The Decisive Assessment
The morning of the evaluation arrived with an overcast sky blanketing Academy Island. Carsel woke earlier than usual, his stomach churning with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was the day he would prove that eight years of "torment" in the bamboo hut had not been in vain.
Today they'll all see who I really am, he thought, tidying the simple clothes he'd meticulously washed the night before. His three roommates were still sound asleep, seemingly unconcerned about today's evaluation—the privilege of children who knew their family name was enough to guarantee a good position.
In the dining hall, hundreds of new students gathered with various expressions. Some looked confident, others nervous, and some, like Carsel, tried to hide a mixture of arrogance and apprehension behind a calm facade.
"Attention, everyone!" the voice of a middle-aged teacher boomed across the dining hall. The man wore a black robe with gold embroidery, indicating a high rank in the academy. "I am Professor Aldric, Vice Head of the Academy. The evaluation will begin in one hour in the Main Arena. Latecomers will be disqualified."
A nervous murmur immediately spread throughout the room. Carsel mechanically chewed his toast, his mind already focused on what was to come.
The Main Arena was a colossal amphitheatre capable of holding thousands. Today, the upper seats were filled with senior students eager to witness this year's "fresh meat." In the centre of the arena, four distinct platforms had been prepared for different stages of the evaluation.
"New students, listen carefully," Professor Aldric stood on the podium, his voice magically amplified. "The evaluation will consist of four stages. First, a basic magical ability test. Second, a demonstration of practical skills. Third, a group combat simulation. Fourth, an academic knowledge exam. The combined results will determine your dormitory placement and classes."
Carsel felt his blood pounding. Four stages. I must excel in all of them.
STAGE ONE: MAGICAL ABILITY TEST
The first platform was filled with crystals of various sizes, glowing with a soft light. In its centre, a gigantic crystal orb, one metre in diameter, radiated a strong magical aura.
"One by one, place your hand on the evaluation crystal," instructed a grey-haired female teacher. "The crystal will measure your mana capacity, energy flow stability, and elemental affinity."
Carsel queued patiently, observing the preceding students. The majority showed blue or green light—common water and wind elements. Some displayed red for fire, brown for earth.
Then it was the turn of a golden-haired boy with a strong physique and an almost perfectly handsome face. When he touched the crystal, a dazzling golden light emanated from it—a very rare pure light element.
"Extraordinary!" exclaimed the female teacher. "Rion Moonstone, mana capacity: 10 out of 10. Light affinity: 100% pure!"
"As expected of the chosen hero!" someone from the senior audience shouted.
"He truly will be a pillar of humanity!" another chimed in.
"Rion! Rion! Rion!" Chanting began to reverberate throughout the arena.
The entire arena erupted in tremendous applause and cheers. Senior students stood giving a standing ovation, and even professors nodded proudly.
Carsel frowned, perplexed by this exaggerated reaction. Chosen hero? What does that mean? Why do they all seem to know him?
After Rion, a boy with black hair and electric blue eyes stepped forward. When he touched the crystal, flashes of blue lightning sparked within it.
"Revan Silverlake," the teacher read in amazement. "Mana capacity: 9.5 out of 10. Lightning affinity: 95% pure!"
A second round of applause erupted, though not as loudly as for Rion.
Two monsters, Carsel thought with a mixture of awe and envy. But I'm no less.
"Next, Carsel Nightshade!"
With steady steps, Carsel approached the giant crystal. As a swordsman with dark affinity, he knew his magical abilities weren't as intense as a pure mage's, but he still possessed an element.
When his palm touched the cold surface, magical energy instantly flowed through his body. The crystal began to glow...
...with a pitch-black light that almost swallowed all light around it.
Total silence enveloped the arena – a stark contrast to the lively reception for Rion and Revan. Even the usually boisterous senior students were now quiet, witnessing the manifestation of pure darkness element.
"Hmm," the female teacher whispered, reading the numbers on the measuring crystal. "Mana capacity: 6 out of 10. Darkness affinity: 85% pure. Type: Swordsman with enhancement magic."
