Max couldn't breathe. The world seemed to slow as the towering walls of water curved downward toward Alex an execution by nature and magic itself. His chest tightened, panic rooting him in place.
Then—movement.
Two streaks of emerald light burst past Max, slicing the air with the force of a hurricane. The aura left a violent spiral of wind in its wake as it collided with the descending water.
BOOM.
The wave shattered.
Not dispersed gently broken clean through, torn into rain that fell over the students like a sudden storm of glittering droplets.
The bridge trembled beneath them.
Max stared, stunned, as the remnants of the massive wave faded. Then he noticed the Headmaster floating Alex upward with invisible force.
Alex's unconscious body drifted across the gap and landed beside the students who passed.
Zephyr's voice cut through the rainfall sharp, controlled, final.
"Self-sacrifice on behalf of a comrade is admirable. Grade B."
A ripple of applause broke out from both sides of the bridge—hesitant at first, then full as the realization settled.
Another student had proven themselves worthy.
The Headmaster's gaze shifted landing squarely on Max.
Cold. Calculating. Yet approving.
"Ability to analyze a situation in mere seconds and take action to ensure the highest probability of survival while still protecting an ally."
A pause.
Then his voice struck the air like a judge's gavel.
"Grade A."
The bridge groaned.
Cracks spider-webbed across the stone, running from one end to the other.
With a single gesture from Zephyr, the entire bridge collapsed—falling away into the lake below and leaving only a simple walkway across the water's surface.
The test was over.
"Those who did not attempt or could not adapt may still attend," Zephyr continued, voice echoing across the stunned survivors. "You will, however, begin at a disadvantage or return next year, if we decide you are worth reconsidering."
The unchosen froze under his gaze. A warning sharp as a blade hung unspoken in the air.
Then Zephyr turned his back and walked toward the academy archway.
The five who passed including Max were motioned to follow. Alex was carried beside them, still unconscious, suspended like a puppet in invisible threads.
Behind them, the rest of the students scattered.
Some crossed the new walkway with relief.
Some swam.
Some fled back through the white doors, choosing the comfort of their old life over the risk of the unknown.
Others those too weak, too slow, or too unlucky were swallowed by the lake and retrieved by the hooded shadows.
Only silence marked their exit.
Max's legs felt heavy not from exhaustion, but from the weight of everything changing.
Grade A.
The words echoed in his mind as he sank briefly to his knees. His heart raced not with fear…
…but something thrilling.
Possibility.
He pushed himself upright and followed Zephyr beneath the stone arch.
Inside, the academy unfolded like a hidden world of towering halls, courtyards filled with flowers, crystalline ponds branching into miniature rivers winding through the grounds. The building itself was even larger up close, impossible in scale ancient yet breathing with power.
Zephyr vanished inside with Alex and the first team.
Max and the remaining top performers Adam and Victoria continued forward until a large door opened before them.
They stepped into an office large enough to be mistaken for a private library. Towering bookshelves lined every wall. Strange runes glowed faintly under the surface of polished stone tables. The air hummed with silent energy.
Zephyr's voice returned, now calm, instructive.
"Those who passed will be graded differently from the rest. You three minus the unconscious one have earned privilege."
He gestured, and a list appeared in golden letters above them.
ACADEMY POINT SYSTEM
A — 30 points B — 15 points C — 8 points D — 3 points E — 1 point F — 0 points
Max's gaze lingered on it on the numbers, the implications.
Points weren't just scores they were currency.
Food. Spells. Supplies. Survival.
Zephyr continued.
"Everything you do is evaluated. Every success, every failure, every test or battle graded. Points allow you to survive, learn, and grow."
Max swallowed.
So everything here was earned.
"As a reward, the three of you may select one spell from my collection provided you have the points to claim it. If a book glows when you touch it, you may take it. If not do not attempt theft."
His tone darkened.
"Anti-theft enchantments are… unpleasant."
Books around the room suddenly lit with shifting colors emerald, sapphire, crimson, silver like constellations forming across shelves.
Zephyr leaned back in his chair, eyes closing.
"Remember claiming a spell is not the same as being able to use it. Study. Fail. Persevere. That is how you survive here."
Silence stretched.
Then, softly
"Choose."
Max exhaled slow and steady then stepped forward among the glowing tomes.
Spells. Magic. Power. This wasn't a dream. This was a beginning.
And Max intended to survive it.