The instructor’s piercing gaze swept over the group. “Congratulations to those of you who've passed the second test. But don’t let that small victory inflate your egos.”

“The next challenge is the most difficult yet. Only those who are truly worthy will make it through. Follow me.”

Looks of unease passed through the applicants as they exchanged wary glances, though no one dared falter. The group made their way across the sprawling field toward a stark, unadorned building in the distance.

Adrian’s eyes fixed on it, and a faint flicker of familiarity tugged at his mind. That place... I saw it on my first day at the academy.

The building loomed closer, its smooth stone walls void of windows or decoration, a featureless monolith that guarded its purpose like a secret. Adrian’s steps faltered, his foot dragging slightly against the dirt as unease twisted in his stomach. The feeling wasn’t fear exactly, more like an insistent whisper at the back of his mind. Hopefully I'm just overthinking this.

“Something wrong?” Alisha suddenly asked.

Adrian straightened and shook his head, forcing his expression into neutrality. “It’s nothing.”

“Nothing? You’ve been dragging your right foot just a little since we started walking here.”

“You noticed that?”

Alisha’s composure cracked, just for a moment, a faint flush coloring her cheeks. “Of course I noticed. I’m not going to ignore it when my partner’s acting strange. If something’s bothering you, just say it.”

Adrian hesitated, caught off guard by the earnestness in her tone. “Really, it’s nothing serious. I’ll be fine.”

Her sidelong glance didn’t soften, though the faint blush still lingered. “Next time, just be honest about it.”

Before Adrian could respond, a sharp sound echoed through the air. The unassuming building shimmered faintly, and a large set of ornate double doors manifested on its surface. Gasps rippled through the group as the doors settled into place.

The instructor turned toward the group. “This is the final test’s entrance. From here, you will enter a trial dungeon designed to challenge every aspect of your magical ability, mental resilience, and teamwork.”

He placed his hand on the center of the doors. They responded immediately, the runes flaring with brilliant light before the doors creaked open, revealing a descending staircase shrouded in faint blue light..

“Follow me,” the instructor commanded as he stepped ahead.

The group hesitated only a moment before filing in after him. Adrian’s thoughts raced as his foot met the first stone step, the cool air brushing against his skin.

The stairs spiraled downward, the air growing heavier with each step. The faint glow of runes etched into the walls provided just enough light to guide their path, casting shadows across the narrow space.

Kael’s voice broke through the quiet. “So, Adrian, got any secrets you’d like to share about working so closely with Miss Perfect over here?”

“Nothing in particular." Adrian shrugged.

"You sure?"

"Yep."

Kael grinned, unfazed. “There's no need to be shy, Adrian, surely you're at least happy that you were paired up with a princess." He turned his head slightly toward Alisha’s direction, even though his headband-covered eyes gave no hint of where he was looking. “No offense, Alisha.”

“None taken,” Alisha replied smoothly. “But if you’d like a demonstration of why I hold that title, feel free to challenge me later.”

Kael laughed, nudging Adrian’s shoulder lightly. “See? Even when she’s humble, she’s terrifying. You’re in for a real treat.”

Adrian rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re just mad you can’t keep up.”

Kael raised his hands in mock surrender. “You’re right. I’m shaking in my boots. Don’t trip over each other when things get serious, though.”

“Is this what you always deal with, Adrian? Must be exhausting.” Alisha said, chuckling slightly.

Adrian shrugged. "It's what it is, I've gotten used to it."

Eventually, the group reached the bottom of the staircase where the space opening into a massive stone chamber. The walls glimmered faintly with embedded crystals, and at the far end, the glowing crystals illuminated an ornate archway.

Kael whistled low. “That is one fancy looking entrance."

Adrian crossed his arms. “Better to just focus on what’s past it.”

The instructor stepped forward and gestured to a wooden crate resting against the far wall. “Inside this dungeon, you will face magical traps and weaker monsters. Before you proceed, each of you must take an amulet from this crate.”

Kael leaned toward Adrian, muttering softly. “Amulet? Nothing says, ‘We trust you to survive,’ like handing out magical jewelry.”

Adrian smiled but kept his attention on the instructor. The group moved toward the crate in single file.

