Entrance Exam [1] : Impossible

[POV: Caspian Arcwright]

The air crackled with energy, thick with tension and anticipation.

The Academy Entrance Exam wasn't just a test—it was a battlefield.

And judging by the sheer number of people crowding the teleportation gates, competition was going to be brutal.

"Oh, fuck it," Caspian muttered under his breath. "There are way too many people here."

Beside him, Lyrius stood with arms crossed, Calenthir Reyes, standing slightly ahead, maintained her usual composed expression.

Despite the strict rule barring parents from the exam site, a chaotic mix of retainers and lesser nobles swarmed the perimeter, shouting last-minute advice and encouragement.

"Can't believe they're this noisy when they're not even allowed past the checkpoint," Caspian said, exhaling sharply.

"There's always desperation in the air before an event like this," Lyrius replied. "For some of these people, this is their only shot at recognition."