EQUINOX || The Catalysts Series, #3

VIII

The written exam turned out to be indeed a simple test.

As long as they know the basics of the City of Leatia's history, rules, and system as well as the concepts of abilities and demons, it's a sure pass.

The trials started just this morning with the written test, and after lunch hour, students are distributed a personalised schedule.

The schedule consists of both general and specific time slots with information on where they should report to for the next stages of the trials.

Sent to them digitally, Lena opens hers over her desk dashboard. She is rather surprised to find her first slot to be in their Weaponry room, with her assigned group: Group 12 (Azure Dragon).

Neesha, who's also classified as an Azure Dragon, is a few groups before her. The class representative tells Lena that the first, general round is always quick and simple.

Trusting her friend, Lena makes her way to the Weaponry reporting area for registration. They scan each arriving student with a portable screen that expands and collapses at ease—and one swipe over their front bodies will generate the students' data on the blue screen, indicating their basic enrolment information as shown on their daily desktops. Other than current ability type and ability class, it also displays their homerooms and current standings in the academy.

Lena can briefly read hers through the semi-transparent screen, slowly deciphering the mirrors words:

Name: Lena
Homeroom: Year 2, Aquila
Ability: Clairvoyance (Glass)
Ability Type: Azure Dragon
Ability Class: -empty-
Rank: -empty-

The government representative, Wren, lifts her gaze and briefly scans Lena with her own eyes. "You new here?"

"Yes," Lena says with the best confidence she can muster.

Wren nods and jerks her chin to the grouping students in front of the forming door. "Well. Good luck on your first trials."

Grinning awkwardly, Lena walls over to her own assigned group. If Wren doesn't find it weird she's an unranked second year student in Arcane Academy, she will not be raising any red flags.

Her steps are lighter by the time she reaches the group. It's a group of ten students, and Lena recognises Casper, the class representative of Corvus, eyes her with disdain.

"Hi, Casper," Lena attempts, then winces as he scowls.

He fiddles with his metal piercings before crossing his arms. "Aquila."

Of the three classes of year 2, Aquila and Corvus are rivals from the start, being one of the most competitive pairs of Arcane Academy history owing to the strong talents both sides hold. In fact, Caelus, the Ace of Arcane Academy, is in Aquila whilst Nova, an unrivalled second rank is in Corvus. The two classes make it their own objective to compete against one another, even more so than for their individual ranks. In fact, the classes are united in supporting their own strong students to beat the other class. Not taking Caelus into account, Casper is always bragging about how three out of four of the 'Four Horseman' of Year 2–the strongest students of the year—happen to be in Corvus.

Lena isn't looking for a fight, she she decides to ignore his remark. Thankfully, they do not have to wait long as the door reveals itself and slides open automatically for them.

Wren instructs, "Go ahead, the door will scan you as you enter."

No one complies. In fact, some of the front students take a few steps backward, and Lena is pushed behind. Wren doesn't question the students' movement, and instead proceeds to register the next group.