After training for what felt like eternity, Athenis was finally able to breathe again. She had been working on that unknown flower since that day. Lilith also joined her research after the disaster she witnessed. She was still thinking about what had happened that day, If it weren't for Athenis, she would have already been killed.
Whew...
She sighed, looking at Athenis with a somewhat concerned look. But now she had no time to think about something difficult for her to understand.
Because today was...
The day of the Royal Exam!
Lilith was sweating like crazy. She tried to sound normal, but the words just didn't come out.
What if i fail?
What if something happens during the exam?
She quickly shook her head not wanting to interrupt her brain with negative thoughts. Athenis was still working on that weird plant. She crouched beside the flower's base, her fingers never once touching it directly. At first glance, the flower almost looked unreal. It's petals bloomed in deep shades of violet, layered delicately like silk brushed by twilight. But appearence was just a weapon. Anyone who doesn't know about this flower could get in danger.
When she was about to observe it further, the clock bell rang, startling them both. Lilith's eyes widened in panic.
Feeling the tension in the air, Athenis looked at Lilith and noticed her trembling, face pale with worry. She wrapped her hands around Lilith's and gave a slow, reassuring squeeze.
"Hey… breathe. Nothing's going to happen. I'm right here with you."
Athenis smiled gently. Lilith's eyes softened as she smirked like she regained her motive to overcome this upcoming exam.
"Who said i was scared?"
Athenis smiled, patting her shoulder.
"That's the spirit!"
The Royal Academy stood like a living monument, it's ivory towers rising high into the clear sky, stained-glass windows catching the sunlight and scaterring colors across the stone courtyard.
Below the courtyard was filled with students. They all gathered in clusters across the wide grounds - unable to hide their nerves. The enormous doors of the Royal Academy opened like it was inviting students to explore the big Academy.
As Athenis and Lilith arrived in the Academy, they both were stunned, even Athenis, whose boredom came faster than thunder, was slightly excited.
So this is the place where students choose their fate.
How enormous…
Lilith was internally screaming. She grabbed Athenis's hands as she dragged her into the crowd full of students.
Athenis was surprised by the sudden action, but she didn't want to ruin her friend's mood, so she just sighed and shook her head.
What a troublesome girl...
As they both entered the crowd, Athenis could see powerful aura from students. She could tell which rank they were by just looking at them.
She looked around to see diffrenet types of students, some wore insignias stitched in gold and silver, marks of higher ranks that shimmered faintly with mana. Others carried themselves with sharp confidence.
Lilith's jaw dropped as she took in the sight of a group of handsome guys chatting with each other. Athenis glared at her.
What the hell is this girl is thinking now?
With a swift motion, she flicked Lilith's forehead.
"Ouch!" Lilith protested, rubbing the spot.
"So i was right, you had other intensions."
Lilith immediately frowned.
"Hey, don't get the wrong idea! I was just admiring them—uh, I mean their talents!"
Athenis rolled her eyes.
"Just don't cause any trouble. Don't make me regret coming here."
Lilith smirked.
"Hah! Of course not, you idiot. You'll see—I'll become one of the greatest students in this academy!"
They made their way deeper into the crowd, disappearing among the sea of students. There was a sudden change in the atmosphere. Students gasped, the gentle hum of voices faded as a sharp wept through the courtyard, it's force strong enough to tug atrobes and scatter loose pages across the ground.
Students fell silent. Their eyes wide.
From the grand entrance a tall figure emerged, his steps slow yet commanding. His long beard flow down his chest like silver threads, deep lines marked his face and dark circles rested beneath his eyes giving him a tired appearence, in one hand he held a thick, ancient book - it was professor Magnus one of the strongest mages in the kingdom. He slolwy lifted his gaze to look at students. He sighed deeply taking a step forward.
"It's good to see you all. I am professor Magnus, one of the Grand Examiners."
Students gasped, this was the legendary Grand Examiner.
Professor Magnus on the other hand looked bored like he had already seen these kinds of situations before.
He slolwy observed the crowd, looking at them intently, he sighed like he didn't find anything special.
The students were murmuring nonstop. Only one boy, standing in the midst of the crowd, remained silent.
His slightly messy red hair made him easy to notice, the bright color catching the eye immediately. His hazel eyes were focused—yet faintly tired—as he watched the professor with quiet intensity.
"Esteemed examinees, welcome to the Grand Examinations of Avangard Royal Academy. It is truly a privilege to address such talented and ambitious young minds."
The Atmosphere immediately changed making everyone shiver. His words were like magic that pierced through everyone's sleeping brain and pushing everyone to awaken. Whispers spread across the crowd but Professor raised his right hand as a sign of waiting and patience. He sighed heavily.
"I know you are all buzzing with excitement to step into the halls of this academy. However, according to the academy's rules, no one may enter without proving their worth. We seek not empty ambition, but passion and talent."
His last words made students shiver with excitement. Professor cleared his throat as he continued slolwy.
"I assume you are all familiar with the Royal Exams. However, allow me to repeat the details once more, so there will be no misunderstandings—or regrets—later."
He glanced around briefly.
"First, all candidates will undergo a question-and-answer examination, where your knowledge of magic and its categories will be tested. Grand Examiner Ophelia will oversee the first phase."
Students nervously exchanged glances, looking at Professor with wide eyes.
"The second phase, known as the Secret Labyrinth, will test your ingenuity. Only those who can discover unique ways to navigate the maze will escape; others risk being lost forever. Students must use their understanding of magic to forge keys and unravel the hidden meanings of the secret signs."
Professor glanced at students with his sharp gaze, waiting for their reaction. After observing for a while he slolwy continued.
"The third and final phase is Combat and Categories. Here, your survival depends on how wisely you use your talents, for the creatures you face are not ordinary—they too possess extraordinary gifts."
Students gasped when they heard the word "gifts" and "creatures". Athenis narrowed her eyes, a flicker of suspense crossing her face.
A chuckle escaped the professor as he took in the crowd before him. With a slow, proud smile, he lifted both hands toward the sky and proclaimed.
"Welcome to the Royal Exams, my dear future students!"