The Week of Reckoning
The rest of the week passed in a blur of examinations, magical theory, and hurried meals in the dining hall. Each day, Miruna’s confidence in her abilities grew, though the intensity of the schedule left her and her roommates drained by the time they returned to the dormitory each evening.
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Wednesday’s Applied Magical Theory (Complex Concepts) exam began the day with challenging questions on the integration of magical fields and the application of runes in layered spell constructs. Miruna furrowed her brow as she wrote about the theoretical implications of overlapping energy flows, her staff glowing faintly beside her to guide her thoughts.
In Reading and Comprehension (Ancient Texts) , they were tasked with deciphering fragments of ancient manuscripts, translating cryptic passages into modern magical terms. The parchment before Miruna seemed to hum with latent energy as she carefully pieced together the meaning of an incantation thought to enhance plant growth.
Practical Spellcasting (Intermediate Charms) saw the students working in pairs to demonstrate spells like Accio, Lumos Maxima, and Alohomora under the watchful eye of the examiner. Miruna found herself paired with Aurelia, who offered a steady presence as they practiced charm combinations.
Magical History (Specialized Topics) was more reflective, requiring written responses on pivotal events like the formation of international magical alliances and the development of wandless spellcasting. Miruna's fingers cramped as she described the influence of the 14th-century Magical Concord.
The most engaging exam of the day was Magical Creature Interaction (Practical). They worked with a Kneazle, coaxing it to perform specific tasks using body language and minimal verbal instruction. Miruna grinned as the Kneazle finally obeyed her gesture to leap onto a perch.
The day ended with Herbology (Potion Ingredients Preparation) , where they meticulously trimmed and prepared Ashwinder eggs and Bubotuber pus for brewing. Basic Alchemy Concepts concluded the daytime classes with an overview of transmuting base metals into magical alloys, though Miruna found the theoretical aspect challenging.
That evening, Magical Philosophy presented thought-provoking questions about the ethical ramifications of eternal life spells, leaving Miruna deep in thought long after the class ended.
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By Thursday, exhaustion began to creep in, but the day’s exams were no less demanding.
Advanced Magical Theory opened the morning with questions on interdimensional magic and its effects on spell durability. The complexities of the subject reminded Miruna of the hidden library she used to study in, sparking her determination to push through.
In Potions Brewing (Introductory Level) , they prepared a simple Wiggenweld Potion. Miruna worked methodically, stirring the cauldron with precision to ensure the potion turned the correct shade of emerald green.
Spellcasting (Transfiguration Basics) involved practical work, as they transformed objects into animals and back. Miruna’s proudest moment was successfully turning a wooden cup into a robin that flitted across the room before settling back into its original form.
Magical Ethics (Case Studies) required group discussions about the moral implications of curses and hexes. Miruna found herself speaking more than usual, her insights about magical boundaries surprising even herself.
Elemental Magic Basics (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) saw students conjuring small elemental displays. Miruna focused as she tried to move the water in the cup but couldn’t. After watching the examiner mark something down, she found herself with the same disappointing results for each element. Dejected, she walked from the room, vowing to read up on the new subject when she had time.
Enchantments and Hexes Identification was an intense test of observation. The students examined enchanted objects, identifying subtle hexes hidden within. Miruna’s sharp eye caught the curse in a mirror with faintly flickering runes, earning her praise from the examiner.
Magical Defense (Shielding Spells) involved practical demonstrations of shielding incantations, with students taking turns deflecting small, non-lethal attacks. Miruna’s Protego Maxima held firm, even when tested with a barrage of spells.
The evening’s Illusions and Glamour Magic Basics was as intriguing as it was challenging. They created illusions of landscapes, with Miruna’s shimmering lake scene drawing appreciative murmurs from her classmates.
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Friday arrived, and though exhaustion weighed heavily on her, Miruna was determined to finish strong.
Magical Energy Manipulation (Theoretical) began the day with essays on the flow of energy through magical cores and its impact on advanced spellcasting.
