Firstly, what exactly was a Wizard?
Some people called them sorcerers. Others referred to them as protectors or defenders.
In the vast and unforgiving Apocalypse, they went by many names, but one truth remained constant: Wizards were the heart, the very core, of the new society.
Knights patrolled the streets, their gleaming armor providing a sense of security to the average citizen.
But nothing inspired safety, nothing commanded awe, quite like a Wizard. They weren't just soldiers; they were symbols of humanity's survival against insurmountable odds.
As Leon made his way toward the Academy, the streets became increasingly crowded. He wasn't the only one running late — dozens of other students were rushing to make it in time for the Awakening Exam.
The excitement in the air was palpable, mixed with tension and nerves. This raised an important question: what did it take to become a Wizard?
The answer lay in the Awakening Exam. By passing this test, candidates earned a place in the prestigious Wizard Academy, where they would spend the next three to four years mastering their abilities.
The range of abilities was as vast and diverse as the students themselves. While elemental powers like fire and water were among the most common, there were also physical abilities that enhanced strength or speed, mental abilities that bent the mind, and support abilities that healed or fortified others.
Every ability was unique, and every Wizard brought something vital to the table.
Leon quickened his pace as the looming gates of the Academy came into view. They spiraled high into the sky, their intricate carvings radiating an otherworldly glow.
Other students scurried alongside him, their breaths labored as they hurried to avoid missing their chance.
Two imposing guards stood at the gates, clad in polished armor that glinted in the morning sun. Their presence alone was enough to silence the anxious chatter around them.
"Name?" one of the guards asked, his voice deep and authoritative, as each student approached.
Leon gave his name, and after a brief glance at the list in the guard's hands, he was allowed through.
The gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling grounds of the Wizard Academy. For a moment, Leon's breath caught in his throat.
The Academy was a marvel, a harmonious blend of ancient architecture and modern magical enhancements.
Towers stretched into the clouds, their spires shimmering with arcane light. Students and Wizards moved about the grounds, each radiating an air of purpose and power.
But none of it compared to the figure standing near the entrance.
The first thing Leon noticed was her crimson hair. It cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, catching the sunlight like strands of molten fire.
Her eyes were the same striking shade of red, burning with an intensity that made it hard to look away.
They flickered with a kind of raw, untamed energy that both captivated and intimidated. Her features were sharp yet graceful, her high cheekbones and full lips giving her an almost otherworldly beauty.
She wore the traditional crimson robe of an official Wizard of the Academy, its intricate gold embroidery glinting faintly.
The robe hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her curvaceous silhouette. Her posture was commanding, her presence undeniable.
Even the way she stood — arms crossed, a slight tilt to her head — exuded confidence and authority.
Her crimson eyes swept over the gathering students with a fiery gaze, making more than a few of them shift nervously.
Leon couldn't help but stare. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
But it wasn't just her looks that struck him. There was something about her aura, an almost tangible energy that made his chest tighten and his skin prickle.
"Bums, get in line!" she barked, her voice sharp and commanding. "I'll be taking you to the venue for testing!"
Her tone snapped Leon out of his daze. He quickly shuffled into line with the other students, feeling a mix of awe and apprehension.
As they formed a semblance of order, she stepped forward, her crimson robes flowing behind her like a living flame.
"Listen up!" she continued, her piercing gaze sweeping over them. "This is the Awakening Exam. It's not just a test; it's your first step into the world of Wizards. If you think this is going to be easy, you're in for a rude awakening. Only those with the potential to survive in this world will pass. The rest of you..."
She paused, letting her words hang in the air. "Well, let's just say you'd better have a backup plan."
Leon's heart pounded in his chest. The weight of her words settled over the group like a heavy blanket.
Failure wasn't just an embarrassment; it was a death sentence in a world plagued by the Apocalypse.
The crimson-haired woman turned on her heel, her robes swishing dramatically as she led them deeper into the Academy grounds.
The students followed in hushed silence, their nervous energy almost palpable. As they walked, Leon's eyes wandered, taking in the grandeur of the Academy.
He could feel the magic in the air, a faint hum that resonated with something deep inside him. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
But his focus kept drifting back to her. Who was she? What kind of power did she wield to command such respect? He couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't just any Wizard.
There was something extraordinary about her, something that set her apart from everyone else. And as much as he tried to ignore it, he couldn't help but feel drawn to her fiery intensity.
"Eyes forward!" she snapped, catching him mid-stare. Her crimson eyes locked onto his, and for a split second, he felt like he was standing before a blazing inferno.
He quickly averted his gaze, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
As they approached the testing venue, a massive coliseum-like structure that radiated raw magical energy, Leon steeled himself.
He clenched his fists, determination flaring in his chest. Whatever the test threw at him, he would face it head-on.
Because in this world of monsters and magic, survival wasn't just about strength — it was about proving you had the will to fight, no matter the odds.