ch. 21 - Evaluation 1

High above the maze, Elder Fergus and Elder Magnus stood on a stone platform shaped by Magnus' earth mana. The platform gave them an unobstructed view of the maze's layout and the students' progress. The battle had ended, and the Automatons lay in ruins. Below, the victorious students began to regroup, their conversations carrying faintly on the wind.

Magnus, the towering Earth Warden, stroked his thick, stone-colored beard, his expression stoic yet thoughtful. "The two fire swordsmen impressed me. Their coordination and the timing of their attacks were flawless. They adapted quickly to the Sagittarius' tactics."

Fergus, his fiery red hair glowing faintly under the light of his mana, nodded. "They showed a strong foundation, especially the fellow with the fire breathing technique. Still, I noticed they hesitated to protect their teammates during earlier phases. Their individual skills are exceptional, but they need to develop a greater sense of team responsibility."

Magnus grunted in agreement. "True. The twins, however, displayed exemplary synergy. Their combined elemental attack on the Water Sagittarius was ingenious. Freezing it and striking with precision—it was textbook execution."

"Textbook, yes," Fergus said, "but their strategy relied heavily on their bond as siblings. That won't always be an option in real combat. Still, their creativity was commendable. The wind assassin's reflexes and the water mages adaptability are solid."

Magnus turned his attention to the Earth Knight and his fire mage partner. "The central plains boy held his ground well, but his movements were too rigid. It's a flaw common among defensive augmenters—they focus too much on fortification and forget to adapt to unpredictable scenarios."

Fergus raised an eyebrow. "You're being harsh. His endurance was unmatched in that maze, and his partner's fire spells were a solid complement. They made an effective pair against the Earth Sagittarius."

Magnus finally allowed a small smile. "Fair enough. What of Merlin and Nia? The underdogs performed surprisingly well."

Fergus chuckled, crossing his arms. "Merlin is an enigma. His mana control is excellent for someone at the 2nd Circle. That Lightning Vein augmentation technique was unexpected—and impressive. He's hiding more than he's showing, but his restraint is admirable."

Magnus's gaze sharpened. "Nia did well to hold her own. Her strength lies in her defensive techniques, but she needs to work on overcoming her elemental disadvantage, as we saw with the quicksand. Still, her shield work against the Lightning Sagittarius was commendable."

Fergus turned serious. "Merlin, though… If he continues to develop at this rate, he could surpass many of his peers. He's unpolished, but his potential is undeniable. You saw how he finished the Lightning Sagittarius—calculated and efficient."

Magnus nodded. "Agreed. But he's drawing attention, whether he wants it or not. The other students underestimated him today, but they won't make that mistake again."

Fergus smirked. "Good. Let them compete. It will push him—and the others—to grow."

The two Elders fell silent for a moment, watching as the students below shared laughs and small victories, unaware of the evaluations unfolding above them.

Finally, Magnus spoke, his tone lighter. "Overall, a promising class. They survived my maze, after all."

Fergus laughed. "Barely. But yes, this group shows potential. Let's see if they can survive the next trial."

With that, the two Elders turned and descended from their perch, already planning the next challenge that would push the inner court disciples even further.

******

The students steadied themselves as the ground beneath their feet began to shift. The walls of the maze crumbled and reformed, seamlessly filling in gaps and leveling the terrain. The entire structure seemed to dissolve into the earth, leaving behind a smooth, open plateau.

As the students were raised to ground level, they saw Elder Fergus and Elder Magnus waiting for them, their imposing figures standing side by side. Fergus' fiery hair seemed to catch the light of the sun, while Magnus' earth-colored robes blended into the rugged landscape. The two Elders stood with arms crossed, their expressions a mix of stern appraisal and restrained approval.

"Well done," Elder Fergus began, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "You've all faced formidable challenges today. Some of you excelled in teamwork, others in individual skill. But every one of you has learned something—about your strengths, your weaknesses, and the cost of underestimating your opponents."

Magnus stepped forward, his gravelly tone carrying an air of authority. "This was not merely a test of combat skill. The maze was designed to challenge your adaptability, your creativity, and your resolve. Those who survived until the end did so because they pushed beyond their limits. However, there is no room for complacency. Each of you has room to improve."

Fergus nodded. "Merlin and Nia," he said, his gaze settling on them. "You were the unexpected performers today. Merlin, your use of elemental and foundational techniques was precise and resourceful. Nia, your shield work and adaptability against unfavorable conditions were commendable. The two of you demonstrated what can be achieved through coordination and trust."

Magnus turned his attention to the rest of the group. "The rest of you also displayed your strengths. The twins' synergy, the fire swordsmen's offensive prowess, the Earth Knight's resilience—all impressive. But I warn you now: success in the inner court will require more than skill. You must cultivate not just your mana but also your minds and your teamwork."

Fergus stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Today's exercise was but a taste of what lies ahead. The challenges will only grow more difficult, the stakes higher. Reflect on what you've learned here. Use it to grow stronger."

Magnus raised a hand, and with a simple gesture, the earth beneath the students' feet shifted once more, forming a series of flat stone platforms leading back toward the inner court. "You are dismissed. Rest and recover. We will summon you when the next trial is ready."

The students exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination. As they began their trek back, Fergus and Magnus remained behind, their sharp eyes watching every step, already planning the next stage of their disciples' journey.