Chapter 17: A Test of Skill

The classroom buzzed with activity as students began preparing their healing potions. The scent of crushed herbs and simmering ingredients filled the air, blending into an almost overwhelming mixture of fragrances.

Ethan carefully followed Olivia's instructions, measuring out each ingredient with precision. He moved with practiced ease, his hands steady as he crushed the Moonleaf and mashed the Sunberries. His training with the guardians had taught him patience and accuracy—two things that seemed to come naturally to him.

Around him, the other students worked at their own pace. Some struggled with their measurements, while others got distracted by the bubbling reaction of their potions. A few unfortunate students added too many ingredients, causing their mixtures to either turn murky or emit a strange odor.

Olivia walked between the tables, observing everyone's progress. She occasionally corrected small mistakes but allowed the students to learn from their own errors.

After what felt like an hour, she clapped her hands. "Time's up! Everyone, bring your potions forward for evaluation."

One by one, the students lined up at her desk, setting their vials down. Olivia carefully examined each one, noting the color, consistency, and scent before grading them.

Some students barely passed, their potions too diluted or too thick, while others managed to get a decent result. Despite the mistakes, Olivia seemed pleased that most had grasped the basics.

Talia eagerly stepped forward with a confident smile, placing her potion down. Olivia swirled the red liquid and nodded approvingly. "A solid result. Well done, Talia. 90 points."

Talia beamed and turned to Adrian, her eyes glinting. "See? I knew I'd score higher than you."

Adrian rolled his eyes but smirked. "Not by much." He placed his own potion on the desk, and Olivia gave a similar nod. "89 points. Good work, Adrian."

Talia grinned triumphantly. "Still higher."

Ethan stepped up next, placing his vial down without much thought. Olivia swirled the potion, examined its color, and then looked at him with an approving yet unreadable expression. "Perfect balance, excellent clarity, and precisely the right consistency. 100 points."

Murmurs spread through the room. Some students looked surprised, others envious. But before anyone could say anything, Olivia's gaze shifted to the next potion.

She picked up a vial from a noble student with silver hair and sharp golden eyes. Swirling the liquid, she gave a small nod. "A near-perfect potion. 99 points."

The student—Alex—smiled faintly, his expression calm despite the attention he received.

Talia nudged Ethan. "You've got competition."

Ethan glanced at Alex, who met his gaze with a confident smirk.

The class had just started, but it was clear—there were students here who wouldn't make things easy for him.