[Narrator’s Note:The perspective shifts from Griffin to Eitri Asura, offering insight into his thoughts and experiences as he embarks on his first day at Endreas Mage Academy.]

The morning of my first day at Endreas Mage Academy had been one I’d dreamed of for years. I woke before dawn, excitement humming through my veins, my body filled with an energy that made it impossible to stay in bed. Today wasn’t just another day — it was the beginning of my journey to becoming a certified magic user. I’d waited my entire life for this, just like my father. He’s a guardsman, always out there protecting people with his powers, and now it was my turn to start down a similar path.

I sat up in bed, quickly making it as neat as possible, like I’d been taught, before dropping down onto the floor. Push-ups were the first order of the day, a habit I’d developed early on to get my blood pumping. The steady rhythm of my hands against the wooden floor grounded me, giving me a sense of control as I counted each one in my head.

"Twenty-five… twenty-six…" I whispered between breaths, pushing through the last few before standing up and stretching. The early morning light barely peeked through the curtains, the apartment still quiet. Our place wasn’t much — just a small fifth-floor unit in the middle of the city — but it had a warmth to it that felt like home.

I headed to the shower, turning the knob to let the hot water rush over me. The steam enveloped me in seconds, and I couldn’t help but sing out loud, a habit I’d picked up from my mother, though my voice had never quite matched hers. The song was upbeat, joyful, but entirely off-key. I grinned to myself, letting my voice echo through the bathroom, until a sharp knock came from the other side of the door.

"Eitri! Stop singing! You’re terrible!" my little sister, shouted.

I chuckled. She hated when I sang. I turned the water off, wrapped a towel around my waist, and, just to tease her, belted out the chorus of my song even louder. The sound of her groaning outside made me laugh even harder.

"You're the worst!" she yelled. We always had this back and forth.

Still grinning, I quickly got dressed, slipping into the school uniform I’d laid out the night before. The deep blue blazer, white shirt, and tie made me feel like I was really stepping into something bigger. The blue cloak, trimmed with silver, rested on my shoulders, its weight feeling symbolic — like a responsibility I was ready to take on.

Dressed in my full school uniform, I stepped into the kitchen, greeted by the familiar smell of eggs and toast. The sun had just risen above the horizon, casting a warm glow through the window. My father sat at the small wooden table, sipping his coffee, a calm smile on his face. He always looked so composed, like nothing could shake him — a quality I admired and hoped to emulate.

"Morning, Dad," I said, sliding into the seat across from him. He put his cup down and glanced at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, look at you," he said, his tone teasing. "All ready for the big day, huh? Nervous?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, but I could feel my fingers tapping restlessly against the table. "A little," I admitted. "I mean, I’ve waited for this moment my whole life. But now that it’s here, I guess it’s starting to feel… real."

He smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "That’s natural. But you’ve got this, Eitri. You’ve been preparing for this for years, even if you didn’t realize it. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?"

I forced a grin. "Fail miserably and get sent home before the week’s out?"

Dad chuckled, shaking his head. "You won’t fail. You’ve got that Asura blood in you. Just remember to stay focused and don’t let the pressure get to you."

Before I could respond, Shuri barged into the kitchen, her small frame bursting with energy. She held up a letter in her hand, waving it dramatically as she took a seat next to me.

"Are you ready for the big fight, Eitri?" she asked, eyes wide with excitement.

I blinked, confused. "Big fight? What are you talking about?"

Shuri slapped the letter onto the table in front of me, grinning mischievously. "This letter came with your acceptance form! It says there’s gonna be a physical test to see what everyone’s magical potential is!"

I quickly scanned the letter she was pointing to, my stomach tightening as I read the words. Physical test? I’d heard about the academic stuff but didn’t expect this.

Dad leaned over, his curiosity piqued. "Is that so? Let’s see what they’ve got in store for you."

Shuri cleared her throat and, in her best "official" voice, read from the letter: "‘All incoming students will be required to participate in a physical challenge to gauge their magical abilities. This will be a key part of your assessment at Endreas Mage Academy.’" She looked up, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Isn’t that awesome?"

