After the intense alchemy sessions and hours spent exploring the library's depths, my mind was buzzing with possibilities, theories, and, to my surprise, a growing interest in the art of elixirs and medicine. Freya's classes were demanding, and her expectations were sky-high, but as I watched others struggle, it fueled something within me—a need to rise to the challenge.
The night before, I'd caught a glimpse of a celestial codex in the Heaven's Lake dimension, its presence like a beacon calling to me. I couldn't ignore the feeling that there was more to be unlocked here, knowledge hidden beyond mortal reach. And now, as I lay in bed, I felt a sense of destiny, as though the ancient codex was waiting for me to claim its secrets.
But any musings were quickly silenced as dawn came. Today marked the first gathering of the different faculties, a chance for all students to mingle—a rare event in itself. The anticipation hung thick in the air as we prepared for the day.
The dining hall was transformed into a grand banquet hall, lined with colors representing each faculty: dark blue for Physical Attributes, silver for Spiritual, white for Healers, olive for Beast Tamers, violet for Alchemy, and crimson for Arrays. The banners shimmered in the early light as we filed in, each of us in our respective robes.
My eyes scanned the room, catching sight of Princess Isabelle Vixen in her silver robe—a glint of impatience in her gaze as she looked around. Her eyes lingered on Kai Xu, who seemed, as always, to ignore her. He stood among his Spiritual Attributes peers, arms crossed, his aura cold and distant. I saw admirers glancing his way, drawn to his unapproachable, enigmatic presence.
Mira, Aerin, Caius, and I shared a knowing glance, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for them. Despite our different paths, they'd become my closest friends. Though the rivalry between faculties was already brewing, we seemed able to look past it—a quiet understanding between us.
As the banquet went on, the Deans from each faculty stood, introducing themselves with a hint of grandeur. When Dean Freya introduced herself, she met my gaze for a brief moment, an intrigued glint in her eyes. It seemed she'd already noticed the strange way my powers didn't register on the power stone, and I could tell it was both a source of interest and suspicion for her.
Whispers had already spread through the students about my strange affinity. I could feel their gazes—some curious, others wary. It was an odd mix of attention that felt like a spark ready to ignite, for good or ill. But I kept my focus steady, avoiding their stares and reminding myself of what I'd come here to learn.
In the midst of the chatter, I found my gaze drifting back to Kai Xu. He stood apart, yet there was a tension about him, an intensity that felt almost otherworldly. A chill ran through me as if sensing the presence of something both familiar and dangerous.
My mind flashed back to our first meeting in the library, the way I'd sensed his sickness and the inexplicable urge to help him. His aura felt different from others—a strange balance of power and vulnerability, and I was certain now that there was more to him than met the eye. I couldn't shake the feeling that his illness and his distant kingdom were tied to something ancient, something powerful.
As the evening drew on, Dean Althea, the Dean of Arrays, took the podium, her sharp eyes glancing across the hall. Her voice was calm yet commanding.
"We are privileged to welcome a new class of promising young talents this year," she began, a hint of pride in her tone. "This semester, however, will be different. In a month's time, we will hold an Illusory Array Exam. This exam will test not only your attributes but your ability to adapt, survive, and think beyond the ordinary."
The hall was abuzz with murmurs as students exchanged uncertain glances. An Illusory Array Exam was a dangerous thing—it tested one's mind as much as their physical abilities, and rumors told of students losing themselves in illusions if their focus wavered.
Dean Althea's gaze seemed to settle on me, her eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge. I squared my shoulders, feeling a surge of determination. I'd faced unknowns before—if this test was meant to intimidate, it would not sway me.
That night, as I slipped into the Heaven's Lake dimension, something felt different. The air was thicker, charged with energy. And there, beside the lake, an old, ancient text lay open, almost as if it had been waiting for me.
My breath caught. It was the codex—the one I'd glimpsed before. As I approached, I felt a wave of familiarity. Symbols and characters I'd once known surfaced, memories of my past life as a divine doctor returning in a sudden flood.
The codex contained secrets of poisons, acupuncture, and techniques that went beyond simple healing. The teachings could serve as a foundation for something more—a way to defend myself, perhaps even create an organization one day that could stand against any foe.
As I knelt before the text, I felt a deep sense of destiny. This was my path, a gift from the goddess herself, and I knew that mastering these techniques would be crucial. I would need every advantage in the trials to come, especially with the growing attention on me.
I returned to my room that night with a renewed sense of purpose. This was only the beginning, but I could feel the weight of my mission settling upon me.