"Oh, right, as per your groupings," Professor Darius announced at the bottom of the stage. He was about to leave when he realized that he had forgotten to announce it.
"They're in the hands of the instructors."
He turned slightly and gestured toward a few instructors standing at the side. Each one held a scroll in hand that contained a list of names.
"Your names have been grouped randomly," Darius continued. "Now, instructors, if you please."
The instructors began calling out the names one by one.
"Group One: Cassian Alexander Vaeloria, Arwen Lucres, Martin Ruthford, Nathaniel Keldra."
Cassian smiled faintly at the announcement. 2 of his groupmates came from the academy with him, so he was quite confident in it.
"Looks like luck's on my side," he muttered, earning a few curious looks from nearby nobles.
"Group Two: Lionel Silvestre Exelio, Rufus Vernell, Simon Solen, and Aster Tarun."
Lionel's brows lifted slightly when he heard his name. He already expected it. Turning to the side, he and Rufus exchanged a glance.
For some reason, Rufus' lips curved upwards, showing Lionel a small smile.
"Well, looks like we're grouped together," Lionel muttered as a response to it.
Rufus nodded with a small smile not disappearing on his face.
"It's a pleasure to be grouped with you…"
Lionel frowned at that.
"I haven't told you this yet, but I deeply respect your father."
"Oh… right," Lionel chuckled at that.
The list went on until all the groups were called. In total, 6 groups were formed, each with 4 members. All groups have at least 2 students from the academy to make it equal
"Alright, you may go to your teammates."
Excited voices filled the air as students looked around, finding their own teammates.
Professor Darius raised his voice again, "Each group will be assigned a flag that will serve as your identifier during the activities. Guard it well, because if another team takes it, your points will drop."
An instructor handed out flags of different colors. Lionel's team received a dark blue flag, while Cassian's team got a crimson one. The other teams got green, yellow, white, and brown.
"The quiz will take place in the east clearing," Darius continued. "You may only proceed to the labyrinth game after finishing the quiz. Depending on how fast you are able to answer the quiz, all groups will start from different entrances. The goal there is to find your way to the end."
"The 1st group will receive the highest points, and the next 2 receive bonus points." Darius gave them all a knowing smile.
"Use your heads, and don't lose sight of your allies."
With that, the instructors began calling each team to their assigned area.
Lionel and Rufus followed the instructor to the east clearing, where some members of their assigned group were already waiting. Despite being sunny, the air was cool and fresh.
On the east clearing, a few wooden tables were arranged nearby for the first activity. When you look past it, the starting paths for the labyrinth can be seen further ahead. They were marked by flags fluttering gently in the breeze.
At the location, two other guys stood there, already talking among themselves. They both turned when Lionel and Rufus arrived.
The first guy was Simon Solen. He was the son of a count. His hair was brown and so was his eyes. He gave a polite bow to the two.
"It's an honor to be grouped with you, too," he said with a practiced smile.
The second guy was Aster Tarun. He was a bit more relaxed. His father was a wealthy baron, and their family was known for trading business.
"Same here. I've heard about the great Exelio family before. I didn't expect to end up in the same group, honestly."
"Let's do our best." Lionel smiled lightly and nodded in return.
Rufus stretched his arms lazily beside him.
"Well, since we're all here, I guess that makes us officially teammates for the day," he said with a serious expression on his face. "Let's try not to lose each other in the forest later, yeah?"
The group shared a small laugh. They were amused how Rufus can joke around with a serious face.
Just then, one of the instructors walked toward them. He was carrying a clipboard with a piece of paper in it.
"Group 2, listen up," the instructor said.
"During the quiz, stay close to your table and discuss your answers as a group. Once you finish, we will lead you to your starting point. Inside the labyrinth game, there will be multiple exits and traps, so communication is key. Do you understand that?"
"Yes, Instructor," they all replied.
As the man walked away, Lionel's gaze stayed toward the labyrinth path ahead. The sight of it stirred something in his memory.
In his past life, he remembered this same event. Their group had gotten hopelessly lost inside the labyrinth, wasting hours circling around and ending up in last place.
It had been a frustrating memory.
But now… it made him smirk.
He might not remember every exact path, but the forest should be more familiar to him than the others.
This time, he thought, we're not finishing last.
"Group 2, you may now take your seats," the instructor announced.
Lionel and his team moved toward one of the long wooden tables placed beneath the shade of tall trees. A parchment sheet, several pens, and a small hourglass timer were laid out on top.
Around them, the other groups were settling into their own spots.
Professor Darius' voice rang out again from the stage not far away.
"The Strategic Field Quiz will test your judgment and coordination as a team. You will be presented with three scenario-based questions. Each question will challenge your understanding."
"You will have unlimited time to discuss and write your answer. Teams will be graded based on reasoning, creativity, and effectiveness. Do not overthink. Rely on logic and instinct. In real battlefields, decisions are rarely made in comfort."
He raised his hand and gestured to the instructors.
"You may begin."