Jessica entered the headmistress's office, feeling the weight of the room's energy press around her. Behind the large, polished mahogany desk sat Madam Celya, an imposing woman whose presence alone seemed to command respect. Celya was in her early sixties, her once-dark hair now a striking white that framed her face elegantly, each strand gleaming in the afternoon light streaming through the windows. Her dark, penetrating eyes were intense, as if they held lifetimes of wisdom and secrets. A few fine lines marked her face, but they only added to her timeless beauty, hinting at the strength and experience she'd gathered over years as the greatest warrior in Moirai.

Her aura was something nearly tangible—a force that seemed to ripple through the air, radiating an unspoken power. As one of the most skilled fire mages in the realm, Celya's very presence seemed to emit a heat that Jessica could feel from across the room, a simmering intensity contained within her poised figure. There was a dormant ferocity in her that could be sensed by anyone nearby, as if she were a volcano, quiet but ready to erupt with unmatched force.

Beside her, perched regally near the large arched window, was her eagle, an exquisite creature that held an aura nearly as commanding as her own. The eagle's feathers were a deep, burnished bronze that caught the light, making it appear almost golden. Its eyes, like Celya's, were sharp and intense, watching Jessica with a predatory focus. The aura emanating from the bird was as powerful as it was ancient; it was clear this was no ordinary eagle but a creature bound to Celya through some mysterious magic. Together, they formed an aura that was nearly overwhelming, a force that reminded Jessica of legends and myths.

"Madam Celya," Jessica greeted with a slight bow, respectfully placing the diary on the desk before her superior.

Celya nodded in acknowledgment and reached out, her fingers elegantly clasping the worn leather-bound notebook. She opened it with practiced ease, her gaze shifting from page to page as she absorbed Jurg's meticulous notes on each student's performance during the trial. After a moment, she spoke, her voice calm yet weighted with authority. "This group of students is... promising," she remarked, a hint of intrigue coloring her tone. "Far more so than those in previous years."

Jessica gave a slight nod. "Yes, indeed. Many of them displayed resilience and endurance far beyond what we'd anticipated. There were a few, in particular, who caught my attention. Among them was a student with a notably dark aura—Arya Sades."

"A dark aura, you say?" Celya's gaze sharpened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the significance of this information. "Those with darker auras often possess a hidden strength, one that can surpass that of those with lighter auras. Is she one of them? "

Jessica inclined her head, though there was a slight hesitation in her response. "It's still early to be certain, Madam Celya. It will take time and observation to determine if she is... one of them."

Celya's dark eyes narrowed further, a spark of interest flickering within them. "If she is indeed one of them, she'll need to be monitored closely." Her gaze lingered on Jessica for a moment, reinforcing the gravity of her words.

Jessica nodded, understanding the unspoken caution. As Celya continued to leaf through the pages, her attention was soon drawn to another name: Ray Sirio. She paused, eyes catching on the description of his unique aura. "A white aura…" she murmured, her expression shifting into one of intrigue. "That's rare. A student with such an aura will undoubtedly struggle at this academy. His path will be arduous, more so than he likely realizes. It's almost certain he won't last through the first year. How did someone with a white aura end up among the top ten in the southern village's military training?"

Jessica tilted her head thoughtfully. "Yes, Madam, it's uncommon. But there's something unusual about him. Please, read the next page."

Curious, Celya turned to the following page, and her eyes swept over Jurg's detailed account of Ray's trial performance. She paused on a particular line, her gaze becoming even more intense as she read it aloud, "His white aura caused a small crack in the stele…"

A glint of genuine intrigue appeared in her eyes, and she murmured a single word, "Interesting." For a moment, she seemed to linger on the thought, her gaze fixed on the page as though seeing something far beyond the words written there. Her mind was already strategizing, calculating the significance of this anomaly.

Looking up, Celya's expression was thoughtful as she met Jessica's gaze. "Watch him closely as well. It's rare to encounter such a peculiar aura. If he truly has such an impact, there may be more to him than meets the eye."

Jessica acknowledged this with a nod, sensing Celya's unspoken instruction to treat this student with particular care. As Celya continued scanning the pages, three more names stood out, each accompanied by impressive notes: Zirko Kuro, who had resisted the trial's intensity for an astounding four minutes; Marie Bolèn, who lasted three minutes; and Isaki Ryo, who endured two minutes and thirty seconds.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"These three…" Celya murmured, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "Zirko, Marie, and Isaki. They are quite formidable, especially for first-year students."

Jessica nodded in agreement. "Yes, Madam. Each of them showed resilience and fortitude that set them apart from the rest. It will be fascinating to see how they develop."

Celya closed the diary, letting her hand rest on it for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. Finally, she looked up at Jessica, her gaze as steady as ever. "And tomorrow's schedule?"

