Standing

The oppressive weight of the Chamber of Suppression grew heavier with every passing second. The suppression aura, like an invisible storm, bore down on the students, draining their strength and severing their connection to the magic they had relied upon their entire lives. The air seemed thicker, the ground unsteady, and the very walls whispered of their impending collapse.

Some students cried out, their knees buckling under the relentless pressure. Others fell silently, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair as the Blondies guided them out of the chamber, marking their elimination with quiet efficiency. The glow of the sigils beneath their feet dimmed one by one as more prodigies succumbed, the once-crowded room now rapidly thinning.

Speed stood among the dwindling group, his fists clenched at his sides as his muscles screamed in protest. The weight on his chest was unbearable, the aura clawing at his very being. The soft hum of his Spirit magic, which had always been a quiet comfort, was now utterly silent, leaving him feeling raw and exposed. But deep within, a flicker of stubborn resolve burned brighter than ever.

The seconds crawled by, turning into minutes that felt like hours. Around him, more students fell, their gasps and cries filling the air. Speed's legs trembled, his breath labored, yet he refused to yield. He forced himself to focus on the rhythm of his breathing, the beat of his heart, the determination that had carried him through so much already.

From her hidden perch, Cassey of the Shadow Warrior Guild leaned forward, her sharp eyes narrowing with intrigue. "He's still standing," she murmured to herself, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She wasn't the only one watching—other Guild Leaders exchanged murmurs, their interest piqued by the boy who refused to fall.

Across the chamber, Prince James stood tall as well, his stance firm though beads of sweat dripped down his temples. His Thunder magic was silent, suppressed like all the others, but his royal training had prepared him for moments like this. His gaze flickered briefly to Speed, noting his unyielding presence, and for a fleeting moment, a sense of mutual respect passed between them.

As the final minutes ticked by, only a handful of students remained standing. The atmosphere in the chamber reached its breaking point, the aura pressing down with the force of a tidal wave. Speed dropped to one knee, his breaths shallow, but he refused to let his body fail him. He closed his eyes, focusing on the spark within him—a quiet, silvery light that had carried him this far. His Spirit magic might have been suppressed, but his determination was his own, unshakable and unrelenting.

When the Blondies finally signaled the end of the test, a wave of relief swept through the survivors. The suppression aura dissipated, leaving the air cool and light once more. Speed staggered to his feet, his limbs trembling but his expression resolute. He looked around and saw that only a handful of students remained, James among them.

Principal Eldarion entered the chamber, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over the few who had endured. "You have proven your resilience," he said, his voice carrying a note of approval. "Magic is a force, but willpower is its foundation. Without it, power crumbles. Today, you have taken a step toward understanding that truth."

As the students filed out of the chamber, Speed glanced briefly at James, their eyes meeting in silent acknowledgment. Though they had not spoken, the trial had forged a quiet bond between them—a shared understanding of what it meant to endure.

The Chamber of Suppression left its mark, both physically and emotionally, on the remaining students. Faces were pale, breaths were ragged, and the quiet murmurs among the group were laced with relief and exhaustion. Yet, for those who endured, the journey was just beginning.

The Blondies, ever efficient, gathered the survivors and led them through another set of corridors. These halls were different—brighter, with large arched windows that welcomed the golden light of the setting sun. The transition was deliberate, offering the students a moment of reprieve after the suffocating trial they had just survived.

After a short walk, they arrived at the **Dormitory Atrium**, a grand hall with intricate carvings along the walls and a towering skylight that displayed a sky streaked with orange and pink. The Blondies dispersed, handing each student a small engraved disc that shimmered faintly in their palm. 

"These discs," one of the Blondies explained, their voice calm yet authoritative, "are your dormitory keys. They are bound to your magical signature and will grant you access to your assigned room. Treat them with care."

As the students activated their discs, glowing runes formed above the engraved surface, revealing their dormitory assignments. The Blondies provided directions, pointing them toward staircases and branching corridors that led to various wings of the sprawling school. 

Speed examined his disc and watched as the shimmering letters spelled out "North Wing, Dormitory E7." He pocketed it and followed the flow of students moving toward the indicated wing. The dormitories themselves were simple yet elegant, with polished wooden floors, large desks, and beds draped with thick, comfortable linens. A small enchanted lantern hovered in each corner of the room, providing a soft, adjustable glow.

Speed set his belongings down and took a moment to absorb it all. The events of the day—the Obelisk of Resonance, the Chamber of Suppression, the strange aura of the Blondies, and the oppressive stares of the Guild Leaders—had been nothing short of overwhelming. But now, in the stillness of his dorm, he allowed himself a brief moment of calm. This was his new home, at least for now.

The peace didn't last long, as the Blondies once again appeared at each dorm, informing the students of the evening's **Welcome Feast**. "Attendance is mandatory," they instructed. "You are to present yourselves in the Grand Dining Hall at sunset."

The Grand Dining Hall was rumored to be one of the most breathtaking spaces within Demiri, a place where tradition and ceremony collided with grandeur. The students, still finding their footing, exchanged hurried conversations as they prepared for the evening. Some were eager to mingle with the other prodigies, while others carried the weight of the trials with them, uncertain of what lay ahead.

For Speed, the dinner marked another challenge—a chance to observe his peers, and perhaps his rivals, while navigating the watchful eyes of the faculty and Guild Leaders. The day may have been long, but the real journey was just beginning.