Chapter 14: Midterms(1)

The morning of the midterms arrived, and the air at Celestia Academy was thick with tension. The first-year students gathered in the lecture hall, their faces a mix of determination and nervous energy. Luciel sat with Aria and Arthuria, the trio quietly discussing their preparations as they waited for Professor Jadestar to begin.

The professor entered the room, her crimson eyes scanning the students with her usual calculating gaze. "Today marks the beginning of your midterm exams," she announced. "These exams are designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and your practical skills. They will determine not only your progress but also your readiness to face the challenges that lie ahead."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "The midterms are divided into two sections: theoretical and practical. The theoretical section will test your understanding of mana theory, combat strategies, and the history of the Union. The practical section, however, will push you to your limits."

The students exchanged uneasy glances, but Professor Jadestar pressed on. "For the practical exam, you will have to demonstrate your mana manipulation skill, and the second part is that you will be sent into an E-rank dungeon controlled by the academy. Your task is simple: kill as many monsters as possible. You will be graded based on the number of points you accumulate. The stronger the monster, the more points it is worth. However, you will be alone in this task. This is not a team exercise—it is a test of your individual strength and skill."

As the professor explained the practical exam, Luciel's mind wandered to the concept of dungeons. He had read about them in his studies, but the reality of entering one was daunting even for him.

Dungeons were a byproduct of the demon invasion. When the demons first appeared, their overwhelming mana disrupted the natural balance of the world. This instability caused cracks to form in reality, creating pocket dimensions that served as gateways to the demon world. These pocket dimensions, known as dungeons, were filled with monsters and traps, making them dangerous but also valuable for training and resource gathering.

The Union had taken control of many dungeons, using them to train awakeners and harvest materials. The academy's dungeon was an E-rank dungeon, meaning it was relatively low in difficulty but still posed a significant challenge for first-year students.

The theoretical exam began immediately after Professor Jadestar's explanation. The students were given a stack of papers and two hours to complete the test. The questions ranged from basic mana theory to complex combat scenarios, requiring both knowledge and critical thinking.

Luciel sat at his desk, his golden eyes scanning the first question:

1. Explain the difference between mana channels and mana circuits, and describe how they interact during spellcasting.

He took a deep breath and began to write, his pen moving swiftly across the page. The answer came easily to him, thanks to his rigorous studying and natural talent. He moved on to the next question, his focus unwavering.

He wrote detailed explanations, his handwriting neat and precise. The theoretical exam was a chance to showcase his knowledge and understanding of the mana that went beyond those in the same age group.

As the minutes ticked by, the room grew quieter, the only sounds the scratching of pens and the occasional sigh of frustration. Aria, sitting a few desks away, tapped her pen nervously against the paper while Arthuria worked with her usual calm efficiency.

...

Aria glanced at the clock, her heart racing. She had spent countless hours studying, but the pressure of the exam was getting to her. The question about mana resonance was particularly challenging, and she found herself second-guessing her answers.

She glanced at Luciel, who was already halfway through the test, his expression focused and calm. How does he make it look so easy? she thought, shaking her head. Taking a deep breath, she refocused on the paper, determined to push through.

...

Arthuria, on the other hand, was in her element. The theoretical exam played to her strengths, and she answered each question with confidence. Her silver hair shimmered under the light as she wrote, her movements precise and deliberate.

When she reached the final question—a complex scenario involving team tactics—she allowed herself a small smile. This was her chance to shine, and she wasn't going to waste it.

As Luciel finished the last question, he set his pen down and leaned back in his chair. He was rather satisfied with how the exam had gone and was confident about getting a good grade.

When the two hours were up, Professor Jadestar collected the papers and dismissed the class. The students filed out of the lecture hall, their minds buzzing with thoughts of the dungeon and the exam they had just taken. Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria walked together. Their conversation made it clear that they were confident about the exam.

"That wasn't so bad," Aria said, stretching her arms. 

"Yeah, it was easier than I expected," Luciel yawned, agreeing. 

Arthuria nodded in answer, already thinking about tomorrow's mana manipulation exam. The trio headed toward the cafeteria as they discussed the exam. 

...

The following morning, the students gathered in the training grounds, their nerves palpable. Professor Jadestar stood before them, her crimson eyes scanning the group.

"Today, you will begin the practical portion of your midterm exams," she announced. "The first test is mana manipulation and control. This will assess your ability to harness and direct your mana with precision and efficiency."

The students were divided into groups and led to various stations, each equipped with specialized mana-measuring devices. Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria found themselves at the same station, their instructor a stern-looking man with a clipboard.

"Each of you will demonstrate your mana manipulation skills," the instructor explained. "You will be graded on control, precision, and the complexity of the spells you perform."

When it was Luciel's turn, he stepped forward, his golden eyes focused on the task at hand. He took a deep breath, centering himself as he extended his hand. A ball of light formed in his palm, its glow steady and controlled. With a flick of his wrist, the light split into over 20 orbs, each one dancing in the air with perfect precision.

The instructor nodded, his eyes widening in surprise, jotting down notes on his clipboard. "Excellent control. Next."

Aria stepped up next, her green eyes sparkling with determination. She summoned a flame in her hand, its heat radiating through the air. With a grin, she shaped the flame into a miniature dragon, its wings flapping as it circled her head.

The instructor raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Creative and precise. Well done."

