Chapter 30. The Evaluation

Arthur closed the last book, carefully placing it atop the stack with the others. He had spent several nights immersed in the worlds of parallel dimensions and the mysteries of dreams. His mind was overflowing with new ideas and hypotheses, but fatigue was slowly taking its toll. He set his thoughts aside for later, knowing that much work still lay ahead to fully grasp what he had read.

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Arthur freshened up and, gathering the books, headed to the academy's library. The hallways were still half-empty; a few students hurried to their classes while the soft glow of magical lamps illuminated the path.

Upon entering the library, Arthur immediately felt the familiar atmosphere of silence and concentration. Behind the counter, as always, sat the wizard responsible for the library's knowledge — an elderly man with gray hair.

Arthur approached him and greeted him politely.

"Good morning. I'm here to return these books."

The wizard lifted his gaze from the scroll he'd been reading and gave a faint smile.

"Good morning, Arthur. I trust the books were helpful?"

Arthur nodded, carefully placing the stack on the table.

"Very. I learned a lot about the nature of the dream dimension and the creatures that inhabit it. The book on life forms was especially useful — it helped me understand what I might face in the future."

The wizard studied him intently, as if assessing how deeply Arthur had grasped the material.

"That's good. Understanding is the first step to becoming a true wizard. But remember, not all knowledge is safe. Some answers raise more questions than solutions."

Arthur smiled.

"I've already learned that. But that's what makes it fascinating."

The wizard nodded, satisfied with the response.

"Well said. If you have more questions or need help finding information, don't hesitate to ask. Old scholars like me are always happy to help young minds hungry for knowledge."

"Thank you. I'll be back as soon as new questions arise."

With that, Arthur bid the wizard farewell and left the library, feeling a lightness and satisfaction after such a productive morning.

Leaving the library, Arthur walked down the academy's familiar corridors toward the lecture halls. The day promised to be busy, yet his thoughts still swirled around the books he had read. He had just rounded a corner when he nearly bumped into Anya.

"Oh, hey, Arthur!" she greeted him cheerfully. Her green eyes sparkled, and a bright smile lit her face.

"Hey, Anya," Arthur replied with a slight smile. "How are you?"

"Fantastic!" she said with enthusiasm, falling into step beside him. "I've got news! I've officially become a first-level wizard!"

Arthur raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"That's impressive! Congratulations. You're progressing quickly."

"Thanks!" she said proudly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "You know, I spent a long time choosing my first spell, and I finally settled on summoning magic."

"Summoning?" Arthur asked, intrigued. "What can you summon?"

Anya laughed, as if the question were the most amusing thing she'd heard all day.

"Toys!" she exclaimed. "I can summon toys from my spiritual world. They fight for me or carry out different tasks. Can you imagine? My old stuffed bears are now mighty warriors!"

Arthur smiled, picturing plush toys springing to life and battling on her behalf. It sounded amusing, but magic often hid surprising depth, even behind seemingly harmless choices.

"That's unusual," he admitted. "But I bet it could be useful in combat."

"Exactly!" Anya said, eyes gleaming. "I've already tried using them in training. They're not as strong as magical constructs, of course, but they don't feel pain, and they can distract an opponent. Plus, I can change their size and add magical properties."

"Sounds like you've found your niche," Arthur said with a nod. "It's not about how complex your magic is — it's how you use it. Even a simple spell can become a powerful weapon in skilled hands."

Anya gave him a grateful look.

"And how are things with you?" she asked as they continued walking. "I heard you've been making great progress too."

Arthur hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to share about everything he'd discovered and experienced in recent weeks. But remembering how Anya had helped him with academy points, he decided to be honest.

"Yeah, I've become a first-level wizard too. I've been researching the dream dimension. It's a complicated and dangerous field, but I feel like it holds answers to many questions."

Anya tilted her head, intrigued.

"The dream dimension? Never heard of it. Sounds mysterious… Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I will," Arthur assured her. "But there's no progress without risk."

