The days following the written exam were filled with tension and anticipation. The three of us, cooped up in the sewer, were finding it increasingly difficult to endure the weight of uncertainty.

Honestly, I can't believe some of the questions they threw at us," Eliza exclaimed, her frustration evident in her voice. "I mean, who asks about the history of obscure herbs? It's an adventurer's exam, not a botanist's quiz!"

Jonas chuckled, but his expression was a mix of amusement and concern. "True, Eliza. But maybe they're testing our attention to detail. You never know what kind of knowledge might come in handy out there."

I nodded in agreement, though my thoughts were elsewhere. The memory of the exam's challenges lingered, and I couldn't help but second-guess some of my answers. "And that riddle about the ancient ruins… I swear I've heard it somewhere before, but I just couldn't place it."

We spent hours huddled together, poring over the questions, dissecting them, and sharing our strategies.

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived, and the sewer hideout buzzed with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Eliza paced back and forth, her energy practically crackling in the confined space. "I can't believe it's today. What if I messed up? What if I'm not cut out for this?"

Jonas clapped a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Eliza, you've got this. We've all been through the training, and we've faced tougher challenges together. You're as capable as any of us."

Her anxious gaze met mine, seeking affirmation. I offered a warm smile. "Eliza, remember how you always manage to see things from a unique perspective? Your problem-solving skills are top-notch. Just be yourself, and you'll shine."

As the tension simmered, my unspoken fears bubbled to the surface. The prospect of one of us not making the cut hung heavily in the air. Would it be Eliza? The thought of her not succeeding was a sobering reminder that not all of us might cross the finish line together.

The prospect of facing a future without her by my side was a daunting one. I had grown accustomed to our trio's dynamic, the way our strengths and weaknesses complemented each other. Indeed, Eliza had swiftly become a friend whose presence filled the void within me - a void created by the absence of my family, Kael, and above all, Lily.

Jonas, meanwhile, struggled even more. He had mentioned to me - when Eliza had not been around - that he could not imagine the thought of leaving his twin sister behind as he ventured forth into the Academy.

What would we do if she failed?

....

A hush fell over the courtyard as the proctor stepped forward, a scroll gripped in his hand. His voice resonated, amplified by magic so that everyone could hear. "Candidates of the Adventurer's Academy examination, I commend you for your efforts and determination. The time has come to reveal the results of the written exam."

Breaths were held, anxious glances exchanged. I swallowed nervously. The proctor unfurled the parchment, his gaze scanning the page. "First, allow me to congratulate all of you for your hard work," he began, his tone carrying a mixture of pride and encouragement. "It is not an easy feat to face both physical trials and intellectual challenges."

The proctor continued, his voice steady and measured. Slowly he began to list the names of people who had passed.

Soon, he said, "Jonas, I'm pleased to inform you that you have passed the first phase of the written test. Your strategic thinking and adaptability have served you well and have been noted by the instructors."

A sense of relief washed over Jonas, a small smile forming on his lips. He gave a grateful nod, his expression a mixture of pride and satisfaction. I clapped him on the back, sharing in his triumph.

As the proctor turned his attention to me, my heart skipped a beat. "Alex, your performance has been especially commendable," he said, his tone measured. "Your knowledge and perseverance have stood out beyond many of our candidates. They will greatly help you within this Academy."

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A wave of relief washed over me, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. My skills were a testament to both my training on Kael and the knowledge I had brought with me from Earth.

The proctor's voice hung in the air, carrying a palpable weight that seemed to stretch time itself. I exchanged a quick glance with Jonas, our anticipation mirrored in each other's eyes. The unspoken question loomed heavily between us: would Eliza's name be called next?

The tension in the courtyard was almost suffocating, a collective breath held as the proctor's gaze returned to the parchment before him. The list of names seemed to stretch on indefinitely, the moments ticking by like an eternity. Every second that passed was a reminder of the uncertainty that hung over our friend.

