The day arrived with a deceptive calm.Across the academy, the usual buzz of students rushing about was quieter than normal.No one talked about the exams. They didn't need to.They were too close to ignore... and too far to truly fear—yet.
It was the Night of the Lunar Cycle.A sacred tradition in Olympo.At the end of each term, when Serya and Thalos reached their peak in the sky, a ceremony gathered the entire institution: students, teachers, high officials… even figures from the government.
But before the event, the day unfolded like any other.
Near sunset, Vex walked with Kaen and Elois through one of the main corridors.
— So we're going straight after class? Elois asked, scrolling through his magical tablet. The ceremony starts right at dusk.
— I'll train for a bit first, Kaen replied, flat and dry as always.
— Same, added Vex, adjusting the sword on his back. But before that… there's something I need to do.
Kaen glanced sideways at him, but didn't ask. Elois just shrugged with a half-smile.
That afternoon, Vex returned to his room.There, in the silence and dim light from the digital window, he prepared.He opened his chest and pulled out an old outfit—worn but carefully kept.It had belonged to his father. One his mother had packed "just in case you ever need to look important."
He put it on carefully, adjusting the sleeves, fastening the collar.It wasn't flashy.But it was his.And it meant more than any ceremonial uniform.
Kaen arrived wearing a traditional outfit from his region: dark, sober, embroidered with silver tribal symbols.Vex looked at him with admiration.
— Intimidating as always, he said sincerely.
— I didn't come to impress. But thanks, Kaen replied, arms crossed.
Elois, on the other hand, burst in spinning dramatically.He wore a navy blue velvet cloak with gold trimming and a white shirt open nearly to his chest.
— Gentlemen! The soul of the evening has arrived.
Vex burst out laughing. Kaen shook his head.
— You've gone three steps too far.
— Elegance knows no borders, Kaen. One day I'll teach you.
Together, they walked toward the central park, where the ceremony was held.
The place was overflowing with people.Floating lights shimmered everywhere. Tree branches were enchanted to glow with living crystals.And the two moons had already risen: Serya, white and serene, and Thalos, red and pulsing.
Professors stood in ceremonial circles, high officials watched from elevated platforms, and hundreds of students in formal wear or traditional garb filled the grounds.You could feel the respect, the tradition… and the excitement.
The banquet had begun.Elois dove straight into the dessert table, and minutes later, he was spotted chatting with a girl from Umbra…who promptly threw juice on his tunic after what he called "a poetic compliment."
— It was a compliment! Elois yelled, soaked.
Vex and Kaen laughed.
— You deserved it, Kaen said flatly.
Later, Kaen had a silent standoff with a Terna student who mocked his outfit.One icy glare from Kaen was enough to make the other guy swallow his words… along with an entire pastry, without another word.
Near the center, surrounded by a small group of students from different classes, stood Aric Ghalahad.Relaxed, drink in hand, answering questions with his usual ironic calm.
When he saw Vex, he stepped away from the group.
— Glad to see you, kid, he said. Ready for what's coming?
Vex nodded, though his fingers trembled slightly.
— Trying to be.
Aric looked him up and down, then gazed at the sky.
— Do you know what this ceremony really is?
— A spiritual event?
— It's a mirror.A massive one, set before all of Olympo.So everyone can truly see themselves before being tested.
He paused.
— My hands shook too, the first time. But that's not weakness.It's respect.What matters… is not letting fear decide for you.
Vex inhaled deeply. He nodded.
— Thank you, Master.
Just then, a light engulfed the entire park.The two moons aligned, and a magical spiral of light shot up into the sky from the central altar.The runes on the towers glowed in unison.Silence fell over the crowd.
A figure appeared atop the ceremonial stage.
The Headmaster.He wore a dark blue cloak with white trim. His face calm, authoritative.His voice was magically projected for all to hear.
— Students of Olympo…— Tonight, we celebrate the alignment of the moons: Serya, the mind. Thalos, the instinct.— Tonight, we celebrate balance.— But tomorrow… begin the trials that will shape the future of this generation.— Midterm exams are more than grades.They are steps toward who you're destined to become.— Seek no glory in the results.— Find it in the effort.— Because the world outside… does not forgive mediocrity disguised as excuses.— As of this moment, exam week is officially open!
Applause echoed like thunder.The moons kept shining. The runes kept pulsing.
And in that moment, Aric turned to Vex, patted his shoulder, and said:
— You know what's ahead.
For the first time, Vex didn't hesitate.
— I'm ready.
And for the first time…he said it without lying to himself.