My father stroked his chin, intrigued. "Huh. They really want to throw you into the deep end right away."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, the growing weight of what I’d just heard pressing down on my chest. My confidence, already fragile, wavered.

"Physical challenge?" I muttered under my breath. "Why didn’t I hear about this sooner?"

Noticing my discomfort, my father reached across the table and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Listen, Eitri. Don’t worry too much about it. These tests are designed to push you, but they’re not impossible. Just keep your head down, play it smart. You’re not expected to win — not yet, anyway. Focus on finding a group to ally with. It’s probably just as much about making connections as it is about seeing who’s the strongest."

I looked at him, his calm demeanor slowly easing the knot of anxiety in my stomach. "You think so?"

He nodded. "Absolutely. They want to see how you handle yourself, sure, but they also want to see how you work with others. You’ve always been good at that — use it to your advantage. Don’t go in thinking it’s all about who can throw the biggest spell."

His words sank in, and I found myself breathing a little easier. Maybe he was right. I’d never been the strongest, but I’d always had a knack for getting along with people, for bringing them together.

Dad stood up and stretched. "Come on, I’ll walk you to school. Let’s make sure you get there in one piece."

I smiled, feeling a bit more grounded as I stood and grabbed my bag. "Thanks, Dad."

We stepped outside together, the sun a little higher now, casting long shadows across the street. As we walked toward the academy, I felt a sense of calm settle over me. Whatever lay ahead, I knew I wasn’t facing it alone.

Leaving the noise and energy of the auditorium behind, I stepped out into the open air. My head was still buzzing from the excitement, not to mention the nerves. That race was about to kick off, and while I had mentally prepared for it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was going to be far more chaotic than any of us expected.

I walked through the vast campus, taking in my surroundings. Endreas Mage Academy was nothing short of impressive, a maze of old brick buildings, cobbled paths, and towering archways. I decided to take a small detour and explore the campus a little more, maybe clear my head before the madness began. My feet naturally led me toward the mess hall, not far from the auditorium. If there was one thing I could rely on in a place like this, it was that food always brought people together.

The mess hall was already alive with activity. I could hear the clatter of trays and the hum of conversation even before I pushed open the door. Inside, it was like stepping into another world. Students crowded around long wooden tables, sharing meals and laughter. The aroma of hot food filled the air—something like roasted chicken mixed with the scent of fresh bread and some sort of herb I couldn’t quite place. It all created a warm sense of community that, for a moment, made me forget about the looming test.

But not everyone seemed to be enjoying the camaraderie. Off in a corner of the room, a group of students had formed a huddle. Their faces were serious, a stark contrast to the lively energy around them. I slowed my pace, curious, and as I got closer, I realized they were discussing strategy. A girl, wearing the school’s uniform like everyone else, but with a stern expression and short, spiked hair, was laying out a plan. She stood next to a towering figure—a Minotaur, his horns curling slightly as he listened intently.

“We’ve got to work as a team,” the girl said, her voice firm and commanding. “No one’s getting through this alone. If we stick together, we’ll have a chance against the Mage Council.”

A ripple of agreement moved through the group, except for one. Another girl, elf-like in appearance, with delicate features and pointed ears, gave an exaggerated shrug and stood up from her seat. “Teamwork? Yeah, good luck with that. If you ask me, it’s every man for himself out there.”

With that, she shot through the double doors leading to the fields outside, her movements swift and fluid like someone who had no intention of waiting for anyone else. The rest of the group looked after her, some with disdain, others with a hint of nervousness.

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I stood back, taking it all in. They were serious about this. It wasn’t just a race; it was a test of everything we had. Magical potential, physical endurance, even strategy—this was no small challenge.

"I guess the letter wasn’t lying," I thought to myself, a slight unease creeping into my stomach. "We really are going to be fighting to prove our potential."

As the students who had remained in the mess hall began breaking up, heading off in different directions, I noticed their movements were disjointed. They lacked any real coordination. The girl had talked about teamwork, but I could see cracks in their alliance already. Some lagged behind, others bolted ahead, clearly uncertain of what to do next.

I stood there for a moment longer, trying to figure out where I fit into all of this. There was no doubt that we were all about to be tested, but it wasn’t just about power. It was about how we approached the challenge. Sure, some might rely on brute strength or flashy spells, but I wasn’t so sure that was the key to success here.