Potions Brewing (Advanced Techniques) was particularly nerve-wracking. They crafted a Draught of Peace, a potion requiring meticulous attention to detail. Miruna’s cauldron emitted a faint silver mist as she added the final ingredient, a sign she had brewed it correctly.she exhaled as she realized that she had just brewed a potion that Hogwarts only taught in NEWT years.
Spellcasting (Practical Transfiguration) required them to transfigure complex objects. Miruna successfully turned a broken chair into a small tree, its leaves glowing faintly with a silvery light.
In Runes (Intermediate Applications) , they combined runic patterns to create functional sigils. Miruna enjoyed this exam immensely, her intricate designs earning a nod of approval from the examiner.
Magical Creature Behavior Analysis tested their observational skills. Miruna sketched and documented the behavior of a Bowtruckle, noting its reaction to various stimuli.
Herbology (Fieldwork Assessment) took place outside, where they identified and harvested magical plants. Miruna moved with care among the rows of Flutterby bushes, grateful for the chance to be outdoors.
Advanced Numerology and Arithmancy challenged her logical thinking as she deciphered numerical sequences and their magical implications. The complexity left her mentally drained, but she felt a sense of accomplishment as she handed in her scroll.
The final exam, Artifact Creation Theory, was a fitting conclusion. They studied ancient blueprints and answered questions about the processes used to create enchanted objects. Miruna’s fascination with magical craftsmanship made this a highlight of her day.
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Saturday morning Miruna awoke to the clatter of her roommates as they scrambled to get ready. She groaned softly, rubbing her eyes as Aurelia's quiet humming reached her ears. Across the room, Seraphina stretched dramatically, her tousled hair resembling a lion’s mane.
"Today’s dueling day!" Thalia announced with barely contained excitement. "I hope we get to spar with the apprentices. I’ve been itching to test my Stupefy."
Seraphina yawned, blinking sleepily. "I just hope they go easy on us. I’d rather not leave the lecture hall in a full body bind."
Miruna chuckled as she sat up and swung her legs off the bed. The new prosthetic gleamed faintly in the morning light, a reminder of her recent luck.
The group made their way to the dining hall, the air alive with the chatter of students discussing strategies, fears, and excitement about the day ahead. Breakfast was a simple spread of fruits, pastries, and hot tea, and Miruna ate lightly, not wanting a heavy stomach to slow her down.
After breakfast, they followed the flow of students toward the large lecture hall, which had been transformed into a maze of dueling arenas. The room's polished stone floor now bore glowing lines that marked the dueling rings. At the front stood several professors and a handful of apprentices, all wearing robes with the Crystalline Peak emblem.
A tall man stepped forward, his piercing eyes scanning the crowd. "My name is Professor Dagen, the head of the dueling department here at CPSAM. Dueling is not merely about strength or speed—it is an art, a blend of strategy, skill, and precision. The exercises today are designed not to embarrass or defeat you but to challenge you. They will test your wit, your reflexes, and most importantly, your adaptability. Success in a duel often comes down to how well you think on your feet."
He paused, letting his words settle before continuing. "You will face both apprentices of the craft and members of the faculty, all of whom have years of experience and expertise. However," he added, his tone softening slightly, "this does not mean you are being thrown to the wolves. Each professor will begin their duels with the simplest of spells, escalating in complexity only if you prove capable of handling them. Similarly, the apprentices are limited in their use of advanced techniques and will be encouraged to approach these duels as teaching opportunities."
His sharp gaze swept over the students, lingering briefly on those who looked particularly anxious. "This is not about winning but about learning. A well-fought duel, even one you lose, can teach you far more than a simple victory. I expect you to push yourselves—to think critically, to adapt swiftly—but also to know your limits. Recklessness is not bravery. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, you may concede the duel. There is no shame in learning when to step back and regroup."
He stepped closer to the group, his expression intense. "And remember: you are here to grow, to sharpen your skills and understand your weaknesses. What you learn today could one day save your life or the lives of others. Treat this as an opportunity, not an obstacle."
