The eastern yard of the Academy sprawled into eight massive dining chambers, each a cavernous expanse capable of seating at least 20,000 aspirants.
The self-serve system was a marvel of efficiency. Long tables laden with platters of roasted fowl, steaming barley stew, fresh rye bread, and bowls of spiced root vegetables, with refill stations strategically placed to prevent any hint of chaos.
Despite the 16,000 to 17,000 candidates filling the chamber where Caelumis and Torren found themselves, the air felt open, the chatter a lively hum rather than a crushing roar.
Guards patrolled the edges, their gleaming armor reflecting the glow of enchanted lanterns, ensuring order in this city within a city.
Caelumis and Torren claimed seats at a table near a refill station, the scent of warm bread and savory broth wrapping around them.
Torren leaned forward, his brown eyes glinting with curiosity and a touch of envy. "Wow, dude, you really have the Light attribute."
Caelumis scratched his neck, his cheeks flushing under his white hair. "I'm still surprised myself," he admitted, his golden eyes flickering.
Torren scooped a spoonful of stew, his grin widening. "How were the rune theory questions? Did they trip you up, since Light wasn't what you expected?"
Caelumis shook his head, a small smile breaking through. "I thought they would, but most were based on Fire and Wind. There were a few tricky ones mixing both theories, but… I think I managed okay."
Torren slammed his hand on the table, his wide grin lighting up the space. "That's what I'm talking about! My guess was right about you!"
Caelumis blinked, puzzled. "A guess about me?"
Torren's enthusiasm faltered, his words tumbling out before he caught himself. "Yeah, I thought you were a smart foo—" He froze, then corrected with a sheepish laugh. "I mean, you're smart and nice."
Caelumis raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching. "Yeah, I caught that."
"Hehe, sorry," Torren said, rubbing the back of his head, his grin unapologetic.
A voice cut through their banter, sharp and dripping with confidence. "There's the loser, Caelumis. What, you want me to search for you? Can't come find me yourself?"
Caelumis and Torren turned, the air shifting as a broad-shouldered boy with a chiseled jaw and a smug grin sauntered toward their table.
His presence filled the space like he owned it, his fine tunic marked with a noble crest that gleamed under the lanterns.
The chatter around them dipped, eyes turning to the him, his confidence bordered on arrogance. Caelumis's stomach tightened at his voice.
"Hey, what're you yapping about?" Torren snapped, his brown eyes flashing as he leaned forward, but Caelumis cut him off, rising with a speed that betrayed his nerves.
He bowed low, his white hair falling into his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Varnik," Caelumis said, his voice tight, almost pleading. "I tried looking for you, but the crowd's huge, and I got lo—"
Varnik loomed closer, his jaw set in a sneer that oozed contempt. His broad shoulders blocked the lantern light, casting a shadow over Caelumis. "Oh, sorry?" he mocked, his voice loud enough to draw eyes from nearby tables.
He grabbed Caelumis's shirt, yanking him forward so hard the table rattled, stew sloshing. "You think you're hot shit now, huh? Just 'cause some dusty crystal says you've got a fancy attribute? Pathetic." His eyes blazed with rage, his words dripping with venom as he shoved his face closer, his breath hot and sour. "Know your place, you lowborn rat."
Caelumis kept his head bowed, his golden eyes hidden, his silence a desperate shield against the onslaught. The chamber's chatter dipped, aspirants craning their necks, some smirking, others shifting uncomfortably.
Torren's fists clenched under the table, his knuckles white, his pity for Caelumis burning into anger, but he stayed frozen, caught by the sheer force of Varnik's presence.
Varnik shoved Caelumis back, hard enough to make him stumble, and snatched his seat with a swagger that screamed ownership. "Hey, peasant," he sneered, kicking Caelumis's untouched plate of herb-crusted fowl toward himself. "You eat this yet? Or is it too good for your gutter-born mouth?"
Caelumis steadied himself, his voice low, almost too calm. "No, Varnik, I haven't. It's yours."
Varnik's laugh was a harsh bark, drawing more eyes. "Damn right it is," he said, tearing into the meal with exaggerated gusto.
He leaned back, wiping his mouth with a sleeve, his grin cruel. "Oh, and one more thing, loser." He stood, towering over Caelumis, his voice booming for the crowd. "I'm under the wing of Lord Eryndor, heir to House Earl Vaeloria. My blood's worth more than you'll ever scrape together. We went to the same middle school, sure, but don't you dare act like we're equals. Your commoner stink'll drag my baron's name through the mud."
The chamber's air grew thick, whispers rippling like poison. Caelumis bowed again, his voice barely a whisper. "Of course, Varnik. I'll keep my distance."
Varnik snorted, waving him off like a servant. "Better. Now get lost."
Caelumis turned, his steps heavy as he wove through the staring crowd, their murmurs a knife in his back. He sought a quiet corner, a place to escape the sting of Varnik's cruelty, but another tug on his sleeve stopped him. He spun, bracing for another blow, but found Torren's furious eyes instead.
"Caelumis, what the hell?" Torren hissed, his voice low but shaking with outrage. "Why're you letting that bastard walk all over you?"
Caelumis blinked, his smile weak. "Torren, why'd you follow me?"
"Why?" Torren's voice rose, drawing a few glances. "I'm not eating with some noble prick I don't know! But seriously, why'd you let him do that? The Academy's rules say grades are all that matter here, not his fancy crest or his lord's name. Stand up for yourself, damn it!"
