Kael stood silently at the edge of the gathering, observing his new team members. Group 510 consisted of ten individuals, but Kael's initial impression of them was far from stellar. He had already crossed paths with Freya Arden and Varric Kinderlton at the library, and his less-than-favorable opinion of Varric did nothing to raise his expectations for teamwork.
"All of you should listen to me," Varric declared arrogantly, puffing out his chest like a rooster. "As the strongest among us, I appoint myself team leader. From now on, you'll follow my instructions to the letter."
The proclamation hung in the air. Among the group, those with the power to challenge Varric's claim didn't seem to care, while the weaker members appeared too intimidated to voice dissent. As a result, Varric became the de facto leader, but Kael couldn't care less.
***
"The Qualifiers Test will begin shortly. Please listen carefully to the rules and instructions, as they will not be repeated."
The announcement cut through the chatter, drawing the attention of every student present.
"This is a group test, but participants will be graded individually. Teams will be teleported randomly into the test field. Only the top 5,000 participants will qualify. Leaving, switching, and joining teams is permitted after the test begins. The goal is to acquire as many crystal shards as possible before the time runs out. Participants holding crystals at the end of the test will receive bonus points. Breaking your artifact will teleport you back to the academy but result in elimination. Leaving the test field will also result in elimination. Please note: the academy is not liable for any injuries or deaths sustained during the test."
Kael furrowed his brows as he processed the announcement.
Why make it a group test if we're graded individually? he thought.
[This is likely to test soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and selflessness,] Miara, the system embedded within him, responded. [These attributes are crucial for survival and success in the field.]
Kael nodded, mulling over her words.
***
When Group 510 was called, they received their artifacts and were promptly teleported to the test field. The transition was disorienting, but what awaited them was breathtaking.
The Aetherium Academy's mysterious location had always been a topic of hushed speculation. Most students dismissed the stories as tall tales or deliberate misinformation to preserve the institution's neutrality. But today, as they stood at the edge of what could only be described as an otherworldly paradise, those rumors began to take on an undeniable weight of truth.
The Aetherium Academy's surroundings were more breathtaking than anything the students could have imagined. The forest stretched endlessly before them, a vibrant, living landscape that felt untouched by time. Towering trees dominated the skyline, their trunks thick and sturdy, etched with faint, natural patterns that seemed like veins of silver running through their bark. Their leaves, a vibrant mix of green and gold, filtered the sunlight into warm, golden beams that dappled the ground below.
Around the trees, an array of colorful plants thrived. Flowers of deep crimson and soft lavender bloomed in clusters, their petals delicate and velvety, swaying gently in the cool breeze. Vines hung from the branches above, their tendrils adorned with soft, bell-shaped flowers that released a faint, pleasant fragrance. Beneath it all, a rich carpet of moss spread across the forest floor, its deep emerald hue dotted with patches of pale blue mushrooms.
The air buzzed softly with life. Small animals darted between the undergrowth—squirrel-like creatures with bushy tails and quick movements. A bird with iridescent feathers flitted past, its song a sharp, clear note that echoed through the quiet. Nearby, a small, fox-like animal paused to watch the students with curious eyes before slipping back into the shadows of the forest.
Occasionally, the students caught sight of larger creatures further in the distance. One was a deer with sleek, dark fur and antlers that seemed almost polished, glinting faintly in the dappled light. Another was a massive tortoise-like beast, its shell covered in moss and small shrubs, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.
The forest was undeniably beautiful, but it was also imposing. There was a quiet energy in the air, one that hinted at the forest's untamed nature.
The students were awestruck, their earlier doubts about the academy's location utterly shattered. This was no mere forest. It was a realm untouched by civilization, teeming with life and magic in its purest form. For all its beauty, however, there was an underlying tension—a sense that they were being watched by the forest itself, as though the very air and soil were alive, silently judging their presence.
"Is this... still part of the academy grounds?" Freya whispered, awe-struck.
Kael said nothing, but his golden eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail.
