The next day unfolded with the same frenzied rhythm as the previous training sessions. Several recruits managed to reach the coveted level 3, including Elise and Marcus. The latter surprised everyone with his behavior: gone was his usual arrogance, replaced by an unsettling calm. His serene demeanor, coupled with his advancement in mana mastery, made him stand out even more, leaving many perplexed.
As the day ended and the others celebrated their progress, Luther couldn't hide the disappointment gnawing at him. Despite his tireless efforts, he had only reached level 2. He struggled to maintain his composure, but the frustration and pressure of the upcoming final test weighed heavily on his mind.
Elise, always perceptive, noticed his silence. "Are you okay?" she asked gently as they walked back to the dormitory.
Caught between the need to vent and his pride in not appearing weak, Luther forced a smile. "Of course. I made it."
Elise scrutinized him with suspicion, clearly unconvinced, but chose not to push further. That night, as they lay together in their shared bed, Elise mustered her courage and leaned closer to him. With a determined look and a slight blush, she stole a kiss.
Luther was completely taken aback. His heart raced, but he tried to stay composed. Elise, on the other hand, quickly hid her face under the blanket, embarrassed, and murmured, "G-goodnight…" before curling up beside him.
Despite the warmth he felt from the gesture, Luther's mind remained preoccupied with his lack of progress. Once Elise had fallen asleep, her steady breathing filling the room, he silently got up, grabbed his cloak, and left the dormitory. Determined not to give up, he set off for the training grounds under the starry sky.
The night was cold, but Luther didn't let it deter him. Sitting cross-legged in the center of the field, he closed his eyes and focused on the latent core he had formed within his chest. The energy was faint and fragile, and every attempt to push it felt like a crushing weight on his chest. Taking deep breaths, he allowed himself to be enveloped by the stillness of the night, guiding the energy to grow stronger and expand within his body.
Every passing second felt like it added weight to the invisible burden in his chest. The pain and pressure intensified with each effort, as though an unseen force was trying to stop him. The dark mana he attempted to control refused to comply—it pushed back violently, scattering and resisting direction like a wild river overflowing its banks. Clenching his eyes shut, Luther visualized the energy flowing inside him and focused on his breathing to steady it.
Hours dragged on, and exhaustion began to take its toll. Several times, he felt his mind slipping into a fog and his muscles buckling under the strain, but he refused to stop. The idea of failing to reach level 3 and losing his chance to enter the Academy was unthinkable. He couldn't let the pain win. Elise's encouraging words and Marcus's mocking sneer replayed in his mind, driving him forward.
With each attempt, he imagined the dark mana as a dense, turbulent river carving a path through his body, connecting every part of him in a continuous cycle. The pain in his chest worsened, and more than once, he came close to screaming, but he forced himself to endure. Luther reminded himself that he had to be stronger than ever before. Every effort was a test of his will—a battle he could not afford to lose.
As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, something shifted. The energy within him began to flow more smoothly, and his latent core seemed to expand, filling with power. The crushing pressure eased, and for a fleeting moment, Luther felt as though the mana was truly under his control. He had reached level 3.
Barely able to stay upright, his entire body trembling with exhaustion, he felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. He had done it. The pain, the sleepless night, the relentless struggle—it had all been worth it.
A weary smile spread across his face as he collapsed onto the ground, letting out a deep sigh of relief. The night had been grueling, a constant fight against his own limits, but the results were undeniable. He had fought through exhaustion and fear, and now, the level 3 core pulsed within him like a stable, powerful source of energy.
After a few minutes of catching his breath, Luther rose slowly to his feet, his body aching with every step. He made his way back to the dormitory, knowing he had little time to rest before the final exam began. Despite the pain in his muscles, his mind was clear, and his resolve was stronger than ever.
When Luther stepped through the door just as the morning began, he was met by Elise, who was waiting with a mix of surprise and concern on her face.
"Where were you? I didn't see you this morning," she asked, looking him over carefully. "Are you okay?"
Luther, his exhaustion barely hidden beneath a newfound confidence, responded with a tired smile. "Better than ever."
Though still puzzled, Elise returned his smile warmly. "Alright, then we'd better get ready for the exam."
With their newly established level 3 mana cores, both Luther and Elise joined the rest of the recruits at the training grounds. They knew this was the final day at camp—the day of the decisive exam.
The group of recruits stood assembled in the training field, the air thick with anticipation and nervous energy. The mood shifted dramatically when the recruits noticed Professor Wolfram approaching, accompanied by Princess Selene. Her commanding presence immediately silenced the murmurs that had filled the air moments before.
Before questions could ripple through the crowd, Wolfram raised a hand, his tone cutting through the silence with his characteristic authority. "Listen carefully. For your final test, you'll have the honor of being supervised by Princess Selene herself. She is the official overseer of your training, though she was unable to join earlier due to... pressing matters."
The recruits exchanged nervous and excited glances. The princess's presence was not something to be taken lightly. Selene stepped forward, her calm, focused gaze sweeping across the group before she began to speak in her usual serene yet firm tone.
"I understand that these past days have been challenging," she said, her voice carrying clearly in the crisp morning air. "I also understand that many of you have made sacrifices to stand where you are now. This test will not be easy, but I trust that those with the resolve to persevere will succeed."
Professor Wolfram, with a grin that seemed more mischievous than encouraging, interjected. "I hope you're ready, because your futures hinge on this!" His voice rose theatrically as he spun in a playful circle. "If you fail... well, let's just say it won't be pretty. Hahaha!" His cackling laughter echoed across the training grounds, sending a chill of unease through the recruits.