The Fall Quarter Begins in the Arena
"Your father is attending the event to see you."
"He's coming?" Kai Dawnsworn stood stock still, a look of astonishment crossing her gold-colored eyes. And then, with a slow, calculating smile, her lips curved upward. This time, it appeared, the tables could be turned—a chance to surprise him in return.
Having dressed in clean clothes, Kai and Boomer departed the dormitory, the sunlight of the morning ruffling their shoulders as they walked toward the arena.
The stadium lay wide before them, three thousand tables neatly arranged in tidy rows. At the front, above the curving stairways, official professors and students ruled, their bearing serious and authoritative. The tiered stands along the sides were filled with onlookers: visiting chiefs of Greenhold, proud parents, and curious bystanders, all present to behold brilliance from the next generation.
Kai's entrance drew attention, though many eyes carried curiosity rather than admiration. Rumors had traveled fast: his rejection by Feya, her accompaniment by Gary during the hunt, and the daring encounter with the demonic serpent on Skyfire Mountain. Each tale added layers to his growing notoriety. Few could survive such a confrontation and walk away unscathed.
"'The academy officially stated that it was a demonic serpent that attacked you,'" Boomer whispered, his dark eyes shining as he looked at Kai. Kai nodded, his eyes raking the stands. He focused on a corner far away and a small smile played around his mouth.
"Let's go," he said, picking up speed in the direction of the known section.".
Standing in the corner of that room was a group. Harry Dawnsworn was sitting and talking to another middle-aged man when he spotted Kai walking over. "Listen," Harry yelled, voice cutting yet in control. "I am only doing this for you, get it? If you mess up, never again say you are my child."
Kai's face flashed with a combination of annoyance and disbelief. "Seriously, Dad? Not in public. Can you at least make an effort not to embarrass me?"
Harry's eyebrow shot up in surprise at Kai's directness. "So now you get it about the value of your reputation?"
Kai made a grandiose gesture, patting his own forehead. "I am so sad."
Harry shook his head, not wanting to let the opportunity slip away. "Cut the act. Did you offend my future daughter-in-law?
Kai's eyes wandered towards Feya, sitting quietly beside Mr. Walton, her eyes neatly avoiding his own.
"Harry, when did I ever pledge that my daughter would become your daughter-in-law? Cease this rubbish," Richard Walton broke in, his voice authoritative.
"Uncle Walton." Kai whispered to himself, uncomfortable with the tension in the room.
"Boy, how is your cultivation coming along? Any better?" Richard Walton asked, moving back towards Kai.
Of course," Kai answered confidently. "I've made some progress, or else I would not have come to take the exam."
"Good. You are young yet; concentrate on your cultivation. Do not squander time on the nonsensical prattling of your father." Richard Walton's eyes came back to Harry with silent censure.
Kai smiled. "Roger that."
"Boomer, we expect big things of you this time," Richard Walton said, focusing now on the younger boy.
"Understood," Boomer answered, voice even, appearing disinterested but listening.
"Go get ready for the exam," instructed Richard Walton. Kai and Boomer both nodded and moved away, walking towards their seats. Feya left separately, moving quietly along her individual path.
Harry scowled, puzzlement furrowing his brow. "What's gotten into these kids? They never sit in silence like this… something must be wrong."
As whispers filled the arena, the interest of the audience was tangible. Even a test today with paper and pencil held enormous importance. Intelligence was the ground where skill could take root, and the truly skilled could outpace even the born with it in the years to come.
The students began filling in, desk by desk, until three thousand youthful faces quivered with anticipation. The size of the event was awe-inspiring, an indication of Greenhold Academy's reputation.
Kai and Boomer found their row and settled into their seats. Kai inhaled deeply, nerves prickling beneath her calm exterior. This was her first Fall Quarter Exam—excitement and tension coiled tightly in her chest.
Suddenly, the crowd's collective gaze shifted, a whisper rippling through the hall.
"It's her! Maya!"
The mythic Maya appeared. She wore a light, flowing suit and was instantly more beautiful than the world around her. Her loveliness shone like sunbeams on the arena floor, illuminating it with a warm, golden light that captured every gaze in a shared, collective desire.
"God… such a beauty," the students whispered.
"Only fifteen, but she glows like this… Three years later, she'll be the Helen of Troy for the boys," someone remarked with wonder and a touch of jealousy. Even veteran chiefs in the stands exchanged knowing nods.
"Word is Gary was spurned by her?" a Vellore relative whispered, a touch of disappointment in his voice.
"Of course. With such beauty and talent, how could she settle for anyone in this city? Poor Gary… he would have been official last year if not for her," an acquaintance supplied, trying to comfort.
Kai watched silently. Truly, Maya had the ability to command notice as no other could. People turned, and yet she was still above them, unattainable in her presence.
Maya hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning rows of students in search of her seat. Hearts pounded in unison as each boy quietly wished she would drop beside him, each girl gasping with envy or awe.
But their daydreams were dashed. At last, Maya chose her seat, leaving the hall aghast. Murmurs gave way to shocked silence. The arena as a whole stood there, unable to grasp the temerity of her selection.
Everyone's eyes were now on the selected student, the privileged—or maybe unlucky—one who would be seated beside Maya for the most crucial examination of the year.