[Pinnacle Academy, Central Building - Hallways]
As we walked side-by-side towards the classroom, I couldn't help but appreciate the comfortable silence that enveloped us.
It was a welcome change from the usual chaos and banter that accompanied most of my interactions with the other students.
Besides, I figured it was good for Alice to get out of her shell and make some friends.
Her social anxiety was a bit of a hindrance, and any opportunity to interact with others was a step in the right direction.
"So," I said, breaking the silence, "how did you find the practice exam?"
Alice paused for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "It was fine," she replied, her voice soft and hesitant. "But I could've done better."
I shrugged. "It's good to strive for improvement, but don't let it weigh you down too much," I advised. "You'll get caught up in it if you do."
A small smile graced Alice's lips. "It's nice of you to say that, Rel."
"Just a few encouraging words," I said, shrugging again.
As we continued towards our classroom, our watches buzzed simultaneously. We both received a message from Lan Villerion, the leader of the Histories Breakfast Club.
[You've received a message from Whatsapp:]
[Lan.Villerion (Club President) <6:25 AM> Morning guys! I've managed to get our club booked for another trip, this time all the way to Italy! I'll be providing more details later throughout the day, but as you know, the trip is happening this weekend. If you guys can't make it, please let me know! And also, I apologize for the late notice :D]
I glanced at my watch, then turned to Alice, who had just finished reading the message.
"Are you going?" she asked, tucking a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.
I thought for a moment. It might be a little tricky to be in two places at once, but hopefully I could manage to complete my mercenary mission in Milan while also being present for one of the main events of the story.
"Probably," I replied, liking Lan's message. "I've got some free time coming up."
With a sigh, I continued walking towards the classroom, Alice falling into step beside me.
**
"Good morning, class," Mr. Kolek's voice boomed, cutting through the morning chatter.
"As you know, your semester's final practical exam is fast approaching."
A hush fell over the room, the usual buzz of anticipation replaced by a serious tension.
The practical exam was the culmination of months of training and study, a test that would determine their progress and potential as heroes.
Of course, I knew a lot more than them about what was to come.
The notice board had announced that the practical would last for about a week.
This meant back-to-back story arcs would occur within just a few days of each other.
It felt unrealistic now that I thought about it, but then again, who knew the story better than its creator?
"This exam will be unlike anything you've encountered before," Kolek continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"It will push you to your limits, challenge your abilities, and force you to adapt to unexpected situations."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
The students in the room exchanged nervous glances as their minds were probably wondering what in the world could be different to the practical exams they'd taken in the past.
"Also, since I won't be here to instruct you on the day of the exam, I have Mr. Bennett to fill in my role as your temporary homeroom teacher for the time being." Kolek gestured towards Mr. Bennett, who entered the room with a proud smile.
My face fell. This must be the change that occurred because the original story didn't go according to plan.
Kolek continued, "Along with myself, who's the head instructor of the exam, Mr. Bennett will also be there to assist students on the exam site in case of danger. That's all I'm going to say about Mr. Bennett's role, so I expect you all to come prepared. Now, I'll be taking my leave as I'll be preparing the practical exam soon."
As the class erupted into discussions about what the exam might entail, I couldn't shake the feeling of a cold stare boring into my soul...
I turned my head, following the chill down my spine to its source.
And I realised Mr. Bennett was staring at me.
It was an unsettling feeling like a predator locking onto its prey.
This wasn't how he was supposed to act.
His character was meticulous, reserved and a perfectionist, he's not supposed to be openly predatory.
But as soon as I met his eyes, he looked away, back to his computer.
"Strange..." I muttered under my breath.
The rest of the class passed without incident.
Bennett's teaching was uninspired with a dry recitation of magical theory.
Everything seemed normal, almost too normal.
The dissonance between his earlier behaviour and his current facade only added to my unease.
There shouldn't be any reason for me to have his attention at all since I've done basically nothing but get straight 100s in my theory tests.
RING!
Well, thankfully I wouldn't have anything to be worried about.
As the bell finally rang, signalling the end of class, a familiar hunger reminded me of my missed breakfast.
I rose from my seat, making my way towards the door, eager to escape to the comforting familiarity of Allen's Cafe.
But just as I was about to slip out, Bennett's voice halted me in my tracks.
"Rel," he said, his tone even and controlled, "could you stay back for a moment?"
I stifled a sigh as the classroom emptied, leaving me alone with Bennett.
Of all the people to detain me after class, it had to be him.
"What is it, sir?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
Bennett smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"A student within the science department asked me to help him conduct a sampling test on mana capacity and sharpness," he explained. "You were randomly selected from the class."
Randomly selected? I thought, my suspicions flaring.
This had never happened in the original story.
Something was definitely off.
"What do I have to do?" I asked, keeping my expression carefully blank.
"The student handed me an empty orb," Bennett continued, holding up a small, translucent sphere.
"As you probably know, it measures a person's mana capacity and sharpness."
"What?"
The word escaped my lips before I could stop it.
"It... measures mana capacity and sharpness?" he repeated himself once more.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
Did he think I was some kind of fool?