"Today's test will be an hour test. You are meant to complete all the questions or you may leave them blank. Your choice; and remember the rules: don't cheat."
Professor Eldrich words were laced with a tone of joy. The test papers flew to each student as they all started writing the answers to every question made available.
Before Elior started, Professor Eldrich glanced at him and waved. Elior awkwardly waved back.
As Elior stared down at the papers, panic surged through him—followed by a deep sense of calm. He did not know if it was because he was the one who wrote the questions, or simply because he had worked hard for this moment.
All the questions across the sheet were based on his selected courses.
ARCANE THEORY
Q1. What differentiates raw arcane from structured spellcraft?
Answer: Raw arcane is unshaped energy released through instinct or emotion, often unstable and wasteful. Structured spellcraft uses formulae, sigils, and intent alignment to control output, reduce backlash, and achieve repeatable results.
Q2. Why does intent outweigh spoken incantations in advanced arcane?
Answer: Incantations guide focus, but intent determines outcome. Advanced mages internalize spell structures, making thought and will faster and purer than spoken words.
Q3. Explain arcane backlash and how it occurs.
Answer: Arcane backlash occurs when energy flow exceeds the caster's capacity or when intent conflicts with spell structure, causing energy to rebound into the caster's body or mind.
COMBAT DISCIPLINE
Q1. Why is rage considered a weakness in elite combat?
Answer: Rage disrupts judgment, drains stamina, and destabilizes spell precision.
Q2. Can restraint be more lethal than aggression?
Answer: Yes. Controlled strikes exploit openings and conserve energy, leading to decisive outcomes.
Q3. How does fear disrupt spellcasting?
Answer: Fear fractures focus and causes mana flow irregularities.
Q4. Explain silent casting under stress.
Answer: Casting spells through pure intent without gestures or speech, even while under threat.
Q5. Why do undisciplined mages die early?
Answer: They overextend, panic, or misuse power without control.
Q6. What is the final stage of perfect combat discipline?
Answer: The moment the fighter no longer recognizes survival as relevant.
ANCIENT LORE
Q1. Why were certain spells erased rather than destroyed?
Answer: Because destruction risks accidental activation or loss of containment.
Q2. Can knowledge itself be dangerous?
Answer: Yes. Some truths alter perception or reality merely by being understood.
Q3. Are gods creators or parasites of belief?
Answer: Some are creators; others draw power from worship and belief.
Q4. What happens when ancient magic reenters the world?
Answer: Reality destabilizes, hierarchies collapse, and forgotten entities awaken.
Q5. Who decides what knowledge is forbidden?
Answer: Survivors of past catastrophes—usually those burdened with memory rather than morality.
Q6. Why were the ancient civilizations erased instead of conquered?
Answer: Because they discovered how to leave reality entirely, and taught others.
Elior submitted his answers and left the building making it to the training dorm where Miss Arwen exams will be held.
Elior did well and left the building. As he walked out, Elior approached Seris, who was heading back to her dorm.
"How did the exams go?"
"Please don't talk to me, Elior."
"Why, Seris? I thought we'd moved past that phase and become… somewhat friends."
"Oh, I did not know we were friends. I just see you as my annoying desk partner"
"Your annoying desk partner? That's wild coming from you, Duchess."
"Duchess, huh?"
"You know your girlfriend is staring a hole straight through me."
Elior turned to see Aria walking with Aiden and the rest of the gang. The look on Aria's face as she saw Elior was closer to a death stare but Elior did not care.
Shrugging, Elior turned to speak to Seris, only to find her glaring straight at Liora D'Arthein.
Seris began walking to Liora and Elior just sighed
'I can't believe this is how my day after the tests is going.'
"So, the house of Althorne decided to embarrass themselves again, right Seris?"
"I don't see how that would concern you" Seris answered clutching her fists
Elior noticed it but allowed it to go further
"Actually, it concerns me since I know I would be doing so better than you in the future when we both takeover"
"It won't be the same if you flunk or do below me when the result is released"
"Are you saying you are going to do better than me?" Liora said with anger in her voice yet it was quiet
Seris scoffed before walking straight to Liora face on
'I don't think this will end in just a simple argument.' Elior thought to himself
"Ladies, let us avoid getting into a wild cat fight here"
"Stay out of it, dipshit" Seris and Liora shouted in unison
Elior laughed softly and turned to look at them both. "I get that you both want to kill each other, but I doubt the school authorities, the student council, or your families would appreciate finding out their daughters murdered each other."
Seris and Liora both sighed and walked away
"Don't I deserve a thanks at least"
"No, you don't" Seris said as she walked away
Elior sighed and walked into the dormitories.