The morning sun slanted through Silvercross Academy's main hall, catching on banners embroidered with the Guild's golden crest. Students buzzed with nervous energy, voices rising like a swarm of mana bees.
Today was the Guild Evaluation Exam — the one day even confident students lost their smiles.
Kael Draven yawned the moment he walked in. Ember sat on his shoulder, preening her feathers, while Aegros padded silently behind him.
> "Tests again," Kael muttered. "This academy really hates peace."
Ryn hustled beside him, gripping his staff.
> "You should be grateful! Most people would kill for this chance to get Guild recognition!"
> "I'd rather nap for it."
Ember chirped. Aegros rumbled in amusement.
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The Rules
At the front of the hall stood Instructor Mira and Guild Officer Lira, both armed with clipboards and grim expressions.
> "Today's evaluations," Mira announced, "determine your Guild eligibility ranking. There are three parts: theory, mana control, and a live-field assessment."
> "Sounds fun," Kael said without enthusiasm.
> "Mr. Draven," Lira warned, "your last 'fun' incident cost us two testing crystals."
> "That's an exaggeration," Kael replied. "It was one and a half."
The class laughed; Mira didn't.
> "Begin," she said sharply.
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Written Exam
Enchanted slates floated into place before each student, glowing with rows of runes.
Kael leaned over his, reading the first question aloud.
> "Describe mana drift during dual-bond resonance. Hmm."
He scribbled: 'If it drifts too far, you explode. Avoid drifting.'
Ember peeked at his answer and squawked in disbelief.
The next question read: List the three factors determining summon stability in multi-beast control.
Kael wrote quickly, this time serious for once: Mana rhythm, emotional sync, and physical balance.
By the time the timer rune dimmed, he'd filled half the slate. Ryn still hadn't finished one paragraph.
> "You're not supposed to finish early," Ryn hissed.
> "Then I'm an overachiever," Kael said.
---
Mana-Control Test
The second stage took place in the academy's mana dome, where floating energy spheres drifted through a twisting maze of glowing hoops. Students had to guide one through the course using pure control.
Most struggled—mana jittered, orbs burst, and instructors sighed.
When Kael's turn came, he extended a hand lazily. A thread of golden light stretched from his fingers, connecting to the orb.
The sphere pulsed once, then flowed smoothly through every hoop, weaving the entire path in a single, seamless motion.
When it stopped at the endpoint, the orb shimmered steady gold.
Mira checked the display.
> "Efficiency: 97%. Stability: perfect."
> "I'll take it," Kael said. "That counts as a pass, right?"
> "That counts as a new school record," Lira muttered.
---
Field Trial
The final section unfolded across the outer training grounds—an artificial forest filled with illusionary beasts. Crystal drones hovered overhead, recording every move.
> "Objective: neutralize as many targets as possible in five minutes," Mira said. "No property damage."
Kael sighed. "You take away all my hobbies."
He stepped inside the barrier with Ember and Aegros.
The forest shimmered to life, and three shadowy wolves lunged at once.
> "Aegros, intercept."
The Ironfang Wolf met them in mid-stride, his claws ringing like blades. One swipe—three dissolving constructs.
From above, a winged construct dived.
> "Ember, scatter burn."
Flames flared outward, disintegrating the air-beast before it touched the ground.
A final golem appeared behind him, heavier and faster. Kael traced a short rune in the air, channeling both bonds at once.
> "Flame Reversal."
Ember's fire bent, wrapped around Aegros's claws, and exploded outward in a golden arc. The golem shattered in a shower of sparks.
Silence.
The timer rune flashed red—time over.
From the viewing tower, Lira whispered, "Fifty seconds…"
Mira exhaled. "Of course it was."
---
Results
When Kael exited the field, everyone stared.
Ryn's mouth opened. "Did you just—finish the whole course?"
> "Was that not allowed?" Kael asked innocently.
Mira pinched the bridge of her nose. "You neutralized every target and rewrote the containment barrier's temperature flow. Do you even know how hard that is?"
> "Accidentally," Kael admitted.
Lira handed him a sealed parchment. "You're being recommended for higher Guild observation—again. Varin personally requested to see you tomorrow for an adaptability test."
> "Another test?" Kael groaned. "Do they enjoy watching me suffer?"
> "Apparently, yes," Lira said.
---
Evening Reflection
By the time the sun set, Kael was sprawled on his dorm bed. Ember rested on his chest, eyes glowing softly; Aegros lay by the door, tail twitching like a metronome.
He opened his Status Panel:
[Level]: 11
[Skills Updated]: Mana Control Efficiency +5%
[New Sub-Skill]: Mana Echo (Passive)
(Certain attacks leave an afterimage pulse that echoes briefly.)
> "Hey, that's new," he murmured.
Ember cooed curiously.
Aegros lifted his head.
> "No, we're not testing it indoors," Kael said firmly.
They both ignored him.
Kael sighed and looked out at the night sky, the city lights gleaming below.
> "More exams tomorrow. Maybe I should just fake an injury."
Ember chirped disapprovingly.
> "Right, right. No slacking. I'll think about it."
For now, peace—temporary, fragile, and glowing faintly gold.
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