After leaving the head teacher's office, the players wandered through the academy's labyrinthine halls.
Though the intricate architecture and grand scale were awe-inspiring, the lack of direction soon became frustrating.
"Does anyone remember which way we came from?" Evan asked, glancing around.
"That would require me actually paying attention," Zack replied with a shrug.
Arlon sighed, his sharp eyes scanning the ornate walls for anything that might hint at their location.
The academy was a maze of identical corridors, each decorated with towering windows, magical sconces, and intricate carvings.
"Let's just keep walking," Maria suggested. "We've got an hour before lessons start. Worst case, we ask someone."
After a few false turns and some backtracking, they finally found a map affixed to the wall near a staircase.
"Third years... they're on the second floor," June noted, pointing to the labeled areas.
With the mystery of their location solved, they headed for their designated classroom, arriving just in time to catch the bell's soft chime.
---
The classroom was spacious, with rows of neatly arranged desks and large windows letting in streams of natural light.
The students, already seated, turned to look at the newcomers with varying degrees of curiosity and skepticism.
Standing at the front was a middle-aged Beastman instructor with a commanding presence.
His broad shoulders and piercing gaze made it clear he wasn't someone to trifle with. He held a thick book under one arm and tapped a clawed finger rhythmically against the desk.
Aila was already seated in the second row, her hand raised to beckon the players over. Her friendly wave contrasted with the wary stares of her classmates.
As the players hesitated at the door, the instructor cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him.
"Ah, you must be the guest students," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Come in."
The players filed in, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on them.
The instructor addressed the class. "These are our special guests for the week. They'll be attending lessons alongside you and participating in this week's exams."
A boy near the back whispered something to his friend, earning a ripple of muffled laughter.
The instructor's ears twitched, and his gaze snapped toward the source of the noise. "Something to share with the class, Mr. Helvar?"
The boy immediately straightened in his seat, shaking his head. "No, sir."
Satisfied, the instructor turned back to the players. "I am Professor Kael, your theory instructor. Since introductions are in order, let's start with you." He gestured to Arlon.
Arlon stepped forward, his calm demeanor masking his mild discomfort. "I'm Arlon. I look forward to learning with you."
The professor nodded and gestured for the next person to speak.
"I'm Maria," she said with a small wave. "Thanks for having us!"
"Evan," he added simply, folding his arms.
"Zack! I promise not to break anything. Well, I'll try," Zack said with a grin, earning a few chuckles from the class.
"June," she said curtly, keeping her introduction short.
The professor's sharp eyes lingered on them briefly before he addressed the class again. "You'll treat them with the same respect you show your peers. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Professor," the students replied in unison, though not all sounded sincere.
"Good. Take the empty seats," Kael instructed, gesturing to the back of the room.
The players made their way to the vacant desks near Aila, who smiled warmly at them.
---
"Today, we'll be discussing the history and mechanics of magic resonance," Kael announced, writing the topic on the board with swift, precise strokes.
The players exchanged puzzled glances, already feeling out of their depth.
Kael's gaze swept over the room. "Can anyone explain the concept of resonance in magic?"
Aila's hand shot up instantly.
"Aila," Kael said, nodding to her.
"Magic resonance occurs when two spells or magical forces interact in a way that amplifies or diminishes their effects. The outcome depends on the compatibility of the energies involved," Aila recited confidently.
"Correct," Kael said, his voice tinged with approval. "Resonance is a fundamental concept for advanced spellcasting, as it can greatly enhance the efficiency of magic. Conversely, mishandling resonance can lead to catastrophic results."
Arlon knew the answer thanks to Agema, but even June couldn't have learned it during one week of training.
Of course, everyone had to know about these even if they weren't a mage.
The professor continued, delving into the complexities of magical harmonics. Meanwhile, the players scribbled notes furiously, determined not to fall behind.
---
The bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson. Professor Kael closed his book with a decisive thud and addressed the class.
"That's all for now. Remember to review the material on magical resonance—it will feature prominently in the exam on Friday."
As the students packed their things, Kael looked toward the players. "You've seen a glimpse of what we cover here at Cardon.
I trust you'll put in the effort to catch up. For now, head to the training yard. Professor Orlen will take over for the practical lesson."
The players exchanged glances, their excitement tempered by a hint of nervousness.
Theory was one thing, but practical combat or magic could reveal just how far behind they were compared to the academy's third-year students.
"Follow me," Aila said cheerfully, gathering her belongings.
---
The group stepped into the academy's training yard, a sprawling space surrounded by tall stone walls that radiated faint magical energy.
Various sections of the yard were partitioned for different activities: sparring rings, archery targets, obstacle courses, and areas glowing with magical circles for spellcasting practice.
A tall, muscular elf stood in the center, his long silver hair tied back and a commanding aura about him.
His sharp features and piercing green eyes made him both intimidating and impressive.
He held a sleek black staff, which he tapped lightly on the ground to gather everyone's attention.
"I am Professor Orlen," he announced, his voice calm yet authoritative. "Today, we'll focus on practical applications of combat and magic. This isn't just about showing off your power—it's about control, precision, and adaptation. Each of you will be tested on these skills."
He scanned the group, his gaze lingering on the players for a moment longer than the others.
"You must be the guest students," he said, his tone neutral. "I'll be keeping an eye on you."
The players nodded, feeling the weight of his words.
---
Orlen waved his staff, and glowing symbols appeared in the air, forming a large circular arena.
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"We'll begin with paired sparring. This is not about defeating your opponent but about gauging your abilities and learning to adapt mid-fight."
"You can go gull out here," he said looking at the players, "This is a magical arena created by me, so you won't die no matter what."
The students murmured excitedly, clearly familiar with the routine.
"Step forward when your name is called," Orlen continued.
He began pairing students, calling names in quick succession. Eventually, he looked at the players.
"You," he said looking at Maria, "You will fight against Alia."