Professor Odel announced, his voice echoing through the room, "I believe this concludes the second batch of Robert's Magic Academy Trials, there are only five minutes left on the clock."
He glanced at the results displayed on the crystal panel beside him; he muttered. "Almost eighty percent have failed. As expected, we'll review the results shortly. I'll have the academy's scouts go over them before we make the final announcement."
Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light erupted in front of Professor Odel, casting long shadows across the chamber. The air shimmered with residual magic as two figures materialized in the center of the room.
A girl stood tall, her breathing heavy but steady. In her hand, she held another girl—unconscious, her body limp, clearly exhausted or injured. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward them.
Professor Odel's eyes widened in disbelief. One of the faces was familiar—someone he hadn't expected to see again, let alone see succeed.
