The Academy bell rang out across the fields, short, sharp, and loud.
Nclai stood beneath the open sky with Lyra beside him. Both had returned to campus less than a day ago, but the rhythm of Academy life had already resumed like nothing had changed.
Except it had.
He felt it in the air, quieter conversations when he passed, hushed stares, the way some students bowed their heads without realizing.
Lyra elbowed him lightly. "You look like you're about to murder the bell."
"I wasn't looking at it," Nclai said.
"Sure you weren't."
They stepped through the east arch, where a gathering crowd was beginning to form in front of the courtyard projection platform.
Professor Ileron stood atop the upper platform. A scroll floated beside him, slowly unfurling with lines of golden runes.
He raised a hand. Silence fell.
"Effective immediately," he announced, "the Inter-Academy Ranking Test begins tomorrow at dawn."
A rustle moved through the crowd. This wasn't just another drill.
"Participants may choose to enter solo, in pairs, or in full squads of four."
Students whispered instantly, tactics forming in their heads, names already considered and dismissed.
"You will be scored based on survival, scouting, enemy suppression, and control over assigned objectives."
Above him, a wide illusionary map appeared. It depicted the Ward Zone Eight, a vast stretch of forested terrain, shallow ruins, rivers, and mist-covered hills.
"Magic restrictions will be minimal. All standard codes apply. Monsters are contained and scaled by zones. Choose your paths well."
Professor Ileron gestured, and a glowing crimson shard floated before each student present.
"Each of you will carry a Score Crystal to track performance. If you work in a team, your total score will be evenly divided.
He let that sink in.
"Larger teams may survive easier... but earn less per person. Choose wisely.
Another wave of crystal-light descended from above, this time pale silver.
"Also," he added, "every participant will be issued a Recall Crystal, a single-use emergency teleport that pulls you back to the safe zone if your life is in danger."
A few relieved sighs passed through the crowd. Others gripped their new crystal tightly
"Top four scoring individuals will qualify to represent this Academy in the Central City Tournament. That honor begins with this test."
He gave a final nod.
"Prepare your teams. Training grounds will close tonight. The test begins at first light."
With that, the projection dissolved.
Students dispersed immediately, energy buzzing through the courtyard.
Lyra turned to Nclai. "We're pairing, right?"
He blinked. "If you're sure."
She folded her arms. "You think I dragged you into my house to not trust you?"
He nodded. "Then we'll go together."
"Great. Just don't go full silent murder mode on me."
"I won't," Nclai said plainly.
A few other students glanced at them, whispering.
Lyra didn't seem to care.
She looked at her Score Crystal, then at the silver one. "So this one saves us if we're in trouble."
"Yes," Nclai replied, eyes on his own.
"Good. You'll need it."
"I won't."
She blinked at him. Then laughed.
"Cocky."
He looked ahead confidently as students scattered, the garden now nearly empty.
...