Bernice stood firm, her eyes fixed intently on the trio of jaguar-like mana beasts that threatened to overwhelm her.
The creatures, their bodies a blur of tawny fur and razor-sharp claws, attacked in simultaneous patterns, their movements a testament to their training and cunning.
Bernice, her breathing steady and calm, raised her hands, and a brilliant light burst forth, enveloping the jaguars and momentarily blinding them.
The sudden respite gave Bernice the opportunity to create a gap between herself and her attackers, and she swiftly conjured a dome of light around herself.
Within the safety of the dome, Bernice focused her energy on healing the injuries she had sustained during the battle. Her light affinity pulsed with gentle, soothing energy, mending her wounds and restoring her vitality.
However, the jaguars were far from defeated. They breathed out icy blasts of air, which instantly froze the dome of light, rendering it brittle and vulnerable. With a few swift strikes, the jaguars shattered the dome, sending shards of frozen light flying in all directions.
Undaunted, Bernice descended upon the jaguars, her light swords flashing in the sunlight. The blades, imbued with her light affinity, sliced through the air with deadly precision, striking true and finding their mark in the heart of one of the jaguars.
The creature let out a pained yowl as it collapsed to the ground, its body motionless.
The remaining two jaguars fell back, their eyes blazing with fury, before charging towards Bernice in unison.
Bernice, her movements swift and economical, blocked their slashes with her light swords, the blades ringing out as they deflected the jaguars' attacks.
Slowly but surely, Bernice began to distance herself from the jaguars, creating space between herself and her attackers. As she did so, she summoned light balls that attacked the jaguars, the orbs of energy striking true and finding their mark in the creatures' bodies.
One of the jaguars covered the other as it died, its body shielding its companion from the light balls. However, the final jaguar-like beast was far from defeated. It emitted a red aura, which began to drain the core of the other two dead beasts. The aura pulsed with dark energy, and the jaguar's body began to grow bigger, its muscles bulging as it absorbed the energy of its fallen companions.
The Sorcerer Supreme, watching the battle from a distance, was amazed by the jaguar's sudden transformation. His assistant, however, was shocked, exclaiming that beast mutations increased their strength, and Bernice, at her current core level, may not be able to kill the beast.
However, the Sorcerer Supreme was unfazed, a confident smile spreading across his face. "I know the people I selected to pass the first selection," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "And I know that this beast is a piece of cake for Bernice to kill."
In the grand hall of the institute, a stately woman stood amidst six esteemed elders, their faces etched with wisdom and experience. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as they deliberated on the impending start of the new academic year. One of the elders, Elder Groloth, spoke with an air of importance, his voice dripping with calculation.
"This incoming class is particularly noteworthy, my colleagues," he said, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "We have an unprecedented number of Grand Royals and Royals among the new students. Their noble bloodlines will undoubtedly set them apart during the cross-Institute battles."
Lady Grey D Aliana's interest was piqued, her eyes narrowing as she sensed the underlying motive behind Elder Groloth's words. "And what, pray tell, do you propose we do with these...gifted students, Elder Groloth?" she asked, her tone measured and cautious.
Elder Groloth's smile was oily, his response dripping with ambition. "Why, we can use them to further the empire's interests, of course. Their noble heritage will grant them an edge in the battles, and we can mold them into the perfect tools for our purposes."
Lady Grey D Aliana's expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with indignation. She rose from her seat, her movements fluid and deliberate. Elder Groloth, sensing her displeasure, called out to her in a worried tone, "Lady Grey D Aliana, please—"
But she ignored his plea, striding purposefully towards the balcony. The warm sunlight danced across her face as she stepped out onto the balcony, her gaze sweeping the landscape below. A lone knight stood watch, his eyes fixed intently on Lady Grey D Aliana.
"I do not wish to exploit children," she declared, her voice carrying on the wind. "I wish to nurture them. If you do not share that vision, Elder Groloth, then you are hereby fired from the institute."
The words hung in the air, a palpable challenge to the elder's authority. The knight watched with interest, his expression unreadable, as Lady Grey D Aliana stood tall, her conviction unwavering.