"Maybe," I thought, "it’s less about proving I’m the best and more about surviving with some dignity intact."

With that in mind, I turned toward the double doors and made my way out into the open fields. Whatever lay ahead, I wasn’t going to face it recklessly. But I had a sinking feeling that not everyone had the same plan.

Leaving the mess hall behind, I stepped out onto the field, the expanse of emerald grass stretching out before me. The sight was almost serene, a sweeping canvas of green dotted with scattered trees and bushes. The field felt alive with possibilities, but today, it was the setting for something far less peaceful.

I began my approach with caution, moving from one bush to another. The foliage provided ample cover, and I used it to my advantage, slipping silently between patches of shade. Each rustle of the grass seemed amplified in my ears, a reminder that any sound could give away my position. I crouched low, keeping my movements slow and deliberate as I navigated the field, trying to remain unseen.

The breeze carried whispers of past athletes and the faint scent of earth, mingling with the sharper tang of anticipation in the air. My heart pounded as I navigated through the underbrush, careful to stay out of sight while keeping my eyes peeled for any signs of conflict. The field, though beautiful, had an undercurrent of tension today, and I was determined to stay on the periphery of whatever was unfolding.

As I rounded a particularly dense thicket, I spotted a commotion ahead. A group of five new students stood in the middle of the field, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. They were being confronted by three figures I recognized from the earlier orientation—representative mages, including Philip Kirstein himself. The sight of Philip, his confident stance and decorated robes, sent a chill down my spine. I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of fear and fascination at the thought of facing someone of his caliber.

Philip's aura was commanding, his presence almost palpable even from a distance. The other two mages, though less well-known, exuded a similar air of authority and power. The five new students, clearly outmatched, appeared to be preparing for a confrontation. I could see their hands twitching towards their spells, their faces set with grim determination.

I remained hidden behind a thick bush, my breath catching in my throat. The scene before me was both frightening and mesmerizing. Philip Kirstein’s reputation as a skilled mage preceded him, and seeing him in action, even from afar, was both intimidating and intriguing. His confidence and the ease with which he carried himself suggested a level of skill that was well beyond what I had imagined.

The representative mages’ voices carried over to me, though the specifics were lost in the wind. It was clear that a test of some sort was about to begin. The new students were clearly nervous, but I could also see the resolve in their eyes. They were not backing down easily, despite the odds stacked against them.

I wanted to get closer, to see how this confrontation would unfold, but I knew better than to get too close. Instead, I crouched lower, blending in with the surrounding greenery. The rustle of leaves and the distant hum of activity on the field were my only companions as I watched the standoff from my hidden vantage point.

The scene was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Whatever I had anticipated for this first day, it seemed that the reality was going to be far more intense. My curiosity about Philip Kirstein and the other representatives was matched only by my desire to stay out of harm’s way.

As the confrontation began to escalate, I remained hidden, silently observing. The field, once a peaceful canvas, had transformed into a battleground of sorts, and I had to navigate this new reality with care.

The field was alive with tension as the confrontation between the new students and the representative mages began. From my hidden position among the bushes, I could see the intensity of the situation unfolding before me.

A commanding female student from the group of five, her voice cutting through the charged atmosphere, shouted out, “Neriah, now!” Her authority was clear, and it was evident she was the one leading the group. The command was followed by immediate action from a student who had been waiting for this signal.

Neriah stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. With his elf-like features and chubby physique, he stood out among the newcomers. His braided black hair, which swayed slightly with each movement, framed his face, and his full boy’s uniform hung loosely on his larger frame. As he prepared to take action, the air around him seemed to crackle with anticipation.

Neriah extended his arms, and green vines erupted from the ground, curling around his limbs like gauntlets. The vines glistened with an otherworldly sheen, and I could see the effort Neriah was putting into channeling his magic. With a decisive swing, he hurled something from his vine-clad arm. The object—a giant seed, roughly the size of a golf ball—flew through the air, heading straight for the two representative mages who stood their ground.