When it was his turn, Adrian reached in, pulling out an amulet with a glowing gemstone set in its center. He slipped it around his neck, letting the faintly glowing pendant rest against his chest.

Alisha adjusted hers next to him, inspecting the glow with a critical eye. Kael, not far away, held up his amulet and grinned. “Think this thing doubles as a stylish accessory? It’d look good at a festival.”

The instructor’s stern voice cut through Kael’s musings. “These amulets are enchanted failsafes. If you are critically injured or in immediate danger, they will teleport you out of the dungeon and back to this chamber. If this happens, your test will end, and you will fail.”

The room grew quiet. Adrian glanced around, noting the tension etched into the faces of those who had been more confident earlier. No one’s cocky anymore. Good. They’re taking this seriously now.

Stolen novel; please report.

The instructor’s gaze swept over the group, the hard edge in his eyes softening just enough to hint at approval. “I commend you for your focus. This is the attitude I expect from those who hope to succeed here.”

“Your objective is straightforward. Reach the lowest floor of the dungeon. Work together to overcome the challenges ahead. Cooperation is essential, and those who fail to support one another will not succeed.”

Adrian’s attention shifted to the looming archway ahead, where waves of pulsing mana rippled outward like an invisible current. The sensation tugged at him, stirring something deep in his chest. Just one step closer before finally being accepted into the academy.

Beside him, Alisha adjusted her stance, the faint rustle of her boots on the dirt grounding him. On the other side, Kael tapped his amulet with a flourish, his grin as wide and easy as if they were heading to a festival instead of a dangerous trial.

“So,” Kael said, “you gonna hold her hand through this, or are you letting her do all the work?”

Alisha’s lips curved into a faint smirk as she replied, “I’m sure Adrian will pull his weight. After all, I wouldn’t want to carry him the whole way.”

Adrian shot Kael a sidelong glare. “You really don’t know when to stop, do you?”

Kael’s grin widened. “Not a chance.”

Before Adrian could retort, the instructor’s voice cut through their banter. “Pairs, line up in the order your names were recorded earlier. You will enter the dungeon one at a time. Wait for my signal before proceeding through the archway. Those in groups of three will follow after the pairs.”

The group shuffled into formation, their movements tense and deliberate. Adrian exchanged a glance with Alisha, who remained composed. A few steps away, Kael stood with his partner, his sly grin aimed squarely at Adrian.

“Guess this is your moment, don’t embarrass yourself in front of her.” Kael teased.

“I’ll do my best not to trip over my own feet.”

“Good plan. Just make sure she doesn’t leave you behind.”

One pair stepped forward and disappeared into the shimmering void after the instructor gave his signal. The next followed shortly after, their movements tense but deliberate. The room’s atmosphere thickened with anticipation as each pair vanished into the unknown.

“Adrian and Alisha,” the instructor called, his voice firm.

Adrian stepped forward with Alisha at his side. He could feel the weight of the instructor’s gaze on their backs.

“Proceed,” the instructor ordered.

With a final nod to each other, Adrian and Alisha stepped through the archway. The air shifted instantly, cooler and heavier, as the faint hum of mana turned into a palpable pressure. The chamber behind them vanished, replaced by a dimly lit corridor of rough stone walls.

Adrian scanned their surroundings, his senses sharpening. “This first floor doesn't look too bad.”

“Yet,” Alisha replied. She raised a hand, her fingers crackling faintly with red sparks. The glow illuminated her face, giving her an almost ethereal appearance in the dim light.

Adrian tilted his head. “Red lightning. That’s rare.”

Alisha’s gaze flicked toward him, the corners of her mouth curving slightly. “So I’ve been told.”

“Any idea why it’s red instead of blue?”

“None, It’s been like this as long as I’ve used it. I stopped questioning it a long time ago.”

Adrian hummed thoughtfully. Red lightning. It’s striking, but she’s probably heard that a thousand times. Better to focus on what’s ahead.

The faint squelching sound of movement echoed from further down the corridor, pulling Adrian’s attention forward. Alisha tensed, the sparks at her fingertips intensifying.

“Slimes,” Adrian muttered, spotting the gelatinous forms sliding into view.

“Annoying, but manageable,” Alisha said.