Their moment of wonder was interrupted by another announcement.
"The Qualifiers Test begins now. Survive within the forest for 40 hours and collect crystal shards. The forest contains numerous F-rank beasts and one E-rank beast. Killing the E-rank beast guarantees qualification for the 10 participants with the most participation in its defeat. Breaking your artifact teleports you to safety but eliminates you in the process. The academy is not liable for any deaths during this test."
A timer appeared on each participant's artifact, counting down from 39:59:59.
***
"This is insane!" shrieked Lily Preston, a petite blonde girl with a nervous disposition. "There are actual beasts here? Maybe I should just quit now."
"Calm down," Freya said, her voice soothing. "Let's introduce ourselves properly, so we can get to know each other's abilities. I'm Freya Arden, Sentinel rank, Summoner. Nice to meet you all."
Higan, a boy dressed entirely in black with piercing ruby-red eyes, spoke next. "Higan. Sentinel rank. Assassin."
Several members exchanged confused looks; after all, "Assassin" wasn't a formal class at the academy.
Lily fidgeted nervously before introducing herself. "Um, I'm Lily, Adept rank. I'm a healer, so I'll be relying on all of you. Please take care of me."
Her blonde hair, blue eyes, cute and petite build, made her a fan favorite among the male's in the team, Except for Kael who wasn't even paying attention.
'F-rank and E-rank beasts... How strong are they compared to humans? he asked Miara.
[Beasts are ranked from F to S. An F-rank beast is roughly equivalent to a Warrior rank human, while an S-rank beast is comparable to a Master rank (rank 4). You shouldn't be able to handle an F-rank beast with your current abilities.]
Before Kael could respond, Varric's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Hey, dumbass! Stop zoning out and introduce yourself!" Varric demanded.
Kael turned to him, his golden eyes meeting Varric's with an intensity that made the self-proclaimed leader falter, but he quickly regained his confidence. Puffing out his chest he said "What?... I'm a warrior rank mage, what about you? "
"Kael. Adept rank, Swordsman," he said simply.
Varric sneered. "Ha! You're just trash who thinks too highly of himself."
Kael remained unfazed, his calm demeanor only fueling Varric's frustration.
***
"Let's move!" Varric barked, taking charge.
The team trudged through the dense forest, the atmosphere growing heavier with every step. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant growls kept them on edge.
Kael kept to himself, his thoughts racing.
[Your group lacks coordination,] Miara observed. [If this continues, your chances of success will decrease significantly.]
I know, Kael thought. But I need to gauge their abilities before stepping in.
***
Back at the academy, a lavish lounge bustled with activity. Professors and staff lounged on ornate couches, sipping beverages as they monitored the test on a series of floating screens.
Blaire Krishna, seated in a secluded corner, rifled through a folder containing profiles of students. When she found the names she sought—crimson-haired twins—she summoned a waiter and instructed him to qualify the pair under her name.
Moments later, the central screen updated:
---
Striker - 0/1000
Guard - 0/1000
Ranger - 0/500
Mage - 0/500
Support - 2/2000
Enhancer-1672/2688480/00034 has been qualified with 0 points by Blaire Krishna
Enhancer-1672/2688480/00035 has been to 0qualified with 0 points by Blaire Krishna
---
"Blaire!" roared Director Eugene, storming toward her. "What the hell are you doing? The test just started, and you've already qualified two students with no points. This is blatant favoritism!"
Blaire raised her cocktail with a nonchalant smile. "What do you mean, Eugene? I haven't done anything." she said in such an innocent tone, that if one didn't know better they would think she was being falsely accused.
Eugene pointed at the screen. "Your name is on the bloody screen!" he yelled clearly not falling for her act.
Blaire feigned shock. "Oops. Must've had one too many drinks."
