Exam Day—Spell Division
The morning sky was painted in hues of deep violet and gold, a quiet contrast to the tension simmering within the Spell Division's exam hall. Unlike the Alchemical, Beast Study, and Elementalism Divisions, where students had clear-cut tasks, the Spell Division's exam was unpredictable.
Each student would be given a custom-tailored challenge—designed to test their strengths, adaptability, and precision in spellcraft.
Isolde stood among the gathered fourth-year students, her hands resting lightly on the hilt of her Glacial Greatsword. Her ice-blue eyes held no fear—only focus.
She had fought in duels, battles, and even against assassins, but an exam like this?
Unpredictability is the real test here.
At the front of the hall, Professor Saria Valeheart, the Spell Division's overseer, surveyed the students. Her presence was calm, yet unnerving—a woman who had spent decades mastering the intricacies of magic.
"Welcome to your exam," she began, her voice steady but authoritative. "Your tasks will be assigned based on your individual progress and skillsets. Some of you will be tested on raw power, others on control and creativity. There is no single path to mastery."
She paused, letting her words settle.
"Once called, step forward. Your task will be given on the spot. Failure means disqualification."
Silence fell.
The exam had begun.
The First Few Challengers
The first student—a lean, sharp-eyed conjurer—was assigned a summoning trial. He had to call forth a greater spirit and bind it for three minutes.
He barely lasted two before the spirit broke free, ending his attempt.
The next—a red-haired battle mage—was tasked with creating a barrier that could withstand five consecutive strikes from the professor.
Her first two layers held.
The third shattered.
By the time five students had gone, only two had passed.
The difficulty was severe.
Isolde's Turn
"Isolde"
The moment her name was called, she stepped forward without hesitation.
Professor Valeheart studied her for a moment, then spoke:
"Your task is to compress and sustain an advanced-tier ice construct for five minutes. The construct must be complex—not a simple block, spear, or wall."
A construct.
Isolde exhaled slowly.
Ice magic was her domain, but precision work like this was more suited for enchanters and artificers.
Still—she had no intention of failing.
"Begin."
A Blade of Ice and Artistry
Mana surged through Isolde's veins, and with a smooth, controlled breath, she extended her hands.
Frost gathered at her fingertips, spiraling outward as she shaped the ice into a form—not with brute force, but with control.
A sword? No, too simple.
A sculpture? Not stable enough.
Then—an idea.
An ice phoenix.
Not just a bird of ice, but one with moving parts, a construct that would require her full concentration to sustain.
The moment the first feathers took shape, murmurs rippled through the room.
Some students had summoned shields or weapons, but this? This was art.
A graceful arc of frost curved into a set of outstretched wings, each feather razor-sharp but translucent, shimmering like crystal under moonlight.
The construct shifted, its wings flaring slightly as she poured more control into it.
One minute passed.
Then two.
Sweat formed on her brow. The level of mana refinement needed to keep the details intact was extreme.
But she held firm.
By the fourth minute, her breathing was heavier, her hands trembling slightly.
The exam room watched in stunned silence.
And then—
The final second ticked by.
Five minutes.
Isolde released the spell.
The ice phoenix dissipated, scattering into a mist of shimmering frost.
She let out a breath of relief.
Professor Valeheart nodded. "Pass."
It was a single word—but one filled with acknowledgment.
Isolde stepped back, expression steady, but inside?
A flicker of satisfaction.
She had done it.
As the next student stepped forward, Kalem, watching from the sidelines, smirked slightly.
"Not bad."
Garrick gave a low whistle. "An ice phoenix? You sure you're not trying to show off?"
Isolde simply folded her arms, her usual composure returning. "I did what was required."
Nara chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Keep acting cool."
The Spell Division's exam pressed on, but the mark had already been set.
Tomorrow, another division would face their trial.