falling just above piercing gray eyes that seemed to look straight into the soul. His chiseled jawline, strikingly sharp and defined, looked as if it had been carved by the gods themselves, making several of the girls in the crowd blush as they took in his presence.
With quiet confidence, Caelum entered the circle. As he raised his hand, a hush fell over the courtyard. His control over the lightning element was absolute, and the air around him began to crackle with an intense, electric charge. Threads of lightning danced effortlessly between his fingers, radiating a blindingly bright, silvery-white energy. The arcs twisted and spiraled with an almost artistic precision, illuminating his face with an ethereal glow that only enhanced his already stunning features.
Unlike the others, Caelum needed no grand gestures or flair. His mastery was understated, yet the power he held was undeniable. The ground seemed to tremble slightly as if acknowledging his strength. The girls watched him with admiration, some stealing glances, captivated by his handsome face and the quiet intensity of his aura. The lightning obeyed him as if it were a natural extension of his own being, bending to his will with flawless control.
In that moment, it became clear to everyone present: Caelum Thornfield was no ordinary mage. He was a force of nature, a presence that demanded both respect and awe.
With the first stage of the test completed, the robed figure called for the second trial. The students watched as an intricate crystal, embedded within a larger contraption, was brought forth. The crystal was designed to gauge each mage's lust level, a force that lay within every one of them, rooted in the dark curse passed down through the ages.
One by one, the students approached the crystal, and as each mage touched it, the crystal glowed, indicating their unique levels of soul-lust. Some glowed faintly, while others shone more brightly, revealing their potential.
Liana was called forward once again. She walked to the crystal, her gaze unwavering as she reached out and placed her hand upon it. For a moment, the crystal remained dim, but then it began to glow, brighter and brighter, until the room was filled with an intense, pulsing light. Whispers ran through the crowd—her lust level was one of the highest recorded among incoming students. The overseers nodded in approval, noting her exceptional potential.
Next, Elara stepped forward. She reached out, and the crystal responded with a soft, steady glow—not as intense as Liana's, but strong in its own right. She accepted the result with quiet dignity, returning to her place among the students.
Rune approached the crystal with his usual swagger, laying his hand upon it with a grin. The crystal flared with a warm glow, reflecting his fiery nature, though his lust level remained in the moderate range. He shrugged, seemingly indifferent, though his eyes sparkled with a hint of curiosity.
Mira followed, and when her hand met the crystal, it glowed brightly, nearly matching Liana's in intensity. She held herself with a serene grace, though the knowing look in her eyes suggested she was fully aware of the effect she had on those around her.
Finn stepped up, his expression neutral as he placed his hand on the crystal. It glowed softly, a mid-range level, fitting for one as level-headed as him. He nodded, accepting his result without complaint.
Finally, Caelum moved to the crystal, his expression unreadable as he touched it. The glow was steady and moderate, suggesting a balance within him. He withdrew his hand, his gaze thoughtful as he stepped back into the line.
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