The next day, the academy announced a collaborative training exercise—teams of students would face increasingly difficult magical challenges. Izumi, Jack, and Aria were naturally grouped together.
The training grounds were vast, extending into an enchanted forest. Illusions, magical beasts, and traps littered the paths. The shard pulsed within Izumi, sensing subtle anomalies in the environment. This was no ordinary exercise.
> "Tested by mortals… or by gods," Izumi whispered.
Jack groaned. "Why can't we have normal exams? Like… math? Or history? No magical death traps?"
Aria ignored him, her focus on Izumi. "Remember, he learns faster than anyone here. But even he is not invincible. Your teamwork will be crucial."
The trio moved through the forest. Magical beasts attacked, illusions warped reality, and the environment itself shifted unpredictably. Izumi led with precision, weaving golden threads of shard energy to protect and guide them.
During a particularly intense encounter, a beast struck Jack, nearly piercing his defense. Izumi reacted instinctively, flinging a tether of golden energy to deflect the attack, while simultaneously launching a counterstrike that incapacitated the creature.
Jack breathed heavily. "Okay… maybe you are worth following."
Aria's voice was calm, analytical. "It is more than strength. Izumi's ability to anticipate, to read the threads of reality, is what makes him exceptional."
By the end of the exercise, the team emerged victorious—but not unscathed. The shard's energy had intensified, leaving Izumi drained yet invigorated. He had learned, adapted, and grown stronger.
> "This is only the beginning," Izumi thought.
As night fell, the shard pulsed in his chest like a heartbeat of gold. Somewhere beyond the stars, ancient eyes watched the boy named Izumi, the first mortal in countless loops who would one day challenge gods themselves.
And the first ripple of true divine testing had begun.