The exam would begin at noon, but candidates had to reach the Academy on their own. Vael and Kiera set out at first light - better safe than sorry. Ash stayed behind to watch the broadcast; no live spectators were permitted.
What had once been a noble's spectacle now promised record viewership across both Kingdoms and rebel territories.
Experts predicted the addition of rebel candidates and modern broadcasting would draw unprecedented crowds.
Eclipse and Sundance pranced eagerly as they emerged from spatial storage, finally free to serve their purpose again. At sunrise, the pair rode out, following a line of noble carriages leaving the city. To any observer, they traveled in perfect silence - their conversation flowing telepathically between them.
"You see? An inclined angle in that situation sets up the perfect follow-through," Kiera finished explaining, analyzing Vael's memories of last night's fight.
Vael absorbed her advice before suddenly turning his head toward her. "You think they'll split us up?"
"Who knows? We don't even know the exam format. Your guess is as good as mine."
"As long as we're not pitted against each other, I'm fine with whatever."
"True," she agreed. "But if we are... I won't hold back."
Vael grinned. "Wouldn't expect you to."
They rode in comfortable silence until Kiera's voice broke through again.
"Thank you."
Vael stared at Eclipse's saddle, the gravel road, the noble carriages ahead. "Uh... no problem? What for?"
"For saving me. Back at the lab. I know it wasn't intentional, but... I'm glad you did. So glad." Her expression carried genuine gratitude.
"Whoa there, Elena." His tone mixed humor with discomfort. "That was months ago. If you really want to thank me, pass this exam. I don't want to be stuck at the Academy alone."
"Right!"
Oculor finally broke his meditative silence—the serpent needed no sleep, only contemplation.
"Contractor, perhaps you should prepare for your examination rather than waste time on trivialities?"
They had entered the forest ten minutes earlier, now just half an hour from their destination. The procession of applicants grew steadily—most on horseback, some in carriages, a few on foot.
The Academy loomed ahead, its scale defying the word school. More fortress than institution, its white stone walls radiated both holy grandeur and unyielding might. They looked capable of weathering a dragon's assault—and likely could, reinforced with countless divine runes.
"You should conceal me in your spatial pocket," Oculor suggested.
Vael's voice dripped with sarcasm. "What's wrong with my humble skull cavity?"
"Be serious. If the Church has established itself here as you claim, their detection spells may sense my presence."
"Ah, right," Vael mused. "Their boogeyman. Don't tell me the mighty All-Seeing Oculor, Devourer of Realms, fears a few mana-wielding primates?"
"This concerns your safety, contractor. But by all means, ignore my warning if you enjoy imprisonment."
"No jail can contain me, Oculor. But relax—I'm just teasing. Get in."
With that, Oculor vanished into the spatial storage's void.
Vael felt his connection to Oculor weaken, but it didn't vanish. Still there, just subdued
The gates loomed before them—massive metal doors flanked by guards and temporary tents. Staff redirected carriages and horses to clear space, but Vael and Kiera simply stored their mounts to avoid leaving them unattended.
A security officer directed Vael to the third tent, Kiera to the fifth. Each spacious enclosure could easily hold ten people.
Inside, Vael found an unusual scene: a hulking camera dominating the center, and at the far end, an elderly woman in the classic Academy uniform.
"Welcome, young man," she said, her voice weary but warm. "Please stand before the camera."
The flash erupted instantly, conjuring his image from mana particles in the air.
"Handsome features," she observed, "though that scar adds rather intimidating character."
Without needing instruction, Vael understood what to do next. He placed his palm on the blue crystal sphere and channeled his mana—effortless after days of practice with Oculor's Mana Pathway.
His low-third stage energy proved unusually dense.
The crystal darkened to violet, then black. It vibrated violently before splitting with a sharp crack.
The worker sighed. "Ah, one of those."
As she retrieved a larger white crystal from beneath the desk, another shatter echoed from a nearby tent.
'Kiera.' Vael smirked.
The watermelon-sized replacement thudded onto the desk. "Again, please."
This time, the crystal held, glowing steady purple.
"Mana quality: Mid-third stage. Quantity: Low-third stage. Element: Space. Correct?"
Vael nodded and turned to leave, but paused at the entrance.
"Your name, miss?"
A wrinkled smile. "Atsuna will do."
With a final nod, he stepped out into the Academy grounds.