Jessica responded promptly, "I'll gather the first-year students in the Grand Hall for the introduction to their professors and for your formal address as headmistress."

Celya gave a slight nod, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Good. Be prepared as well, Jessica. You will be officially introduced to the students as well."

Jessica's eyes lit up, a mixture of pride and excitement flashing across her face. "So, it's finally time. Thank you, Madam Celya." She bowed once more and made her way toward the door, her mind already racing with thoughts of the coming day.

As the door closed, Celya's expression softened, though a contemplative look lingered. She opened the bottom drawer of her desk, pulling out an already-opened letter—a letter she had read countless times. She scanned its familiar words again, the message holding her attention as she absorbed each line. She held the paper thoughtfully, the weight of the message underscoring the significance of the academy's newest recruits.

----------------------------------------

Isaki returned to his room, shoulders heavy from the day's exertions, and fell onto his bed with a deep sigh. His mind drifted over the events of the day, reflecting on the students he had observed during the trial. It was a grueling test, one that forced every student to their limit and showcased the true strength of each participant. Marie Bolèn had shown immense resolve; Zirko Kuro, holding out longer than anyone, had also impressed him; and Arya, intense and mysterious, stood out with her fierce determination. Yet, what truly left an impression on Isaki was Ray. Unlike the others, Ray seemed barely affected by the trial. There was something unusual about him—a quiet strength that set him apart. This mystery lingered in Isaki's mind as he finally closed his eyes, letting the weight of the day pull him into a restful slumber.

Elsewhere, night had fallen over the academy grounds. Gaus, now fully recovered from the day's trial, left his room with a purpose glinting in his eyes. He strode down the stone stairway and slipped out of the first-year lodging, crossing the academy courtyard under the moonlight and heading toward the second-year dormitory. He moved with confidence, each step echoing his determination as he climbed the stairs and walked through the quiet hallway. He stopped at a particular door and, after a pause, knocked firmly. The door swung open a moment later, revealing Mich, a second-year cadet with warm brown eyes and a look of mild surprise.

"Yes?" Mich asked, his voice cautious as he took in Gaus' unfamiliar face.

"Mich, isn't it?" Gaus greeted him with a smirk, his tone dripping with arrogance. "I'll get straight to the point: I need a favor, and in return, I can make sure your life outside the academy is… comfortable."

Mich frowned, eyeing the younger cadet with a mix of confusion and wariness. "What are you talking about? Why should I help you?"

Gaus' smirk widened, his posture almost mocking. "Trust me, you'll want to consider it. See, there's a particular student causing trouble for me. A first-year. And I need you to… take care of him. Make sure he learns his place."

Mich's expression hardened, brows drawn in irritation. "You're a first-year. Who do you think you are, giving orders to a second-year like me?" His voice rose, tinged with both irritation and disbelief. But Gaus didn't flinch. Instead, he looked calmly at Mich and said one word:

"Shick."

The name hung heavily in the air, and Mich's face paled as the implications settled over him. Shick. Of course, he'd heard of them—everyone in the academy had. The eldest son of the Shick family had graduated just last year, leaving behind a legacy of intimidation and manipulation. Rumor had it that he'd mastered the art of using others as pawns, bullying and coercing without ever dirtying his own hands. And now, standing before Mich was the younger Shick, with that same eerie reputation.

Gaus took a step closer, voice cold and calm. "I think you understand what I'm asking. You do this little favor for me, and I'll make sure your future is secure. A little protection, a little influence… You won't have to worry about anything after you leave here."

Mich's fists clenched involuntarily, torn between pride and the fear gnawing at his stomach. He wanted to refuse outright, but he knew the truth behind Gaus' words. Cadets from the southern territories—like him—rarely made it to the end of the program. Over the last fifteen years, none from his homeland had graduated. The academy's grueling demands, along with its fierce competition, seemed stacked against them. It had always been his dream to prove that he could be different, that he could make it. Yet here he was, staring at the very symbol of everything he despised, knowing he was trapped.

Seeing Mich's hesitation, Gaus leaned in, his tone smooth and persuasive. "Help me out, Mich. And I promise you a life of ease once you leave these walls. Ignore me… and, well…" He let the threat hang, smiling as Mich's resistance faltered.

Finally, after a long pause, Mich nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Fine. I'll do it."

Gaus' smirk widened, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good choice. Just follow my lead, and when the time comes, do exactly what I tell you. Leave the rest to me." Without another word, Gaus turned and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Mich standing in the doorway, his hands shaking as the weight of what he'd just agreed to settled over him.

The academy's imposing silence surrounded him as he closed the door, feeling more trapped than ever.

And so, beneath the surface of the academy's noble halls, the seeds of deceit and manipulation were sown, waiting for the perfect moment to take root.