The two representatives, unfazed by the incoming projectile, prepared to counter the attack. One of them, a mage with an air of authority and elegance, stepped forward. She extended both arms, her palms glowing with a fierce, bright flame. The fire erupted from her hands, forming a blazing shield that met the giant seed in mid-air.

As the seed collided with the fiery barrier, the impact was dramatic. The seed exploded into a deep, solid green gas, which billowed out in dense clouds. The green gas swirled around the representative mages, shrouding them in an almost tangible fog. The fire from the mage’s shield burned through the gas, but it remained thick and persistent, concealing the representatives in a veil of smoke.

The scene was a whirlwind of color and movement. The gas obscured my view, but I could make out the shapes of the representatives and the struggling forms of the new students. The atmosphere was charged with the raw energy of magic, each side fighting to gain the upper hand.

I watched with bated breath as the gas began to clear, the dense smoke dissipating to reveal the results of the clash. The representative mages were still standing, though their expressions were stern and focused. Neriah and his group appeared to be regrouping, their initial burst of aggression met with a powerful counter.

The field, once a serene expanse of green, had become a stage for this intense magical duel. The stakes were high, and the outcomes uncertain. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me, the realization that this was only the beginning of what was sure to be a challenging and eventful day.

As the gas cleared, I remained hidden, my curiosity piqued and my nerves on edge. The confrontation between the new students and the representatives was a powerful reminder of the trials that lay ahead. I could only imagine the strategies and skill required to navigate this new world of magic, and I was eager to see how this first test would unfold.

The representative mages, shrouded in the lingering green gas, were having a quiet conversation amidst the chaos. Her delicate features partially hidden by her long black hair, turned to Jazmine with a thoughtful look.

“Hey Jazmine,” Felicity began, her voice calm despite the tension. “This group shows promise, don’t you think?”

Jazmine, equally composed, nodded in agreement. “Yes, they do. They’ve got potential. But we need to be cautious.”

Just then, Philip Kirstein, one of the representative mages, interrupted their conversation with a sharp, commanding tone. “Felicity!” referring to the first girl.

Felicity turned to him, her attention fully on him now. “Yes?” she asked, her tone attentive.

Philip’s eyes narrowed as he observed the unfolding scene. “Watch your side,” he warned, as if anticipating an imminent threat.

Before Felicity could respond, a figure burst forth from the dissipating smoke. It was Naomi, the leader of the group of new students, who was now armed with thick sand pulled from the ground beneath her. With a swift, aggressive motion, Naomi began hurling the sand towards Felicity.

Reacting quickly, Felicity used her reality manipulation skills to deflect the sand away from herself. The sand shifted direction, but Naomi was relentless, continuously sending waves of it toward her target. The air crackled with the energy of their magic as the confrontation turned into a close-quarters battle.

The scene was chaotic, with sand flying and spells clashing. From the edge of the field, another student from Naomi’s group, shouted out in concern. “Naomi, be careful!”

Naomi, her focus intense, shot back over her shoulder, frustration evident in her voice. “Balto, just come help!”

As Felicity maintained her defensive stance, it became clear that Naomi was struggling to gain the upper hand. Just when it seemed like Naomi might be overwhelmed, Balto sprang into action. He used his wind magic to create a gust that pushed back the sand and cleared some space between Naomi and Felicity.

The sudden shift allowed Balto to close the distance and assist Naomi more effectively. With the additional support, Naomi’s attacks became more coordinated, and the two students began to find their rhythm in the fight. Felicity, though skilled, now had to contend with both Naomi and Balto, making the duel even more intense.

The field, once serene and green, had transformed into a battleground where the skills and determination of the new students were on full display. The sand, now swirling in the air with the force of their magic, created a dynamic and unpredictable environment for the duel.

As Naomi and Balto continued their fierce struggle with Felicity, their efforts to break through her defenses intensified. Felicity expertly manipulated reality to counter their every move, but the battle was taking its toll.

Meanwhile, the other newbies, driven by a mix of desperation and determination, began to focus their efforts on Jazmine. Neriah, his eyes sharp with strategy, called out to his comrade Paul. “Paul! Go around to the back!”