Uncomfortable murmurs began to spread among the spectators. Carsel could hear whispers: "Darkness...", "Dangerous...", "Like a dark wizard..."
Why are they reacting like that? Sage said darkness isn't evil, Carsel thought, beginning to feel uncomfortable. But he tried to maintain a calm expression.
"An... interesting result," said Professor Aldric in an unreadable tone. "Next!"
STAGE TWO: PRACTICAL SKILLS DEMONSTRATION
The second platform was a smaller training arena with various practice dummies and weapons. Students were asked to demonstrate their practical abilities—swordplay for aspiring swordsmen, spellcasting for aspiring mages, or martial arts for fighters.
Before Carsel's turn, he witnessed astonishing performances from Rion and Revan. Rion, with his crystal staff, created complex light constructs—swords, shields, even an eagle-shaped familiar that flew around the arena.
"Incredible! Truly worthy of being the chosen hero!" the instructor exclaimed in awe.
"Rion will save us all one day!" another spectator chimed in.
Revan, with an ordinary sword, exuded an aura of lightning that made every swing leave a mesmerising trail of electricity.
"Magnificent as well! Revan Silverlake certainly doesn't disappoint!" the instructor commented after seeing Revan's performance.
Carsel grew more confused by all the praise and expectations given to the two boys. Why are they both so... special in everyone's eyes? What do they have that I don't?
When Carsel's turn arrived, he felt immense pressure. After those two spectacular performances, anything he did would seem ordinary.
Carsel took a wooden sword and began performing a series of perfectly memorised movements. Eight years of training with Gareth paid off—slash, thrust, parry, riposte—every movement executed with correct technique and solid precision for a child his age.
Mid-demonstration, he attempted to use the dark enhancement magic Sage had taught him. A faint shadow enveloped his sword, making each attack faster and sharper. The practice dummy was cleanly severed at several vital points.
"Good!" exclaimed the instructor, though his tone was not as enthusiastic as when praising Rion and Revan. "Solid basic technique for a novice swordsman. Interesting dark enhancement."
The applause he received was much sparser and unenthusiastic. Carsel could feel the difference—he was good, but not spectacular. Not like the two "monsters" who had performed earlier.
This is it! This is what I want to show them!
STAGE THREE: GROUP COMBAT SIMULATION
This was the stage Carsel both feared and anticipated most. Students were randomly divided into teams of five to face monster simulations created with illusion magic.
Carsel ended up on a team with: Marcus (the blond noble boy who was his roommate), Elara (a brown-haired elf girl with wind affinity), Daven (a dwarf boy with earth magic abilities), and Sara (a human girl with healing magic).
In another team, he could see Rion leading his team with natural charisma, while Revan was on a different team with a calm but authoritative leadership aura.
"Alright, Team 7," the instructor called out. "You will face a goblin pack attack simulation. Determine your leader and strategy."
"Obviously I'm the leader," Marcus said arrogantly. "My father is the Duke of Silvermont. I'm used to leading."
"Wait," Carsel interrupted. "Why should you be the leader? I'm the most experienced swordsman on this team."
Marcus looked down on Carsel disdainfully. "You? An orphan with dark magic? Look at Rion and Revan's teams—they're natural born leaders. You? You're not even as good as them."
"I'm not a dark wizard!" Carsel snapped, frustrated at being constantly compared to those two "monsters." "And I have more combat experience than all of you!"
"Experience?" Elara scoffed. "Experience fighting what? Forest chickens?"
Daven nodded in agreement. "Marcus is better off leading. At least we know his family."
Carsel felt the familiar anger begin to boil. They're underestimating me again. It's always like this.
"Fine," he said, his voice dangerously cool. "But don't blame me if you all die."
The simulation began. Five holographic goblins appeared from various directions, screaming horribly as they attacked with spears and axes.
"Diamond formation!" Marcus shouted. "Carsel and I up front, Elara supporting from the back, Daven handling the flank, Sara healing!"
But Carsel wasn't listening. Frustrated at not being recognised as the leader, he aggressively attacked the nearest goblin, ignoring the planned formation.
