Sabrina

A few names later, another one appeared on the screen.

Theo Ardyn

Kael looked up from where he was sitting on the edge of a bench, holding a bottle of water he'd found from who-knows-where.

"Guess it's your turn."

Theo gave a short nod.

He didn't say anything, just adjusted his glasses and walked toward the mage platform with the same calm, clipped pace he did everything.

Unlike the Knights, who had dummies calibrated for physical impact, the Mage platforms had mana-linked totems, carved obsidian pillars that flared in response to mana output, precision, and resonance.

Most students flung fireballs.

Some fired mana bolts.

One even conjured a mini-storm that fizzled out halfway.

Theo stepped up without a word.

The instructor raised an eyebrow. "Ready?"

Theo nodded.

He then raised one hand.

He didn't chant, no magic circle appeared, there was no dramatic surge of power.

But the wind shifted, barely noticeable.

A faint shimmer passed over Theo's body like a ripple in still water.

Suddenly, a pale green sigil symbol appeared behind him, an intricate geometric web that pulsed with quiet energy.

And from it, a translucent figure drifted into view...a slim, robed spirit with no face, only a flickering outline and glowing hands.

It stood directly behind Theo.

It moved when Theo did, they where perfectly in sync.

Theo extended one finger toward the totem.

The spirit mirrored the motion.

Flick.

The totem pulsed once.

Then glowed bright white.

The instructor's jaw twitched.

He tapped his slate.

"…Contract-linked casting. High-level spirit resonance. Uncommon class. Pass with distinction."

Theo bowed politely. "Thank you."

As he walked back toward the waiting area, Kael blinked slowly. "Hmm, was that a spirit."

Theo sat down. "Yes"

Kael sipped his water. "Cool."

Theo "..."

✦✦✦✦✦✦

The day went by in a blur.

 The first test ended faster than anyone expected, and with far fewer survivors.

Over half the candidates had been eliminated, some stunned, some angry, some barely standing.

By the end more than a thousand students from the Knight division manage to blow up the test dummy, so it wasn't a big deal anymore.

As the last student stepped off the testing platform, the sky shimmered once more.

The Vice Headmaster's projection appeared overhead, as cold and commanding as ever.

"The first trial is complete. If your name is not on the passed board, do not return tomorrow."

"Those who remain, understand this, what you did today is not special. It is the bare minimum, if you believe this is worth celebrating, lower your expectations or leave."

"Tomorrow will be worse."

The projection vanished.

And just like that, they were dismissed.

"Alright, lead the way," Kael said, stretching as he stood up from the observation bench.

Theo raised an eyebrow. "To?"

"The cafeteria, of course. I'm starving."

Theo sighed. "Follow me."

They moved with the crowd, thousands of students peeling off into groups, wandering the academy grounds with sore muscles and new anxieties.

The campus was vast, but Theo seemed to know exactly where to go.

The cafeteria was built into a massive curved hall on the west side of campus. Sleek archways, runic plating, and floating rune-lamps lined the walls. It was like a cathedral built by engineers and enchanted by mages, spacious, glowing, and teeming with energy.

Inside, the place was already packed with students. The noise was deafening, laughter, groans, magic sparks from floating trays.

Unlike Earth's cafeteria lines, this place used an advanced enchantment system. Each table had a glowing panel, an ordering interface synced directly to the kitchen.

Kael and Theo found a small round table in the corner and sat down.

'Finally.'

Kael activated the panel and immediately started tapping away at anything that looked remotely edible.

"Slow down," Theo said without looking up. "I don't plan on eating much today."

"Huh? but this is all for me."

Theo paused.

"…I see."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, eating quietly, Kael devouring plate after plate while Theo nibbled on a precisely portioned meal.

Then out of nowhere someone slid into the seat across from them.

Kael looked up, mid-chew, and blinked.

A girl with striking white hair and a bright blue Mage uniform now sat across from him.

Her features were sharp but elegant, silver eyes, a calm but teasing expression. Her posture was perfect, and the way she wore her uniform, slightly loose sleeves, undone top button gave off a charming vibe.

She was effortlessly pretty.

Effortlessly dangerous.

'She looks kinda familiar…' Kael thought.

Then he turned to Theo and saw his expression.

His jaw was tight and his brows twitching.

'Ah, i see.'

She then spoke.

"Brother."

Theo exhaled sharply. "What do you want, Sabrina?"

She placed a hand on her chest, mock-offended. "Can't a sister greet her brother anymore?"

Theo just gave her a look, the kind that said get to the point.

She clicked her tongue. "Fine. I came to say congratulations. You passed the trial with a distinction, right?"

"Thanks. If that's all, you can leave now."

"Oh, come on. You haven't even congratulated me yet."

"I'll congratulate you when we both get admitted."

Kael was quietly chewing, watching the family drama unfold like a high-budget soap opera.

Then Sabrina suddenly turned toward him.

"And won't you introduce me to your new friend?"

"There's no need for that," Theo said flatly.

She ignored him, turning fully to Kael with a dazzling smile. "Hi, I'm Sabrina Theo's twin sister. Nice to meet you."

She extended her hand.

Kael blinked. 'Damn., they're twins?'

"I'm Kael," he replied, reaching out for the handshake.

Only for Theo to slap his hand away mid-motion.

"I think it's time for you to leave," Theo said, voice sharp.

Sabrina leaned back, holding her hands up. "Alright, alright. No need for the death glare."

She stood, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

As she turned to go, she gave Kael a final look.

"I'll see you around, Kael."

Then she vanished into the crowd with the kind of grace that only people who love attention could master.

Kael blinked. "So… that happened."

Theo pinched the bridge of his nose. "We need to talk."