The first part of the entrance exams was over, and Madam Isabella was overjoyed. The line of students who had passed this year started in front of her office and stretched all the way to the academy’s gate.

These were the future of the empire, the five species’ last hope of stopping the fallen. As always, she gave out the quests for the second exam herself, since it gave her the opportunity to check her future pupils.

Next to enter her office were three noble nobles dressed in purple garments and followed by their knights. They looked ready for a vacation and they asked for the ‘legwork’ quest.

‘Predictable.’ Isabella scoffed as she exchanged their golden rings with similar ones that had blue crystals instead of orange, testaments that they had passed the first test.

“Let’s see, here’s a good one.” She twisted her finger in midair and a piece of parchment appeared out of nowhere. “You are to report to General Siegfried Chavez and deliver messages he assigns to you from the eastern front. These messages must be delivered together, and you will request letters of acknowledgement for your work. If one of your names does not appear on these letters…” She gave the teens a wink. “Good luck.”

The nobles’ mood was immediately ruined. They dragged their feet out of the office leaving Madam Isabella with a content smirk.

‘Think you can skip out on work? Leave everything to your servants? That’s not how the real-world works, now is it?’

“Next!” she shouted and a new group came in. There were three well-built boys, a girl who gave off a dangerous feeling, and the laser girl she had met in the arena.

“I see you’ve made it,” Madam Isabella smiled gently. “You must have a good team.”

“Yes,” Annie bowed and the rest followed. “We would like to take the combat quest.”

“Really?” the old woman raised an eyebrow. “With your mind, a mystery might be more appropriate. Although...” Annie’s friends were clearly fighters. The red-haired girl and the green haired boy had intelligent eyes, but the other two were definitely meatheads.

“Very well.” Madam Isabella twirled her finger, revealing another parchment. “The sunken city of Trident is under attack by monsters. This year, the attacks have not ended with the coming of spring, and the city is requesting reinforcements.

We’re sending cavalry, three battalions of mages, and you.”

She handed over the parchment. “Your job is to assist however you can for at least two months. Upon completion of this task, you will request an acknowledgement letter from your direct superior.

Depending on your performance, you will or you will not move on to the final exam. Any questions?”

Madam Isabella managed to keep a straight face, but she was clenching her left arm’s fist under the table. The empire’s population was dropping, so its leaders started forcing these quests on its children, despite the consequences.

Finn raised an arm. “Are there any theories on why the attacks have continued?”

Madam Isabella frowned. “No. Take your task seriously, but do not take unnecessary risks. Now, hand over your rings.”

Finn had almost forgotten about them. He gave her the punch, but his mind was elsewhere. Given what he knew of the empire’s history, the movement of monsters, and the academy director’s reaction just now… `We should’ve opted for legwork.’

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Madam Isabella took out five golden rings with blue crystals and gave one to each of the teens.

“This is proof that you have passed the first exam. It also contains a small barrier spell that will activate if you get struck with too much force.

However, you should not rely on it. Annie, remember what I told you during the exam?”

“Never see your own blood and don’t pop the barrier.” The girl perked up.

“Yes,” Isabella nodded in approval. “You do not know what you’ll face in that city, and frankly, neither do I. If anything, and I do mean anything, feels off, abandon the mission and run. As students of the academy, you cannot be charged for treason.”

“But, we’re not even students yet,” said Tommy.

Isabella leaned back in her chair. “What do you think those rings mean? You’re my children now, even if you can’t participate in classes. Now, go. I wish you the best of luck.”

Taken aback by the director’s speech, Finn and his team left the room. In their wake, a new group entered and Isabella’s mood became even more sour.

“Legwork, right? Let’s see..”

[Seven years into the past]

Miss Martha gave it her all as a teacher. Her lessons were carefully prepared, concise, and they always had a theme.

However, when it came to history, geography, and anything to do with current events, this theme was:

“Danger! The empire’s borders are crawling with monsters. If there isn’t a noble title on the line or the entrance into an academy, you stay away from those places.”

“Of course,” nodded Finn.

“But, if you have to go there for whatever reason,” Ms. Martha averted her eyes towards the ceiling. “You must gather as much treasure as you possibly can.”

“Where can we find treasure?” Tommy raised an arm.

“Rumors say that the jewels of the old world can sometimes be found in the invading creatures’ bellies. Of course, it’s just a rumor,” Ms. Martha shrugged. “But, if you find anything, bring it to me so I can inspect it. Understood?”

“Yes, teacher!”

[Back to the present, on Phoenix city’s main street]

Last night’s party was all but forgotten. Everyone had a bad feeling in their guts, so it was time to go shopping. To get everyone ready for the trip, their five gold coins would barely be enough, but hopefully, they would get accommodation and food within Trident.

“Welcome.” The weapon shop keeper waved at the teens, but they completely ignored him and went straight to the stands. The man sighed, but he was used to it. Each year, on the day following the first exam, his shop was visited by kids such as these.

Normally, people would browse around for hours or ask for the most expensive items, but this group was clearly different. Within less than five minutes, they had picked what they wanted and arrived at the register.

They bought one black bow, six knives, and arrows for Finn, the shop’s best rapier for Natalie, gauntlets with reinforced knuckles for Michael, a perfectly balanced longsword for Tommy, and a crossbow for Annie.

“Do you have any magical weapons or armor?” asked Finn.

“Those start at 10 gold a piece.” The old man pointed at the stairs which led towards the basement. “May I suggest some chainmail instead?”

This was standard armor for most beginner adventurers. It was made out of the bones of unknown monsters and was much more resilient than the iron version. Better yet, it fitted the body well and could be worn underneath clothes without much discomfort.

‘At least this much is like fantasy.’

Their next stop was the pharmacy and after that the food stores. They needed bandages for emergencies, disinfectant, and food that would not easily rot.

“When do we leave?” asked Tommy.

“By nightfall.” Finn frowned. Sleeping for a day or two was ideal, but they were heading towards a ticking time bomb. By all accounts, their best bet was to get there fast, finish their mission and then run for the hills.

“You remembered what Ms. Martha said about invasions, right?” Natalie whispered so the others wouldn’t hear.

“Yes,” Finn swallowed his spit. “If so much as a goblin shows up, we run.”