Chapter 31. The Wait

The lessons passed by unnoticed, as if time itself had accelerated, pushing the students toward the upcoming trials. Yet, despite the intense lectures and discussions, Arthur's thoughts constantly returned to Kell Sairis's words. The certification tasks haunted him like a shadow hanging over every moment of his day.

When the final bell announced the end of the classes, Arthur wasted no time and headed for the exit of the lecture hall. Anya caught up with him halfway; her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Quite the news, huh?" she said, smiling. "I can't wait to see the list of assignments. I wonder if there's something suitable for me… and for you too."

Arthur adjusted the bag on his shoulder and nodded.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about it too. It feels like these tasks might do more than just define our academic performance..."

They walked through the academy's long corridors, passing stained-glass windows through which the light broke into colorful beams, casting intricate patterns on the floor. The stone walls, adorned with bas-reliefs of great mages of the past, seemed especially majestic at that moment, as if the academy itself was watching their every step.

"Do you think you'll find an assignment related to your research?" Anya asked, tilting her head slightly.

"I don't know," Arthur answered, staring thoughtfully ahead.

When they reached the dining hall, they slowed down. The vast hall with high ceilings was filled with students discussing what they'd heard in the lectures. The air was rich with the scents of fresh pastries, spices, and herbal infusions. Floating lanterns cast a soft glow over the long wooden tables.

"I'm so nervous I doubt I'll manage to eat properly," Anya sighed, glancing at the glowing menu hovering before them.

"Same here," Arthur chuckled. "I'll just get some herbal tea. I think it's the only thing I can handle right now."

He placed his order, and moments later, a steaming cup appeared on the table. The soothing aroma of frosty mint and lemon balm helped calm him, but thoughts of the upcoming tasks still lingered. Arthur cradled the warm cup in his hands, savoring the comforting heat.

Anya, on the other hand, didn't hold back. She ordered a strong coffee and a creamy dessert that appeared in front of her as a cute kitten made of whipped cream. The kitten had big chocolate eyes and a tiny pink nose.

"Look at this!" she exclaimed, showing Arthur the dessert. "Isn't it adorable?"

Arthur smiled, shaking his head.

"Are you sure you can eat that without guilt?"

Anya laughed and carefully broke off one of the kitten's ears.

"When sweets are at stake, I'm ready for anything," she said, winking and taking a sip of her coffee.

They sat there, engrossed in conversation, sharing guesses about the assignments. The dining hall buzzed with voices, all echoing the same curiosity and anticipation.

After their meal, when the warmth of the tea still lingered in Arthur's chest, Anya suggested decisively, "Should we check the assignment board right now?"

Arthur nodded, sharing her excitement. They walked down a corridor lined with magical tapestries that shifted their patterns according to the time of day. The academy seemed to come alive, sensing the approaching trials for its students. As they walked, they speculated about possible tasks—exploring the ocean floor, perhaps, or protecting trade caravans from magical creatures.

When they reached the hall where announcements were typically posted, an unexpected sight awaited them. A large crowd of students clustered around the bulletin board, moving like a single, restless organism. The murmur of voices merged into an indistinguishable hum. Some argued about the complexity of the assignments; others struggled to push closer to the front, while a few stood on the sidelines, already pleased with their chosen tasks.

"Wow," Anya said, stopping at the entrance. "Looks like we're not the only ones eager to find out."

Arthur crossed his arms and surveyed the crowd. The mass of students only grew larger with each passing minute.

"I don't know if it's worth trying," he said, assessing their odds of getting through. "We could spend hours there and still miss something important in all that chaos."

Anya sighed and turned to him. "You're right. Tomorrow morning there'll be fewer people. We'll get up early and be among the first."

"Great idea," Arthur agreed. "That way, we can take our time."

They left the hall, stepping away from the buzzing voices and restless gazes of the students. The corridors around them were alive with fragmented conversations about dangerous tasks, valuable rewards, and the opportunities to prove oneself.

As they walked toward their dormitories, Arthur said, "Tomorrow everything changes. These tasks could shape the next year for us… maybe even more than that."

"You're right," Anya agreed. "But you know what? I have a feeling things will go well."

Arthur smiled in response. Determination and excitement lingered in the air between them, along with the reassuring sense that together, they'd face whatever awaited them.

"Good night, then," Arthur said as they reached the staircase.

"Good night," Anya replied with a wave before disappearing around the corner.

That night, sleep eluded Arthur. No matter how much he tossed and turned, thoughts of the upcoming assignments refused to leave him alone. Meditation didn't help either; his usually calm spiritual energy felt scattered and restless. Even with his eyes closed, he imagined the task board with its list of assignments he had yet to see. Each time he thought about the possible trials, his heart raced with anxious anticipation.

When the clock showed just past four in the morning, Arthur gave up on sleep. He rose from his bed and shuffled to the bathroom without turning on the main light. Cold water splashing across his face helped clear his mind. After a quick shower, he felt more composed.

He carefully combed his hair, though he usually paid it little attention. But today, for some reason, he wanted to look his best. He adjusted his academy uniform, pressing out the last invisible wrinkles, and then approached the small shelf that held his personal belongings.

Among them stood a tiny vial of perfume he'd crafted himself, following an old recipe from a library book. The crisp scent of bergamot intertwined with hints of black pepper and crystal geranium, reminiscent of a summer morning after rain. He sprayed a light mist on his wrists and neck. The familiar fragrance brought a sense of focus and calm.

Satisfied with his appearance, he threw on his cloak and slipped quietly out of his room. The academy's halls lay silent and empty at this hour, with only the dim flicker of enchanted lanterns lighting his path. Passing the tall windows, Arthur saw the first blush of dawn painting the sky in soft pinks and golds.

When he reached the meeting spot, he realized he was much too early. The anticipation stretched each minute into eternity. He leaned against a column, arms crossed, watching the campus slowly wake up.

At last, he spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Anya walked toward him, her steps confident. Her fiery hair, woven into a neat braid, gleamed in the morning sunlight. She wore a bright, eager smile.

"Good morning," she greeted him. "Couldn't sleep either?"

"You got me," Arthur said with a chuckle. "Looks like we were both too excited."

Anya nodded. "I'm dying to see the assignments. I hope we get there before the crowd."

"We will," Arthur said, feeling his nervousness shift into focused determination.

Together, they headed toward the announcement hall. The empty corridors echoed softly with their footsteps, as if the academy itself held its breath, waiting alongside them for the moment that would change everything.