The exam hall fell silent as the first test was revealed.
At the center of the room, a large contraption stood—an intricate machine of polished metal and carved stone, humming softly with contained power as if aware of the magic soon to be poured into it.
Headmaster Jouska stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "The first test is simple," he announced. "You will demonstrate your ability to wield mana, the basis of any mage. Strength, control, and stability will be measured. If your magic is weak or erratic, you will not proceed to the next phase."
A murmur spread through the examinees.
One by one, students stepped forward, placing their hands on the machine. Each time, the machine flared to life, its glow shifting in intensity to reflect the examinee's power. Some burned bright and steady—those were the ones who passed. Others flickered weakly or flared chaotically, and when that happened, the examiners signaled the student's failure.
The first disqualification came within moments.
A young man with trembling hands pressed his palm against the stone, his mana sparking erratically before fizzling out. A dull, unimpressive glow appeared—barely more than candlelight.
"Disqualified," one of the examiners said, already waving him aside.
The man gasped, stepping back in disbelief. "But—"
"You may leave."
It happened again with the next student. And then another.
Hopefuls were cut down, their potential dismissed before they could move beyond this simple measure of mana.
The witches watched as student after student was dismissed, some leaving in stunned silence, others fighting back frustrated tears.
Vell, standing at the side of the room, observed without comment. As a former and senior member of Herow's staff, he had been allowed to stay, though only as a simple observer.
He looked entirely indifferent to the results.
His Blackbird had to wait outside as she wasn't part of the faculty or a participant in the exam.
The former Green Witch, now the Blue Witch, stepped forward first. She placed her palm against the stone, her mana flowing effortlessly. The runes pulsed a deep, steady glow, unwavering.
The examiners exchanged glances, nodding to each other before motioning for her to step aside.
She had passed.
The others followed.
The Fire Witch's glow flared bright, powerful, and unwavering.
The Illusion Witch's mana swirled, morphing and flickering but never unstable.
One by one, each of them passed, their magic undeniable.
By the time it was over, nearly half the examinees had been disqualified. Those who remained stood taller, though tension still hung in the air. This was only the first test, if barely a test at all, and it had already thinned their numbers.
Jouska scanned the remaining students, his gaze lingering on the Dread Mage's witches, scrutinizing them with care.
Then, after a pause, he spoke again. "Those who remain, prepare yourselves for the written exam."