While Blaire continued her heated argument with Director Eugene, the lounge doors creaked open, and the room's attention shifted toward the newcomer. A young woman entered, her shiny blonde hair cascading down her back, catching the ambient light like spun gold. Her golden eyes scanned the room with calm precision, contrasting against her petite, almost fragile-looking frame. At just 5 feet (152.4 cm), her presence might have been easily overlooked—if not for the silver armor she wore, which was clearly custom-made, its sleek design hugging her delicate proportions. Armor of that size wasn't available off-the-shelf.
Her doll-like appearance was ethereal, almost unreal. Every step she took was precise and fluid, her movements exuding an unearthly grace. There was an aura about her—subtle but palpable—that made the room feel heavier, as though her very existence commanded attention. Conversations quieted as heads turned to watch her, some with awe, others with a tinge of nostalgia. She didn't seem to notice or care for the attention. Her golden gaze swept across the lounge, searching for something—or someone.
When her eyes landed on Blaire, the faintest flicker of irritation crossed her otherwise composed features. She approached with purposeful steps, the slight clinking of her armor breaking the room's silence. Blaire, noticing her arrival, seized the opportunity to escape Eugene's ceaseless lecturing.
"Birdie-chan! It's so nice to see you after so long!" Blaire exclaimed with exaggerated cheer, stepping toward the smaller woman. She reached out to ruffle her hair, but before her hand could land, a sharp punch came flying toward her gut.
Swoosh. Blaire vanished in an instant, the air where she had stood rippling faintly. She reappeared behind the young woman, her hand already resting on the blonde head she had originally aimed for. "It's not good to be so violent, little Birdie," she said in a playful, motherly tone, stroking her hair gently.
"Stop calling me that," the doll-like figure snapped, brushing Blaire's hand away with a quick, precise motion.
"Little Bir—" Blaire began again, only to be interrupted.
"My name!"
"Birdi—"
"My name!"
"But it's not a bad nam—"
"My name!"
Blaire sighed dramatically, raising her hands in defeat. "Fine. Canary."
"Good." Canary's clipped response came with a glare that could pierce through steel. Without wasting a second, she continued, "You said you wanted me to mentor someone. Where are they?"
Blaire pouted, feigning disappointment. "Bird—emm... Canary, you're no fun. We haven't seen each other in years, and the first thing you bring up is work?"
Canary turned on her heel, her blonde hair swishing behind her as she started walking back toward the exit. "Bye."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Blaire darted in front of her, arms outstretched to block her path. "Come on, just meet the student. I assure you, he's one of a kind!" She grinned with the enthusiasm of a salesperson pitching a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
Canary paused, her golden eyes narrowing slightly, clearly weighing her options. Blaire seized the moment and led the way toward the central viewing area of the lounge.
The center of the room was filled with a large array of screens, each displaying live footage of different areas in the academy. Students could be seen practicing in training grounds, walking through lush courtyards, or debating in classrooms. Blaire stopped in front of a specific monitor, pointing dramatically at a figure on the screen.
"That's him," Blaire declared, her tone brimming with pride.
Canary's eyes flicked to the screen. She studied the boy displayed there with a measured intensity, her expression unreadable. Finally, after a moment of silence, she spoke.
"This is the one you think I should mentor?" Her tone was skeptical, but there was a faint trace of intrigue.
"Yes," Blaire said, nodding emphatically. "Trust me, Canary, you've never seen anyone like him before."
"Hmm." Canary folded her arms, still watching the screen. "We'll see."
Blaire grinned. "That's the spirit! I knew you couldn't resist a challenge."
The two women stood side by side, the tension between them momentarily set aside as they observed the boy on the screen—a figure who, unbeknownst to him, was about to have his life profoundly changed.
***
Meanwhile, in the forest, Group 510 encountered their first challenge: a pack of F-rank wolf-like beasts with glowing red eyes.
"Stay behind me!" Varric shouted, conjuring a fireball.
The team scrambled into position, though it was clear they lacked coordination.
Kael gripped his sword tightly, his golden eyes narrowing. 'Lets see how strong these beasts are.'
With a deep breath, he charged into the fray.