Before long, it was Adrian's turn to step up. He squared his shoulders and strode toward the orb with deliberate steps, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on him.

Adrian halted before the crystal orb and extended his hands towards it, pausing just before contact. His fingers hovered as he let his senses sharpen, reaching outward to feel the subtle fluctuations of mana coursing through the crystal. Forcing my way in would destabilize the orb. I need to match its rhythm.

Placing his palms lightly on the surface, Adrian closed his eyes. Carefully, he directed his mana, a steady stream rather than an overwhelming surge. A faint ripple spread across the orb, its glow intensifying in response.

The threads of energy within the crystal shifted, resisting his influence. Adrian adjusted, synchronizing his output with the orb’s fluctuating patterns. There it is,

Soon, he identified a consistent flow within the chaos. He refined his control, aligning his mana with the thread. The orb’s glow deepened, the ripples on its surface smoothing into steady waves.

The instructor stepped closer, observing intently. “Controlled, consistent, and adaptive. Exactly what we expect from an applicant to Mistral Royal Academy.”

Adrian held the channeling for a few more seconds before withdrawing his hands, the orb’s glow fading back to its dormant state. He exhaled softly, lowering his arms and stepping back.

“Passed,” the instructor declared. “A demonstration of precision and adaptability. Well done.”

Adrian dipped his head in acknowledgment, his expression calm even as satisfaction flickered in his chest. He returned to his place beside Kael, who grinned as he leaned closer.

“Show-off,” Kael whispered with mock irritation.

Adrian smirked. “You’re up soon. Try not to trip on your way there.”

The remaining students continued to take their turns, with most failing to meet the instructor’s exacting standards. Each failure further thinned the group, their expressions ranging from dejection to frustration as they trudged toward the exit. A handful passed, visibly relieved as they joined the growing but still modest group of successful applicants.

Finally, the instructor called Kael’s name. The blind boy stepped forward, his posture relaxed, the faintest grin tugging at his lips. Whispers rippled through the hall, some questioning how he could possibly succeed.

Kael ignored them as he approached the orb. He raised a hand, fingers outstretched but not touching the crystal. His head shifted, as if listening to something no one else could hear.

Adrian crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing as he watched. This is too easy for Kael.

The blindfolded boy's hand moved slightly, tracing the air until it hovered over a specific spot. Then, he placed his palm against the orb. The crystal’s surface flared instantly, its glow steady and strong. The waves of mana rippled outward in perfect harmony with Kael’s output.

The hall fell silent, the whispers vanishing as all eyes locked onto Kael and the seamless connection he had forged.

The instructor’s eyebrows rose slightly, the first sign of approval breaking his otherwise stoic demeanor. “Remarkable work, you pass.”

Kael stepped back with a smug expression as he turned and made his way back to Adrian. “That was too easy."

Adrian chuckled. “Yeah, figured something like this isn't actually a challenge for you."

Before Kael could respond any further, the instructor’s sharp voice rang out. “Those who have passed, gather your belongings and follow me. The next stage of the exam will be conducted outside.”

***

Adrian stepped into the crisp air of the academy’s outer field. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the neatly trimmed grass, and the faint hum of magic hung in the air. A large circular area, marked with glowing runes, dominated the center of the field. Around it, the remaining students spread out, some a bit wary after noticing how relatively few people were left after the previous test.

Kael stuck close to Adrian, his head tilting slightly as if gauging the new surroundings. “Fresh air’s nice, but I’m guessing this is where it gets harder.”

Adrian nodded. "As expected from a place that wants only the best of the best."

The instructor’s voice rang out, commanding immediate attention. “Congratulations to those of you who passed the first stage. Your ability to channel mana is commendable, but it alone will not carry you through the challenges ahead. The next two tests will evaluate these abilities: sensing and emitting.”

“To make these tests more... engaging,” the instructor continued, “and to foster cooperation, you will be paired with another student."

Immediately, some students exchanged wary glances, others standing stiffly. The instructor ignored the noise and gestured to a wooden box held by one of the academy staff. “Inside this box are numbered lots. Each of you will draw one. The number you pull will determine your partner. If there is an odd number of students, one team will consist of three members, chosen at random.”

The box was passed to the first student, a girl with her hair tied in a tight bun. She reached in hesitantly, withdrawing a small wooden chip etched with a glowing number. One by one, the students drew their lots, their expressions ranging from calm to tense. Each turn was accompanied by low whispers and darting glances.

Kael nudged Adrian lightly. “Think we’ll get paired up? Might as well make this easy.”

“No chance. Random draws are never that kind.” Adrian said.