With that, the students were directed to their rings.
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Miruna stood in the center of the glowing dueling ring, her crystalline prosthetic gleaming faintly under the magical light that illuminated the transformed lecture hall. The polished stone floor was a labyrinth of pulsating circles, each containing students paired against a professor or apprentice. Around her, the low murmur of excitement filled the air as first-year students prepared themselves for their duels.
Across from Miruna stood Professor Lyara, tall and poised, her auburn hair tied neatly into a bun. Her staff, sleek and adorned with an amethyst core, shimmered faintly as she planted it lightly on the ground. She smiled warmly at Miruna, her gaze flicking briefly to her new leg.
“Well, Miss Potter,” Lyara began, her voice carrying a mixture of encouragement and challenge. “That’s a fine piece of magic and craftsmanship. How does it feel so far?”
“Perfect,” Miruna replied, adjusting her stance slightly as she balanced on her prosthetic. “I’m still getting used to it, but it’s made a world of difference.”
Lyara nodded approvingly. “Good. Let’s see how it fares in a duel. Remember, this isn’t just about power. Strategy and creativity will take you further than brute force. Good luck.”
Miruna inclined her head, gripping her staff tightly. Balancing as still as she could, she reached down to her prosthetic and willed the base of it to have better traction on the sleek floors. She grinned as it took effect. The glow from the dueling rings seemed to pulse in time with her heartbeat as Professor Dagen’s voice boomed through the hall.
“Begin!”
Lyara moved first, her staff carving a swift arc as she cast expelliarmus . A streak of crimson light shot toward Miruna, fast and deliberate.
Miruna reacted instantly, raising her staff to cast protego . A shimmering golden barrier sprang to life, absorbing the impact of the disarming spell. The air crackled with energy as the collision sent sparks skittering across the stone floor.
“Quick reflexes,” Lyara remarked, already casting her next spell. A flick of her wrist unleashed impedimenta , a bolt of shimmering energy streaking toward Miruna, followed by a sharp incarcerous .
Miruna pivoted smoothly on her prosthetic, dodging the first spell and raising her staff to block the second with another protego . The ropes dissolved into thin air as they met her barrier, and she retaliated with stupefy , a beam of red light arcing toward Lyara.
Lyara deflected the spell effortlessly, her movements graceful and precise. “Good,” she said, her tone encouraging even as she sent a wave of icy mist curling toward Miruna with glacius . The frost spread rapidly across the floor, creeping toward her feet.
Miruna’s mind raced. With a quick flick of her staff, she cast incendio . Flames erupted in front of her, melting the frost and sending a wave of heat rippling through the ring. Using the temporary cover, she focused inward, drawing on her magic without raising her staff.
“Let’s see how you handle this,” Lyara said, raising her staff for another spell.
Before she could cast, Miruna extended her free hand, mentally calling out “ lumos maxima .” A sphere of blinding white light exploded into existence, filling the ring and dazzling everyone nearby. At the same time, Miruna thrust her staff forward, casting expelliarmus .
The combined effect was instantaneous. Lyara shielded her eyes against the intense light, and her staff was wrenched from her grasp, clattering to the floor several feet away.
The light dimmed as Miruna lowered her hand, breathing heavily. Lyara laughed softly, retrieving her staff with a small, graceful gesture. “Well done, Miss Potter,” she said, stepping closer. “Using lumos maxima to disorient me was clever. And executing a simultaneous disarming spell? Impressive work.”
Miruna felt her cheeks flush with a mixture of pride and relief. “Thank you, Professor.”
Lyara smiled, resting her staff lightly on the ground. “You’ve got potential, and your creativity will serve you well. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a formidable duelist.”
Miruna nodded, her heart still racing as she stepped out of the ring. The sound of spells crackling and clashing filled the air around her, but she barely noticed. Her focus was already shifting to the next challenge.