The first slime lunged toward them, its body undulating unnaturally fast. Alisha extended her hand, a streak of red lightning arcing forward. The bolt struck the slime directly, splitting it into two smaller halves that wriggled on the floor.

Adrian stepped forward, summoning his own magic. Blue flames erupted around his fists as he drove a punch into one of the wriggling halves, the fire consuming the slime in an instant. The second half tried to lunge at him, but Alisha’s lightning struck it again, reducing it to a smoking puddle.

As more slimes emerged from the shadows, the pair fell into a rhythm, Adrian’s flames seared through their viscous bodies, while Alisha’s lightning strikes provided precision and control. The slimes’ attempts to overwhelm them were met with decisive strikes that left the floor littered with steaming remnants.

When the corridor finally fell silent, Adrian exhaled. “Not bad for a warm-up.”

Alisha gave a small nod, brushing stray sparks from her fingers. “Efficient.”

The corridor eventually opened into a large chamber, its size concealed by the dim light radiating from crystalline sconces along the walls. At the center of the room stood an ornate pedestal surrounded by a complex array of glowing symbols etched into the floor. The symbols pulsed faintly, their patterns shifting in a mesmerizing rhythm. On the pedestal rested a crystal orb, its surface swirling with an iridescent sheen.

Alisha’s eyes narrowed as she took in the scene. “A puzzle. Looks like the only way forward.”

Adrian stepped closer, scanning the room. The door opposite them was sealed tightly, a large lock of intricate gears and runes barring the way. “No other way out it seems."

His gaze returned to the pedestal. The symbols on the floor seemed to form a grid, each section etched with intricate runes. He crouched to inspect them, the faint heat of magic brushing against his skin. It’s a logic puzzle, but there’s magic woven into it.

Alisha walked to the pedestal, studying the orb. “It’s keyed to the runes. The pattern has to match, My guess is that we need to activate them in the right order.”

“Any clue where to start?” Adrian asked.

Alisha pointed to the far-left corner of the grid. “That one. The flow of magic originates there. Watch.” She held out her hand, and a faint thread of red lightning extended toward the rune. The symbol flared, a soft hum reverberating through the room.

The next moment, the runes around it glowed faintly, their light spreading in jagged lines toward the other symbols. Adrian’s eyes traced the pattern. “It’s like a chain reaction. If we activate the wrong one, it might reset, or worse.”

“Exactly. So we need to follow the magic’s flow.” Alisha said.

Adrian knelt beside the pedestal, focusing on the faint movements of the light. “It’s a sequence. If we trigger them in the right order, the lines will connect to the pedestal.”

He placed his hand just above the grid. The bluish flames that flickered to life around his fingers cast a soft glow over the runes. This one next. The energy feeds into the center from here.

He tapped a rune near the middle of the grid, and the symbol flared to life. The room’s hum deepened, the energy’s glow spreading further. Adrian exhaled. “Got it.”

“Good.” Alisha stepped forward, her eyes scanning the remaining runes. “The flow splits here. Two paths, one leads to the pedestal, the other cuts off the connection.”

Adrian studied the branching lines, his brow furrowing. “The wrong path will probably activate a trap.”

He glanced at Alisha. “I’ll take the left path. You handle the right.”

She nodded. “Stay sharp.”

Adrian reached out again, his flames dancing as they hovered over the runes. He followed the energy’s flow, his fingers stopping just above the next symbol. With a sharp inhale, he pressed it, and the rune flared brightly. The energy surged toward the pedestal.

Alisha mirrored his movements on her side, her red lightning weaving expertly through the maze of symbols. The lines of energy converged on the pedestal, the orb at its center glowing brighter with each successful connection. Finally, the last rune lit up, and the energy coalesced in a dazzling display around the pedestal.

The orb pulsed once, and the hum in the room faded. A deep click echoed through the chamber as the gears on the sealed door unlocked, the runes on its surface dimming.

Adrian straightened, brushing his hands on his trousers. “Not bad for a couple of first-timers.”

“Honestly, that was a bit easier than I expected." Alisha said, smiling.

They approached the door together, the faint light of their respective magic illuminating the steps ahead. Adrian pressed his hand against the heavy wood, and with a low groan, the door swung open to reveal another spiraling staircase leading downward.