Behind them, Sophia Ashford tapped her notes against her palm, runes glowing faintly along her sleeve. Together, the three instructors were a wall of judgment.
Vivienne's voice cut the air cleanly.
"Today begins your final combat examinations. Four parts. Four trials. Together, they will decide your advancement into the second year. Fail, and you will be dismissed from this academy."
A ripple of unease swept the gathered students.
Reinhardt stepped forward, his voice like stone grinding on stone. "Part one: you will face a summoned construct. Alone. No aid. No hesitation. The construct will match your level… and then press harder. Show us whether you can adapt. Show us whether you can survive."
His black eyes swept the crowd. "Survival is the first law of combat. Prove you are worth teaching."
A single gesture from Sophia lit the rune circle. Lines blazed blue-white, and the air inside shimmered.
