The boys headed out of their room and into the hallway of the inn. Their footsteps faintly echoing on the old wooden boards. As they walked, they saw unfamiliar faces that weren’t at the Townsquare earlier with uncertainty painted on their faces.
Abell nudged Gaius’s shoulder wanting to get his attention.
“You think all these guys will make it pass the test?” he asked with sincerity.
Gaius kept on walking but commented briefly. “Not at all, only about 10 students pass per year.”
“What only 10? But there’s like 100 people here.”
“Yes only 10, that’s why we have a decline in Luminaries right now, a lot of bright talent but most are no cut out for it.”
“Interesting, welp that’s just more of a reason why I've got to pass.” Abell said grinning with an insatiable look of determination burning in his eyes.
Gaius gave him a quick look, his tone flat. “We’ll see.”
The pair finally made it outside the creaky old inn and into the starry evening sky. Cold air ran down the spines, but the chill was welcomed with a nice faint scent of food that passed through their nostrils.
“Ahh finally, some fresh air, it’s like they picked that dusty old inn on purpose.” Abell said aloud.
Gaius nodded silently in agreement
“They did.” said a faint voice.
“You said something Gaius?” Abell asked.
Gaius shrugged his arms calmly and looked away.
“Ahem I'm down here, remember me it’s Tank.”
“Oh, hey little buddy, you know something about this inn?” Abell said while looking down at Tank.
“Do not call me little buddy, I am the same age as everyone here.” Tank said with a hint of anger.
“Sorry my bad.” Abell chuckled.
“Anyways this inn is supposed to be the oldest standing building in Eudora. Apparently, the Liberator lived here before the Great war.” Tank said.
“Really huh, now that you say that it does feel like an important building.” Abell muttered while examining the entrance.
“ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS WE ARE GETTING READY TO HEAD FOR THE TAVERN NOW. THIS IS MANDITORY ANYONE WHO FAILS TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE DISQUALIFED FROM THE TAKING THE EXAM.”
“Damn so loud that old man is worse than mom” Abell thought to himself
“Professor Mach, there is no reason to yell so loudly the students can hear you just fine.” said a female teacher.
“Professor Feldt please I will run my program how I see fit. Now go on introduce yourself we need to get going.” Mach said in an irritated tone.
“Okay, I will.” she said chuckling.
As the students gathered around the entrance, discussing the accommodations, they were interrupted by the appearance of a woman. She stood tall with a graceful yet athletic build, her posture exuding both strength and elegance. Her dark hair was neatly tied back, and her sharp.
“Hello students I am Professor Imara Feldt, I teach Philosophy and ethics, I was told to come meet you all before you head to dinner. I wish you all the best for tomorrow. This year's test is no joke, but I believe in you all.”
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“The Liberator once said, “As challenges come into our lives, we must not overreact or be afraid. Every challenge is put in front of us to overcome.”
“So please do your best.” As she said this she turned around gracefully and headed to Professor Mach’s side.
One of the boys, glancing up at her, whispered to a friend, “Whoa, she’s like… stunning.”
Another one, clearly in awe, nodded. “Yeah, she’s so… put together.”
“I can’t even look away,” another one admitted, staring. “It’s not just her face.”
“OK STUDENTS THATS ENOUGH CHATTER, FOLLOW US WE WILL TAKE YOU TO THE TAVERN.” Professor Mach yelled out.
Abell looked at Professor Imara with an intrigued expression.
“Don’t tell me your already distracted.” said Gaius.
“What no, she just reminds me of someone that's all.” he said while staring at his sister’s hilt.
As the group headed towards the tavern, Tank talked to Abell about all types off add topics and random tidbits of information, which irritated Gaius all he wanted was some peace and quiet
“Wow, so your ability lets you pick up on residual energies and faint sounds.” Abell asked Tank.
“Yes, I know it’s not much for fighting but I can still be useful with my trusty Bow.” he said pointing at it.