The box reached Kael, who grinned confidently before plunging his hand inside. He pulled out a lot, the glowing number faint against his palm. Without waiting, he stepped back beside Adrian, tapping his foot idly. “Feels lucky. What about you?”

Adrian’s name was called next, and he strode forward. The box felt heavier than it looked as Adrian reached inside, fingers brushing against the smooth wooden chips. It doesn't really matter who I get, I'll make it work.

He drew a lot and opened his hand. The number “8” glowed faintly on the wood, its light pulsing like a heartbeat. Adrian’s lips curled into a faint smile. Number 8. Funny. Same as my entrance application.

He stepped back, his eyes scanning the crowd for his partner. Students began calling out numbers softly, pairing off as the realization of their matches set in. Kael held up his lot and grinned at a boy with spiked green hair who had the same number.

Adrian’s gaze swept the field. I wonder Who’s my partner?

Then, his eyes locked onto Alisha, who stood near the edge of the group. She looked up, and in her hand, the same number glowed softly: 8.

Adrian’s smile faded into a neutral expression. Her? I…. whatever, things will be fine. Just stay calm and keep your cool.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Alisha’s gaze flicked toward Adrian, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles. She approached with measured steps, her posture as poised as ever. When she stopped in front of him, she tilted her head slightly. “Number 8, I presume?”

“Indeed, guess we’re partners.” Adrian said, slipping his lot in a pocket.

Alisha’s smile deepened, though her eyes held their usual coolness. “Well, this should be interesting. I hope you can keep up.”

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. “Funny. I was about to say the same thing to you.”

Before Alisha could respond, the instructor spoke again. “If you have found your partner, stand with them and wait for further instructions. Those in groups of three, do the same. Afterward, remain in place until directed.”

The gathered students shuffled slightly, adjusting their positions as the instructor’s words settled over them. A few exchanged murmurs, but the majority waited in tense silence.

Within moments, several staff members moved among them, distributing black blindfolds. Is that really it? Some blindfolds won't stop people from cheating.

Adrian caught his blindfold with a flick of his wrist, the material cool and soft against his fingers. He rolled it between his thumb and forefinger, noting its faint, earthy scent. His focus drifted briefly to Kael’s group, where a staffer stood before the blindfolded boy. Kael tilted his head slightly as the staffer handed him another blindfold.

Kael held the second blindfold aloft with a wide grin. “Another one? Guess they don’t trust me.”

His partner let out a stifled laugh, shifting awkwardly. Kael handed the blindfold to him with a casual wave. “Here, you take it. I’ve got this whole blind thing covered.”

The exchange earned a few quiet chuckles from nearby students, and Adrian found himself smirking. Leave it to Kael to turn an unnecessary blindfold into a punchline.

The staffer moved on, handing Alisha her blindfold. She studied it briefly, her slender fingers tracing its edges before she looped it around her wrist like a delicate accessory. Her emerald eyes, sharp and assessing, turned to Adrian.

“What do you think the test is?” she asked, her voice calm but curious.

Adrian met her gaze, shrugging lightly. The fabric in his hand felt heavier now, its purpose looming. “Probably want us to sense mana without sight. Makes sense if the next test is about precision.”

"But if that's the case, will these blindfolds really suffice? Can't people just take them off?"

"I thought the same, but maybe the instructor has something else planned."

The instructor raised his hand, his commanding presence cutting through the restless murmurs and drawing every eye to him. His gaze swept over the assembled students. “Your next test will evaluate your ability to sense mana cores under pressure. One person from each group will leave this area and find a hiding spot within the designated zone. The remaining members will stay here and wear blindfolds. The objective is straightforward: seekers must locate their partner or partners using only their ability to sense mana.”

A murmur rippled through the group, accompanied by exchanged glances. Some students looked toward the nearby treeline, while others glanced at the scattered structures dotting the edges of the field. The instructor didn’t wait for the murmurs to subside before continuing.

“These blindfolds, however, are not ordinary. They are enchanted to ensure fairness. Once secured over your eyes, they will remain in place until you physically touch your partner. They cannot be removed by any means until the task is complete.”

“If you fail to locate your partner within five minutes, I will personally remove your blindfold. This will mark your failure in the test.”

The weight of the test sank in, and the tension among the students became palpable. Five minutes isn't a lot of time, really need to be careful and efficient.

“You have two minutes to decide who will hide and who will seek. Hiders will remain in their chosen location until the test ends. If you cannot decide, I will assign roles for you.” The instructor explained.

Adrian turned toward Kael, who nudged him lightly with his elbow. “Guess we’re seekers,” Kael said, his tone casual despite the weight of the instructor’s words.

