In front of the imposing wrought-iron gates of the Academy, a vibrant throng of hopeful candidates and their anxious parents gathered, the air thick with a potent blend of excitement and trepidation. The ornate gates, adorned with intricate designs that hinted at centuries of history, loomed over the crowd, casting long shadows on the cobblestone path below. The soft buzz of whispered conversations created a constant hum, mingling with the palpable tension that enveloped them like a shroud of uncertainty.
—"Mhm, mhm, a little quiet, please!" The command of a deep, resonant voice sliced through the cacophony, its tone heavy with authority and experience. The crowd instinctively fell silent, every eye drawn to the formidable figure standing on the Academy's grand stone steps. He was a striking sight, his graying hair framing a stern face marked by lines of wisdom and determination. His piercing blue gaze cut through the nervous energy surrounding him, carefully assessing each aspiring student with a keen, scrutinizing eye.
—"Good, good… I'm pleased to see so many of you here." He paused, allowing his gaze to sweep over the sea of anxious faces, each displaying a mix of hope and fear, intrigue etched in their youthful expressions. "I am Meliora, the headmaster of this prestigious Academy. Today, the admission trials will take place." A heavy silence settled over the crowd at the sound of his words, the weight of anticipation thickening the charged atmosphere.
A sudden, chilling breeze swept through the gathering, causing several candidates to draw their jackets tighter around themselves, as if instinctively trying to ward off the impending unknown. Ajin swallowed hard, his heart racing in his chest as the moment of decision loomed nearer. His wide eyes darted among the expressions surrounding him—some candidates wore resolute looks of confidence and defiance, while others fidgeted restlessly, twisting their hands or glancing around with palpable dread. From somewhere in the crowd, a bold voice broke the tension:
—"What are the trials?" Meliora turned toward the speaker, a faint smile creeping onto his lips, hinting at both amusement and cleverness.
—"Good question. The truth is, I don't know." A restless murmur cascaded through the assembly, uncertainty bubbling to the surface like a pot about to boil over. "The trials change every year, and I don't handle admissions myself." As he spoke, every pair of eyes shifted toward the Academy's main balcony, where a tall figure draped in an elaborate black robe appeared, his presence casting an ominous shadow that sent a shiver of apprehension through Ajin's stomach.
—"Thank you, Meliora, but I'll take it from here." His voice was cold and devoid of enthusiasm, sending an uneasy ripple through the crowd. "Parents, please proceed to the secondary courtyard. And don't panic; I don't eat children." The sarcastic quip elicited a few nervous chuckles from the crowd, yet most parents shuffled away without protest, their anxious expressions lingering as they glanced back at their children. Ajin's mother squeezed his hand, her warm touch offering a fleeting sense of safety amidst the looming uncertainty.
—"Ajin, my dear, don't be nervous. Whatever happens, I am and will always be proud of you." With a mixture of gratitude and trepidation, Ajin attempted a forced smile, his lips trembling slightly as he bit them in an effort to summon the courage he desperately needed. Once the parents were ushered away, the man in black stepped closer to the balcony edge, commanding attention with a slight clearing of his throat.
—"As Meliora has stated, this year I will oversee the admissions process." From behind, Meliora reminded him in a low voice, "Rafael, you forgot to introduce yourself." With an indifferent shrug, Rafael turned to the crowd, his expression reflecting boredom, as if he were reading from a script he had studied far too often.
—"I am Rafael. I don't know if you care or if it matters, but let's move on." This year, there will be only one trial. As if on cue, a shimmering portal began to materialize in the air before the balcony, glowing with swirls of radiant light and ominous shadow that seemed to pulsate with a strange, electric energy, captivating and terrifying all at once.
—"The trial is simple: step through this portal. Those who emerge on the other side will be admitted. The rest… well, they won't." A wave of tension swept through the candidates, forcing some to clench their fists while others exchanged apprehensive glances filled with dread and disbelief. Ajin felt his throat tighten, a knot of anxiety forming deep in his stomach.
A single trial? What could that possibly entail? Before anyone could voice their concerns, a brilliant sphere of light rose above Rafael, projecting a vivid image into the sky that captured everyone's attention and held it captive.
—"Listen carefully," he instructed flatly, his voice devoid of warmth. The image revealed a vast labyrinth, its dark, oppressive walls looming and twisting into infinity, creating an overwhelming sense of foreboding that cloaked the crowd in dread.
—"This year's trial is one of speed, quick thinking, and courage. You will have ten minutes to find the exit. Those who succeed will be admitted. Those who fail… will be eliminated."
Murmurs of disbelief and anxiety rippled through the crowd. A labyrinth? In ten minutes? Ajin's stomach twisted incessantly as he struggled to digest the implications of Rafael's chilling words.
