Alaric's Scheme Fails

The aftermath of the practical examination left the class in an uproar. Some were still recovering from the embarrassment of failing spectacularly, while others celebrated scraping by with a passing score.

Then there were Kenneth and Noah.

Both had performed exceptionally, far above the average students, displaying their skill and adaptability as Adept Mages. The only problem? They had both assumed they'd be the only one at that level.

Kenneth had initially thought himself leagues ahead of his peers. That smug confidence had lasted exactly up until the moment he saw Noah clearing his own trial with just as much competence.

Noah, on the other hand, had been perfectly content in his belief that his alchemical mastery and control over magic energy set him apart. That contentment shattered the second he saw Kenneth effortlessly weaving between elemental attacks like he was born for it.