The class followed Kessler into the eastern arena, a broad expanse of stone inscribed with glowing lines of arcane circuitry. The air shimmered faintly above it, proof that the array was already active.
Kessler stepped aside, allowing Instructor Hale, who specialized in illusions, to take center stage.
"Today's scenario," Hale said with a calm, almost gentle voice, "involves ambush tactics. You will be dropped into an illusory terrain designed to replicate unpredictable conditions."
Nathan groaned quietly. "Last time he said unpredictable conditions, we fought giant mana-wolves in a swamp."
"Be grateful," Dorian murmured without looking at him. "A swamp is preferable to Hale's deserts."
"Deserts?" Adrian asked.
Dorian nodded once. "Heat. No shade. Limited water. Exhaustion tests. And scorpions the size of dogs."
Liliana shivered immediately. "So let's all pray it's wolves again."