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The tension in the air grew as Miruna’s second opponent entered the ring. A sturdy, broad-shouldered man stepped forward, his dark green robes embroidered with silver sigils glinting faintly in the magical light. His staff, carved from deep mahogany and tipped with an emerald gemstone, rested casually in his hand. His expression was calm but calculating, his dark eyes scanning Miruna with quiet intensity.
“Miss Potter,” he greeted, his voice steady and smooth, carrying an undertone of authority. “I am Professor Carric, head of the Department of Magical Languages. My focus is the study and preservation of spellcasting dialects and ancient incantations.”
Miruna gave a respectful nod. “It’s an honor, Professor.”
He smiled faintly, inclining his head in acknowledgment. “The honor is mutual. Let us see how well you adapt to the unexpected.”
With that, he raised his staff, and without a word, the duel began.
The first spell came quickly— nonverbal and precise. A shimmering beam of blue light darted toward Miruna, twisting in midair as it approached her. Recognizing it as a variant of impedimenta , Miruna swung her staff in an arc, calling out “ Aegis Ignis !” A golden shield flared to life before her, deflecting the spell with a loud crack.
Carric did not pause. A second spell followed immediately, a jet of green mist curling toward her feet. The air around her turned heavy and sluggish as the mist spread—an enchantment meant to sap energy.
Miruna’s movements slowed, and her staff felt heavier in her grip. Fighting through the spell’s effects, she pressed her palm to the runes on her prosthetic leg, activating its agility charm. Her body lightened just enough for her to counter. “ Ventus Liberare !” she shouted, and a gust of sharp, cleansing wind erupted from her staff. The mist dissipated, and Miruna seized the opportunity to move closer.
Carric’s expression remained neutral, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes. He raised his staff again, casting another nonverbal spell. A jagged line of light snaked toward Miruna’s feet, splitting the ground beneath her.
Reacting instinctively, she leapt to the side, the agility charm aiding her once more. Her mind raced, and she recalled a spell she had studied in her tower, its incantation echoing in her memory.
“ Tenebris Fulgur !” she incanted, thrusting her staff forward. A streak of violet lightning surged toward Carric, crackling with dark energy.
Carric’s brows rose slightly in surprise as he deflected the spell with a deft swipe of his staff. “Interesting,” he murmured, almost to himself, before retaliating.
A flick of his wrist sent a burst of translucent orbs hurtling toward her, each orb pulsating with a faint hum. She recognized it as a stunning spell, and there were too many to block individually.
Miruna gritted her teeth and crouched low, slamming her staff into the ground. “ Terra Ascendere !” The ground before her rippled, a jagged wall of stone erupting to intercept the orbs.
The magical projectiles struck the barrier, shattering it into chunks of rubble. Carric wasted no time, weaving another nonverbal spell that sent a wave of shimmering force toward her.
Miruna staggered under the weight of the spell, but she pressed on. Drawing on her knowledge, she cast “ Luminae Conturbare ,” sending an array of swirling lights toward Carric to disorient him.
For a brief moment, it worked—Carric’s movements faltered as the lights danced chaotically around him. She used the opportunity to cast “ Acer Ignis ,” a sharp, focused stream of fire that surged toward his staff.
Carric countered with a spell she didn’t recognize, dissipating the flames into harmless embers. His expression shifted, a slight smile curving his lips. “You’ve done well, Miss Potter. Let’s see how you handle this.”
Before she could respond, Carric cast his final spell—a burst of energy that seemed to pulse with raw power. The air around her turned cold and still, her limbs locking in place as the spell rooted her to the spot. She struggled to move, but the enchantment was unyielding.
The ring’s glow dimmed, signaling the end of the duel.
Carric lowered his staff and approached her, murmuring the counter-spell to release her. “You performed admirably, Miruna,” he said, his tone warm with praise. “You have a strong grasp of strategy and a commendable repertoire of spells. Keep honing your instincts, and you’ll go far.”
Miruna nodded; her breath still uneven. “Thank you, Professor,” she managed, her cheeks flushed with exertion.