"Carsel, get back to position!" Marcus yelled.
"I don't need a position!" Carsel retorted, slashing a second goblin. "I can handle them mysel—"
A goblin spear hit him in the back from a blind spot. If this were a real fight, he'd be dead. A red light flashed above his head—a sign of elimination.
"CARSEL NIGHTSHADE, ELIMINATED!" a magical voice announced his failure.
The team, having lost a key member, immediately fell apart. Marcus was forced to cover Carsel's position while leading, but there were too many gaps. Within five minutes, the entire team was eliminated.
"TEAM 7, FAILED!"
Carsel stood at the edge of the arena, his face flushed—a mixture of shame and anger. Around him, other teams were still fighting with much better coordination.
"Idiot," Marcus muttered as he passed Carsel. "Because of your ego, we all failed."
"Couldn't cooperate," Elara added in a disappointed tone. "Typical dark magic user."
Carsel clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. It's their fault for not recognising my abilities! Not mine!
STAGE FOUR: ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE EXAM
The final stage took place in a large classroom with individual desks. The exam questions covered world history, basic magic theory, mathematics, and logic.
Carsel performed reasonably well. Eight years of lessons with Elena and Sage were not in vain—he could answer most questions correctly, though not perfectly.
At least here I don't have to rely on anyone else, he thought, writing his final answer.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
That afternoon, all new students reassembled in the Main Arena for the results announcement. Professor Aldric stood with a long parchment scroll in his hand.
"The evaluation results are out. Students will be divided into four dormitory levels: Ruby for the best, Sapphire for the second tier, Emerald for the third tier, and Onyx for those requiring extra guidance."
Carsel held his breath. Definitely Ruby. Or Sapphire at least.
"Ruby Dormitory..." Professor Aldric began reading names. "Rion Moonstone—overall rank 1. Revan Silverlake—overall rank 2."
Rousing applause greeted the announcement of the top two names. Carsel looked at them with a mixture of profound admiration and envy.
Of course, they're at the top. Hmm, fine, let them have their fun for now, he thought.
Other names for Ruby followed—Marcus was there, as were Elara and several other students with outstanding performances.
"Sapphire Dormitory..." More names, including some Carsel recognised from the evaluations.
"Emerald Dormitory..." Even more names, and Carsel began to feel anxious.
"And finally, Onyx Dormitory for students who show potential but require extra guidance in teamwork and emotional control..."
"Carsel Nightshade."
Carsel's world crumbled. Onyx. The lowest level. He—who had diligently trained for eight years—was placed at the same level as children who couldn't even hold a sword properly.
No way. This must be wrong. I'm better than half the children in Ruby!
"Any objections, Mr. Nightshade?" Professor Aldric asked, seeing the shock on Carsel's face.
The entire arena stared at him. Hundreds of eyes awaited his response. Carsel felt immense humiliation, worse than anything he had ever experienced.
"No, Professor," he replied, his voice hoarse.
But in his heart, the fire of hatred that had burned for eight years now blazed brighter. They'll regret this. They'll all regret underestimating me.
That night, Carsel moved into Onyx Dormitory—an older, less well-maintained building at the far end of the academy complex. His new roommates were indeed problematic children: a half-orc boy who was too aggressive, a human boy too shy to speak, and an elf boy obsessed with necromancy.
As he lay on the narrower, less comfortable bed, Carsel stared at the ceiling with eyes sparkling with something dark and dangerous.
Alright then, he thought, looking towards Ruby Dormitory where Rion and Revan sat surrounded by admirers. If they want to treat me like rubbish while praising those two "heroes," I'll show them what real rubbish can do. I'll make them all regret it.
In Ruby Dormitory, Marcus laughed with his new friends, recounting how that "dark swordsman" had made their team fail. Rion and Revan, though not joining in the laughter, did nothing to stop the mockery.
No one knew that the decisions made today—underestimating a child who had harboured anger for too long—would be the first step towards something far darker and more dangerous than they could ever imagine.
And in the distant Oblivion Forest, Sage awoke from his sleep with a feeling that something terrible had just begun.