The morning arrived like the breath of the beast.
The skies turned red with the light of morning, and vaporous coolness enveloped the sweeping spires and domes of the Everwood Imperial Academy. A chorus of birds trilled in the air above the training grounds, but the songs were drowned by the thumping of footfalls, anxious mutters and the familiar voice of metal opening from scabboards.
Today was the first day of the practicals.
The real beginning of the trials. The moment that would end up making or breaking the futures.
The written exams were behind them. The theory questions, magic diagrams, and strategic puzzles—none of those had any meaning anymore.
Then the real test begins.
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