Master Kovren handed him the final token, her expression professionally neutral.
"There will be a small break before the third phase begins. Use the time wisely."
Alaric nodded, pocketing the token, and made his way toward one of the refreshment stations that had been set up around the training yards.
Academy staff dispensed water, light snacks, and what appeared to be mild energy tonics to help candidates recover from the demanding aptitude tests.
He accepted a glass of some kind of fruit juice and was looking for a quiet spot to observe the other examinees when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Rough day, huh?"
The voice came from beside him. A young man with tousled brown hair and the kind of face that probably smiled a lot under better circumstances. Right now, though, he looked like he'd been through a mill.
"Could be worse," Alaric replied, glancing at him.
"I'm Oliver Cartwright." The young man managed a weak smile.