Arthuria was last, her silver hair catching the light as she stepped forward. She extended her hand, and a delicate snowflake formed in her palm. With a wave of her fingers, the snowflake multiplied, creating a swirling vortex of ice that sparkled in the sunlight.

The instructor nodded, his expression approving. "Excellent control and complexity. Very well done."

After the mana manipulation test, Professor Jadestar addressed the students once more. "You will be given two hours of rest; after that, meet me at the courtyard, and we will head to the dungeon, where you will face the final portion of your midterm exams: the dungeon test. You will enter the academy's E-rank dungeon and face its challenges alone. Remember, this is not just a test of strength—it is a test of your survivability skills."

"And even though there will be upperclassmen and instructors to keep you safe, you have to be careful." Professor Jadestar reminded the class.

The students exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the upcoming challenge settling over them. Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria stood together, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension.

"We've got this," Aria said, her voice filled with false bravado. "How hard can an E-rank dungeon be?"

Arthuria gave her a pointed look. "Don't underestimate it. Even an E-rank dungeon can be dangerous if you're not careful."

Luciel remained silent; he agreed with Arthuria, but in reality, to him, this dungeon would probably be a stroll in the park. His strength was barely comparable to someone in C- Rank, which meant that his strength was over one rank higher than the monsters that would appear in the dungeon. 

...

The two-hour rest period passed quickly, and soon the first-year students of Celestia Academy found themselves assembling in the courtyard. The morning sun cast long shadows across the grounds, its light filtering through the towering spires of the academy. The air was thick with anticipation, the weight of the upcoming dungeon test pressing down on everyone.

Luciel stood with Aria and Arthuria, the trio clad in their academy-issued combat gear. The uniforms were sleek and functional, designed to provide both protection and flexibility. The dark fabric was reinforced with mana-infused fibers, offering resistance against minor physical and magical attacks. Each student also carried a small pack containing basic supplies: a mana potion, a healing salve, and a communication device in case of emergencies.

Aria adjusted the straps of her gear, her fiery red hair tied back into a tight ponytail. "This stuff is heavier than it looks," she muttered, rolling her shoulders. "Do we really need all this for an E-rank dungeon?"

Arthuria, ever the voice of reason, lectured her. "It's better to be overprepared than underprepared."

Luciel nodded in agreement, though his mind was elsewhere. His golden eyes scanned the courtyard, taking in the sight of his classmates. Some looked nervous, fidgeting with their gear or exchanging anxious whispers. Others, like himself, wore expressions of quiet determination. The Celestia Incident had left its mark on all of them, and this test was more than just an exam—it was a chance to prove their strength, both to themselves and to the academy.

Professor Jadestar arrived moments later, her crimson eyes sweeping over the assembled students. She was accompanied by several upperclassmen and instructors, all of whom would be overseeing the dungeon test to ensure the safety of the participants.

"Listen up," she began, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "The dungeon you are about to enter is an E-rank dungeon, controlled and monitored by the academy. While it is considered low-risk, do not let your guard down. The monsters within are real, and they will not hesitate to attack. Your objective is simple: defeat as many monsters as possible and accumulate points. The stronger the monster, the more points it is worth. However, remember that this is not a team exercise. You will be entering the dungeon alone, and your performance will be judged individually."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "The dungeon is located deep beneath the academy grounds, behind multiple layers of security. You will be escorted there shortly. Once inside, you will have three hours to complete the test. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or in danger, use your communication device to signal for assistance. Do not attempt to be a hero—your safety is our priority."

With that, she turned and gestured for the students to follow. The group moved as one, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone paths as they made their way to the academy's central building. Luciel fell into step beside Aria and Arthuria, the trio walking in silence. The weight of the upcoming challenge hung heavy in the air.

The entrance to the dungeon was located in the basement level of the academy, behind a series of heavily secured doors. The students were led through a maze of hallways, each one guarded by automated security systems and Union personnel. The further they descended, the more the atmosphere shifted. The warm, familiar halls of the academy gave way to cold, sterile corridors, the walls lined with glowing runes that pulsed with mana.

Finally, they reached a massive vault door, its surface etched with intricate patterns of warding spells. Professor Jadestar stepped forward, placing her hand on a biometric scanner. The door hissed as it unlocked, sliding open to reveal a dimly lit chamber beyond.

"This is the entrance to the dungeon," she announced, stepping aside to allow the students to enter. "Once you pass through this door, the test begins. Remember, you are being monitored at all times. Good luck."

The students filed into the chamber, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. The air was cool and damp, carrying with it the faint scent of earth and metal. At the far end of the chamber was a large portal, its surface shimmering with a faint, otherworldly light. This was the gateway to the dungeon.

Luciel took a deep breath, his golden eyes fixed on the portal. He could feel the mana radiating from it, a subtle hum that resonated deep within him. This was it—the moment he had been preparing for. He glanced at Aria and Arthuria, who stood beside him.

"See you on the other side," Aria said with a grin, though her voice wavered slightly.

Arthuria nodded and reminded Aria again not to do anything stupid. "Stay focused, and don't take unnecessary risks."

One by one, the students stepped through the portal, their forms disappearing into the shimmering light. When it was Luciel's turn, he stepped forward without an ounce of hesitation. The world around him blurred, and for a brief instant, he felt as though he were falling. Then, with a sudden jolt, he found himself standing in a dimly lit cavern, the air thick with the scent of damp stone and something faintly metallic.