EQUINOX || The Catalysts Series, #3

VII

Day minus two to the trials, Lena learns there is one part of it that contains written theory.

She's had to do a double take when she first learnt about it from Azalea, but it is what it is: a no-trick, plain written exam to be held on their desktop tablets without access to open networks and e-resources.

An old-fashioned, closed book exam administered digitally, testing the students' knowledge of the City of Leatia and its systems—including the I.S.C.D.R.'s bureaucracy and its laws, and general demon knowledge.

Lena is now currently sulking in a corner of Arcane Academy's library, forcing content into her brain.

Even with the latest technologies, the circular chamber is lit traditionally, and contains rows and rows of yellowing books towering from the ground to the ceiling. They are historical, precious archives supposedly irreplaceable, before everything went into the digital database. Of course, these copies are also available as online versions, but the school likes to preserve history just like its architecture design.

The shelves build a circumference around the middle bay of the library, where tables are built with digital dashboards just like the ones in classrooms. A giant hanging chandelier lights the space, and Lena scrutinises at the blue screen she has activated before her. With a stack of old books beside her and her database open, she doesn't know where to start.

Lena has never fathomed to be required to study for a regular exam—not in this unique world. And yet here she is.

In fact, the trials will very well begin with the knowledge test. It merely acts as a checkpoint for all students; it doesn't interfere with their final scores or ability statistics.

Two days left for Lena to put all the learnings in her head. Two days left for her to pick up everything she doesn't know of this City.

Neesha and Roen are both sitting near her, helping her prepare for the theory exam. There are quite a number of students in the library, too.

The class representative pops her head around the stack of books and asks, "Lena, how are we doing?"

"What's the passing score for this written part, anyway?" Lena fires back instead, exasperated.

"You don't want to fail," Roen points out. "The average scores of this part is high; besides, no one ever fails in Arcane Academy. We have a reputation—"

"Roen!" chides Neesha, who looks to him disapprovingly. "You know, your grades can improve too."

Roen shrugs, grinning and winking at Lena. "What? I thought she needed some motivation."

"Lena, you're over worrying," Neesha offers, giving Roen a look. "They don't even disclose how we do. It's just a checkpoint."

"Oh." Lena looks at Neesha hopefully. "Write, submit, and go home. Is that it?"

"More or less."

"Then what's this about no one failing?"

"Roen enjoys dramatics."

"It's true, though," Roen argues. "I mean, we are the top institute for ability users. Apart from strong abilities the academy produces for those who eventually become Catalysts, Arcane Academy similarly creates intellects who all end up working for the Control Centre, researching about how various abilities can be used for different technologies."

Neesha smacks her friend in the back. "What he's trying to say is—you remember how we told you that not everyone here aims to be a Catalyst, right? Those who have better results in theory compared to practical usually end up in sectors such as research. Roen isn't wrong; Arcane Academy produces talents both physically and intellectually."