The second test did not take place until the next day, and it would be split into groups by room number just like the first. However, this time the groups were bound to be a lot smaller, as only those who passed the first would be able to move on to the second. The second test was all about physical abilities. Since physical abilities weren’t everything, the end of this test would give each contestant an opportunity to present a talent that made up for any lacking physical conditions.

Cassandra finally saw people she recognized now that the crowds had thinned. Caleb was practically living in the library, only giving his nickname more credit. Lily had already made several friends but was happy to see Cassandra when they crossed paths. However, when she spotted Marcus, he was locked in some kind of confrontation with the sparkly fae from earlier and another boy who looked unusually tall. A descendant of giants, perhaps?

“Maximus,” the tall boy warned, “We haven’t even finished the entrance exam.”

“We don’t need to pass the test,” Marcus argued, “He can’t go around telling everyone he is the future king.”

That was a bit hypocritical considering their first meeting, but Cassandra decided to step in. She had a feeling that the fae, Maximus’s, appearance had something to do with this as well. He certainly attracted a lot of eyes.

“Gentlemen, Marcus, may I ask what is going on here?” Cassandra inquired.

Marcus was visibly relieved to see her. “Ms. Cookie,” he greeted, “I mean, Cassandra. I was just warning him about telling everyone he is the future king. He is bound to get in trouble like that.”

“You mean, like you did?” Cassandra asked, recalling his embarrassment and repeated apologies.

“He did?” Maximus asked, looking between them with an oddly dark expression on his face, “Just how did he say it for an angel like you to punish him?”

Angel? The uneasy feeling from earlier was back. This guy was going to be a problem. Rather than resolving whatever misunderstanding was going on with punishment, she decided to correct his words.

“I intend to become the queen,” she told him, “But I would never jinx it by claiming something that isn’t mine. You need to watch what you say in this place. There are eyes and ears everywhere here, testing and judging our every move.”

Maximus nodded. “I see. So you are looking out for your potential future partner,” he concluded, “but rather than him, aren’t I better?”

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“Better as a king? I have no way of knowing that,” Cassandra told him. How had he even passed the first test? Hopefully this sort of interaction wasn’t going to become commonplace.

“Not as a king. As a husband,” Maximus corrected.

The giant boy behind him jolted. “Maximus!” he shouted, “Did you not just hear her warning?”

“It’s fine, Wayde. I am not talking about being king. I am inviting a girl on a date.”

“No thank you,” Cassandra refused immediately, “I have no interest in dating or romance.” She grabbed onto Marcus and dragged him away from the situation before the damage got any worse. She would have to be sure to avoid that ridiculous fae in the future.

Marcus pulled away once they were out of the area. “Thanks. I shouldn’t have stuck my nose into that situation.”

“Why not? Your dream is to protect people. You were just trying to fulfill that dream by protecting him from himself,” Cassandra told him, “However, at this point it might be best you leave him to his own devices from now on.”

“Yeah,” Marcus agreed, “Good luck on the test tomorrow.”

“You as well.”

This well wish didn’t have any ominous attachments so Cassandra was more than happy to reply. She needed cookies to process the situation.

Luckily her group for the next exam did not include Maximus as the groups were split by gender for this particular exam. Even then, each testee was given a private space with an examiner to avoid any potential embarrassment. No magic was allowed during the physical examination, but it was during the talent presentation.

The examination consisted of performing a series of exercises as directed. It started easy and became more difficult to near impossible towards the end. Cassandra had thought she wasn’t in that bad of shape, but she didn’t even make it halfway through the exercises. Unfortunately it was impossible to say where the passing point was.

This was exactly why she had prepared a talent for today. Cassandra had always known she was not strong enough to defend herself. At least not without magic. For times when magic needed to be subtle, she had trained in physical enhancement magic. Physical enhancement magic improved strength, speed, and durability of the body. How much of each depended on the skill and intent of the caster.

Cassandra’s focused on speed and durability rather than strength. It also helped soothe her already sore muscles from the earlier exercises.

“An interesting technique,” the examiner said. It was impossible to say whether that was a good or bad thing.

Did she pass? Would she be told right away like last time or had things already switched over to the rules of the psychological portion of the entrance exam? As if to confirm her fears, Cassandra was directed to leave before hearing her results. Her results were not delivered until that night, and they were in letter form.

“Why a letter?” she wondered as she opened it.

The first part said that she was physically healthy, but not enough to qualify to be a Heart. What was a Heart? Could it be a reference to the Heart of Tethia, the king’s artifact? That was fine. She had no intention of being king or helping with his role. The second part graded her talent. It recommended she become a Tear or a Soul based on the talent shown. The Tear most likely referred to the queen’s artifact, the Tears of Tethia. That would leave the Soul to be the artifact of the Archmage.

That did explain why her results were in letter form, as well as why they took so long. They had to consider what sort of recommendations to give her. Still, it made her wonder why she needed those recommendations already. Would the rest of the test be carried out only after she chose which role she wanted to play?

That was a fun thought. From now on the test was sure to be interesting. Until then, she needed to relax and take her mind off the test so she could be in perfect shape. Perhaps she would take the chance to tour the castle? Maybe she could meet some new allies. Hopefully ones who didn’t bring up potential marriage on the second meeting.