With the physical test behind them, the candidates moved toward the next trial—the elemental aptitude assessment.
Set atop a raised platform were three large crystal spheres, each designed to react to the elemental affinities of those who touched them. Around the field, the excitement shifted into a tense anticipation. This was where true talent often revealed itself.
The examiner, Ardyn Vale, stepped forward once again.
"Place your hand on the crystal," he instructed. "Your affinity will be revealed. Those with no affinity or poor potential will be eliminated."
The first to step up was the golden-haired girl who had stunned the crowd earlier.
"Name?" Ardyn asked.
"Alice Dawnmere," she answered, her voice clear and confident.
Whispers spread rapidly through the candidates. Dawnmere—a family name tied closely to the Academy's faculty. She was the daughter of one of the Academy's professors.
Alice placed her hand on the crystal sphere.
Instantly, the sphere blazed with brilliant white light, illuminating the entire platform. Waves of pure, radiant energy poured out, forcing the nearby examiners to shield their eyes.
"High Affinity—Light Element!" Ardyn announced, struggling to hide the respect in his tone.
Alice stepped down gracefully, her expression calm, but Eryon noticed the pride shimmering in her ocean-blue eyes.
Next came the colossal boy—the bear-like child.
"Name?"
"Brann Stonefist," he said, his voice as deep as a drum.
When Brann pressed his hand to the crystal, the sphere glowed with a solid, earthy brown hue.
"Normal Affinity—Earth Element," Ardyn declared.
A decent result. Brann nodded in satisfaction and returned to his place, earning approving murmurs.
Soon it was Ryn's turn.
He stepped forward confidently and placed his palm on the crystal.
A steady glow of golden light filled the orb.
"Normal Affinity—Light Element," Ardyn called out.
Ryn clenched his fists in determination. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was solid—more than enough to move forward.
Then came Kael.
Slender and quick-witted, Kael closed his eyes and touched the crystal.
Suddenly, the orb pulsed with shifting colors—space seemed to ripple around it for a moment, and a deep, shadowy glow emerged.
The examiners leaned in, their brows furrowing.
"High Affinity—Space Element," Ardyn announced after a long pause.
Gasps erupted among the candidates. Space affinity was rare—incredibly rare.
Kael returned to the group, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.
Finally, it was Eryon's turn.
Heart pounding, he stepped forward.
He placed his hand against the smooth surface of the crystal.
Instantly, the sphere erupted into a fierce, blazing red light. The temperature around the platform spiked violently—so much that some of the nearby candidates had to step back. The air shimmered from the heat.
Ardyn's eyes widened in alarm, stepping forward—but as quickly as it had begun, the reaction calmed, the temperature dropping, and the crystal stabilizing into a steady, burning crimson.
The examiner stared at the crystal for a long moment before speaking.
"Odd reaction..." he muttered, frowning. "Test again."
Eryon, still confused, placed his hand back on the sphere. This time, the reading was straightforward.
"Normal Affinity—Fire Element," Ardyn announced.
Still, he gave Eryon a second, lingering glance before waving him off.
As Eryon returned to stand beside Kael and Ryn, his mind raced. Something had happened during that first touch—something that felt far deeper than a mere elemental reading.
But for now, he pushed the thoughts aside. There was still one trial remaining.
And the most dangerous part was yet to come.