---
It had been a week since Liana had asked Caelum to be her cultivation partner, and he still hadn't given her an answer. She tried not to let it get to her. Liana wasn't simply looking for someone to cultivate with temporarily—she wanted a true partner, someone who would stand by her side, perhaps for life. So, instead of pestering him, she gave him space, trusting that if Caelum was the right choice, he would eventually come to her willingly.
Today, however, her mind was on another matter entirely. The water mages stood assembled before their hall warden, a stern, blue-robed elder who seemed to command the very air around her with a calm, icy authority. She surveyed them with an appraising gaze, as if measuring each student's potential with a single glance.
Across the academy, in the Storm's Nexus, Caelum and the other lightning mages stood in a similar formation before a silver-robed elder with a sharp gaze and an intense aura that crackled with energy. His voice was brisk, echoing through the hall like distant thunder.
In all halls, the elders addressed their students in near-perfect synchrony, their voices reflecting the essence of their elements—calm and measured for the water mages, sharp and commanding for the lightning mages. And other mages
---
The blue-robed elder looked over the water mages assembled before her, her voice smooth and firm. "Today, we'll be having a practical class," she announced, her words rippling through the crowd. "This will not be an ordinary exercise. You'll be heading to the other side of the academy."
A murmur ran through the water mages, expressions shifting from curiosity to concern. The "other side" was known to be filled with untamed magic and unpredictable creatures—a test ground reserved for only the most challenging trials.
Across the academy, the silver-robed elder addressed the lightning mages with a steely tone. "You will be sent into the other side of the academy," he repeated, his voice hard and electrifying. "This is a different environment than what you're used to, filled with dangers that will test not just your magic but your courage and endurance."
Caelum exchanged glances with Finn, who looked unfazed but intensely focused. They knew that their strengths would be put to the ultimate test in a place like this, where every moment demanded vigilance.
---
The blue-robed elder continued, her voice calm but unyielding. "This side of the academy is inhabited by beasts, each with its own power and difficulty. Some will challenge you physically, while others will test your ability to control your magic under pressure."
The water mages shifted uneasily, their confidence waning as they imagined facing unknown creatures. Liana straightened her posture, feeling a sense of excitement and apprehension stir within her. She had always excelled in the controlled environment of the academy grounds, but the unpredictability of this trial was something new.
Meanwhile, the silver-robed elder watched the lightning mages with a sharp eye, as if daring them to show any sign of weakness. "Each beast is worth a certain number of points," he stated coldly, his words like the edge of a blade. "Every beast you take down adds to both your personal score and the score of your department. The department with the highest points will be declared the victor."
A ripple of determination ran through the lightning mages. Competition was second nature to them, and the chance to represent their department added a layer of intensity. Caelum felt the familiar fire of rivalry burn within him. Winning wasn't just an option—it was a necessity.
---
The blue-robed elder raised a hand to silence the water mages' growing murmurs. "For those who wish to stand out, individual rewards will be awarded to the top scorers. This is your chance to prove your strength—not just as a department, but as individual mages."
Excited whispers broke out among the water mages, each of them already picturing the honor of claiming the top spot. Liana felt a surge of determination; she had her eye on those individual awards. She knew that with her high affinity for water and her combat instincts, she could be a strong contender.
Back in the Storm's Nexus, the silver-robed elder gave a pointed look to the lightning mages, his gaze resting briefly on Caelum, Finn, and the few other standouts in the group. "This is more than a simple exercise. Prove yourselves here, and you'll solidify your standing within the academy."
The lightning mages exchanged glances, their resolve hardening. But a few of them couldn't help but voice their doubts. "How are we supposed to compete with the Fire and Water departments?" one of the lightning mages muttered. "They outnumber us by hundreds."
The silver-robed elder raised an eyebrow, his lips curling in a faint smirk. "Yes, you're smaller in number," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "But what you lack in numbers, you must make up for in strength and skill. Numbers don't guarantee victory—only power does."
Caelum felt his pride flare at the elder's words. He'd been waiting for a chance to prove himself against the academy's best, and if this was the opportunity to do so, he was ready.
---
The blue-robed elder, hearing similar murmurs among the water mages, nodded, acknowledging their concerns. "You may be many," she said, "but only the strong among you will rise to the top. Numbers are no guarantee of victory. This is your chance to stand out, to show what you're capable of."
Liana looked around at her fellow water mages, recognizing the fierce competition. While the Water department was one of the largest, she knew that only a few would truly shine. This trial would be her chance to prove that she was one of those few.
Across the academy, the lightning mages had fallen silent, their earlier doubts replaced by a steely resolve. They understood that this was no ordinary test but a challenge that would define their reputation within the academy.
---
The blue-robed elder's eyes glinted as she finished her speech. "Do not let fear hold you back. Go forth with confidence, and remember that the academy rewards not only strength, but courage."
As she spoke, the water mages felt their spirits lift, and some of them straightened their backs, inspired by her words. The elder's calm assurance made them believe that perhaps they could face whatever waited on the other side.
In the Storm's Nexus, the silver-robed elder's voice softened, his tone taking on a rare note of encouragement. "Show me that lightning mages are a force to be reckoned with," he said. "Let your strength be the thunder that shakes the academy."
A fierce cheer rose from the lightning mages, their energy crackling in the air. Caelum's heart pounded with excitement, his mind already racing with the thought of the beasts he would encounter, the battles he would face.
---
As all groups prepared to move out, anticipation hung in the air like a palpable force. The water mages were guided toward the mist-covered eastern gate, their thoughts filled with the image of the unknown lands and creatures that awaited them.
At the same time, the lightning mages were led toward the thunderous cliffs to the west, their steps quickened by a simmering excitement, each one eager to prove their mettle.
Both groups of students—the water mages and the lightning mages—moved in sync toward their respective gates, their hearts pounding with equal measures of excitement and anxiety. This was more than a competition between departments; it was a chance for each student to etch their name into the academy's history.
Liana took a deep breath, feeling the energy of her fellow water mages around her. She knew she wasn't the only one hungry for victory, but that only fueled her desire to stand out even more.
Caelum, leading his group of lightning mages, clenched his fists, his gray eyes gleaming with determination. He could already feel the storm brewing within him, the electric tension ready to be unleashed.
And as the gates opened, revealing the wild, untamed world that awaited them, the water, lightning, fire, wind, shadow and other mages stepped forward, ready to carve their own paths, no matter the challenges or creatures that lay ahead.