Caelumis's gaze dropped, his voice soft, haunted. "I appreciate it, Torren, but… the rules only protect me for three years. Once we're outside these walls…" His words trailed off, heavy with the weight of a world where noble blood could crush a commoner's dreams.
Torren's eyes widened, his anger softening to understanding, but his frustration flared again. "You should've at least let me say something! I could've shut him up!"
Caelumis shook his head, his smile faint but resolute. "I couldn't let you become his target just for defending me."
Torren's jaw dropped, then his grin broke through, fierce and warm. He clapped Caelumis on the back, nearly knocking him forward. "You're too damn noble for your own good. Come on, let's get you a new meal set. No way I'm letting that jerk ruin your lunch."
"Who is that guy, anyway?"
Caelumis sighed, his golden eyes scanning the bustling yard. "Varnik's one of the three my school recommended for the Academy's entrance. He's gifted with the Earth attribute, and his father's a sixth-circle Earth mage. Varnik's already a third-circle user.. miles ahead of the rest of us, who haven't even formed a single circle."
Torren's jaw dropped, his grin twisting with disbelief. "Damn! A third-circle? I thought he was just all bark!"
Caelumis's lips twitched, a faint smile breaking through. "Well, if you keep talking to me, you'll end up on his bad side. You'd better find better company."
Torren waved him off, his grin undaunted. "Nah, I'm good. I may not have a crest..my family's not official nobility, but my father, Gavren of House Tormund, is a legend among the Empire's knights."
Caelumis's eyes widened. "Wait, you're Torren Tormund?"
Torren's grin turned cocky, his earth-brown eyes gleaming. "That's me. My Earth magic's only first-circle, but my skills are Top-notch. Just wait 'til round two, I'll show you all what I can do."
Caelumis chuckled, caught by Torren's infectious confidence. "Wow."
They stepped out into the eastern yard, the Academy's spires casting long shadows over the thinning crowd. Caelumis's gaze swept the area, and his heart leaped as he spotted a flash of sky-blue hair. "That's her," he said, pointing. "That's Aeri."
Torren followed his gaze, his eyes widening. "Damn, she's ho—uh, cute." He caught himself, then nudged Caelumis with a sly grin. "Gonna introduce me or what?"
Caelumis shot him a mock glare. "I was about to, but not anymore."
"Come on, man!" Torren laughed, but his protest was cut short as Aeri turned, her face lighting up at the sight of Caelumis.
"Caelumis!" she called, weaving through the crowd. "I was looking for you everywhere!"
"I was too," Caelumis said, his voice warm but cut off by Torren's enthusiastic leap.
"Hello, Miss Aeri!" Torren bellowed, extending a hand. "I'm Torren. Nice to meet you. You seem fine today!"
Aeri blinked, then smiled politely. "You too, Sir Torren." She turned to Caelumis, her eyes bright with excitement. "I heard you got the Light attribute. I was shocked. Congrats!"
Caelumis scratched his neck, his cheeks flushing. "Yeah, me too. How'd your exam go?"
"It went well," Aeri said, her tone confident but relieved. "Good thing I studied beforehand."
Torren leaned in, curious. "What's your attribute, Miss Aeri?"
"Water," she replied, brushing a strand of blue hair behind her ear.
"Oh, nice!" Torren said. "Mine's Earth. The questions were pretty standard, right?"
Aeri nodded. "Mostly, but a few were tricky."
Caelumis glanced around, his brow furrowing. "Where are Borun and Vol?"
"They were escorted to a separate building for attendants," Aeri said. "If I pass, I can request two slots for them. The elderly madam watching them seemed kind. Borun's in good hands."
Caelumis smiled, relief softening his features. "That's good to hear. I hope Borun's okay."
Torren tilted his head. "Who're they?"
"My brothers," Aeri said, her voice softening with pride. "I want them to see the Academy before they're old enough to join."
"That's… a great plan," Torren said, nodding thoughtfully.
Caelumis's gaze turned serious. "I think the second round is survival."
Torren's eyes lit up. "Yup! They'll drop us in that massive forest under the Academy's control."
"Three days, right?" Caelumis asked.
Torren shrugged, his grin sly. "Depends on the quests. They change every year, but the theme's always survival."
Aeri's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "Oh, I forgot. Once the first-round results are out, walk-ins who qualify have to hand over their crests before the second round. Those who fail pick up their attendants and leave."
Torren nodded. "Makes sense. Without crests, nobles can't blackmail anyone into working for them." He turned to Caelumis, his grin turning mischievous. "Hey, Caelumis could claim he's the fourth prince, and no one would know if it's true, haha!"
He clapped Caelumis's shoulder, then frowned. "Wait, why'd you get so stiff all of a sudden?"
Caelumis forced a laugh, his eyes containing a trace of crimson. "It's nothing...But..Why the fourth prince?"
Torren chuckled. "Well, everyone knows the faces of the three princes, so you'd have to pick him, lol."
"Yeah.. haha.." Caelumis joined the laughter, the crimson glint in his eyes fading into gold.
The trio turned as a stage rose in the yard, its wooden frame draped with the Academy's banners, ready to announce the first-round results.
The crowd thickened, the air crackling with anticipation. Just one hour remained until the verdict, and with it, the shadow of the survival round loomed, promising a trial that would test not just their skills, but the fragile bonds forming between them.