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Miruna adjusted her grip on her staff as her third opponent stepped into the ring. He moved with a confident, fluid grace, his long silver hair tied back into a low ponytail that gleamed under the magical light. His black robes, tailored to fit snugly, bore intricate silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar. The faint smirk on his face suggested he was more intrigued than threatened by her presence.
“Ivan Frost,” he introduced himself, inclining his head in a polite but deliberate gesture. “Apprentice under the Dueling Department. Looks like I’m your next challenge.”
“Miruna Potter,” she replied, her voice steady.
His smirk widened. “I know. Your name’s been buzzing around the staff. Let’s see if you live up to the talk.”
Without waiting for further pleasantries, Ivan raised his staff, and the duel began.
The first spell came quickly—a streak of crackling blue energy aimed at her chest. Miruna sidestepped, responding with a quick “ Ventus Impetus ,” sending a forceful gust of wind his way.
Ivan spun on his heel, the wind barely ruffling his robes as he countered with a sharp gesture, summoning a series of glowing, crescent-shaped blades. The spell wasn’t lethal, but it required precision to dodge.
Miruna deflected the first few with quick staff movements, the magical barriers she summoned dissipating the energy mid-air. She recognized that his attacks were both methodical and relentless, forcing her to stay on the defensive.
“Not bad,” Ivan commented, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he switched tactics. A column of water shot toward her feet, freezing mid-motion and locking her boots in place.
She reacted swiftly, tapping her prosthetic leg and activating its enchantment. The ice cracked as her leg glowed faintly, giving her the leverage to break free.
“ Ignis Serpens! ” she called, a fiery serpent erupting from her staff and slithering toward Ivan.
He raised his staff, drawing a shimmering dome of water around himself that extinguished the flame. “Creative,” he admitted, “but not enough.”
The duel intensified, the sound of their spells colliding filling the air. Miruna struggled to gain the upper hand, Ivan’s movements and spells seamless as he pressed her further into defense.
But then an idea struck her—something unconventional. Something her tower studies had inspired.
She feigned a stumble, her staff lowering slightly as though she were off-balance. Ivan, sensing an opportunity, thrust his staff forward, sending a shimmering net of magical energy flying toward her.
At the last second, she raised her free hand and casted. “ Accio! ”
Ivan froze mid-step, his chest jolting forward as though pulled by an invisible hook. He staggered, momentarily losing his grip on his staff as the sensation of his ribcage being gently tugged took him completely by surprise.
“What the—?!” he exclaimed; eyes wide as his staff clattered to the ground.
The ring glowed, signaling the duel’s end.
Miruna straightened, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Ivan stared at her, his expression shifting from confusion to genuine amazement.
“What did you just do?” he asked, walking over to retrieve his staff.
“Summoning charm,” she admitted with a small grin, brushing her hair back. “I thought it might work on more… unconventional targets.”
Ivan let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “A summoning charm. On my ribs. That’s…” He trailed off, grinning. “That’s brilliant. Absolutely ridiculous, but brilliant.”
“Thank you,” Miruna replied, unsure whether to feel flattered or amused.
“Listen,” Ivan said, still chuckling as he adjusted his robes. “If you ever want a rematch—or if you need help with dueling or spellcasting—look for me. I’d like to see what other surprises you’ve got up your sleeve.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Miruna said with a smile.
As Ivan left the ring, shaking his head in bemused admiration, Miruna allowed herself a moment of pride. She had managed to surprise someone so seasoned, and the satisfaction of her victory lingered as she prepared for the next challenge.
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After the initial duels ended, the students were ushered into a side chamber to rest. The room, though spacious, buzzed with the subdued energy of exhaustion and adrenaline. Miruna leaned against a stone wall, taking slow, measured breaths as she let her heartbeat steady. Around her, others sipped on enchanted water that shimmered faintly, designed to rejuvenate their magic reserves. Whispers filled the room, mostly about the difficulty of the duels, strategies used, or the prowess of certain opponents.
“Fifteen minutes,” Professor Dagen’s voice cut through the murmurs. “Use this time wisely. What comes next will push you further.”
