The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the grand gates of Ithica Academy. The wide stone courtyard in front of them was packed with hopeful applicants, all eagerly awaiting their chance to prove themselves. Some walked in small groups, talking quietly amongst themselves, while others stood alone, gazing up at the towering walls of the academy. Arthur could feel the weight of this moment on his shoulders. It had been a hectic month of preparation, and now it was finally time.
Beside him, Rowan was visibly anxious. His energy was palpable - fingers drumming against his side, eyes darting back and forth. Unlike Arthur's calm demeanor, Rowan couldn't hide his nerves as the entrance exam drew closer.
"No turning back now," Rowan muttered under his breath, squinting at the gates.
Arthur gave him a quick sideways glance. "None of us can turn back," he replied flatly. "That's the whole point."
Rowan nodded, but there was an unmistakable twitch in his expression; a mixture of excitement and fear. "I don't know what to expect. They say each year's exam is different."
"That's true," Arthur agreed, scanning the courtyard with a thoughtful gaze. There was no use speculating about what was to come. "But you've been practicing your runes. You'll do great."
Rowan shot him a skeptical look. "Right. I just hope I'm ready. Still struggling with Virelith - can't seem to get it right, and thats the only one you've taught me."
Arthur didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a moment to observe the other applicants in the courtyard. The group was diverse, but one thing stood out: there were more nobles than commoners. The well-dressed students from noble families stood apart from the rest, whispering among themselves as if their status alone would ensure their success. But Arthur knew better, wealth and connections certainly helped but did not guarantee success.
Rowan, noticing where Arthur's gaze had lingered, followed it to a group of elegantly dressed nobles nearby. "Looks like we're outnumbered," he said with a wry grin.
Arthur's lips curved slightly. "Doesn't matter. We're here to prove ourselves, not impress anyone."
Rowan nodded, but his eyes stayed on the noble applicants. "Yeah, but it's hard not to feel behind when you're standing next to people who have been learning magic since they could walk."
Rowan was about to say something, but Arthur's attention was drawn by a commotion in the crowd. A tall man in gray robes made his way towards them with purposeful strides, scanning the courtyard as if evaluating each applicant he passed. It was Professor Kaelthorn, the one from the runic studies class that Arthur had already been accepted into. When their eyes met briefly, Kaelthorn gave a small nod of recognition before continuing on his way.
Noticing this interaction, Rowan leaned closer to Arthur. "Is that the professor you were telling me about?"
Arthur nodded quickly. "Kaelthorn. He's one of the professors here and offered me a spot in his runic studies class."
Rowan's eyes widened in excitement. "That's amazing! Congratulations! So, you're definitely going to be in the class?"
Arthur shrugged nonchalantly. "The exam is still a hurdle. Knowing someone doesn't guarantee anything. Everyone is here to prove themselves." He glanced at Rowan, trying to push away any doubts creeping in. "You included."
A smile spread across Rowan's face, though it was tinged with nerves. "Yeah, I know. You'll probably ace this without breaking a sweat while I struggle not to embarrass myself. I can't even get Virelith to work properly."
Arthur thought back to the state of their room, and all the spare wooden and metal plates that were scattered around it before they left. When Rowan asked him to teach him about runes Arthur decided to start him off with Virelith because it was one of the easier and more useful runes to him. It was evident that Rowan had been practicing, but the Virelith rune, which represented sharpness, was tricky.
"You'll figure it out," Arthur said with an encouraging smile.
Rowan's expression showed doubt, but he nodded in agreement. "If you say so."
"Don't worry," Arthur reassured, turning his attention back to the gates. "You're improving every day."
Rowan chuckled, though it was laced with self-deprecation. "Well, as long as I don't make a fool of myself in front of the professors, I'll consider it a win."
Arthur let out a short, humorless laugh. "The professors aren't the ones judging you. It's the exam itself that matters."
Rowan's smile faltered slightly as he looked around at the other applicants talking in groups, speculating about what the exam might involve. He shifted anxiously. "What do you think it will be like? They never tell us until we're right here. It makes me nervous not knowing what to expect. What if it's something we haven't prepared for?"
