The smoking crater left by Alaryc's explosion was still visible as the examiner and students tried to regain their composure. The heavy silence was finally broken by murmurs among the students, who began discussing what they had just witnessed.
"Did you see that?" a dwarf whispered to his neighbor."What was that flame? I've never seen anything like it!" replied an elf.
Even Silvarya, though she tried to mask her surprise, couldn't help but glance in Alaryc's direction. Her usually cold expression betrayed a hint of curiosity.
The examiner, after a few moments of hesitation, spoke up again."Well… that was an impressive demonstration. However, precision and control are just as important as raw power. We'll need to analyze this further. Alaryc, you may return to your seat."
Alaryc nodded and walked back calmly, though he could feel the eyes of everyone on him. Sitting back down, he let out a small sigh of relief.
"I didn't think my magic would have that effect… Freya, what just happened?" he thought.
Freya, the calm and ever-reassuring voice of his system, replied:"Master Alaryc, your blue flames are unique. They draw their strength from your deep affinity with the fire element. However, your mana also appears to have unusual properties that amplify the power of your spells. It's a good thing, but it will require more control in the future."
Alaryc nodded mentally."I'll train to control it better. I don't want to cause any more unexpected damage."
After all the students finished their practical tests, the examiner gathered the group."Well, that's it for today. Your performances will be evaluated, and you'll receive your results tomorrow. In the meantime, use the evening to rest."
Alaryc left the training grounds and joined his friends, who were waiting for him in the main hall. As soon as he spotted them, he noticed their faces glowing with excitement.
"Alaryc!" one of them exclaimed. "That was incredible! Everyone's talking about you. How did you do that?"
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Alaryc scratched the back of his head."Well… I'm not really sure. It was just a normal fireball… or at least I thought it was."
His other friend burst out laughing."Normal?! Alaryc, you created an explosion that the entire academy heard! Even the professors are talking about you now."
Silvarya, who happened to be passing by, stopped and stared at Alaryc. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before approaching."Alaryc, is it?" she said, her voice calm but firm.Alaryc nodded."Yes, that's me."She narrowed her eyes slightly."I'll admit your power is impressive. But raw strength isn't enough. If you really want to become someone, work on your control."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned on her heel and walked away. Alaryc, surprised by her words, felt a strange determination awaken within him.
"She's right," he murmured. "I need to become stronger, but also more precise."
His friends, a bit taken aback by his sudden seriousness, simply smiled."Well, you've already made quite the impression. Let's work together to become the best!"
Nodding, Alaryc headed with them toward their dorms, ready to face the challenges ahead.