"We cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them"

-Albert Einstein

~Celeste

...It was a long day. So after eating and exploring the parts of the building that were open, around 12pm, we decided to go back to our accommodation for today. We had rocky days ahead, and like everyone else, we were exhausted.

When I got back to my room, tired but not as exhausted as when I got here, I took it upon myself to hop into the beautiful bath that they provided. I proceeded to go back to my room to retire for the evening and prepare myself for tomorrow.

My body was bruised and worn by the time all the adrenaline had worn off and to be quite frank the only thing keeping me sane through all of this was the fact that my competition was going to be just as battered as me; well unless they had some sort of healing power of course.

The bath washed away most of my physical troubles, allowing me to climb comfortably into my bed for the evening.

The remnant of my mental issues being the only thing keeping me tonight.

This place was weird

It was everything I expected and more, it wasn't the building or the institution itself that raised my eyebrows but instead the people. I watched the guides and they watched us. Constantly. I knew it was their job, their duty to watch over us at all times but I couldn't help but wonder, if there was a deeper meaning to their presence.

They were distant, authoritative but passive.

I also wondered about the nature of this whole trials thing. Was it really fair? how could it be considering the state of the world today.

It was no doubt that money could do a lot. But was there really a point in ensuring your child goes to the #1 Blue phoenix academy, I mean, it wasn't like they got any meaningful special treatment. Those in lower academy's were not trained worse or lacking in any facilities, the whole point of this place was simply to ensure no one was a threat to any members of the public due to a lack of education about their magic.

It was a mandatory task, we needed to be ironed out and this was the place.

The only real bonus that would be prescribed to anyone who forced their way into Blue Phoenix was the notoriety gained from being in such a position, or the lack of ridicule that would be faced if someone who was inherently meant to be powerful was at an academy that didn't replicate their status.

The administration seems very particular about the nature of the validity of these trials paired with the fact that the institution needs no extra funding would in fact lead me to believe that this was all 100% neutral.

I hoped so anyways.

I finally decided to allow myself to fall asleep, hoping I would catch up on the sleep I had missed and to regenerate my body a little bit.

I woke up after a very long sleep, gave myself a very feline stretch to relax my tense muscles and got out of bed. in the midst of all of my thoughts last night I happened to forget to set my alarm.

looking over I noticed that it was actually only 6am and that I would be okay for now. I did not know when the next trial would be or which trial they would choose for us next but i'd hoped it wasn't another physical. Sadly my sleep only seemed to have rejuvenated my mind as my body was still stiff and sluggish from the previous battles.

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I looked on my phone and saw no new notifications so i'd assumed that they would hopefully start the challenge later to give us time to prepare.

Before hopping into the shower I needed to message Chloe and Markan to see if they were awake as well. I didn't get much time with them yesterday as we were all very tired from the trip and the fights.

Obviously the ones who had a persona to upkeep let off no signs nor signals that they were bruised in any way shape or form.

Waltzing and parading down the corridors in the posh attire they brought here.

I knew they were drained like I was. I knew because they were powerful and that meant that they were trying harder than someone who is not.

It was pure pride.

Potentially ruining their bodies for the day's after and sacrificing their comfort for social capital. It was all so sad wasn't it.

Shoot me if I become so shallow.

Celeste-"Hey Chloe, you awake? we haven't gotten any messages from the Academy i'm

hoping that the next challenge is later in the day. My body is still so damaged from yesterday, how are you holding up?."

And sent. I wanted to message Markan as well, to see how he was feeling and if he was ready for today.

Celeste-"Hey Markan, how are you feeling? i'm still bartered from yesterday, hoping today is a bit lighter.”

I put my phone down but left it on loud notifications so I didn't miss anything important. Definitely needed to bless the bath with my presence today, I did not get the chance to properly soak myself in water last time, needing to hurry and get to bed but today I decided I was going to properly take my time to have a good soak.

And I definitely needed it.

After a long bath I got dressed into my underwear, I didn't know what I had to wear today and I didn't want to change into my normal attire to have to eventually change later.

I looked at my phone to answer my messages. I had heard my phone buzz during my bath but I was in no need to rush as the specific noise that came with their alerts were different to ours.

Chloe-"Hey i'm awake now, my body needed that rest I passed out as soon as I got here. I'm holding up okay, defo still achey all around. I hope the challenge is later as well, I need more time to marinate."

She texted me back about an hour after I had messaged her. Seems like she was just as tired as I was. I opened up Markan's message and read what he sent.

Markan-"Hey beautiful, i'm okay just a bit worn out. I hope today is lighter as well, but low-key I just wanna get this shit over with now."

I felt that.

Walking over to my mirror I glanced at my appearance, I was visibly tired but makeup would be an easy fix for that. My hair was in loose curls, curtesy of the water it was a lot easier to deal with. Not wanting to leave it up to chance I put my hair in a sleek high bun, laid down my edges and went back to my bedroom.

Hearing my stomach rumble reminded me of my bodily needs. The cafeteria was open from 6am, I don't know when it would close but by this time it was around 7:45 and I didn't wanna miss out that delicious food.

Celeste-"So we're feeling the same then. Wanna go downstairs and grab munchies? I don't know what time it closes and I don't wanna miss anything, the lord knows how hungry I am as well"

Chloe-"Of course I do! i'm basically ready i'll wait outside your door so we can go down together."

Well that's a plan.

Chloe and I made our way to the tables before getting our food. Today I chose cornmeal porridge to fill my stomach and it was a splendid choice if I do say so myself.

There was of course something prestigious on Both Chloe and Markan's plate; Markan met us downstairs and he joined us at our table after greeting his other friends.

The hall was way less crowded than it was yesterday, i'm guessing we all woke up at different times and that was why.

There also did not appear to be anyone of higher prestige here.

They probably all made themselves wake up extra early to leave a good impression. Sometimes I felt bad for them. Out of the many children of higher ups there has to be one who simply hated everything that came with the notoriety that they had. Constantly forced to walk through life as if everyone was watching, but they were, they were always watching, everyone was. Even me now I guess.

Buzz**

Well then. Here we go.

'Students, today's trial will be at 4pm, it is a shorter trial based off your ability to do combat without the use of magic. All usage of magic is prohibited during this Trial. If anyone has issues with more, 'unkempt' magic that hasn't already been addressed, please continue with the trial. The watchers will be looking and will see any intentional magic usages. Please do not make this mistake. The trial will end by 9pm in which you will all get a chance to dine before heading to your quarters for the night. Good luck! More information will be passed closer to the Trial. Please make use of the range of facilities available for you in the meantime."

Ah, networking session I see.