My fingers tapped nervously against my thigh as the proctor's lips parted once more, his voice measured and deliberate. "Eliza," he began, the syllables falling like a weighty revelation. My heart clenched, dread pooling within me. "Your performance has been evaluated, and while the road was challenging, your determination shone through."

Time seemed to slow as his words hung in the air, the atmosphere thick with suspense. Jonas' expression was etched with concern, mirroring my own. Hope battled against apprehension within us, the outcome uncertain. Had Eliza done enough to secure her place in the Academy?

A tension-laden pause followed, and for a moment, it was as if the world held its breath. The proctor's eyes, behind which the verdict lay, finally lifted from the parchment. His gaze seemed to pierce through the crowd, scanning the faces of candidates, before finally landing on Eliza's.

"Eliza," he repeated, drawing out the moment with deliberate intent, "I'm pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the initial phase of the written test."

A collective sigh of relief seemed to sweep through the courtyard, and for a heartbeat, time hung suspended in the relief of the announcement. Eliza's eyes, wide with disbelief and gratitude, met mine. The tension that had held us all in its grip gave way to a wave of jubilation, her smile a testament to the perseverance that had carried her through.

Jonas let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a grin spreading across his face. I felt the weight that had settled upon us lift, replaced by a shared sense of joy and accomplishment. Eliza's success wasn't just her own; it was a triumph for all of us, a symbol of our unity and support.

As the proctor's voice carried on, detailing the next steps of the journey, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of pride for my friends. The challenges we'd faced and the bonds we'd forged, had led us to this moment. Our futures as adventurers lay ahead, a path that was no longer clouded by uncertainty but instead illuminated by the glow of our shared victory.

In the background, I could hear the proctor's voice echoing through the courtyard once again. "Congratulations to the hundred of you who have passed. For those who did not succeed, remember that this is not the end. Your journey has only just begun, and the challenges you faced here will shape your growth moving forward. And, for those of you who have passed, remember that your journey still hasn't ended - you still must pass the interview stage."

....

As the sun's golden rays stretched across the waking city, the three of us burst out of the sewers with all the grace of startled squirrels.

Our hurried steps echoed through the quiet morning, mixing with the distant sounds of vendors setting up their stalls and early risers starting their day. And there we were, mixed within the beautiful city landscape, stumbling into the daylight with a sense of urgency that could rival a squirrel who just spotted a particularly tempting acorn.

The twins and I exchanged half-breathed apologies and rushed explanations as to why we were running late. Apparently, someone (let's not point fingers, but it rhymes with "Eliza") had forgotten that the interview was in the morning.

As we quickly joined the crowd, our lungs heaving, the proctor's voice once again cut through the air, his tone carrying a weight that commanded our attention. "Today marks the beginning of the interview phase," he announced, his voice projecting. "For those who have successfully passed the initial tests, this phase will determine if your motives, character, and aspirations align with the core values and needs of the Adventurer's Academy."

His words hung in the air, the courtyard now transformed into a structured arena of individual meetings. The Academy's teachers, known for their experience and discerning eyes, had assembled to conduct the interviews. The proctor gestured toward the perimeter, where tents had been erected, each one serving as a private space for the conversations that would unfold.

"In these tents, you will each have four separate interviews," the proctor continued, his voice projecting across the courtyard. "You will meet with different teachers and, ultimately, the headmaster. Each conversation will provide insights into your strengths, ambitions, and how you perceive the role of an adventurer."

The air hummed with energy. Candidates exchanged apprehensive glances, pacing in anticipation. Nails were being nibbled; lines rehearsed under hushed breaths. This was our moment to step into the spotlight, unveiling not only our abilities but also the essence of our character. To meet our instructors. To impress them for the first time.

The courtyard was filled with quiet determination, candidates lined up in an orderly manner as the interviews commenced.

As the first candidate disappeared into one of the tents, the sense of anticipation only grew. The process was meticulously organized, a testament to the Academy's commitment to selecting individuals who embodied its values.

Before I knew it, I was next to be interviewed.