Chapter 26: The Task Hall

The morning arrived with an almost eerie silence. Axton sat at the edge of his bed, the faint glow of dawn seeping through the window. The events of the previous day lingered in his mind: the overwhelming sight of the real academy, the life-status watches, and the ominous rules laid out by Salazar. Even now, as he prepared for the day, he could still feel the weight of expectation pressing on his shoulders.

"You ready for this?" Elias asked, his voice cutting through Axton's thoughts. Yeah, let's do this!

The first-years followed the guide down a long, spiraling staircase, the clinking of their boots against stone the only sound in the quiet descent. The air grew colder, the flickering torches on the walls casting shadows that danced like restless spirits. Axton's heart thudded in his chest. It felt as if they were walking deeper into the unknown—a feeling that seemed to linger wherever they went in this academy.

At last, they arrived at a set of massive double doors, carved with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with a golden glow. The guide muttered an incantation, and the doors groaned open, revealing the sprawling expanse of the Task Hall.

Axton's breath hitched as he stepped inside. The sheer size of the room was overwhelming. Chandeliers floated above, their light refracted by glowing crystals embedded in the walls. Rows of dark-wood desks lined the perimeter, staffed by robed figures who moved with sharp efficiency.

The Mission Board dominated the far end of the hall, glowing text and shifting images swirling across its surface like a living entity. The colors—green, blue, yellow, and red—seemed to radiate urgency, and every flicker of light hinted at danger.

Axton glanced around, feeling the oppressive weight of the hall's atmosphere. Older students moved through the space with calm precision, their voices low but purposeful. Their confidence felt alien compared to the nervous chatter among the first-years.

"This place is… massive," Elias muttered, his voice barely audible over the hum of magic in the air.

"And intimidating," Axton added, his gaze lingering on a group of upper-year students who wore matching leather armor engraved with glowing sigils. Their aura radiated strength, and their mere presence seemed to cast a shadow over the newcomers.

To their left, the Point Exchange Counter gleamed with enchantments, the sigils above it displaying items for purchase. Axton's attention was drawn to a pair of daggers encased in glass, their blades shimmering with an almost hypnotic iridescence.

On their right, the Team Booths glowed faintly with protective barriers. Students within gestured at maps and artifacts, their voices muffled by the soundproofing magic.

But it was the center of the hall that truly commanded attention. The Overseer's Desk, a raised platform carved from dark stone, loomed like a throne. A stern woman stood behind it, her piercing gaze scanning the crowd like a hawk. Axton felt her eyes pass over him briefly, and the weight of her scrutiny made him shiver.

"This is where it begins," Elias whispered, his voice low but steady.

Axton nodded, though he couldn't shake the knot tightening in his chest.

Salazar's Warning

"Gather around," the guide instructed, leading the first-years toward the center of the hall.

Standing near the Overseer's Desk was Professor Salazar, his imposing figure bathed in the soft glow of the chandeliers. His dark robes gave him an almost spectral presence, and his sharp eyes seemed to pierce through every student's façade.

"This," Salazar began, his voice cutting through the noise like the crack of a whip, "is the Task Hall. It is where you will prove your worth—or discover your limits."

Axton swallowed hard, his pulse quickening.

Salazar gestured toward the Mission Board. "The missions you see before you are categorized by difficulty. Green is for the inexperienced—tasks that require little skill or courage. Blue is intermediate, yellow is advanced, and red…" His voice dropped, and a cold smile played on his lips. "Red is for those who wish to gamble with their lives."

A nervous laugh rippled through the group, but Salazar's glare silenced it instantly.

"Missions are not simple errands," he continued. "They are trials. Opportunities to earn points, rewards, and recognition. Your progress will be tracked, and failure will not be overlooked. This academy does not tolerate mediocrity. If you cannot rise to the challenge, you will be removed from the program. Permanently."

Axton felt a chill run down his spine. The weight of Salazar's words pressed heavily on his shoulders, a stark reminder of the stakes they faced.

"Teamwork," Salazar emphasized, his gaze sweeping over the group, "is essential. Missions are rarely completed alone. You will form groups of three or four, and you will share the rewards—or the consequences. Choose your companions wisely. Trust, skill, and strategy will determine your success… or your demise."

Axton exchanged a glance with Elias, who looked unusually serious.

"Now," Salazar concluded, stepping aside, "prove yourselves."

As the first-years dispersed, the hall buzzed with renewed energy. Students gravitated toward familiar faces, quickly forming groups. Others hesitated, their eyes darting nervously around the room as they searched for potential allies.

Elias nudged Axton with his elbow. "So, it's you and me, right? The dynamic duo. No one else could handle my sense of humor."

Axton smirked despite the tension. "Yeah, wouldn't want to deprive the world of your brilliance."

Before they could solidify their team, a voice cut through the noise. "Mind if I join?"

They turned to see Seraphina Vance standing a few steps away, her expression calm but unreadable.

"You want to join us?" Elias asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

Seraphina nodded. "I prefer smaller teams. And you two seem… capable."

Axton hesitated. Seraphina's presence was intimidating, and while her power was undeniable, there was an air of mystery about her that made him uneasy.

Elias leaned closer, whispering, "We'd be stupid to say no. Come on, she's got experience."

After a moment's hesitation, Axton nodded. "Alright. Welcome to the team."

Seraphina's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good choice."

The trio approached the Mission Board, its glowing surface shifting as new tasks appeared. The missions ranged from gathering herbs to slaying dangerous creatures, each accompanied by a brief description and reward details.

Elias pointed to a green mission. "How about this? Collect magical mushrooms from the Whispering Glade. Sounds easy enough."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Until the spores drive you insane. We need something with more substance."

Her gaze settled on a medium-difficulty mission: Collect moonlight herbs from the Moonfall Forest. The description warned of illusions and hidden dangers, but the reward was enticing—150 points and a rare protective charm.

"This one," Seraphina said firmly.

Elias hesitated. "The Moonfall ? That's… ambitious for our first mission, don't you think?"

Axton studied the mission details, the words hidden dangers lingering in his mind. But he knew they couldn't avoid risk forever. "We'll manage," he said, trying to sound confident.

Seraphina smirked. "Good. Let's register."

They approached the Overseer's Desk, where the stern woman scrutinized them. "The Moonfall isn't forgiving," she warned, her voice cold. "Stick together. And don't stray from the path."

She handed them a map and a magical pouch. "For the herbs. Good luck."

Before departing, the group visited the Point Exchange Counter. Seraphina purchased protective talismans, surprising both Axton and Elias.

"Don't get used to it," she said dryly. "This isn't charity."

As they made their way to the teleportation platform, Axton couldn't shake the growing weight in his chest. The reality of their mission was sinking in.

The platform glowed with pulsating runes, its surface humming with energy. Axton stepped onto it, his heart racing.

Elias gave a nervous laugh. "First mission. What's the worst that could happen?"

Seraphina shot him a sharp look. "Don't jinx it."

As the runes flared to life, Axton felt a strange pulling sensation, as though the world was folding in on itself. A moment later, the Task Hall disappeared, and they were plunged into the cold, shadowy edge of the Moonfall Forest.