The room erupted into applause, but the accolades didn't emanate from the contestants behind Octavius or the Mages seated in front of him, whose stunned expressions betrayed their utter bewilderment. Instead, the applause originated from above, courtesy of Eriol, the illustrious Leviathan Mage and Thorne's father, who was seated on the staircase.
As Eriol rose to his feet and began his descent, the other Mages promptly stood up from their seats, their movements a testament to the reverence they accorded him. Eriol's voice, laced with a hint of sophistication and a dash of disdain, filled the room as he spoke:
"I must confess that I find it quite... diverting that you all saw fit to proceed with this trial without deigning to inform me. Not only did you opt to forge ahead without my knowledge, but you also chose to employ the methods of someone who has deceived us all – including myself, his purported best friend. Forgive me, but I am compelled to wonder: are you all perhaps allies whose affiliations I have hitherto failed to notice?"
That was Eriol alright, Octavius thought to himself, a mixture of nostalgia and trepidation swirling in his chest. He and Thorne would often mock Eriol's peculiar grammar and mannerisms when he wasn't watching, and it had been a source of amusement for them. But now, as Octavius watched Eriol's imperious demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of disdain, unsure of what to do.
The other Mages hastened to explain themselves, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of justification.
"It was Emery's idea," the Healer Mage began, "I had suggested we—"
However, Eriol's imperious gesture cut him off mid-sentence. "Enough," he commanded, his voice brooking no dissent.
"I must emphasize that, given the current climate of uncertainty surrounding Wysteria, it is imperative that all activities and actions be subject to my prior approval. Henceforth, the 'wild card' method shall be strictly prohibited, and we shall adopt my own methodology, wherein I shall reserve the right to dictate the parameters of our endeavors. You, esteemed Mages, shall be tasked with devising strategies to address the remaining aspects. I shall address this matter further at a later juncture."
With a dismissive wave of his hand, he turned his attention to the contestants, his gaze sweeping over them with an unnerving intensity.
"Before the lad," Eriol said, his gaze directed at Octavius, "the rest of you failed to impress me. One claims to possess the ability to hear whispers, yet he couldn't even detect my presence on the stairs. The other boasts of moving at incredible velocities, but I find that rather...unimpressive, considering we have portals at our disposal to move," With a flick of his wrist, a shimmering portal materialized, and Eriol vanished behind Otto.
"To,"
He reenerged in front of the contestants, his movements fluid and effortless, thanks to the portal. "And Fro."
"One individual possesses the ability to duplicate knives," Eriol continued, "However, despite its novelty, the feat is hardly impressive, considering our esteemed Leviathans possess far superior capabilities. Another claims to rewrite spells, but we—" He paused, his gaze momentarily locking onto Marilyn's features as he belatedly recognized her as Emery's daughter. A fleeting glance at Emery preceded his return to the conversation.
"Nevertheless, the only truly remarkable display was that of this gentleman," he pointed again to Octavius.
Octavius just looked on unsure of how to feel about his best friend's father supporting him. He couldn't fully comprehend a lot of things and it irked him.
"No one has attempted to replicate such a feat, and even the bald child's similar endeavor pales in comparison. However, the true reason behind her...unrefined methods (her allowing the birds to die) is that she lacks control, relying instead on allure – a tactic we have mastered and incorporated into our Academy's curriculum. This brings me to my Top Five selections. The remaining choices shall be determined by my fellow Mages." He concluded his statement in one, effortless breath, his audience transfixed by his words.
"My top selections are as follows," Eriol announced, his voice commanding attention. "First, we have the Whispercatcher. Second, the individual possessing dual talents. Third, the Velocian. Fourth, the Siren. And fifth, my personal favorite, Edwin Blackwood, the Creature Tamer."
With his selections announced, Eriol turned to address Mages, who still stood in rapt attention. "See to it that the necessary arrangements are made to complete the top ten. I expect to see you all in my office afterwards to discuss the particulars."
With his instructions issued, Eriol opened a portal behind him, its shimmering edges enveloping him in an instant. The portal's closure was so seamless that it seemed as though he had never been there at all.
As Octavius, henceforth known as Edwin, stood there, a curious thought crossed his mind. Had Chief Mage Eriol deliberately chosen Erick as his top selection as a tacit acknowledgement of Erick's role in orchestrating the elimination plot against himself (Octavius) and his sister a year prior? It seemed plausible that Eriol's gesture was, in fact, a subtle reward for Erick's involvement in the clandestine affair.
Although he had no way to prove it at the moment, he felt a sense of satisfaction knowing he would soon uncover the truth. Now that he was in the Academy, he could explore the halls and discover everything he needed to know.