Paul, a skinny figure with an introverted demeanor, nodded and quickly made his way around, his short blonde hair catching the light as he moved. He raised his arms and began manipulating the air, creating a strong gust that pushed Felicity forward. As he did so, he signaled to another student. “Coming your way, Virtue!”

Virtue, with her slender build and short brunette hair, was already prepared. She channeled her botanic magic, calling forth vines from the earth. The vines slithered up from the ground and wrapped tightly around Jazmine, who was momentarily caught off guard.

Without hesitation, Jazmine ignited herself in flames, her body blazing as she burned away the encroaching vines. She laughed, a chilling sound that echoed across the field, her flames reflecting the fierce determination in her eyes.

The remaining trio—Neriah, Paul, and Virtue—paused, realizing their initial strategy had failed. Nervous glances were exchanged as Jazmine, now free from the vines, stood tall and resolute.

A cold silence fell over the battlefield, and Jazmine’s voice cut through it with an ominous tone. “My turn to end this.”

The three newbies watched, a shiver running down their spines, as Jazmine began to chant. Her voice was steady, each word deliberate as she invoked a powerful spell:

“By the power of the mystic flame,

I summon the circle, bound and tame.

With binding threads of magic’s might,

Hold them fast within my sight.”

As she completed the chant, a glowing magic circle began to materialize around her. The circle shimmered with an ethereal light, pulsating with arcane energy. Its edges extended outward, forming an intricate design that seemed to pulse with the rhythm of Jazmine’s chant.

The effect was immediate and dramatic. The three newbies—Naomi, Balto, and their remaining ally—found themselves ensnared within the circle’s boundaries. Their movements slowed, their bodies becoming heavy and unresponsive as if invisible chains had wrapped around them.

Jazmine’s cold, confident gaze remained fixed on the subdued trio. “Looks like this is where your journey ends for today,” she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority and satisfaction.

As the magic circle completed its binding, the field fell silent once more, with only the distant rustle of leaves and the murmurs of other students filling the air. Eitri, watching from his concealed position, felt a deepening sense of awe and apprehension. The display of power and coordination from Jazmine and the representative mages was both inspiring and intimidating.

As I watched from behind the cover of a bush, the energy dome formed by Felicity and Philip quickly enveloped the subdued group of newbies. The shimmering shield pulsed with a deep blue glow, containing Naomi, Balto, and their remaining comrade within its boundaries. Felicity and Philip exchanged approving glances, and I could hear their muffled conversation through the energy field.

"Well done, Felicity," Philip's voice carried a tone of genuine admiration. "You’ve handled this group excellently."

Felicity, her face illuminated by the glow of the dome, replied with a slight smile. "Thank you. It’s a good test of their potential."

Virtue, standing a short distance away with a concerned expression, raised her voice. "What’s the point of the race if we have to fight Representatives like this?"

Philip stepped forward, addressing Virtue's question. "The purpose of this test is to gauge the magical skills of every new student. The results will help the teachers rank everyone and understand where each of you stands."

Paul, his face bright with enthusiasm, asked eagerly, "So, how did we do?"

Philip gave a nod, acknowledging their efforts. "Your teamwork was impressive. However," he added with a slight shrug, "individually, none of you stand out much."

The blunt assessment from Felicity made my stomach tighten. I felt a knot of unease settle in as I listened. The idea of being evaluated so critically filled me with doubt.

Watching the energy dome trap the newbies, I began to question whether it was worth continuing. The path to the finish line seemed to be crawling with more Representatives, each potentially ready to challenge me. I wasn’t sure I had the strength or skill to match them.

My own magical abilities had always seemed mediocre at best. I lacked any flashy or unique powers that might set me apart. As much as I wanted to prove myself, the thought of facing off against seasoned mages left me feeling increasingly uncertain.

I found myself contemplating if it might be easier to just give myself up to be caught. The idea of avoiding a confrontation and finding a quieter way to prove myself seemed more appealing by the second. I was doubtful of my capabilities and worried about the possibility of failing spectacularly in front of everyone.

As the excitement and tension continued to build around me, I struggled with the decision. The pressure to perform weighed heavily on me, and the thought of just retreating and regrouping seemed like a safer option. Yet, a part of me still clung to the hope of showing my true potential, even if it meant facing my doubts head-on.