"Ah, about that... I am planning on doing the trial again."
As Zane finished his words, Lyra's eyes slowly widened in shock. She could barely say a word at all, she then said afterwards.
"W-wait, Zane. Seriously?! Did I hear that right? Sorry this is too sudden for me, I mean, the last time you did the trials was 2 years ago."
She paused for a moment, before continuing again.
"Do you really plan on taking the trials again? If so, I will inform instructor Eldros immediately."
A smile appeared on Zane's face, he then responded with a calm tone.
"Please do, Lyra."
Lyra stood still for a moment, a hint of confusion showing on her beautiful face. Zane hadn't done the test for over 2 years, and now Zane had comeback in Ironveil, 5 days just after he passed out of mana drainage, trying to cast a simple barrier spell from his family.
Lyra simply didn't get it, she thought that Zane was trying too hard again. After all, this wasn't the first time Zane had done this. Many times, Zane had overexerted his self in the trials, trying so hard to pass it. Zane had even passed out twice in the trials already, just like how he did in the academy.
However, seeing the determination on Zane's face, she simply couldn't stop him. It was always Zane's will and determination, that Lyra always liked about Zane. That's, why even though people judge Zane for being weak and powerless, Lyra thought of him differently.
Unlike anyone else, Lyra saw something in Zane, which other people didn't. After pausing for a moment, staring motionlessly at Zane, a gentle smile appeared on her face. She then said.
"Alright, and I hope you will actually pass this time, Zane."
Zane's expression became even softer, after hearing Lyra's words. He then responded.
"...I will Lyra, I will definitely pass the trials this time."
Right after Zane finished his words, Lyra then started to get moving, heading somewhere. The reason why she became emotional, after hearing Zane doing the trial again was because, this time, she actually felt like things were going to be different.
Nothing brought Lyra more joy than seeing Zane finally overcome something he had struggled with so many times before. To her, he was like a son—she had been by his side since he was a child, guiding him and teaching him many things. Watching him grow and succeed after so many failures filled her heart with pride.
Zane watched as Lyra left the dining room. He then shifted his eyes towards Velrath, who had an unusual gentle smile on his face. Seeing Velrath's face, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
[What's up with that face?]
[...What? What's wrong with my face?]
[Hmm... whatever.]
Zane then rose up from his seat, and headed in the training ground.
There is actually a certain day, where Thaleward's do the trials. However, since Zane was the only one left, it pretty much doesn't matter anymore. He could just do the trials whenever he wants too.
...
Moments afterwards, Zane was currently outside the castle, waiting at the training ground. For some reason, many people were glancing at him, however, just like what he always did, he ignored them and focused more on the important matter.
The reason why Zane was waiting here was because, this is the place where he is going to do the test. Not so long after, the instructor who will judge his capabilities, whether he is now qualified to move to the main castle or not, is finally here.
Seeing as the instructor was approaching him, he couldn't help but feel quite nervous. Remembering how strict the man was before, he couldn't help but feel nervous whenever he was near him.
However, Zane was now confident in his abilities. He had finally mastered the 5 basic Thaleward barrier spells. And he was confident that he was definitely going to pass this test.
As the instructor got closer and closer, Zane slowly bowed down his head, and said.
"It's an honor to meet you again, instructor Eldros."
Eldros had a cold look on his face. One glance at him, and you could immediately tell what he was thinking. 'This man is going to fail.' Zane could pretty much tell already, just by his demeanor alone.
Well, Zane had pretty much already expected this. After all, instructor Eldros was also a Thaleward, and Thaleward's had no businesses with a disappointment like Zane.
Zane raised his head, he then looked towards Eldros and stared at him for a while, waiting for his response.
"Yes, I am also glad to see you again, Zane."
He paused for a moment, he then continued.
"I am quite busy, so let's begin already."
Hearing Instructor Eldros's words, Zane's eyes widened. 'Seriously? Is he trying to speedrun this trial?'. However, Zane wasn't really that surprised. After all, he had already lost count on the amount of times he had done the trial. So, this was pretty much expected.
Zane then nodded after hearing Instructor Eldros' words, he then turned around and started distancing himself from Instructor Eldros.
Usually, this trial should have been more formal. But, since this wasn't Zane's first time doing the trial, and since he was also the only one left. Instructor Eldros had no reason to do this trial formally anymore. He just wanted to get it done as fast as he could.
And Zane understand that, so all he could do was go along with it. Well, its not like it matters much to Zane anyways, all that matters to him is the results.
Stopping, not so far away from where Instructor Eldros was standing. He then turned around, and focused his eyes on Instructor Eldros.
And as he did, the knights, and mages that were around Zane stared to glance towards him. They didn't really go as far as stopping their training or whatever they were doing, just so they could get closer, and get a clearer view on Zane.
After all, in their eyes, this was just another failed attempt. Although they were definitely slightly surprised, considering that Zane hasn't really done the trial for over 2 years now. Thinking that, he had probably given up already.
But, really that's not it. He was simply preparing his self even more, waiting for the right moment to do the trials again.