Chapter 43: Dominion Isle: Test of the Chosen
Another day had passed, and with it came the awaited day of the practical evaluation exam.
Velren found himself standing within the academy's very own magical airship, an awe-inspiring vessel that loomed over the academy grounds before departure. Its exterior was a grand masterpiece of both magic and engineering—a sleek, towering structure adorned with intricate arcane engravings that shimmered faintly with power. Large, crystalline propellers lined its sides, pulsating with a soft glow as they effortlessly lifted the colossal ship into the sky. The academy's crest, an emblem of wisdom and mastery over the arcane, was displayed proudly upon its hull.
The interior was just as magnificent. Golden chandeliers hung from the high-vaulted ceilings, casting a warm yet regal light over the polished floors. The hallways stretched endlessly, lined with ornate pillars and enchanted windows that provided an unobstructed view of the world outside. It was more luxurious than anything Velren had ever stepped foot in.
As the airship drifted higher into the sky, he found himself staring through one of the glass-paneled walls. Below, the massive kingdom sprawled in every direction—a vast city of marble and stone, with winding streets and towering spires that stretched towards the heavens. Beyond the kingdom's walls, endless forests stretched into the horizon, their emerald canopies blending seamlessly with the distant mountains.
'Wow...'
At first, Velren had assumed the exam would take place within the academy itself. However, the reality was far from his expectations. The fact that they had to leave the academy grounds entirely meant that this evaluation would be far more than a simple test of skill.
***
After nearly an hour of travel, a commanding voice rang through the airship's speakers, ordering all first-year students to assemble at the main deck.
Velren made his way through the bustling corridors, eventually stepping onto the spacious deck where the entire student body had begun to gather. Five distinct groups stood in formation, each representing their respective classes—from 1-A to 1-D.
A faint tension lingered in the air as students whispered among themselves, exchanging speculations and concerns about what awaited them in this so-called evaluation. The atmosphere of excitement and uncertainty filled the deck, setting the stage for whatever lay ahead.
A heavy silence fell over the assembled students as footsteps echoed from the stage before them.