(Opening Scene: The simulated arena is a vast, circular space, shimmering with magical energy. Applicants are called forward one by one to face increasingly complex combat simulations. A booming voice announces the rule: "You may bring any weapon of your choosing into this arena.")
The simulated encounters varied wildly. A fire mage faced a swarm of fire elementals, a water bender battled a monstrous water serpent, a swordsman dueled a phantom knight. Zane watched with a mixture of fascination and apprehension. Most applicants brought weapons – swords, staves, even enchanted gauntlets. He felt the familiar pull of the void, his hand instinctively reaching for the space where the Null Blade usually resided.
When it was his turn, he hesitated. The previous simulations had been challenging, but manageable. He wondered if bringing forth the Null Blade, with its destructive potential, was overkill. However, as he stepped into the arena, Master Elmsworth's voice echoed through the space, laced with a new intensity.
"Due to the… unique nature of this applicant's abilities," the headmaster announced, "we will increase the difficulty of his simulation to its highest level. Prepare yourself, young man."
The arena shimmered, and a formidable figure materialized – a towering construct of pure energy, crackling with raw power. It wielded a massive energy blade and radiated an aura of overwhelming force.
Zane felt a chill run down his spine. This was far beyond anything he had witnessed so far. He knew, instinctively, that he couldn't hold back. He summoned the Null Blade, its obsidian form solidifying in his hand.
The energy construct moved with blinding speed, its energy blade slashing towards Zane. He managed to parry, the Null Blade meeting the energy weapon with a jarring impact. But the force was immense. Zane was thrown back, slamming into the edge of the arena. He felt a searing pain in his chest, a wave of darkness threatening to engulf him. He knew, with chilling certainty, that this blow should have been fatal.
As the energy construct prepared to strike again, something within Zane shifted. The shadows around him intensified, coiling and writhing. A dark, ethereal crown materialized above his head, a circlet of pure obsidian shadow. His eyes, moments before filled with pain, now glowed with an intense, dark purple light.