Arthur's lips pressed into a thin line. "We've prepared for as much as we can, whatever comes our way, we'll be ready."
Rowan's half-smile didn't quite reach his eyes, but Arthur could see the determination in them. "You exude confidence, that's why you excel at this."
Meeting Rowan's gaze, Arthur replied with calm certainty, "Nerves won't get us anywhere. We must focus on what lies ahead."
As they both turned to face the gates, the tension between them dissipated slightly. They couldn't know what challenges awaited them in the exam, or how many privileged nobles stood among their competition. But Arthur was determined to forge his path and overcome any obstacles.
"It's time to take action instead of overthinking," he declared, pushing aside any lingering doubts.
Rowan released a slow breath and nodded in agreement. "Let's get this show on the road."
Arthur couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Rowan despite their impending test. The exam was near, but so were they - united in purpose and determination.
The courtyard was abuzz with excitement, voices blending together to create a tense atmosphere. People from all walks of life had gathered in groups, the clear divide between noble and commoner evident in their mannerisms and outfits. The nobles stood confidently in their well-fitted clothes, while the commoners fidgeted nervously in more modest attire as they anxiously watched the grand gates of Ithica Academy.
Arthur and Rowan hovered at the edge of the crowd, silently observing the dynamics around them. Although they hadn't exchanged many words since arriving, the gravity of the situation hung heavily between them. Rowan's sharp green eyes shifted towards a group of nobles nearby, his distaste for their polished appearances and casual posturing evident.
The tallest boy among them, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes, nonchalantly adjusted his cuffs as he spoke disdainfully. "This whole process is unnecessary," he declared. "If you have received proper instruction, there's no need for some ridiculous test to prove your worth."
"Exactly," chimed in another boy with messy blonde hair, fiddling with a silver ring on his finger. "This is all just for show. My father's connections here are what truly matter. And let's not forget, magic runs in our blood – those commoners don't stand a chance."
The third boy, younger but just as confident, chuckled lightly. "It's almost comical watching them try. They might as well give up now because this academy wasn't made for them."
Rowan clenched his jaw, barely containing his frustration as he listened to them speak. "Arrogant pricks," he muttered under his breath, seething with anger. "It must be nice to have everything handed to you."
Arthur remained composed, keeping his gaze fixed on the group before them. "Ignore them. They're irrelevant. We'll see what they're really made of when it counts."
Rowan rolled his eyes in exasperation, his frustration boiling over. "It's unfair really," he spat out. "They have all the advantages, tutors, and resources at their disposal."
Before Arthur could respond, a calm voice cut through the tension. "Don't let them get to you."
Turning around, they saw a tall girl standing confidently a few feet away. Her sharp silver-blue eyes seemed to take in every detail as she looked at them. Her long dark hair was neatly tied back, and her simple attire belied an air of authority.
She glanced briefly towards the group of nobles, a barely concealed smile forming on her lips. "They may have been born with magic," she said coolly, "but most of them treat it like a mere status symbol rather than a skill worth honing."
Rowan raised an eyebrow skeptically. "So they don't even know how to use it?"
She shrugged nonchalantly, but there was an underlying edge in her words. "Some might. But for the most part, they spend more time showing off than truly mastering their abilities."
Arthur studied her carefully, sensing a hint of familiarity in her demeanor. "You seem well-versed in their behavior."
The girl's smile grew slightly, but there was no warmth in her eyes. "Let's just say I've seen how people act when they believe magic makes them superior. But true strength lies in discipline and effort, not birthright."
Rowan crossed his arms defensively. "Still, some of us never had the privilege of being trained since birth for this moment."
Her gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "That doesn't mean they're better than you. The test will judge based on adaptability and endurance – qualities that can't be bought or inherited. Trust me, most of them won't know what to do when pushed beyond their limits."
Arthur nodded in agreement. "She's right. Don't waste your energy worrying about them."
Rowan let out a weary sigh, glancing between the two of them. "Easier said than done."