“I guess abilities do vary per person.” Abell said looking at Gaius.
Tank looked at Gaius Aswell. “What’s your ability Gaius?”
“Tch as if I would tell you. Keeping that hidden is important for tomorrow. Gaius responded.
“He does have a point.” They both nodded in agreement.
“Excuse me I couldn’t help but notice you guys getting along mind if I join? We met before I am Lance Advans.”
“Oh, yea I remember you.” Abell said wryly. I’m Abell and this is Gaius.
Gaius gave Lance an uninviting stare.
“Hm. I’m outta here. Too much noise.” He didn’t wait for a response, walking ahead by himself with a sharp glance at Lance before disappearing into the crowd.
“I don’t know what got him in a bad mood.” Abell said while shrugging his shoulders.
Lance let out a soft laugh. “It’s okay, he doesn’t seem to like me, I guess.” He scratched his head, glancing at Gaius’s retreating figure. “Not the first time.”
Tank piped up, eager to shift the focus. “Anyways, Lance, I heard you’re from up north. What’s it like up there?”
Lance’s expression softened; his eyes momentarily distant. “Cold. And quiet. Not much excitement unless you count the occasional snowstorm or pack of wolves and Malignats.” He grinned. “But I guess that’s why I ended up traveling. Couldn’t handle all the stillness.”
Tank raised an eyebrow. “Wolves, huh? Sounds like a lot more action than I’m used to.”
Abell laughed. “I bet it makes dealing with people seem a lot easier.”
Lance shrugged. “Maybe. People’s problems are a bit… different. You learn to listen more than talk up north.”
“Sounds like you’ve had your fair share of lessons,” Tank said with a nod.
Lance just smirked, eyes twinkling. “You could say that.”
Abell sensed there was more to Lance than he was letting on, but it wasn’t his concern he had an objective to focus on and that is to pass the exam.
Meanwhile as Gaius disappeared into the crowd, he found himself next to an odd guy.
The young man standing before them is of average height, his wiry, muscular build hinting at a life of hardship. His bronze skin and intense amber eyes draw attention. His short, messy hair and tense posture give off a guarded aura, as though he’s always on alert.
Gaius looked at him in awe, he seemed leagues above anyone else he had seen so far. He was even walking with his eyes closed.
“Hm, this is definitely going to be a difficult few days.” Gaius thought.
They finally arrived at the entrance of the Tavern; the aroma of food filled the air. Closely behind them the girls' group approached as well.
Abell recognized some of the girls, such as Nona from before and the girl tank told him about Masako Wisteria.
“Professor Erina, why did your group arrive late?” Professor Mach asked.
“Um sorry sir, as you know it takes longer for girls to get ready and...” She said stumbling on her words
“No excuses we are here to do a job, make sure you rally them up faster.” He said.
Professor Mach’s voice cut through the chatter. “Also, make sure to evaluate your partner’s strengths and weaknesses because you’ll need a well-rounded pair. Otherwise, you will fail the first test.”
A few students exchanged uneasy glances, suddenly unsure.
Professor Imara spoke up, her tone light but serious. “The majority of students get eliminated on the first test, so please choose your partners wisely.” She chuckled, “Good luck.”
The students went quiet for a moment as the weight of their words settled in. Some students stood motionless; others immediately began searching for possible partners. Abell glanced around.
Tomorrow’s test is no joke. This isn’t just about finding someone to pair with. It’s about finding someone who can actually make it through the test. Not just anyone will do. I need to think carefully. I can’t afford to fail.
As the voices around him grew louder, he felt the pressure building.
He looked at the faces around. wondering who else was feeling the same sense of urgency. “Who’s going to be the best choice? Who’s got what it takes?
“What a pain. A team paired exercise to start off.” He said.
With a deep breath, Abell forced himself to focus. Tomorrow will be the real test. For now, all I could do was relax, eat and find a partner.