Miruna closed her eyes for a moment, grounding herself. She wasn’t just tired— her mind raced with thoughts of what might come next. Her earlier victories had built her confidence, but the fatigue of sustained spellwork was settling in. She glanced down at her prosthetic leg, its faint glow a reminder of the magic imbued in it. It had held up well so far, but she couldn’t afford to falter now.
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When the break ended, the students were guided back into the arena. Instead of the dueling rings, each was directed to an arched door set into the room’s perimeter. Above each door, magical glyphs shimmered faintly, shifting in an unrecognizable language.
“Step inside,” Professor Dagen instructed. “These chambers will test you. There will be no audience and no help. What you face inside is tailored to challenge you—not defeat you, but to push you beyond your current limits. Good luck.”
Miruna stepped into her assigned chamber, her staff firm in her grip. The door sealed behind her with a soft hiss, leaving her in silence. The room was circular, the stone walls etched with intricate runes that faintly pulsed with magic. Five dummies stood in the center, unmoving, their staves held upright.
A deep, resonant voice echoed in the chamber. “Welcome, Miruna Potter. This is a simulation designed to evaluate your dueling skills. As you progress through the levels, the challenges will become more difficult. Spells cast by your opponents will increase in complexity and coordination. To end a level, you must disable all active opponents. Good luck.”
A soft bell chimed, clear and resonant, signaling the start of the training. The disembodied voice that followed was calm yet authoritative.
“Level One, begin.”
A single dummy stepped forward, its movements jerky and sluggish. It raised a staff, casting a weak and uncoordinated Stupefy toward her chest. Miruna sidestepped easily, her grip tightening as she raised her staff and cast a quick Expelliarmus. The dummy’s staff flew from its grip, clattering to the floor. Its form dissolved into white particles, reforming seamlessly back at the center of the room. Miruna smirked. “Too easy,” she muttered, turning just as the bell chimed again.
“Level Two, begin.”
This dummy was faster. It started with a sharp Impedimenta, aiming to slow her down. Miruna responded with a swift Protego, deflecting the spell, but the dummy immediately followed with an Incarcerous, sending ropes snaking toward her. With a flick of her staff, she shouted, “Diffindo!” The ropes snapped mid-air, falling harmlessly to the floor. She closed the distance in a heartbeat, casting Petrificus Totalus. The dummy froze, rigid and unmoving, before dissolving and reforming at the center of the room. She could feel her confidence building as the challenges escalated.
“Level Three, begin.”
This time, two dummies activated simultaneously. Their movements were more coordinated, their attacks relentless. One cast Expulso, creating a shockwave that forced her back, while the other unleashed a volley of smaller, stinging Vermiculus spells. Miruna spun on her heel, deflecting the energy with a circular motion of her staff. “Ventus Vortex!” she cried, summoning a spiraling gust that knocked one dummy off balance. She followed with a precise Fulgur Percussio, a crackling bolt of lightning that struck the second. Both dissolved into particles, reforming quickly. Her confidence grew with each victory, though the voice showed no hint of approval.
“Level Four, begin.”
Three dummies now stepped forward, forming a triangle around her. They attacked in turn, their spells more advanced. One conjured a shimmering Speculum Decipiens, a reflective shield that bounced her spells back. Another sent an arc of golden fire with Ignis Arcus, while the third wielded Aquafluxus, a spiraling whip of water. Miruna ducked under the fiery arc, sidestepped the water whip, but the reflected spell caught her off guard. Her own Expelliarmus grazed her shoulder, sending her stumbling.
Gritting her teeth, she focused. Instead of attacking directly, she targeted the ground beneath the shielded dummy with Terra Fractus. The floor cracked and shifted, causing the dummy to falter. She capitalized on the moment with Fulmen Explodens, an electrical pulse that discharged in all directions, disabling the remaining two dummies. They dissolved and reformed, their appearance unchanged but their power a testament to the rising difficulty. Her breath came faster now, her muscles tense as the bell chimed once more. Despite her growing fatigue, determination flared in her chest.
