Deep within the academy, past towering halls inscribed with age-old runes, a secluded chamber pulsed with restrained energy. The walls were embedded with glowing engravings that dampened sound and prying eyes, ensuring absolute secrecy. Seated around a grand circular table were the moderators—elite engraving masters tasked with overseeing the entrance examinations. Each bore an aura of authority, their robes embroidered with inscriptions that symbolized their expertise.
At the head of the table sat Grandmaster Aldric, an elder whose mere presence commanded silence. His silver-white beard contrasted sharply with the deep lines of experience etched onto his face. His piercing gaze swept across the gathered moderators before he spoke.
"The talent test results have exceeded expectations." His voice was calm, yet heavy with meaning. "We have several applicants with potential… but one in particular stands above the rest."
A younger moderator, Master Orlan, smirked and leaned forward. "You must be speaking of Elias . His score was… unnatural."
Murmurs spread around the table. Elias had achieved something unprecedented—the crystal ball had nearly shattered under the force of his talent. It was as if the very essence of inscriptions had resonated with him.
"His affinity is the highest recorded in decades," another moderator admitted, a mix of awe and concern in his tone. "He is no ordinary prodigy."
"And yet," a woman interjected, her voice smooth but laced with intrigue, "he is not the only remarkable one. Seraphina Valcrest."
A subtle shift in the room's atmosphere followed the mention of her name.
"She caused a phenomenon," Master Orlan admitted, his smirk fading. "The Light of Reverence."
Even Grandmaster Aldric's expression grew serious. "The Light of Reverence appears only for those with an innate connection to divine engravings. Such individuals are either destined for greatness… or disaster."
The room fell silent.
"Then there is another," Aldric continued. "One who did not rank at the top but still demands our attention."
The moderators exchanged glances.
"Ryn."
The name carried little weight compared to Elias or Seraphina, yet it had been noted. His talent had been overshadowed, but his results were still excellent.
"What makes him stand out?" someone asked.
Grandmaster Aldric's gaze darkened. "His inscriptions displayed an unorthodox reaction. There was an underlying resonance, something even the crystal ball struggled to measure."
"Unstable?" a moderator inquired.
"No," Aldric answered. "Mysterious."
The discussion moved to the others who had impressed, including a few unknowns who had achieved remarkable scores. Yet, amidst all the debates, one other name was barely mentioned.
Veyran.
No one knew his origins. His talent test score had been above average but not enough to draw suspicion. He had blended into the background. But if any of the moderators had been paying closer attention, they might have noticed his chillingly precise performance—the kind that suggested he wasn't taking the test to pass, but to observe.
The meeting ended with Grandmaster Aldric's final words:
"Tomorrow, the physical test begins. Watch closely. Some of these applicants may define the future of the academy… and beyond."
* * *
The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in golden light, casting long shadows over the vast training field where hundreds of applicants gathered. The air buzzed with tension and quiet determination—those who had passed the first test now stood on the threshold of their next trial.
At the forefront of the gathering stood Grandmaster Aldric, his sharp gaze scanning the sea of hopefuls. Behind him, several high-ranking instructors observed in silence, their robes inscribed with intricate glyphs that shimmered faintly under the daylight.
"Welcome to the second test," Aldric's deep voice carried across the field, silencing the murmurs. "This test will determine your physical aptitude. Engraving Masters are not mere scholars—they must endure hardship, possess strength, and have the endurance to withstand the strain of inscriptions."
He gestured to the field behind him.
"The test is simple: You will run through a pre-determined obstacle course, spanning five kilometers. Along the way, you will face physical trials designed to push you beyond your limits. Fail to complete it, and you will be disqualified."
Some applicants tensed at the announcement, while others smirked in confidence. Elias stood with his arms crossed, eyes filled with calm indifference, as if the challenge was beneath him. Nearby, Seraphina's serene face betrayed no concern, her posture elegant yet poised for action.
Ryn, however, took a slow breath. He had expected something difficult, but an endurance-based trial was not his strong suit. He was confident in his intellect and engraving talent, but his physical fitness… that was another story.
Beside him, Veyran stood with an unreadable expression. He had lived through brutal trials in his life. To him, this test was nothing more than a mild inconvenience.
"Begin!" Aldric's command cut through the air like a blade.
A large gong resounded, signaling the start. The mass of applicants surged forward, feet pounding against the ground as they charged into the first leg of the course.
A hundred meters in, the applicants reached a designated area where they were forced to pick up weighted packs before continuing. The weights varied according to their engraving test results—the more talent they had displayed, the heavier their burden.
Elias, naturally, had received the heaviest pack, a massive burden that made ordinary applicants stagger just looking at it. Yet, with an effortless motion, he swung it over his back and resumed running without hesitation.
Seraphina, despite her delicate appearance, carried her weight with a surprising grace, as if her body was in perfect harmony with every motion she made.
Ryn gritted his teeth as he shouldered his own pack—it wasn't as heavy as Elias' but was still burdensome. He wasn't weak, but he wasn't strong either. Each step felt like dragging his own body through thick mud.
Veyran, on the other hand, adjusted his load with ease. His life had honed his endurance to an unnatural degree. As others began to slow down, he maintained a steady, calculated pace.
The next obstacle loomed ahead—a towering wooden wall, reinforced with iron engravings that made the surface smooth and slick. A single rope dangled from the top, serving as the only means to climb.
Already, some applicants struggled, their bodies weighed down by their packs. Some attempted to hurl themselves upward, only to slip and crash back down.
Elias, without hesitation, grasped the rope and scaled the wall in a few swift motions, landing gracefully on the other side.
Seraphina was more methodical. She analyzed the wall, timed her movements, and ascended in smooth, elegant strides.
Ryn hesitated only briefly before pulling himself upward. His muscles burned, but he pressed on, each movement fueled by sheer will. As he reached the top, he stole a glance downward—many had already given up.
Veyran remained unreadable, climbing with eerie efficiency. He made no wasted movements.
The Trial Continues…
The obstacle course stretched on, each trial pushing the applicants to their limits. The weak were weeded out, collapsing under pressure or failing to clear the barriers.
By the time they reached the final stretch, the number of competitors had already dwindled.
And yet, the true challenge had only just begun.