Mana still floated in the air, an invisible pressure crushing the aspiring mages. The first trial had ended.
"Those who couldn't withstand the basic mana pressure… are disqualified," announced the examiner, his voice sharp as a blade.
More than thirty aspirants were escorted out of the field. Through tears, anger, or resignation, they withdrew. Those who remained standing, though fatigued, knew this was only the beginning.
"The second phase will begin in five minutes," the mage continued. "One-on-one duels. No distinctions. No excuses. Only your power… and your will."
A magical barrier rose in the center of the coliseum, forming a glowing circular arena. A floating artifact began to spin, releasing sparks of light. The names of the combatants appeared in the air in golden letters.
"First duel! Liana El'darien… versus Halren Korr."
Liana took a deep breath and calmly walked to the center of the field. Ares gave her a brief glance and a silent nod. She smiled, confident, before facing her opponent.
The fight was brief. Halren charged violently, but Liana didn't let herself get caught. Her spells were swift and calculated, and in no time, she disarmed Halren, knocking him to the ground with a magical wave. It was a clean, precise blow.
"Victory for Liana El'darien!"
The crowd watched in silence, some applauding. Liana stepped away as Ares approached the arena for his own battle.
"Next match! Ares of the Lunaris Woods… versus Kairn Torven, from the Northern Fortress."
Kairn was a burly man, wearing light armor inscribed with glowing earth runes. His eyes were cold and calculating. The sound of his armor echoed as he walked toward Ares, who wore only a simple tunic, no weapons. The boy looked vulnerable by comparison, but his stance was firm.
"Not planning to defend yourself?" Kairn asked with a mocking smile.
Ares didn't respond, eyes locked on his opponent.
"Begin!"
Kairn wasted no time. He moved his hands, and pillars of rock erupted from the ground, shooting toward Ares with speed and force. The boy dodged skillfully, using his agility, but one rock struck him, tearing his tunic and grazing his shoulder.
Ares paused for a moment. He couldn't use the blue fire. Not yet. But his enhancement magic was within reach.
Without hesitation, he channeled his energy and used enhancement magic to boost his strength and agility. His body became faster, more resilient. Like a gust of wind, Ares launched into the attack. His legs moved faster than Kairn could follow, and with the momentum of his magic, his arm blocked another stone pillar with a swift twist.
Kairn was surprised by Ares's speed and skill, and Ares took advantage of it. Unarmed, but empowered, he dodged another attack and disarmed Kairn with a quick move, jumping over him and using his rival's back as leverage to land behind and bring him down.
Before Kairn could react, Ares cast a small impact spell to knock him down to the ground—right at the edge of the arena.
"Victory for Ares of Lunaris!" announced the voice, as Kairn stood up, annoyed but accepting the defeat.
Ares was breathing hard, but his mind remained focused. He had won. Not with a destructive spell, but with cunning and mastery of enhancement magic. That was his strength.
Liana waited at the edge of the circle. As he approached, she gave him a smile.
"That was interesting," Liana said, though her expression was serious. "You used enhancement magic to maximize your agility, right?"
Ares nodded, slightly sweating.
"I couldn't risk losing control of the blue fire… not yet. But with this, I could at least even the fight."
Liana looked at him, understanding his choice. Fighting without relying on a power as strong and primal as the blue fire wasn't easy. But it showed that Ares could think beyond his raw ability.
The day went on with more duels. The remaining aspirants were exhausted, but the third trial was approaching.
The sun began to set, and the examiner stepped forward.
"The third and final trial will take place tomorrow at dawn. It won't be physical. It won't be magical. It will be… spiritual."
The air filled with nervous murmurs. Tension was at its peak. No one knew what he meant by "spiritual." But something in the examiner's tone made it clear that this test would challenge the deepest parts of the candidates.
Suddenly, a silent presence—like a shadow on the horizon—appeared floating above the coliseum. It was an old man, in a purple robe with shining embroidery, with an energy so powerful the air itself seemed to bend around him.
The Herudite. Director of the Academy. A legendary mage.
His gaze swept across the aspirants, as if he could see through them. When his eyes landed on Ares, something inside the boy tightened. The blue fire stirred within him, but Ares controlled it with effort.
Then, without a word, the Herudite vanished as quickly as he had appeared.
Ares knew the real trial was only just beginning.
Ares closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
Tomorrow would be the day.
And that trial… might change him forever.