“Level Five, begin.”
Four dummies emerged, their movements synchronized like a well-trained squad. One cast Nebula Obscura, filling the chamber with a dense fog that obscured her vision. Another conjured a shield with Aegis Totalis, while the remaining two fired a barrage of spells: Glacies Lancea, sharp ice lances, and Vincula Tenebris, shadowy chains meant to bind her. Miruna rolled to avoid the lances, her staff glowing as she whispered, “Lux Invicta.” A sphere of bright light burst forth, dissolving the fog and forcing the dummies to recalibrate.
“Ignis Tempestatis!” she cried, summoning a storm of embers that rained down on the dummies. Their shield shattered, leaving them vulnerable. She struck them down one by one, alternating between Fulgur Percussio and Petrificus Totalus. By the time the last dummy dissolved and reformed, her breathing was labored. The bell chimed again, and she braced herself for what was to come. Each new level felt like stepping closer to the edge of her limits, but she refused to falter.
“Level Six, begin.”
Five dummies activated, their staves glowing with an ominous red light. They moved faster than any before, their coordination seamless. One cast Praesidium Frigoris, encasing itself in icy armor, while another conjured swirling blades with Gladii Aeris. A third hurled jagged rocks with Terra Telum, and the others unleashed a chaotic blend of elemental spells. Miruna dodged and parried, but her movements slowed. Her staff felt heavier, her magic dwindling. Sweat dripped down her brow, and her breaths grew shallow. Desperation clawed at her as she whispered, “One last spell.” She prepared a final attack, a blazing arc of fire meant to end the level.
But as she channeled the magic, something within her shifted. A pulse of light ignited in her chest, spreading through her veins like liquid fire. The exhaustion faded, replaced by a surge of energy so intense it lifted her off the ground. Her feet hovered inches above the chamber floor as the glow intensified. With renewed strength, she cast Calor Dissolvens, melting the icy armor of one dummy, and followed with Incendium Corona, a fiery ring that incinerated the oncoming blades and rocks. Her movements became effortless as she dismantled the remaining dummies with precision and power. The bell chimed again, louder than before. Every nerve in her body tingled with raw magic, pushing her beyond her mortal constraints.
“Level Seven, begin.”
The dummies reactivated, their spells now nonverbal and devastatingly fast. They unleashed a relentless barrage: Exsilio Fulgoris, explosive lightning; Aquae Gladius, slicing water blades; and Ventus Incisura, razor-sharp wind currents. Miruna floated higher, her staff a blur as she summoned Praesidium Maximus, an advanced shield that absorbed the onslaught. Her counters were equally formidable. She cast Ardens Lancea, a flaming spear, to impale one dummy, then used Mutatio Gravitatis to hurl another against the wall. The remaining three cornered her, their spells overlapping in a deadly dance. She retaliated with a daring Glacies Mortis, freezing one mid-attack, and disarmed the others with sheer force. The battle grew more chaotic, each second testing her resolve.
“Level Eight, begin.”
The final level pushed her beyond anything she had faced. The dummies moved as one, their attacks a symphony of chaos. Elemental spells blended and clashed, filling the room with deafening roars and blinding light. Miruna’s body glowed like a star, the power coursing through her overwhelming yet exhilarating. She cast spell after spell, her magic flowing like a tidal wave. Each dummy dissolved into white particles upon defeat, only to reform and continue. The battle stretched her limits, each second an eternity. Her vision blurred as sweat dripped down her temples, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to yield. When the last dummy fell, the chamber fell silent. After a few moments of silence, she drifted back to the ground, her legs shaky but steady.
“End Simulation.”
She stood in the silence, her chest rising and falling as she calmed her racing heart. The excess energy leaked from her in shimmering wisps, fading into the air. For a moment, she simply stood there, grounding herself. Finally, she turned and walked out of the chamber, her staff still warm in her grip. She entered the main lecture hall, where others were already seated. Most were chatting in hushed tones, but Miruna found an empty seat near the back. She was among the last to emerge, her mind still buzzing with the intensity of the simulation. Despite the exhaustion, there was a small, flickering sense of triumph in her chest.
