A clear, commanding voice rang out across the courtyard. "All students, please gather for the assessment. The trials will begin shortly."
As the words echoed, a scroll magically appeared in the air, displaying instructions for the newcomers: "Students may approach any of the various departments' trial stations to attempt the assessments. You may participate in multiple trials if you wish, but acceptance will depend on your performance. Follow the signs to each station. If you require guidance, please consult the faculty at each area."
I followed the crowd, trying to take everything in. Rows of buildings stretched before me, each with its own banners fluttering in the wind, each representing a different area of study. Alchemy, Martial Arts, Swordsmanship, Healing, Magical Theory… the variety made my head spin. Students streamed into each hall with confident steps, some chatting, some silently focused, their robes flowing gracefully.
I paused at the edge of the Alchemy Hall, drawn by a familiar scent. The earthy, herbal scent of plants I had already started to miss. A student in a white robe was carefully mixing ingredients in a large cauldron, murmuring the steps in a low chant. My eyes caught the Shenling Grass lying nearby, shimmering faintly in the light, and a second, smaller herb I recognized from old texts.
Wait… i think these two don't mix well. I've read this before. This could get… explosive.
I took a cautious step closer, murmuring, "Maybe I can just…take a closer look". His hand grabbed both ingredients, next to him the cauldron bubbled ominously. A faint glow escaped, and I quickly took a step back. I quickly tried to remind him: "Oh no… wait, wait stop! You can't put those two together!". But it was already to late. "BOOM" the cauldron exploded and with it painted the students face black.
Before I could panic, the professor overseeing the trial turned toward me, eyebrows raised. "Do you wish to try, student?" he asked calmly. His eyes were sharp, but not unkind.
I swallowed and nodded. The student stepped back, embarrassed but relieved that I was now the center of attention.
I scanned the array of ingredients. Most were unfamiliar, probably native only to this strange world. Then my eyes caught a familiar one: the Everchanging Herb, known to correct a wrong mix when added in just the right measure.
My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted the black, bubbling concoction, relying on everything I knew about chemical reactions and hoping my past knowledge could help me in this situation.
The mixture reacted strongly, bubbles dancing violently across the surface, and I froze, holding my breath. Then, as if obeying some unspoken command, the chaos subsided. The bubbling softened, settling into a steady, radiant glow.
I felt my chest tighten, and a rush of exhilaration surged through me.
I did it…
"Impressive," the professor said with a nod. "Not many students recognize the subtle interactions at first glance." My cheeks flushed, but I couldn't hide the pride that surged through me.
I exhaled, still buzzing from the excitement.
"Whoa… that was awesome!" a cheerful voice said behind me. I turned to see a boy with bright eyes and an easy smile, clearly impressed. "I mean… you just jumped right in! Most people would have panicked or ruined everything!"
I gave a small, humble shrug, cheeks warming. "Uh… honestly, it was mostly luck. And… I happened to recognize the ingredients. If it had been differeng herbs, it probably would've been a disaster."
He grinned. "Well, lucky or not… you saved it. That counts. I'm Kael, by the way. And you are…?"
"I am Lianmei. Nice to meet you," I said, feeling a little shy.
"Nice to meet you too. So… are you planning to try some of the other trials too, after acing this one?"
"Yeah, well… I was thinking of trying out elemental magic, maybe Beasttaming… or something else," I murmured.
"Ahh, that sounds nice. What about the Sword Trial?" he asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
"Ah… I'm not really into… swords and fighting," I admitted. "Well, at least not in a physical sense. I'd like it more in a magical way, I guess."
He shrugged playfully. "What a pity… it would've been nice to see you there."
"Well, if you get accepted, you could always show me a thing or two," I said, smiling.
"For sure! Let's meet again," he said, waving as we started moving toward the next trial stations.
The courtyard seemed alive with tension and anticipation. This was only the first test. The true measure of different skills and power would come later. But already, I felt the thrill of being here, in this magical world, surrounded by challenges that pushed every limit of what I thought I knew.
My feet carried me to the Elemantal Magic Hall. Students were practicing different kinds of magic, some were small, some so big, that just seeing it could take your breath away.
Some of them were clearly aware of more advanced techniques.
I clenched my fists subtly, focusing. My earlier attempt with the stone came to mind, and I felt a faint tug of energy in my fingers. Something's there… just waiting.
I reminded myself: Patience. Observe first, act later.
My gaze landed on a group near the back- four students standing close, quietly observing. Something about them felt… significant. Everyone is staring at them, some trying to stare secretly. Others well… let's just say they want to be noticed.
I didn't know why, but my gaze also sometimes strayed towards them. They seem strong… this piqued my interest.
And somewhere deep in my chest, a small, insistent spark whispered: This… this could be amazing.