Episode 14 – "First Test: The Awakening Grounds"
The first light of dawn painted the sky in streaks of violet and gold as the bell of Arcanis Academy echoed across its ancient towers.
Kael stood silently in front of the dorm gates, dressed in the dark-blue academy uniform. His expression was calm, but his senses were sharply tuned.
Lyra ran out moments later, fixing her long hair into a quick braid. "I almost overslept! Are you always this calm?"
Kael glanced at her, a barely noticeable smirk forming. "Yes."
They followed the other students toward the Awakening Grounds—a massive open arena carved into a mountainside. The floor was embedded with intricate runes, and six stone obelisks stood in a circle, each resonating with a different elemental energy.
Hundreds of first-years gathered, buzzing with anticipation.
At the center of the field, Instructor Drevas stood with arms folded, his fiery aura radiating dominance. Behind him stood five more instructors, each representing a different element.
"In this test," Drevas announced, "you will demonstrate your elemental control, basic physical strength, and weapon resonance. This will decide your class placement."
Murmurs spread among the students.
"We'll begin with elemental control," Drevas said. "When your name is called, step forward, focus your mana into the elemental crystal, and show your power."
One by one, students stepped up. Some struggled to ignite a spark, others summoned waves of fire, wind, or earth.
Then came Lyra's turn.
She stepped forward with a composed breath and raised her palm toward the ice-blue crystal. A swirl of water rose gracefully around her arm before freezing midair into sharp snowflake blades. With a flick, they burst into shards of glimmering frost.
The crowd gasped.
"She controls both elements so fluidly…"
"She's the girl with the Principal's recommendation…"
Drevas made no expression, but the other instructors exchanged silent nods.
"Excellent control," one said.
Then came Kael's turn.
Whispers rose as he walked forward.
"That's the quiet kid…"
"Didn't the Principal recommend him too?"
Kael placed his hand on the water crystal. He let a controlled wave of mana flow—and the crystal lit up brilliantly. A torrent of water spiraled up, forming a serpent-like shape that swirled above him, then scattered into shimmering droplets before touching the ground.
Controlled. Graceful. Too perfect.
But not overwhelming.
"He's strong… but not exceptional," some students muttered.
"He's hiding it," Lyra thought, watching quietly. "He's only showing just enough."
The elemental test ended, and students were directed to the weapon resonance trial.
A large gate opened at the side of the grounds, revealing a towering obelisk surrounded by weapons floating in the air—swords, spears, bows, and staffs. Each radiated faint energy.
Every student had already bound their weapon in the Realm of Trials days ago, and now they were to show how deeply connected they had become.
As each student stepped forward, they chanted their bond word—"Vetraakasha"—and activated their weapon's power.
Sparks flew. Shadows danced. Swords glowed.
When it was Kael's turn, he stepped up and unsheathed his mysterious silver blade.
The moment he whispered the word—"Vetraakasha"—a faint pulse rippled through the field.
Some of the instructors frowned.
Saren, watching from the side, narrowed his eyes. "...That sword. I've seen it before. But where?"
The sword shimmered faintly. Symbols briefly glowed along its edge—ancient runes that only the most experienced instructors noticed.
"It reacted," whispered one senior instructor. "But the boy restrained it..."
Kael quickly sheathed the blade. A few students applauded, but most were more drawn to flashy weapons with obvious power.
"Pretty sword. Nothing else," someone murmured.
Kael didn't react.
As the test ended, the instructors retreated to finalize the class placements. Students were told they would be posted by evening.
While others chatted excitedly, Kael and Lyra sat on a bench near the mountain edge.
"You didn't show your real strength," Lyra said quietly.
"Neither did you," Kael replied with a small smirk.
She grinned. "Fair."
Just then, dark clouds began to gather in the distance. In the woods near the academy border, a faint shadow moved unnaturally.
Far from the field, the Principal stood atop one of the towers, watching it all unfold. His gaze remained fixed on Kael's sword.
> "That sword… it once belonged to the First Emperor. And now… it stirs again."
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