Adrian nodded, glancing at Alisha, who stood with her arms crossed and a faint smile playing on her lips. “That work for you?” he asked.

She smiled faintly. “Of course. Hiding isn’t a problem for me. Just don’t keep me waiting.”

Adrian grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Kael turned to his own partner. “You heard the man, go find a good rock or something. Don’t make me look bad.”

The boy gave a sheepish laugh before jogging toward the treeline. Adrian watched as Alisha turned and walked briskly toward a cluster of trees, her pink hair swaying with each step. She glanced over her shoulder briefly, before she disappeared into the shadows.

The instructor clapped his hands, drawing attention back to the seekers. “Hiders, you have one minute to find a location. Seekers, blindfolds on.”

Adrian sighed and pulled the cloth from his pocket, tying it firmly around his head. He stood still, letting the faint sounds of the field settle around him. The distant rustle of leaves and the hum of mana resonating faintly through the air became his only companions.

Kael’s voice cut through the quiet. “Blindfolds, huh? As if I don’t live like this already.”

“Then this should be easy for you.” Adrian said.

“I just hope you don’t trip,” Kael replied.

The instructor’s voice rang out. “Hiders, stop moving. Seekers, you have five minutes. Locate your partner and accurately describe their position to a staff member. Begin.”

Adrian exhaled slowly, focusing on the task at hand. All right. Find her mana core. Block out everything else.

Adrian exhaled, centering himself as he tied the blindfold securely over his eyes. The world darkened, leaving only the faint hum of mana resonating around him. He stood still, letting the noise of the field fade into the background. Alisha’s mana core. Ignore the rest.

He reached out with his senses, threading his focus through the chaotic web of mana signatures around him. At first, it was like trying to pick out a single voice in a crowded market. But then, there it was: a calm, deliberate pulse of energy, distinct from the fluctuating currents of the other cores. It held a subtle rhythm, like a steady drumbeat beneath a storm. Got you.

Adrian adjusted his stance, aligning himself with the faint pull of her energy. He moved forward, guided by the growing strength of her mana signature. This is actually a lot easier than I thought.

Within moments, the pull intensified, and Adrian stopped. His hand brushed against the rough bark of a tree, and he lifted his blindfold to confirm. Alisha leaned casually against the trunk, her arms crossed and her expression sharp with curiosity.

Her emerald eyes narrowed slightly as she straightened. “That was... fast."

Adrian smirked. “What, disappointed?”

“I was suppressing my magic, actually. Thought it’d make things more interesting.”

“Suppressing it? What, don’t want me to pass?”

Alisha shook her head, though her lips quirked into a faint smile. “Not at all. I just wanted to see if you were different.”

Adrian arched an eyebrow. “And?”

“It seems you are.”

“Glad I could live up to your expectations at least.”

Alisha’s faint smile lingered, but her expression softened. “I used to play a game similar to this exercise when I was younger. I'd suppress my mana as much as I could, and barely anyone could find me, but you didn't seem like you had much trouble at all."

"That's… interesting to hear, I didn't feel like sensing your mana core was that difficult."

"Hmm, that's odd, do you have a possible explanation in mind?"

"Not sure, maybe you've gotten a bit rusty." Adrian said, chuckling."

She laughed lightly. “Maybe.”

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the faint hum of mana still resonating in the background. Until eventually, the instructor’s voice echoed across the field, breaking the moment. “All seekers, return to the field.”

Alisha pushed off the tree, her posture returning to its usual poise. “Looks like that’s our cue.”

Adrian gestured toward the field with a smirk. “After you.”

They walked back together, the faint rustle of leaves underfoot the only sound. Alisha’s gaze flicked toward Adrian briefly, as if weighing her next words.

“Say, after all of these tests are done, do you think we could talk?"

"Sure, just the two of us?"

"I'd prefer it that way, unless you're not comfortable with that."

Adrian smiled. "I'd be more than happy to speak one on one, less distractions that way."

Alisha rolled her eyes, but the faint smile remained. “Then we should find somewhere quiet for our chat, a place with a lot less eyes."

Two two soon reached the field, where the other seekers and hiders were already gathering. Kael stood near the center, his blindfold slung around his neck as he chatted animatedly with his partner. He caught sight of Adrian and grinned.

“Back already? Thought you’d need a map,” Kael teased.

Adrian smirked, crossing his arms. “Unlike you, I don’t need a guide dog.”

Kael laughed, his relaxed demeanor unshaken. “Fair enough.”

The instructor stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping over the group. “Congratulations to those of you who successfully located your partners. Your next instructions will be given shortly. Rest for a moment if you need it.”