Their weapons shimmered in the early light—sharp swords, sleek spears, carefully strung bows, and ornate staffs. Some students held their weapons tightly, while others let them rest comfortably on their backs or hips.
Kael stood toward the edge of the gathering. He wasn't trying to hide—but he wasn't trying to be seen either.
All around him, students whispered and murmured:
Some were excited, smiling with energy as their warm breath curled into the chilly air.
Others looked focused, silently mouthing spells or going over battle tactics in their minds.
A few glanced at Kael with quiet curiosity but quickly looked away.
Suddenly, someone walked toward him.
It was Cecelia.
She moved through the crowd with a gentle presence that seemed to calm those near her.
When other students saw her moving towards Kael, they were jealous.
Her smile was soft, kind—as if she was used to comforting others.
She stopped beside him and turned slightly, her voice low and warm.
"Kael," she said with a low voice.
Her tone was friendly and genuine.
He turned toward her. "Morning, Cecelia."
Cecelia reached into her side pocket and took out a small bag. It was made of soft fabric and tied with a thin golden thread. She gently placed it into Kael's hands.
"Here," she said with a warm tone. "Inside is a minor healing potion... and crystal."
Kael blinked, slightly confused. Before he could ask, she explained.
"The potion is for small wounds. The wind crystal can give you a burst of speed—just in case you need to escape or dodge quickly."
Then she added softly, her voice more serious now, "And... if you ever find yourself in real danger... don't hesitate to call for help. Just shout my name. I'll come."
Kael froze for a second, surprised.
(Call for her? In battle?)
He looked down at the little bag in his hand, then slowly raised his eyes to her face.
"You're... going into the southern section, right?" he asked without thinking.
(Wait—why did I say that?)
(I shouldn't have said that... What's wrong with me?)
His face tightened slightly in regret.
Cecelia tilted her head, a hint of surprise on her face. "How did you know I was heading there?"
Kael paused, scrambling for an excuse.
"Ahh... I heard it from someone in your group," he said, trying to sound casual.
"Mm-hmm," she said, then smiled teasingly. "I'll still hear it, you know. My ears are sharper than you think."
Kael looked away awkwardly, scratching his neck. He didn't know how to respond to her gentle teasing—or to her kindness.
Still, he gave her a quiet nod of thanks. He wasn't good with words. But she seemed to understand anyway.
A part of him still couldn't grasp why she was being so kind to him.
And yet... he didn't reject it either.
Just then.
Professor Sylvia arrived at the Arcadia Terminal Gate, walking with three other professors by her side.
The murmurs among the students quickly died down as everyone turned their attention toward the group of instructors now standing before them.
Professor Sylvia stepped forward. With her hands clasped behind her back and her cloak fluttering slightly in the wind, she raised her voice so all the first-year students could hear.
"First-years," she began, "today marks the start of your midterm trial. This won't be just another lesson or a simple training session. This is your first real test. You will face the unknown, and the results of this exam will determine how ready you are to survive outside these walls."
Her words carried weight, making many of the students straighten their backs nervously.
Then, Professor Kalden stepped forward.
"Do not, and I repeat—do not—treat this like a game," Kalden warned, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Some of the places are not some training field. They are wild lands. A real battlefield."
He raised a finger for emphasis.
"There are beasts out there—creatures that move on instinct. They don't care who you are or what year you're in. If you make a mistake, they will attack. There are traps—natural and man-made—and they won't spare you just because you're students."
He let that sink in, then added coldly, "You're not here to die for glory. You're here to survive, complete your mission, and return... preferably with all your limbs."
The students grew quiet. Some looked at each other anxiously. Even Kael, who had expected this much, could feel the seriousness settle into his chest.
Then Professor Treneth stepped forward. Unlike Kalden, his voice was calm and gentle.
"Stay close to your team if you are moving as a group," he advised. "Don't wander off. If someone is hurt, heal them as soon as possible. If you don't have potions, slow down and rest. Save your mana and stamina whenever you can."
He glanced across the students with a softer expression. "And remember: don't let your pride guide you. Think before you act. Sometimes a step back will save your life."
Finally, Professor Sylvia returned to the front, holding up a glowing item between her fingers. It was a small, glowing talisman—like a paper charm.
"This," she said, raising it high so all could see, "is an emergency talisman. Each of you will receive one."
With a wave of her hand, dozens of glowing orbs of light formed around her. They floated gently toward the students, and as each orb reached its target, the talisman inside would materialize in the student's palm.
Kael looked down as one appeared in his hand. The paper felt warm to the touch and pulsed with faint magical energy.
Sylvia continued, "If you find yourself in a situation where your life is truly in danger, tear the talisman in half. It will instantly teleport you to the closest safety point set up around the grounds."
But her voice grew stern.
"However, be warned: if you use it... your exam will be reset. You'll have to take it again from the beginning at a later date. So don't be reckless—but don't be foolish either."
A silence fell over the students as they digested her words.