Another day had passed, and with it came the awaited day of the practical evaluation exam.
Velren found himself standing within the academy's very own magical airship, an awe-inspiring vessel that loomed over the academy grounds before departure. Its exterior was a grand masterpiece of both magic and engineering—a sleek, towering structure adorned with intricate arcane engravings that shimmered faintly with power. Large, crystalline propellers lined its sides, pulsating with a soft glow as they effortlessly lifted the colossal ship into the sky. The academy's crest, an emblem of wisdom and mastery over the arcane, was displayed proudly upon its hull.
The interior was just as magnificent. Golden chandeliers hung from the high-vaulted ceilings, casting a warm yet regal light over the polished floors. The hallways stretched endlessly, lined with ornate pillars and enchanted windows that provided an unobstructed view of the world outside. It was more luxurious than anything Velren had ever stepped foot in.
As the airship drifted higher into the sky, he found himself staring through one of the glass-paneled walls. Below, the massive kingdom sprawled in every direction—a vast city of marble and stone, with winding streets and towering spires that stretched towards the heavens. Beyond the kingdom's walls, endless forests stretched into the horizon, their emerald canopies blending seamlessly with the distant mountains.
'Wow...'
At first, Velren had assumed the exam would take place within the academy itself. However, the reality was far from his expectations. The fact that they had to leave the academy grounds entirely meant that this evaluation would be far more than a simple test of skill.
***
After nearly an hour of travel, a commanding voice rang through the airship's speakers, ordering all first-year students to assemble at the main deck.
Velren made his way through the bustling corridors, eventually stepping onto the spacious deck where the entire student body had begun to gather. Five distinct groups stood in formation, each representing their respective classes—from 1-A to 1-D.
A faint tension lingered in the air as students whispered among themselves, exchanging speculations and concerns about what awaited them in this so-called evaluation. The atmosphere of excitement and uncertainty filled the deck, setting the stage for whatever lay ahead.
A heavy silence fell over the assembled students as footsteps echoed from the stage before them.
A man stepped forward, his presence alone commanding attention. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a physique that spoke of years of hardened experience rather than simple training. His dark auburn hair was neatly tied back, revealing a strong, chiseled face lined with faint scars. Sharp, piercing gray eyes swept across the gathered students, assessing each one of them.
Dressed in a dark military-style coat adorned with silver embroidery, he radiated an air of strict authority. The crest of the academy was embroidered over his chest, but the sigil of the kingdom rested just beneath it—signifying not just his role as an instructor, but his standing as an elite combatant of the realm.
Then, in a deep and unwavering voice, he spoke.
"First-years! Attention!"
The man's sharp gaze swept over the assembled students, his piercing amber eyes holding an intensity that demanded attention. With a voice as steady as a war drum, he spoke.
"I am Commander Aldric Vaelhardt, one of the academy's combat instructors and the overseer of your practical evaluation exam."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. The Vaelhardt name was not unfamiliar—many recognized it as belonging to a prestigious lineage of warriors who had long served the kingdom.
"This exam is not merely a test of your skills," Aldric continued.
"It is a measure of your potential. What you are about to face will challenge not only your strength but your wit, cooperation, and adaptability. It will separate those who are prepared from those who are not."
His gaze hardened as he crossed his arms. "However, this is not an assessment meant to break you. It is to push you forward. Some of you may struggle. Some of you may even fail. But do not mistake failure for defeat—what matters is whether you stand back up."
Silence fell over the students.
Aldric then exhaled and gave a sharp nod.
"Further details and the rules of the exam will be explained by your respective homeroom instructors. That is all."
***
The whole of Class 1-C was gathered on one end of the main hall. Before them stood Professor Vekar, sweeping his sharp gaze over the assembled students. With his usual composed demeanor, he addressed them.
"For this practical evaluation, it will require you to work in pairs. The teams have already been decided."
'Damn...'
Velren muttered under his breath. So it really is a team-based exam after all... And what's worse? The pairs had been assigned by the instructor. That meant no control over who he was partnered with.
Professor Vekar continued calling out names, listing the assigned teams one by one.
Then—
"Velren."
The boy straightened slightly.
"Your partner—Eterna Lys."
Oh? He blinked.
Well, that was... fortunate. Very fortunate. Out of everyone in the class, he had been paired with the only person he had ever interacted with. Even if the said person was something of an enigma herself.
Velren exhaled before making his way toward Eterna Lys. She stood with her arms crossed, her gaze was focused ahead, as if deep in thought. A rapier hung at her waist, its ornate hilt was gleaming faintly under the sunlight. Unlike some of the other students who were chatting with their newly assigned partners, she showed no reaction to the announcement, remaining as composed as ever.
Awkwardly, Velren stopped beside her. He hesitated for a moment before saying:
"I'll be counting on you."
Eterna Lys turned her head slightly.
"Likewise."
That was it. No extra words, no change in expression—just a simple, indifferent response.
Velren wasn't sure what would troubled him more—this upcoming exam or the fact that he'd have to interact with her for its entire duration.
Before he could dwell on it, Professor Vekar's voice cut through the murmurs of the class.
"Now that the teams have been decided, I will explain the rules of this evaluation."
He gestured to a large projection that appeared behind him, displaying a map of a massive island.
"This exam will take place on Dominion Isle, a designated combat training zone. Your objective is simple—each class will compete against the others to secure as many Dominion Beacons as possible. These beacons are scattered across the island, and securing one requires activating its core while keeping it under your control. However, be warned—other teams will attempt to seize them from you."
Murmurs spread among the students, but the Professor continued without pause.
"You will be competing as a class against the others, but each two-person team will operate independently. That means no fighting among yourselves—your true opponents are the students from the other classes. Strategy, coordination, and survival skills will be key. Work with your partner and contribute to your class's overall standing."
Professor Vekar's gaze hardened as he continued.
"Understand this—while combat is allowed, excessive force or intentionally causing severe injury to your fellow students will not be tolerated. The academy has complete surveillance over the entire island, and any violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification. You are here to prove your skill, not to maim each other."
His words immediately silenced any lingering chatter among the students.
"Additionally, there are designated safe zones scattered throughout the island. These areas exist for medical assistance and emergency withdrawals. However—should you or your partner willingly enter a safe zone, whether due to injury, exhaustion, or any other reason, your entire team will be disqualified from the exam. The moment you step in, your participation ends."
Without missing a beat, the Professor reached into a small satchel at his side and pulled out several metallic objects, each engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly under the light.
"Each team will be given a Class Sigil," he announced, holding one up for all to see.
"This sigil is the key to securing a Dominion Beacon. To claim a beacon, a team must press their sigil against its core and channel their Ka into it. Once a beacon is claimed, it will bear your class's emblem—but be warned, beacons can be stolen by rival teams through the same method. Defend what you take, or risk losing it."
He then began distributing the sigils, one per team. When Velren and Eterna received theirs, Velren ran his fingers over the cool metal, noting the faint pulse of Ka within it. Engraved upon its surface were intricate markings, but what stood out the most was the set of glowing numbers displayed at its center—a built-in timer.
It seemed the sigil not only functioned as the key to claiming beacons but also kept track of time. Was it to ensure that every team remained aware of how long they had before the exam concluded?
A few students shifted uncomfortably at the strict conditions, but Vekar pressed on.
"This is your battlefield, and only those who can endure until the end will succeed. Choose your actions wisely."