—"The labyrinth is not just a test of orientation. Be prepared for obstacles, illusions, and perhaps a few unpleasant surprises along the way. Remember, every minute counts." All eyes were glued to the portal, the air thick with fear, determination, and desperate hope, each heartbeat echoing in the silence as they awaited their fateful decision.
—"Entrance is through this portal," Rafael announced, his gaze scanning the crowd with a mix of indifference and curiosity.
—"Once you step inside, the clock starts." Ajin clenched his fists, the weight of impending fate pressing heavily upon him as the reality of the trial sank in.
Above him, heavy gray clouds loomed, shrouding the sky in a drab veil, while an unsettling, artificial light illuminated the landscape with an eerie glow. The silence was abruptly shattered by a sudden mechanical whir, causing him to flinch instinctively. High above, within the intricate maze, a colossal crystal orb floated, glimmering as it reflected distorted images of the arena, creating an otherworldly spectacle that heightened the sense of unease.
— "I'm Olga, and with me is the expert in magical strategy, Mr. Elian, who will guide you through this thrilling competition!" Ajin glanced upward, captivated by the crystal orb that steadily projected vibrant, live images showcasing the labyrinth's many hidden sections. Each dark corner and winding passage of this enigmatic structure transformed into a spectacle for the audience, casting its spell of tension over the entire kingdom as the anticipation in the air thickened like fog.
— "The participants have exactly ten minutes to uncover the exit. But beware! This labyrinth is more than just a race against time; traps, illusions, and myriad challenges lurk in every shadow, ready to test their courage and wit!"
Ajin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the omnipresent eyes of the kingdom upon him. It struck him then: his every move and each moment of indecision would be scrutinized live, broadcast to the entire kingdom, making the stakes feel even higher.
— "Mr. Elian, do you have a favorite among the candidates?" Olga asked, her voice laced with excitement.
— "It's difficult to choose, Olga. This year's talents are all remarkably impressive, showcasing an array of unique skills. Notably, the royal family's heirs are among the contestants, heightening the drama of this competition. However, I'm particularly eager to see how those from less privileged backgrounds will fare, as they often bring unconventional strategies to the table," he replied, his gaze scanning the participants.
Ajin bit his lip, feeling pressure escalate like a brewing thunderstorm, each raindrop a reminder of his precarious position. Not only was he racing against time to find the exit, but he was also under the unyielding scrutiny of a nation. Suddenly, a loud, bell-like sound reverberated through the labyrinth, echoing ominously off the stone walls.
— "START! The trial has begun!" Without a moment's hesitation, Ajin surged forward, sprinting into the first shadowy corridor that loomed ahead, the rough stone brushing against his fingertips as he passed.
Around him, fellow participants scattered like startled birds, darting in various directions, each embracing their own tactics. Some appeared to have a clear strategy in mind, wielding their magic to carve pathways through the maze with remarkable efficiency, their spells illuminating the dark.
— "We're already witnessing intriguing tactics! Look at that candidate with an affinity for electricity! He's sending pulses through the walls, mapping out the most optimal route!" Ajin stole a glance at one of the orb's projections. Indeed, a blond youth skillfully unleashed electric waves that coursed through the labyrinth's walls, creating a dazzling light show that revealed the path ahead momentarily.
— "What a clever strategy! But will it be enough to overcome the labyrinth's obstacles?" Ajin clenched his fists, his heart racing with a mix of admiration and dread. He lacked those supernatural abilities, no electric bursts, no soaring flight, and certainly no dominion over the elements. His only strength lay in his mind, sharp and relentless. Taking a deep breath, he quickly assessed his surroundings.
If the labyrinth was designed to deceive, then the most obvious paths would likely be fraught with danger. Choosing caution over recklessness, he avoided the wide, illuminated corridors that beckoned with a façade of safety and instead slipped into a narrower passageway, trusting his instincts to navigate the oppressive darkness.
— "It appears some candidates are adopting an offensive approach! Look at that one trying to blast through the walls with flames!" Ajin flinched as the projection flickered to life: a red-haired youth unleashed waves of fire, the crimson flames licking hungrily at the walls. But instead of obliterating the barriers, the flames were inexplicably drawn in, absorbed, and then hurled back at him with ferocious force, a swirl of fire reflecting the youth's shocked expression.
— "Oh no! A treacherous trap! The labyrinth's walls are designed to repel direct attacks!" Mr. Elian exclaimed, his tone now tinged with alarm.
Ajin noted this development carefully; if the walls reacted negatively to magic, then this maze was a trial that demanded more than mere brute strength and aggressive tactics. Time was slipping away like sand through his fingers, each grain representing a fleeting moment of potential. He pressed onward, dodging unseen traps and deciphering subtle clues hidden in the shadows, every step bringing him closer to the elusive true exit, the taste of victory a distant but tantalizing possibility.