They reached the lecture hall door, and Anya gave him a playful nudge with her elbow.

"Well, wizard, shall we go in? Let's see what new knowledge awaits us today."

Arthur chuckled and opened the door for her.

"After you, sorceress. Let's go learn something new."

They stepped inside.

The lecture hall was slowly filling with students. Arthur and Anya chose seats near the middle — close enough to hear everything but far enough back to avoid attracting too much attention. The hum of conversations gradually died down when an unfamiliar man entered the room.

He was young, with a serious expression. His dark-blue robe, embroidered with a silver academy emblem on the chest, rustled softly as he walked. His hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp, penetrating gaze swept over the students, as though seeing right through them. He stepped up to the lectern, raised his hand, and waited for complete silence.

"Good morning, students," he began, his voice firm, resonant, and filled with quiet authority. "My name is Kell Syres. I'm a member of the Academy Council and the person responsible for student evaluations. Today, I'm not here to give a lecture. I have an important announcement that concerns every one of you."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The room was so silent Arthur could hear someone shifting nervously in a far corner.

"In one month, your first year at the academy will come to an end. And if any of you believe that exams will be limited to written tests or routine knowledge checks, you're mistaken," his voice hardened slightly. "The academy does not train mere scholars. We train masters capable of applying magic in real-world conditions. Therefore, each of you will be required to complete a practical task beyond the academy's walls."

A murmur spread through the hall, but Kell Syres continued, unfazed.

"The results of this task will be the primary basis for your final assessment," he said, scanning the audience. "This isn't just about demonstrating your abilities. It's about evaluating your potential — your ability to use magic effectively in unpredictable situations. The tasks may involve complex research, working with magical creatures, or defending against real threats. All of it will test not only your knowledge but also your judgment."

He stepped forward, eyes fixed on the first rows of students.

"Over the next two weeks, each of you must select an assignment from a list that will be posted on the academy's announcement board. The assignments will vary in difficulty, focus, and risk. Some will require teamwork; others will demand solitude — and complete responsibility for your actions. Choose wisely."

He paused again, giving everyone time to digest the information. A tense silence filled the room.

"Now, listen carefully," Kell's voice grew colder. "Anyone who fails to choose a task within the given timeframe will be assigned one automatically. And believe me, the academy will not ensure those assignments are safe or aligned with your strengths. Quite the opposite — the most challenging and dangerous tasks will go to those who hesitate."

Another pause followed, heavier than the last. Arthur felt the weight of those words press down on the entire hall.

"The success or failure of your task will influence more than just your grade," Kell continued. "It will determine your access to rare knowledge, magical resources, and advanced courses next year. The academy invests in results — not in attendance."

His gaze swept across the room, and Arthur could have sworn it lingered on him for a moment.

"And remember one last thing," Kell said, his tone softening slightly but remaining just as compelling. "The world beyond these walls is filled with dangers and challenges. But it's also where you'll discover your true strengths. Each of you came here with dreams and ambitions. Now it's time to prove that you deserve them."

He lowered his hand, signaling the end of his speech.

"Good luck, students. And remember: failure is still experience. But success… success opens doors to opportunities you've never imagined."

With that, Kell turned and left the hall, his robe whispering softly with each step.

For a few moments, the students sat in stunned silence. Then the room erupted with whispers and anxious conversations. Arthur turned to Anya, who seemed as excited as she was nervous.

"This… is more serious than I expected," she said, her green eyes shimmering with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

"Looks like we have no choice," Arthur replied, his thoughts already racing through possible tasks. He knew that the right assignment might not only secure his evaluation but also advance his research into the dream dimension. "We need to check the task list as soon as possible. Maybe we can even pick something that benefits both of us."

Anya's eyes lit up, and her copper hair shimmered in the glow of the magical lamps.

"That would be amazing," she said. "But even if we end up with separate tasks, I know I can handle it. Can you?"

Arthur smiled in response.

"We'll find out soon enough."