The air within the academy felt heavier than before. The exams had culled the student body down to a mere hundred, and now the pressure of the final year loomed over them like an unshakable storm. There was no more room for mediocrity, no space for second chances.
This was the year where only masters would emerge.
For some, this realization was thrilling—a final challenge that would cement their names in history. For others, it was suffocating. The weight of expectations, of sponsorships, of their own ambitions pressing down upon them with crushing intensity.
Every student left in the academy had already proved themselves among the best. But now, they had to prove they could be more than that.
They had to prove they were exceptional.
The Elementalists: A Trial of the Body and Soul
In one of the academy's elemental training chambers, a small group of students stood before an older instructor with scars from fire, ice, and lightning carved into his skin—a testament to the dangers of the path they walked.
Nara shifted on her feet, eyes narrowing as she listened to the challenge ahead.
"You are all familiar with the manipulation of your elements," the instructor began, his voice firm but even. "You have used fire, water, wind, and earth as tools, as weapons. But that is not enough."
He raised his arm, and his skin shimmered—a moment later, it was no longer flesh, but molten stone, cracks of magma glowing beneath the surface.
"In your final year, you will learn what it means to become your element."
A murmur passed through the students, some in excitement, others in nervous hesitation.
"You will transform yourselves, merging your very existence with your element. But be warned—" the instructor's hand clenched into a fist, and the molten stone flared before shifting back to flesh, "—those who lose control may never return to their human form."
Nara smirked. "Sounds fun."
Spellcrafters: The Power of Forbidden Magic
Deep in the Spell Department's archives, Isolde ran her fingers along a tome bound in black leather, its title written in a language long forgotten.
She wasn't the only one granted access to rare spells, but among the ten students in the Spell Department, she had the strongest backing. The academy had invested in her after the tournament, and in return, they expected excellence.
"Independent study," she muttered, scanning the text before her. "Mastery of complex spells."
The words in the tome spoke of constructing spells from base components, weaving them together into forms never seen before. It was beyond rote memorization—it was magic at its most creative and dangerous.
Isolde had always loved challenges. But this year?
This was true power.
Historians: The Weight of the Past
Garrick stared at the list of historical specializations, his fingers tapping against the parchment.
Thirty students remained in the History Department, each required to choose a specific focus—a decision that would shape not only their final year but their careers beyond the academy.
War history? Cultural history? Arcane history?
He knew he had one chance to make the right choice.
Around him, the other students were deep in discussion, already forming plans for their research. But Garrick hesitated. He had always been drawn to the stories of lost civilizations, the echoes of knowledge that had been wiped from history.
Perhaps it was time to focus not on what was known, but on what had been forgotten.
Beast Study: A Challenge of Instinct
Jhaeros crouched beside Velka and Noir, his hands brushing through their thick fur as the instructor spoke.
"Your beasts are no longer mere companions," the instructor said. "They must become an extension of yourselves—your eyes, your claws, your fangs in the hunt."
Training a single beast was difficult enough. But Jhaeros had two.
Velka was already disciplined, a hunter by nature. But Noir? Noir was a shadow-panther, independent and stubborn, harder to command.
The final year demanded that every student's beast be as sharp and unwavering as their master. They would need to work in sync, responding without hesitation.
Jhaeros exhaled. "Guess we'll be busy."
Velka wagged her tail. Noir simply yawned.
Alchemy: The Pursuit of Discovery
Lyra twirled a vial of violet liquid in her fingers, watching the way it clung to the glass.
She had spent years learning formulas, reactions, and catalysts, but now she had to do something new.
She had to create.
The academy didn't want students to simply repeat what had already been done—they wanted innovation. Each student had to write a research paper on a subject of their choosing. But more than that, the research needed to contribute to the field.
It wasn't just about passing. It was about leaving a legacy.
Lyra's lips curled into a grin. "Time to make history."
Material Division: The Path of a Creator
Kalem studied the list of options before him.
He had two choices:
Train in the basic principles of synthetic material synthesis.Write a research paper on material science.
Both paths had their appeal. The first would hone his practical skills, helping him refine his ability to craft and manipulate materials into weapons, armor, and technology.
The second would allow him to contribute to the field, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
For Kalem, the decision was strategic.
He didn't just want to pass—he wanted to gain an advantage. To take something from this academy that he could use long after he left.
And so, he made his choice.
As the final year officially began, the students of the academy steeled themselves for what lay ahead.
This was no longer just a test of intelligence or skill.
It was a test of character.
Of endurance.
Of who they would become.
For better or worse, by the end of the year—
They would no longer be students.
They would be masters.