The classroom buzzed with nervous energy, filled with whispers, rustling papers, and the soft thump of footsteps as students shifted in their seats. The excitement and anxiety were palpable, a mix that made the air feel heavy and electric. Everyone knew that this first exam would set the tone for the year.
Mika Tanaka: "Uh… the exam starts now?"
Riku Hoshino: "I didn't even get a warm-up… what if I mess up?"
Sora Ishida: "Hmph… this is easy—wooha!"
Lena Rossi: "Everyone's strong… I need to focus."
Rougen Ray stood at the front, his presence alone commanding attention. He was calm, almost unshakable, and every eye in the room gravitated toward him. His gaze swept over the students, taking in every detail, measuring them silently.
"Welcome to your first test," he said, voice steady and low, cutting through the murmurs. "The exam starts now."
The room erupted into a chorus of whispered anxieties and excited murmurs. Hiko and Goru exchanged a glance. Goru cracked his knuckles, a small grin forming, while Hiko's fingers tightened slightly, feeling the familiar tingle along the scar on his cheek. The tension was already starting to press on them.
Yuto Kagawa: "Can we even do this?"
Emi Valens: "We've trained for this! Let's try our best!"
Rougen continued, "Your first exam will be a 2v2 match. Points are awarded based on performance, not on winning. Scores range from 0 to 80. Show control, strategy, and teamwork. Even if someone is injured or killed, Hinata Ryusei, our healer, will revive them immediately. There will be no permanent injuries."
Hana Shirakawa: "Seriously… revived? That's intense."
Leo Kramer: "Bring it on! I'm fine with danger."
Hiko took a deep breath. The energy in the room made his chest tighten. Goru's grin widened, full of anticipation.
---
The first match was called. Two random students were sent to the arena: Lio Fenris and Toma Grell against Rina Solis and Noel Aster. The small bell rang, signaling the start. Sparks of magic flickered in the air as the first pair positioned themselves.
Lio Fenris: "They're fast!"
Rina Solis: "This is tougher than I thought."
Hinata Ryusei hovered above, her form steady. Portal Magic shimmered faintly around her, ready to transport teammates or herself instantly across the arena. She was prepared to intervene if a critical blow landed. Her movements were smooth and deliberate.
The first clash was quick, the energy around the arena crackling as spells collided, swords swung, and movement blurred. Toma tried to push forward with a chain of lightning strikes, but Noel's barriers flickered in response. Each attack tested both defense and strategy, every movement precise. Students in the audience leaned forward, eyes wide, whispering.
Selene Mora: "They're evenly matched. This is impressive."
Bran Holt: "I didn't expect the arena to start with such intense action."
Mae Lin: "Look at how they coordinate… incredible."
---
Second match: Selene Mora and Kai Rendor vs. Bran Holt and Iris Vane. The bell rang again, and the next pair entered the arena.
Selene Mora: "Stay sharp! Watch their openings."
Bran Holt: "I can't let them pass!"
This match escalated rapidly, with hybrid spells and elemental combinations creating bursts of color and energy that flashed across the arena. Kai's wind magic collided with Iris' earth barriers, sending a shockwave rippling through the area. Selene moved with precision, landing small, calculated strikes, while Bran attempted to intimidate with loud, aggressive bursts. The audience murmured in awe, excitement building.
---
Third match: Elya Frostwind and Korin Blaze vs. Mae Lin and Elric Dawn. The students tensed as the next pair stepped forward.
Mae Lin: "Focus on their combo."
Elric Dawn: "This is crazy… how do we fight this?"
Mae Lin's hybrid control over ice and light dazzled the spectators, while Elya's raw energy clashed with Korin's fire. Spells bounced off each other, creating a symphony of sparks and magic in motion. The audience gasped at each close call, hearts racing as each team tested the limits of their skills.
The first three matches ended with varying levels of success, points distributed based on strategy, control, and execution. Students whispered and shared their opinions excitedly, some shocked, some inspired.
---
Fourth match: Rougen raised a hand. "Hiko Shinoegami, you are paired with Hinata Kiyomi."
Hiko's eyes widened. Kiyomi smiled softly at him, radiating a quiet determination that made Hiko feel both nervous and supported.
Rougen continued, "You two will face Rex Calder and Bran Holt. One exudes confidence, the other tries to act tough, masking fear."
The arena bell rang.
Rex shot explosions toward them, Bran charged forward, fists taut. Hiko took a deep breath and glanced at Kiyomi. She bounced on her feet, her smile reassuring.
Hinata Kiyomi: "Let's go, Hiko! We can do this!"
Hiko: "Right, stay close."
Hiko's Cursed Flame surged to life, a swirling, untamed blaze of violet, red, gold, and black, moving like it had a mind of its own. The edges jagged, the core pulsing, warping the air around it. Every attack from the opponents fizzled and failed. There was nothing to counter it. Magic was irrelevant within its presence.
Hinata Kiyomi: "Hehe! Watch this! I'll make it tricky for them with my portals!"
The tension was suffocating. Every strike and counter seemed to stretch time itself. Hiko barely avoided Bran's heavy attack, sweat dripping from his temple.
Hinata Kiyomi: "Quick, through my portal!"
Rex Calder: "What kind of magic is this?!"
Bran Holt: "We can't hit them… impossible!"
Goru Oraso: "That's my buddy!"
Hiko focused, sending a concentrated wave of Cursed Flame forward. Kiyomi jumped through a portal, appearing behind their distracted opponents. The strike connected perfectly. Hiko's flame nullified all incoming attacks. Kiyomi's precise action landed, winning the match.
The crowd erupted into cheers, shouts, and applause. Hiko's hands shook, heart racing.
Hinata Kiyomi: "We did it!"
Some spectators shouted.
Mika Tanaka: "Whoa! Did you see that flame?!"
Leo Kramer: "No way… it blocks everything!"
Sora Ishida: "Unstoppable!"
---
Meanwhile, Goru and his partner entered the arena. Using teleportation, rapid strikes, and perfect teamwork, they overcame their opponents as well. The classroom buzzed, students standing and clapping, some on the edge of their seats, others wide-eyed in awe.
Rougen Ray observed, nodding slightly. "Good. Points are earned through skill, control, and strategy. Keep practicing."
Hiko looked at Kiyomi. She smiled, holding his gaze briefly. Goru grinned beside him.
The exam was over. Exhausted but exhilarated, every student felt they had grown, learned, and tested their limits.
Hiko realized something clearly: his Cursed Flame was unstoppable by any magic, and Kiyomi's Portal Magic made her the perfect support partner.
And this was only the beginning.