Chapter 3: The Placement Exam
Morning at Vanguard Academy came with a vibrant energy that pulsed through the campus. Students hurried between lecture halls, training grounds, and mission briefings, each one eager to climb the ranks and prove their worth. For Talon, today marked the start of the Placement Exam — the trial that would determine his standing within the academy.
Talon stretched in the dormitory's training corner, the early sunlight streaming through the window. His muscles still felt tight from the Rift Zone test, but the ache was a reminder of progress. He adjusted the fit of his academy-issued jacket, a sleek black garment adorned with silver accents and the gryphon emblem of Vanguard. The jacket's enchantments offered minor protection against magical strikes, a necessity for unranked students.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it to find Edrik, his wiry teammate from the test, standing there with an uneasy grin.
"Hey, Talon. You ready?" Edrik asked, shifting his weight nervously.
Talon smirked. "Always."
"Cool, cool. Uh, they're grouping us outside the main hall. Thought we could walk over together," Edrik said, falling into step beside him.
As they made their way across the plaza, they passed groups of students engaged in last-minute warm-ups. Some practiced spellwork, launching bursts of fire or ice at stationary targets, while others honed their physical combat skills. The academy's diverse population was on full display: warriors clad in gleaming armor, mages surrounded by swirling auras, and hybrids wielding a mix of magic and physical prowess.
"You think they'll throw something big at us?" Edrik asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
"Probably," Talon replied. "They're not here to make things easy."
---
The gathering outside the main hall buzzed with anticipation. Groups of first-year students stood in clusters, exchanging nervous glances and whispered strategies. Talon spotted familiar faces: Brant, adjusting the straps on his armor with exaggerated confidence, and Lira, leaning casually against her staff, her glowing tattoos faintly pulsing.
"Attention, students!" boomed a voice from the steps. Director Kael Varn stood tall, his mechanical arm gleaming in the morning sun. Beside him was Instructor Velas, whose sharp gaze swept over the crowd like a hawk.
"Welcome to the Placement Exam," Kael began. "Today's trial will test your ability to adapt, strategize, and survive under pressure. The results will determine your initial rank within Vanguard Academy. Remember: this is just the beginning. Your rank can rise… or fall."
Velas stepped forward, activating a tablet. A holographic map of a dense forest appeared above him, glowing with markers.
"This is the Verdant Labyrinth," Velas explained. "A controlled Rift Zone designed to challenge both your combat skills and your problem-solving abilities. Scattered throughout the labyrinth are monsters ranging from F-rank to D-rank. Your task is to locate three shards hidden within the zone and return them here. You'll be scored on efficiency, combat performance, and adaptability. Most importantly, this is a solo trial."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Talon's mind raced, already piecing together a strategy.
"And one last thing," Velas added, his tone cold. "Not all of you will succeed. Some of you may even withdraw. Failure to adapt will not be tolerated."
Kael gestured toward the shimmering portal that marked the entrance to the Verdant Labyrinth. "Your time begins now. Proceed when called. Show us why you belong here."
---
Talon entered the portal alone when his name was called. The world around him shifted into a vibrant forest bathed in emerald light. The air was thick with the hum of magic, and the distant calls of unseen creatures echoed through the trees.
He clenched his fists, feeling the latent power of the Nemean Lion shard thrumming beneath his skin. His focus sharpened as he stepped into the unknown.
The first challenge came quickly. From the shadows emerged a pair of F-rank shadow wolves, their glowing eyes cutting through the underbrush. They moved with unnerving coordination, their snarls low and guttural.
Talon tensed, summoning the partial transformation. Golden fur rippled along his arms, and sharp claws extended from his fingertips. He moved quickly, a blur of motion as he dodged the first wolf's lunge and countered with a devastating slash. The creature dissolved into black mist, leaving behind nothing but silence.
The second wolf hesitated, sensing the shift in power. Talon pressed the advantage, his claws carving through the beast with precision. As the wolf fell, he straightened, breathing deeply. His first taste of victory bolstered his confidence, but he knew the trial had only just begun.
---
Deeper into the labyrinth, Talon encountered his most formidable foe yet: a D-rank stone golem. The hulking creature towered over him, its moss-covered body radiating an oppressive aura. Its glowing green core pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat.
Talon circled the golem, studying its movements. When it swung its massive fist, he darted in, slashing at its arm. His claws scraped against the stone, leaving deep gouges but failing to sever the limb.
"Alright," Talon muttered. "Time for plan B."
He leaped onto the golem's back, his claws digging into the stone. The creature thrashed, trying to shake him off, but he held firm. Spotting the core, he lunged forward, driving his claws into the glowing center. The core shattered with a blinding flash, and the golem let out a low groan before collapsing into rubble.
Talon knelt among the debris, catching his breath. A faint glow caught his eye, and he reached out to claim his prize: the second shard of the trial.
"One more to go," he said, determination burning in his eyes.
---
The trial continued, each challenge pushing Talon closer to his limits. As he stepped deeper into the labyrinth, he couldn't shake the feeling that the true test had yet to reveal itself.