The training grounds of Arcadia Academy were breathtaking — a vast open expanse surrounded by ancient stone walls etched with glowing runes that pulsed softly like a heartbeat. The grass shimmered faintly under the sunlight as if touched by magic itself, and crystal pillars stood at intervals, humming quietly with protective enchantments.
Floating platforms drifted gently above sections of the field where advanced students practiced. Streams of clear water wound through the grounds like living ribbons, and trees with silver leaves swayed though no wind could be felt.
In the distance, students soared through the air, others shaped earth into forms, while bursts of light and sparks of energy flickered across different training circles. The sound of swords clashing echoed from a nearby arena where guardian trainees practiced precise movements.
Alexa walked beside her roommates, taking in everything — trying not to feel small.
They gathered with their group near a wide circular arena where their instructor stood waiting.
He was tall, composed, with sharp observant eyes.
"Good morning," he said. "I am Mr Kai Sauline, your instructor for elemental assessment."
Alexa nodded politely.
Then she noticed —
Valerina and her friends were there too.
Valerina smirked the moment their eyes met.
Alexa instinctively touched her hair — hidden beneath the wig her parents had given her. Only her family knew her natural hair was a deep, striking red.
Mr Sauline continued, "Today, each of you will demonstrate your abilities."
Students stepped forward one by one.
Sarah demonstrated graceful control of wind — lifting leaves into a swirling dance.
Mia cast intricate illusions that shimmered like dreams.
Stella filled the arena with radiant light.
Wendy shaped flowing water into elegant forms.
Ferah lifted stones smoothly from the earth.
Valerina stepped forward confidently — blue lightning crackled across her hands, drawing impressed murmurs.
Mr Sauline nodded. "Strong energy."
Then —
"Alexa Richardson."
Alexa's heart pounded.
She stood slowly.
All eyes were on her.
Valerina leaned toward her friends, loud enough to be heard. "Let's see if she brought another bathroom to explode."
Her friends laughed.
Across the field, Tedros — seated with the guardian trainees — frowned, clearly displeased.
Alexa swallowed.
Mr Sauline said calmly, "Show us what you can do."
"I… I can't," Alexa said quietly.
"Try," he encouraged gently.
She closed her eyes.
Nothing.
Silence stretched.
A few students shifted awkwardly.
Valerina snickered. "Maybe she forgot her bomb today."
Laughter rippled.
Alexa opened her eyes — shame burning.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Then she turned and ran.
—
"Alexa — wait!" Sarah called, running after her.
Valerina and her friends burst into laughter behind them.
Mr Sauline stood uncertain, watching her go.
—
Sarah found Alexa behind a row of crystal pillars, sitting on the grass, crying quietly.
"Hey," Sarah said softly, kneeling beside her. "It's okay."
Alexa wiped her eyes. "Everyone was watching… I couldn't do anything."
Sarah placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Powers come differently for everyone. It doesn't matter how long it takes."
Soon Mia, Stella, Wendy, and Ferah arrived.
"We came as fast as we could," Mia said.
Stella sat beside Alexa. "Ignore Valerina."
Wendy smiled gently. "You belong here."
Ferah nodded. "The academy chose you for a reason."
Alexa took a shaky breath. "Thanks…"
Together, they returned to their dorm room, the weight of the day still heavy on Alexa's heart.
—
Later that evening…
Mr Kai Sauline stood in the Headmistress's office, candlelight flickering softly against tall shelves of ancient books.
"Headmistress," he said, arms folded, "why is a girl with no visible abilities admitted into Arcadia?"
Seraphine Vale regarded him calmly. "Because she manifested power."
"She did nothing today," he replied. "Students noticed."
"She caused an explosion in her former school," Seraphine said quietly.
He scoffed slightly. "Then why is she not demonstrating it here? Perhaps she carried a device."
"That was my first thought," Seraphine admitted. "But Arcadia itself chooses its students."
She stepped closer to the window overlooking the grounds.
"If the magic of this academy sensed that the event was truly hers… then there is something extraordinary about Alexa Richardson."
Mr Sauline considered this.
"What would you have me do?"
Seraphine turned back. "Watch her. Closely."
She added quietly, "I will do the same — as will the council."
He nodded.
"And," she continued, "I will speak with her parents privately. I will go to them."
Mr Sauline inclined his head. "Very well."
He turned and left.
Seraphine stood alone, gazing into the night.
"Let us see," she murmured softly, "what you truly are."