The academy's grand hall was packed with students, faculty, and staff, all awaiting the final results. The tension in the air was thick, an electric mix of excitement and dread. The first-year students sat in neat rows, some fidgeting nervously, while others wore blank expressions, masking their anxiety.
At the front of the hall, the head examiner, a stern elf with sharp eyes, stepped forward. "We will now announce the results of the year-end exams," he declared, his voice carrying across the hall with magical amplification.
One by one, names were called, followed by scores and brief evaluations. Some students exhaled in relief, others paled as they listened. Then came the results of the group.
Kalem: "Your technical execution is impressive, and your innovative approach to enchanting is commendable. However, practicality is a concern. Overcomplexity can be a flaw as much as an asset. Score: 6/10."
Kalem nodded, arms crossed, taking the critique in stride. He already knew he needed to refine his designs.
Lyra: "Your theoretical knowledge is exceptional, and your alchemical expertise is far beyond expectations. However, impulsiveness remains your greatest weakness. You take unnecessary risks. Score: 8/10."
Lyra huffed, folding her arms. "Impulsive? That's called confidence," she muttered under her breath.
Jhaeros: "A remarkable display of beast mastery. You have a natural talent, combined with deep understanding and patience. Even among Ilvaar, this level of affinity is rare. Score: 10/10."
Jhaeros blinked in mild surprise. He had expected a good score, but perfect? He glanced at the others, who gave him approving nods.
Nara: "Your elemental control is raw, powerful, and relentless. While your technique is still rough, your determination and force of will make up for it. Score: 8/10."
Nara smirked, arms resting behind her head. "Sounds about right."
However, the celebration of success was not universal. As the results continued to be announced, the first casualties of the academy's brutal standards became apparent.
Dozens of students were escorted out of the hall, their faces pale with shock or twisted in anger. Some cried openly, their dreams shattered, while others muttered bitter complaints under their breath.
"Unfair! I did everything right!" one student shouted before being silenced by a guard.
Others left in stunned silence, shoulders slumped in defeat. The first-year purge was always ruthless. Only those deemed truly capable were allowed to advance.
The remaining students sat in uneasy silence, reminded of how easily they, too, could have been among those cast out.
Once the final names were called, the head examiner cleared his throat. "For those of you who remain, congratulations. You have proven yourselves worthy of continuing your studies. However, the trials do not end here."
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.
"As is tradition," he continued, "the academy will hold the Year-End Gladiatorial Showcase. This event will allow you to publicly display your skills—both for honor and for evaluation. It is not a simple tournament, but a demonstration of how you apply your abilities under real pressure."
The tension in the room shifted. Whispers turned into excited discussions.
A gladiatorial showcase.
Some students grinned at the thought of testing themselves against their peers. Others clenched their fists, knowing the event would be another battlefield where only the strong would thrive.
Kalem's fingers tapped against his arm. A public display of skill, huh? He had spent most of the year improving quietly, working in the shadows of his forge. Maybe it was time to show the academy exactly what he could do.
Lyra cracked her knuckles. "This could be fun."
Jhaeros exhaled through his nose. "A test beyond written scores. This, I can appreciate."
Nara smirked. "Finally, a way to actually hit people instead of tossing around theoretical fireballs."
The head examiner raised a hand for silence. "Details regarding the showcase will be announced soon. Until then, prepare yourselves. The academy will not tolerate mediocrity."
With that, the gathering was dismissed, and students spilled into the hallways, their conversations buzzing with speculation.
The group exchanged looks, their exhaustion from the exams momentarily forgotten.
"A gladiatorial event," Kalem mused. "Not a bad way to end the year."
"Yeah," Lyra agreed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Let's see who really deserves those scores."
As they stepped into the academy courtyard, the looming event cast a long shadow over their remaining days of the year.