The examination hall buzzed with murmurs as candidates trickled in, eyes scanning the large board that displayed room assignments. Lia and Ron stopped in front of it, scanning quickly.
"Phew, we're in the same room," Lia exhaled in relief.
Ron smirked. "You're quite happy to be stuck with me, huh?"
Lia's cheeks turned slightly red, but she huffed, looking away. "You think too highly of yourself, mister."
They both chuckled, walking side by side toward Room B.
Inside, the hall was massive, lined with exactly 100 desks, each spaced evenly apart. Just like the other nine rooms—labeled A to J—Room B was filled to capacity. Lia and Ron gave each other a small nod before heading to their respective assigned seats, which were unfortunately far apart.
Two instructors entered the room, dressed in long blue robes bearing the academy's emblem. One of them stepped forward and spoke clearly:
"Candidates, you have exactly three hours. The test begins now."
