"Now, I'm going to start calling out the names. Wherever you hear your name, you step out and place your hand on this altar," instructed Professor Leo, and his voice sounded authoritative. The room filled with students hummed nervously. "Victoria Luthor, step out."
Victoria emerged from among the onlookers, her movements as sleek and serene as a swan across still waters. She approached the altar and laid her delicately small hand upon it.
The sigils cut into the stone flared to life, glowing with a gentle brilliance. "3,050 units, Mage Apprentice," Professor Leo called out in a measured tone. "You may take your position." She walked backward, her figure giving off an aura of serenity and surety.
"Next, Hunter Leif." A youth with a face as unbending as a cliff of granite stepped forward; his movements, as unyielding, flashed across the room to lay his hand on the altar, to which it glowed, shining just as brightly. "3,150 units, Mage Apprentice." He nodded, his face as stoic as before, and stepped back into his position.
"Harper Sebastian, step forward," boomed the professor's voice. She sprang from the crowd like a lioness pouncing on its prey, her every step brimming with self-assurance. Her hand reached the altar and the sigils flared bright. "3,000 units, Mage Apprentice," was announced. A faint smirk played across her lips as she walked back, her pace slow and at a deliberate stride, the way a queen walks down from the throne.
"Next, Griffin Dominic," Leo called out. Griffin strode forward with a swagger, his great shoulders squared and his chin held high. His hand landed on the altar and it exploded in light. "3,200 units, Mage Apprentice," Professor Leo announced. Griffin's eyes flicked to Drake and Mark, a flicker of condescension crossing his gaze as he moved back into his place.
"Ronan Smith, step forward." The mood in the room changed as Ronan stepped forward; every step sounded to usher an aura of dominance. He laid his hand on the altar, and the sigils burst into radiance, dampening the brightness of the room. "3,500 units, Mage Apprentice," Leo declared, trying to conceal the surprise in his voice.
Whispers ran like wildfire among the crowd. He turned to Drake, putting his hand nonchalantly in his pocket, a smirk cutting his face. The silence that passed between them was crackling with unspoken challenges before he sauntered back to his position.
"Next, Mark Fist," called the instructor. Mark looked at Drake, and he nodded encouragingly. There was a hint of stormy confidence in the gait with which Mark walked up; he commanded presence. He laid his hand on the altar, and a burst of green light erupted. "3,200 units, Mage Apprentice," announced Professor Leo. Mark walked back, a victorious smile tugging his lips aside as he passed Drake.
"Liam Rafe." Liam came forward, his demeanor unassuming yet intent. The altar glowed serenely. "3,000 units, Mage Apprentice," Professor Leo called out, and Liam stepped back into the sea of students once again.
As their assessments continued, the results flowed from 2,700 to 3,000 units, their numbers ringing in the room amidst sounds of relief or discontent. After hours of examinations, they heard once more the voice of Professor Leo: "Alexander Drake."
Anticipation ran thick in the air, like that storm brewing in the heavens above. A deep, rumbling sigh broke from Drake as he deliberately walked to the altar and placed his hand on it. The altar flared on, the reaction unlike anything that had gone before—a meteor slamming into the quiet landscape of routine. Time stopped in the room, every pair of eyes fastened to Professor Leo, who stood stiff, as if struck by a bolt of light.
Only Professor Leo's eyes widened in amazement. "Drake, for goodness' sake, tell the truth for once. How did the three mana rings around your heart get so professional?." His words cut through the air like a knife through the stifling silence. Drake's head spun, reaching for an answer, when the tension broke with Ronan's sharp voice.
"Professor Leo, isn't it improper to evaluate his mana capacity without revealing the results?" Ronan's scoff was laced with venom as he spoke in a daring, provocative tone. The room immediately exploded into chaos: a cacophony of accusations and speculations swirled around like a tempest.
"Quiet!" Professor Leo barked, shattering the din. The room grew quiet, ill at ease; all silent faces were fixed on him. "1,500 units. Mage Apprentice." His words hung in the air. "Drake's mana pool is currently empty. The 1,500 units reflected are the spherical barrier of pure mana inside his heart crystal, acting as his mana pool."
Mocking laughter surged from the students' mouths. Fingers pointed, hissed whispers, and mockery swept through the room like a field of fire. Xena, at the edge of snapping, was about to explode in her anger when Drake intertwined his fingers in hers, taming the storm.
"Hum," Professor Leo cleared his throat as his voice returned to normal composed. "Listen up. None of you are to even try making a fourth mana ring at your levels. Learn to master your skills in their respective tiers. Physical training starts tomorrow. Class dismissed." His gaze momentarily rested on Drake before he left.
As the students receded, Drake and Mark approached the door, didn't go anywhere. Ronan and Griffin were planted right in front of them, their arms folded, faces set in menacing scowls.
Flashback: Day of Admission Evaluation
Ronan moved forward to face Griffin. An oily, sardonic smile twisted on his mouth.
"I'm Ronan."
"What is it that you want?" Suspicion went thick in Griffin's voice.
"Cool down. I have a profitable deal for you," Ronan said, crossing his arms. "I noticed your grudge against Mark. Why don't we join forces? I have a score to settle with his friend Drake."
Griffin had slightly hesitated; the silence between them was thick with tension. "What does this have to do with you?" Griffin finally asked.
"Simple. Mutual benefits," Ronan said, extending his hand. Griffin shook it a beat later; their evil compact was sealed.
Fast-Forward to the Dining Hall Incident
Outside the lecture hall, Ronan took Griffin aside. "Create an opportunity to attack Drake by surprise," he whispered.
"Why me? Why risk alienating the other students?" Griffin shot back, his voice shrill with whispering.
"Keep it down," Ronan hissed. "You know Mark's strength, but Drake's is an enigma. Consider it reconnaissance."
After some heated debate, Griffin reluctantly agreed, setting the stage for the confrontation.
Present
The atmosphere amongst the four students felt like a live wire as tension sparked with every glance. The truth behind what happened at the dining hall crystallized in Drake and Mark's minds, their faces hardening where the pieces had fallen into place.