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Professor Dagen raised his hand, his stern gaze sweeping the room until the hushed murmurs of conversation ceased entirely. “Quiet, please,” he said, his voice carrying effortlessly to every corner of the hall. “You are dismissed for lunch and the remainder of the day. Results from today’s simulations and evaluations will be posted on the board in the Great Hall by dinnertime. At that time, you will also receive your schedules for the first session of courses.” His words were deliberate, each syllable laden with authority.
He paused, allowing his statement to settle, before continuing. “Tomorrow, there will be no planned exercises. I encourage all first-year students to take the opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the campus. Exploring the grounds will serve you well as you begin your studies.” A brief nod signaled the conclusion of his announcement. “You are dismissed.”
The sound of chairs scraping against the floor filled the room as students rose and began filing toward the exit. Miruna spotted Aurelia, Thalia, and Seraphina waiting for her near the door. “Finally,” Seraphina sighed, stretching as they joined the throng of students. “I feel like I’ve been standing on hot coals all morning.”
As they stepped into the corridor and headed toward the dining hall, the chatter of other students echoed around them. “I can’t believe how intense that simulation was,” Aurelia murmured, still clutching her staff like a lifeline.
Thalia hesitated, glancing between her friends. “So… what did you all think about the dueling exam?” she ventured cautiously.
A collective groan erupted from the group, Seraphina throwing her head back in exaggerated despair. “Thalia, no,” she said, grinning despite herself. Even Aurelia shook her head with a quiet chuckle.
Miruna couldn’t help but laugh as the tension from the day finally began to dissolve. “You just had to bring it up,” she teased. Their laughter echoed down the corridor.
⋘ ──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── ⋙
At the top of the northeast tower, a faint glow illuminated the darkened office. The walls were lined with ancient tomes and scrolls, their spines cracked and weathered by time. In the center of the room stood a towering figure cloaked in thick, hooded black robes. The figure’s face was hidden behind a veil that shimmered faintly in the dim light. A large, hovering projection shimmered before them, displaying a view of the simulation chambers below. The figure’s head tilted slightly as if studying the scene with great intensity, their wispy, muffled breathing the only sound in the room.
For several minutes, the figure remained motionless, watching duel after duel unfold across the various chambers. Students floundered or triumphed, their magical abilities displayed for all their strengths and shortcomings. The figure’s hand twitched suddenly, jerking toward a panel embedded in the desk. With a sharp, unpredictable motion, they pressed a button. The projection flickered out, and the figure disappeared in a flash of dark energy.
Moments later, the figure materialized in a shadowed hallway hidden behind the lecture hall. The faint hum of magic lingered in the air as they moved with silent purpose, their robes trailing like black smoke. Ahead, several viewing windows revealed the simulation rooms. The figure paused before one of them, their movements abruptly halting. Through the glass, they observed a young girl in the throes of combat, her staff blazing as she moved with an intensity that seemed almost otherworldly.
The girl shone with a bright light, her form radiating an unrelenting power as she dismantled the dummies in the chamber one by one. Her magic illuminated the room in brilliant, volatile bursts, and her movements, though graceful, were charged with raw energy. The figure’s veil glinted faintly in the light, but their face remained obscured. A raspy, muffled voice broke the silence. “Dagen,” they whispered, the word trailing off like smoke dissipating into the air.
It didn’t take long for the professor to appear, his expression carefully neutral as he approached. For a moment, neither spoke. Together, they watched as the girl unleashed another devastating spell, her enemies dissolving into white particles only to reform and meet their inevitable defeat. The girl’s relentless determination and raw potential filled the room, leaving the observers in heavy silence.
Finally, the figure turned away, their robes swirling unpredictably with the motion. As they began to retreat into the shadows, they spoke once more, their voice a low, distorted whisper. “Watch this one.” Without waiting for a response, they disappeared into the darkness, leaving Dagen alone to gaze at the girl who burned like a star.