"Then look at it this way," the girl stepped closer, her words laced with conviction. "They've had every advantage, and yet you're still here, standing strong. That says something, doesn't it?"
Rowan hesitated, her words sinking in as she spoke the truth. Slowly, he released a deep breath and begrudgingly admitted, "I suppose it does."
Arthur turned to the girl with curiosity evident on his face. "Forgive me for not asking earlier, but what is your name?"
"It's Thalassa," she replied simply, meeting his gaze with her striking silver-blue eyes. "And may I know yours?"
"I'm Arthur," he introduced himself before gesturing towards Rowan. "And this is Rowan."
Rowan nodded politely in acknowledgment, some of his earlier tension dissipating as he greeted Thalassa. "Nice to meet you, Thalassa."
Their momentary calm was shattered by a booming proclamation echoing across the courtyard.
"The exam is about to begin! All candidates, please proceed to the field!"
The group of nobles straightened up and their hushed whispers died down as they turned towards the gate. The dark-haired boy shot a fleeting glance at Arthur with an unreadable expression before joining his companions.
With an unspoken understanding between them, Arthur, Rowan, and Thalassa made their way to the field, each focused on the task ahead.
As they approached the vast and eerily empty field, Arthur's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword – a reassuring weight at his side. The runes etched into the blade seemed to buzz with anticipation as if sensing the impending challenge. Rowan fidgeted nervously with his bow, while Thalassa's strides were confident and purposeful, her calm demeanor masking the intensity in her eyes.
At the center of the field stood a group of robed figures – the examiners. As the applicants gathered, a hush fell over the crowd, all eyes trained on the test that would determine their futures.
The robed figure's voice echoed across the field, commanding the attention of every applicant. "Welcome all to Ithica Academy, this year's test will challenge not only your magical abilities but your resourcefulness, teamwork, and adaptability."
The examiner's voice rang out, cutting through the murmur of the crowd. Arthur listened carefully, the weight of the words slowly sinking in.
"Due to the increased monster activity near nearby settlements," the examiner began, "this year's entrance exam will focus on combat. Each team will face a captured monster. The exam will test your ability to handle real threats. You will be judged based on how well you respond in combat. No more academic theory, no more written tests."
Arthur's thoughts momentarily skipped. Monsters? He had been expecting something like a mock battle, or maybe a written test, not an actual monster fight. The air around him seemed to grow heavier with the implications of what was to come. He honestly was happy about it, fighting monsters was something familiar.
The examiner went on, unfazed, as if announcing the weather.
"Teams will be randomly assigned. There will be no exceptions. You will report to your designated station and fight the monster there."
Arthur felt a stir in his chest. This was an exam and not just any exam. He'd have to prove himself, and his performance would be judged by who knew how many eyes.
"Team 15: Thalassa Seldrith, Rowan, Leandra Kaldor…" The examiner's voice faded into the background as he continued listing names.
Arthur's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he thought about the team ahead of him. Monsters. His mind immediately began to assess what he'd need to be ready for and what weapons would work best. He wasn't sure what monsters the academy had captured, but they wouldn't go easy on them.
"Team 20: Arthur, Elaris Veloria, Caedon Firth."
Arthur's thoughts snapped back to reality. Elaris Veloria? Caedon Firth? Neither name rang a bell. But then again, it wasn't like he knew any noble, and last names meant they were.
"Team 20, go to the designated area," the examiner added, pointing vaguely in the direction of the field. "Your monster will be there. Go."
Arthur stood still for a moment, taking in the weight of his team assignment. Elaris Loraven. Caedon Firth. He didn't care about their titles, their family names. All that mattered was what they could do when the fight started.
He glanced toward the direction of his testing area. No use wasting time. Arthur started walking toward it without a second thought, his hand resting comfortably on the hilt of his sword. He'd been in worse situations. His focus was already on the monster, not on who he'd be fighting with.
A random team, huh? Fine by him. He wasn't going to worry about who he'd be paired with. It didn't matter. He knew what he was capable of.