The dining hall offered a staggering variety of breakfast options, from simple fare like bread, eggs, and bacon to more elaborate dishes typically reserved for lunch. William, however, gravitated towards the familiar comforts of his Earthly breakfast routine.
As the morning progressed, more and more exam participants trickled into the hall, their faces betraying a mix of anticipation and exhaustion. Altair joined William just as he finished his meal.
"How are you up so early?" Altair asked, settling into the seat beside him.
"I'm used to it," William replied with a shrug. "Early mornings were the norm back in the village."
"I see," Altair said, nodding in understanding. "Well, even though you've already eaten, stick around and chat for a bit, if you'd like."
William, with no pressing engagements before the exam, readily agreed. Altair returned from the buffet with a plate piled high with an assortment of breakfast delicacies.
"Are you really going to eat all that?" William asked, raising an eyebrow. "No way a skinny guy like you can handle that much food."
"Oh, come on!" Altair scoffed playfully. "Respect the skinny bros." He winked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
William observed the growing crowd, noting a distinct lack of fear compared to the tension that had permeated the previous exam. Could it be, as Altair had suggested, that they knew this stage was merely a formality?
"I think so," Altair confirmed, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Notice how the nobles are the most relaxed, while the commoners still seem anxious? That's because the nobles are privy to information the rest of us aren't."
His words resonated with William's own observations. Just then, Tholfnir entered the hall, his presence silencing the chatter.
"You have five minutes to finish your breakfast," he announced, his voice carrying through the room. "Then meet me in the courtyard." With that, he turned and departed.
Most had already finished their meals, but the five-minute warning spurred the remaining few to hasten their consumption. William and Altair joined the procession of exam participants following Tholfnir to the courtyard, and from there, to the academy gymnasium.
The gymnasium was a vast, impressive structure, its interior housing numerous dueling platforms and training dummies. Rows of bleachers lined the walls, providing ample space for spectators. Tholfnir stood in the center of the arena, addressing them.
"This stage of the exam consists of duels," he explained, his voice echoing through the spacious hall. "One-on-one combat. The only difference this time is that you will have an audience. Several professors have graciously offered their time to observe your performance, as well as some students."
The presence of an audience added a thrilling new dimension to the exam. While this stage might not be eliminatory, the opportunity to impress the professors and establish dominance amongst their peers was a powerful motivator. No one wanted to appear weak or incompetent in front of those who might become their mentors and classmates.
Tholfnir explained the rules: the duels would be randomly assigned, and each participant would fight only once. As he spoke, professors and senior students began to fill the bleachers, their expectant gazes adding to the pressure.
William, his competitive spirit ignited, hoped for a challenging opponent. He wasn't afraid of facing a strong adversary; in fact, he relished the opportunity to showcase his skills. He only hoped he wouldn't be pitted against Altair.
The air crackled with anticipation as Tholfnir began announcing the pairings.
Tholfnir, unfamiliar with the applicants, assigned each a number. William received token number twenty-two.
"I shall now call out pairs of numbers," Tholfnir announced. "Those called will step into the dueling ring."
The first duel pitted a young nobleman against a girl who appeared to be a commoner. William, along with the other participants, watched with keen interest.
"Who do you think will win?" Altair asked, leaning towards William.
William assessed the two combatants, his senses attuned to their magical auras. "I believe the girl will win," he replied. "Her mana is stronger, and the noble will likely underestimate her."
Altair disagreed, favoring the noble's presumed training and experience. The duel commenced, and within moments, William's prediction proved accurate. The girl unleashed a series of lightning spells, her control and precision impressive. Whispers rippled through the bleachers.
"Lightning affinity is rare," one professor remarked to another. "She could be a valuable addition to the academy."
"Indeed," another agreed. "Let's hope she performs well in the final exam."
The girl's victory and her rare affinity had clearly caught the attention of the faculty. But as William knew, this was just one hurdle in a series of challenges.
More duels followed, but none held William's interest. After facing the demonically empowered hunter, these sparring matches seemed tame, the participants lacking in both power and finesse. Their spells were rudimentary, their movements predictable.
William, though not the most experienced mage, couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority. He knew these were merely apprentices, their skills still developing, but he couldn't deny the confidence blooming within him.
"Number twenty-two!" Tholfnir's voice boomed through the gymnasium. "Step into the ring."
William felt a surge of adrenaline as he strode towards the dueling platform. His opponent, a young man with an air of arrogance, awaited him. It wasn't Altair, thankfully, but this was no ordinary noble.
"Good luck, bro," Altair whispered as William passed. "After seeing you in action in the dungeon, I know you won't lose."
William cracked a grin. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." He stepped into the ring, facing his opponent.
"So, I'm up against a commoner," the young man sneered. "How... predictable."
"And you are?" William inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"You may address me as Prince Lance," the youth declared, puffing out his chest.
"A prince, huh?" William mused, a hint of mischief in his voice. "I just hope your father doesn't disown you after you lose to a commoner."
The prince's face flushed with anger. Murmurs rippled through the audience.
"Why is he provoking the prince?" one of the professors whispered. "It will only make his defeat more humiliating."
While a noble losing to a commoner wasn't unheard of, the prince was a different story. He had access to the kingdom's best resources, tutors, and training. The king would have spared no expense to ensure his son's strength. Of all the applicants, Lance was undoubtedly the most formidable.
Tholfnir silenced the whispers with a raised hand. "Silence, please," he commanded. "The duel is about to commence."
A hush fell over the gymnasium, the tension palpable. All eyes were on William and the prince, the stage set for a clash of both magic and social standing.
William weighed his options. He could hold back, relying on his physical prowess alone, or unleash his full arsenal of skills, demonstrating his true potential. The choice was clear. There was no benefit in hiding his power, especially against an opponent as formidable as the prince.
With a surge of mana, he activated a series of body-enhancing spells, transforming himself into a force to be reckoned with.
His body responded instantly. Swiftfoot granted him increased agility and speed, Enhanced Strength bolstered his physical power, and Iron Skin hardened his flesh into an almost impenetrable armor. The rapid-fire casting, three spells activated in quick succession, drew gasps from the audience. Such seamless execution was rare, especially for someone with limited formal training.
But he wasn't finished.
"Kinetic Burst!" he roared, his voice echoing through the gymnasium.