The arrival of the three additional students was met with a sudden hush, the six youths instinctively falling into a silent assessment of their newfound companions.
Kael's gaze shifted as he studied the two unfamiliar figures. One was a boy built like a compact bull, his black uniform straining against surprisingly short limbs.
The other was a lean mage, his blue robes a stark contrast to his vibrant green hair, an aura of quiet command radiating from him despite his youth.
As the unlikely sextet stood suspended amidst the ethereal clouds, their unspoken scrutiny hanging in the still air, a voice boomed from the heavens, resonating with an undeniable authority.
"Students, welcome to your final test." The disembodied voice echoed around them. "For the next three days, you will be deployed into an environment known as the Shifting Zone. Be warned: your surroundings will never remain the same. Your task is simple: collect as many glass shards as possible. There is no limit to the number you can acquire, so the more you gather, the better your chances. However, take heed: a minimum threshold exists for passing, though that number will remain undisclosed to encourage maximum effort. Work together as a team, but understand that your individual contributions are being meticulously evaluated. Do not assume that your team's success guarantees your own passage if your efforts are lacking. Conversely, exceptional individual performance may compensate for a struggling team. And lastly, to add a layer of strategic depth this year, the academy will grant five requests for any item below tier two to those teams who deem it beneficial. To call forth an item, all members must simultaneously focus their thoughts on its name. Good luck, and remember: teamwork makes the dream work."
The pronouncement hung in the air, the final words carrying a hint of irony given the palpable lack of cohesion amongst all newly formed team.
Before the echoes faded, the green-haired mage stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over his companions with an air of composed authority.
"My name is Niko Salverdes," he announced, his voice clear and carrying. "A mage with a the combat aspect. I am the fourth son of House Salverdes, of the kingdom of Elodria. Given that we have been grouped together for this final trial, I would like to offer my leadership. If we have all progressed this far in the tests, it signifies a certain level of talent within each of us, and I believe that under my guidance, we can achieve optimal, if not exemplary, results. If there are no immediate objections, I propose we each introduce ourselves."
Wow
Kael thought.
Niko certainly possessed the charismatic air of the heroes from the adventure tales.
And Judging by the subtle nods and attentive gazes of the others, Niko's assertive opening was accepted.
The first to step forward was the smiling boy Kael had encountered earlier. "My name is Rylen," he said, his friendly smile genuine. "A knight with a utility aspect. I look forward to working with you all."
Next, the nervous girl, her eyes still darting around at the seemingly endless drop below, offered a hesitant introduction. "Hi, I'm Liri. A mage with a support aspect. Nice to meet you all."
Then came Kael's taciturn roommate. "Theo. Mage" he stated simply, his tone as devoid of inflection as ever.
'That was… enthusiastic'
Kael thought dryly before stepping forward himself. "Kael," he offered, a slight pause before adding, "Knight, I guess."
He wasn't entirely sure what these "aspects" meant.
Finally, the short, muscular knight scowled, his arms crossed over his chest. "Karn," he grunted, his voice carrying a surprising amount of resentment. "Knight, combat aspect. And just to be absolutely clear for anyone harboring any… misconceptions… I AM NOT A FUCKING DWARF!"
A beat of stunned silence followed Karn's outburst, a few pairs of eyes flicking downwards almost involuntarily.
Kael had to suppress a twitch of his lips; the thought had, admittedly, crossed his mind.
Karn simply snorted and turned away, his annoyance palpable.
Niko, unfazed by the sudden eruption of defensiveness, simply nodded. "Now that we have a basic understanding of our team and our general aptitudes, and with the task clearly outlined, I suggest we formulate a preliminary plan. It is evident that the initial zone we find ourselves in is a jungle environment, judging by the vista below. Therefore, a tactical approach emphasizing camouflage and silent movement would be prudent. We have the opportunity to request five items below tier two. My initial suggestion would be a Mirage Shroud."
He paused, ensuring he had everyone's attention.
"Given the unpredictable nature of the zones, moving stealthily will conserve our energy for more demanding situations and prevent unnecessary expenditure of resources. Next, we will require means of defense. As a mage, I do not require a staff for spellcasting. What about you, Liri?"
She shook her head so quickly, i feared it would fall of. "No, I don't need one either."
"Excellent. And you, Theo?" Niko continued.
"No" Theo replied blandly, his gaze already drifting towards the distant forest.
"Very well," Niko said, turning to the knights. "Since none of our mages require staffs, that leaves us with four slots to equip our melee specialists with appropriate weaponry—"
"That won't be necessary," Rylen interjected, his ever-present smile still in place. "I'm pretty good at crafting decent weapons from natural materials, given the right resources. All I'll need is a reliable source of fire. I'm confident I can find suitable materials down there. Perhaps we should utilize our request for something else?"
"I'll deal with the fire problem," Theo offered, his usual terse tone surprisingly helpful.
"Excellent!" Niko exclaimed, his composure undeterred by the slight derailment of his initial plan. "In that case, it would be wise to conserve our remaining request request until a more pressing need arises."