Even in the darkest of times, one can still find light. They just have to look at the stars.
Humans have been blessed by the Divines. For centuries, civilization has flourished, and mankind has rapidly progressed with the use of innate magical power...
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Eight students. That was all that remained of Professor Khohn's practical class by Week 11. A class of twenty originally, the weakest - physically, mentally, or morally - were plucked from the population one by one throughout the last three months. Those who disobeyed, gone. Those who failed exams, expelled. And those who lacked the spirit, commitment, and motivation to better themselves - to become the greatest Heroes they could possibly be - were eliminated the fastest.
But these eight students remained. Eight out of twenty - forty percent, to be exact... This was something rare to behold. About thirty of the other classes were eliminated completely, with not a single student making it past week 5 or 6. Some classes only passed one or two students. These Newbies were the lone survivors, while the close friends - and even romances - they made during this journey were sent home mercilessly, resulting in some of them to question why they chose this path in the first place.
There was no room for weak sentimentalism in the POH.
With the Tryout now only five days away, and the tension and anxiety in the air rising to astronomical heights, the eight students in Riarshi's class were in the home stretch of their first semester in the Aginem Hero Program.
Five had already secured their spots in the Tryout with their victory in the one-on-one duel. Tabito, Hara, Leon, Jerred and Salia could take it easy during the next week of classes, while Riarshi and the other four losers fought through the final assignments like their lives depended on it.
During those remaining days, two more classmates were expelled.
But today, on the last day of classes, Riarshi completed his last assignment, and passed with flying colors.
He made it.
At four o'clock, when their last practical class completed, Khohn made a loud, booming announcement to his class.
"To all of you standing on this field today," shouted Khohn, looking about his students for the last time that semester. "I'd like to give you my sincere congratulations. You have successfully completed every assignment I've thrown at you, passed your academic classes with proficient marks, and have now qualified for the Internship Tryout!"
The eight students, lined along the sideline with sparkles in their widened eyes, erupted into a deafening, ground shaking cheer. Some jumped, some clapped loudly, but the three who had to fight through the previous week barely let out an exhausted grumble. They would have screamed louder than anyone else, seeing that they didn't have the fortune of a laid back week. But their fatigue stricken bodies failed to muster the strength to use their vocal cords.
"The POH will email you all with details about the Tryout this weekend," Khohn added while everyone cheerfully packed their bags. Some students hummed to themselves while doing so. "Until then, I suggest you all get home and rest up. This Tryout will be harder than any exam I have given you this semester. You need to recuperate, rest, and relax your minds... And - Oh... whatever. Just make sure you celebrate tonight! You all deserve it! But be sure to rest up after that! I will see you all on Wednesday next week."
