One afternoon, the academy announced this year's exam for the first years. The news sent a ripple through the campus. The practical exam would take place in one of the lowest-level dungeon pillars, and all first-year students were required to participate. Whispers spread quickly as students discussed their strategies, speculated on possible partners, and boasted about their skills. But Aeris didn't get swept up in the chatter. He had one focus: survive the exam and prove to himself that he could rise above the rejection that had followed him since his arrival at the academy.
It was during the afternoon when Aeris found himself in the courtyard, lost in thought, when Zord approached, his face lit up with excitement.
"Aeris!" Zord called out, clapping a massive hand on his shoulder with a cheerful grin. "Got some big news!"
Aeris blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "What's going on?"
Zord's grin widened. "The academy just posted the details for the next practical exam. And this one's going to be huge!"
Aeris felt a stir of anticipation. The practical exams were always intense, but something about Zord's excitement piqued his interest.
"What's the challenge?" Aeris asked, his curiosity taking over.
Zord held up a flier with the academy's emblem on it. "Listen to this: It's a team survival game in one of the lowest-level dungeon pillars! You'll have to team up with someone and survive for 48 hours without outside help."
Aeris's eyebrows rose. Dungeon pillars were notorious for being perilous, even at the lower levels. These massive structures, filled with dangerous creatures and ancient magic, were designed for testing both strength and intellect. The lowest levels were used for training, but they were still no easy feat.
"Two-person team?" Aeris asked, already processing the gravity of the situation. "Sounds pretty intense."
Zord nodded, grinning. "Yep. You've got to rely on your partner, your skills, and your wits to survive. The monsters down there won't be easy, and they're often the leftover ones that couldn't be cleared out."
Aeris's mind raced with the possibilities. Surviving monsters was one thing, but surviving in an ever-shifting dungeon with changing environments was a whole different challenge. He needed a partner he could trust.
"I'm in," Aeris said, his voice filled with determination. He wouldn't back down from this challenge—not after everything he'd endured.
Zord's grin grew even wider. "That's what I like to hear! Got any idea who you'll partner up with?"
Aeris paused for a moment. He thought about Sophia, his reliable workshop partner, but then realized that she was already a second-year student. She wouldn't be eligible for the first-year exam.
Before he could say anything further, the academy's intercom system crackled to life, a familiar, authoritative voice filling the courtyard.
"Attention, students!" Headmaster Ilan's voice boomed over the loudspeaker, calm yet commanding. "This year's practical exam will take place in one of the lowest-level dungeon pillars. All first-year students are required to participate. Teams of two will be formed, and the goal is simple: survive for 48 hours without outside assistance. The dungeons are dangerous, and there will be no room for mistakes. Choose your teammates wisely. The official teams will be posted shortly."
The announcement ended, and the courtyard fell silent for a moment.
"Well, there it is," Zord said, his excitement still palpable. "We're headed to the dungeon in a few days. You'd better start thinking about your partner. I already know who I'm with."
Aeris nodded, deep in thought. With Sophia unavailable, he would need to choose carefully. Zord was strong, dependable, and more than capable of handling a challenge like this. He didn't have to think long.
"Looks like it's you and me, Zord," Aeris said with a grin. "We'll make a great team."
Zord laughed heartily, slapping Aeris on the back. "You bet we will! We'll show them all what we're made of."
Aeris smiled, though it was thoughtful. The dungeon pillars were dangerous, filled with traps, monsters, and magic that had been dormant for centuries. The challenge would be far from easy, but it was one that would test every skill he had.
---
As the day of the exam drew closer, Aeris threw himself into his preparations. He knew that surviving the dungeon would require more than just brute strength—it would take strategy, adaptability, and the right tools.
Aeris started by upgrading his stun baton. He'd designed a new version—Stun Baton 2.0—that allowed him to adjust the power output. With the turn of a dial, the baton could deliver a mild shock to disable smaller creatures or unleash a high-voltage jolt to take down more formidable foes. It was compact, versatile, and most importantly, would give him more control over the situation.
Next, he worked on a new weapon: a rifle. He wasn't exactly fond of conventional weapons, but he knew the importance of ranged combat in the dungeon. As he crafted it, he couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous design. The rifle was clunky, with a thick barrel and an awkwardly welded stock. The trigger mechanism was out of place, and the handle had a strange angle to it. It wasn't pretty—far from it—but Aeris didn't care about aesthetics. It was functional, and that was what mattered.
When Zord came by to check on Aeris's progress, he took one look at the rifle and raised an eyebrow.
"Is… is that a wand?" Zord asked, tilting his head in confusion. "You can't use magic, right?!"
Aeris sighed, momentarily halting his work on the rifle. "No, Zord. I can't use magic," he said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of frustration. "Mana rejects me. It's like I'm invisible to it, no matter how hard I try."
Zord blinked, clearly confused. "Wait, what? How does that even—?"
Aeris waved his hand, cutting him off. "It's just the way things are. I can't rely on magic like other people can. So, I've got to make do with what I can build. That's why I'm working on this." He gave the rifle a pat and then picked up the Stun Baton 2.0. "I'll handle things with tech and my inventions. That's how I survive."
Zord paused, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "That… that's rough, man. But hey, you've got this, right? No matter what, you'll still show everyone what you're capable of."
Aeris smiled faintly. "I will."
Zord's eyes widened as Aeris placed a shiny, metal brass knuckle on the table and slid it over to him. It was a simple design, but there was a gleam in the metal that spoke of hidden power.
"Here," Aeris said. "It's a stun brass knuckle. It'll give you a nice boost if things get tight."
Zord picked it up, turning it over in his hands with a bemused expression. "What's with you and stunning people? First the baton, now this?"
Aeris shrugged, a faint grin playing at the corner of his mouth. "A little shock therapy never hurt anyone… well, most people anyway."
Zord shook his head, laughing. "You really do like to be ready for anything, huh? Alright, I'll take it. Thanks, Aeris."
Aeris nodded, glad that Zord was at least on board with it.
---
Later that day, the official team list was posted. Aeris and Zord were paired together, and Aeris felt a wave of confidence settle over him. He knew they would be ready.
---
The moment had arrived. The practical exam was about to begin.