The students were led into the Flux Arena — a vast hall with a floor of lightstone that reacted to magic. Patterns shifted beneath their feet like living lines.
"Today, we test your basic control," Mistress Aradia said. "Magic and martial resonance are two sides of the same force. You will attempt both."
Nova's heart skipped.
"First, magic," the Mistress said. "Let the Flux flow through your hand. Do not push. Do not pull. Simply feel."
Students raised their hands.
Mira's hand burst into flame. Kael produced a small tremor in the air. Lune formed a perfect water‑like circle.
Nova felt… nothing.
She squeezed her eyes shut. Come on. Something. Anything. Prove you belong here.
A soft tingling. A spark. The same as before.
But when she tried to hold it, a sharp pain shot through her palm. The spark exploded in a tiny flash.
Not large. But bright enough for everyone to see.
The floor beneath her foot lit up in a pattern no one recognized — a spiral that expanded rapidly, then stopped abruptly.
Silence filled the hall.
Mistress Aradia stared at her with an unreadable expression. Not angry. Not disappointed. But… alert.
"Interesting," she murmured. "Very interesting."
Nova's face burned. "I'm sorry, I—"
"Do not apologize," the Mistress said. "Flux responds to truth. And your resonance does not lie."
Mira whispered to another student, "Or she just has zero control."
Kael shot her a glare.