Around the hall, the final battles played out. At several tables, students remained locked in extended stalemates—Royal forces clashing against identical Royal formations, Church units mirroring Church units. Without diversity in their armies, neither side could gain a decisive advantage.
Instructor Lyvenna circulated among these tables, exchanging glances with other examiners before making sweeping gestures. One by one, the war tables reset as matches were declared complete.
"Time!" she announced, her voice carrying across the hall. "All simulations conclude now."
A collective groan rose from students still caught in their deadlocked battles. Arguments erupted at several tables as students protested, claiming they needed just a few more minutes to secure victory.
The instructors consulted their notes, tallying points based on objectives secured, losses sustained, and tactical decisions. Vel noticed how efficiently they worked, suggesting this outcome was not unexpected.
The Archmagister approached the podium at the front of the hall, her presence immediately commanding silence. Her silver-embroidered robes shifted with an ethereal quality as she surveyed the gathered students.
"I hope you all learned what this test was meant to teach," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly throughout the chamber. "For those who chose only one faction, you were doomed from the start."
Her gaze swept across the room, lingering on those students who had opted for pure Royal Forces or Church-only strategies.
"That is why at the Academy, we value all aspects of power. That is why our three factions came together." She gestured to the banners hanging above—Kingdom, Church, and Guild. "We cover each other's weaknesses. We complement each other's strengths."
"The Kingdom provides structure and numbers, the Church offers spiritual and magical guidance, and the Guild contributes innovation and adaptability."
She waved her hand across the three banners in a ceremonial gesture, causing them to glow briefly with magical light. "Balance is not merely a theoretical concept—it is the foundation of true strategy."
Vel nodded slightly, understanding dawning on many faces around him. The test hadn't just been about winning battles—it had been about recognizing the value of diversity and cooperation.
"Your test results will be available in three days from now. Until then, reflect on what you've learned here today."
The students responded with enthusiastic applause, though Vel noticed several disgruntled expressions among those whose single-faction strategies had failed.
Vel and his friends exited the assessment hall, joining the steady stream of candidates leaving the Academy grounds. The afternoon sun beat down on the cobblestone paths as they made their way toward the main gate.
"That was something else," Tomas said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I never imagined the assessment would test us like that."
"At least we did better than expected," Mira added. "I thought we unstable types would be fodder."
Celia joined their group as they approached the main courtyard, looking exhausted but pleased—a sign her assessment had gone well too.
As they walked together, Vel noticed students slowing their pace, heads turning toward something ahead. A gleaming white carriage stood near the gates, its polished surface catching the sunlight. The vehicle bore the unmistakable symbol of Shizka's sect—a radiant sunburst etched in gold.
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GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation
FantasyWhen renowned game developer Giri meets his untimely end, he awakens as twelve-year-old Vel in the magical realm of Aeonalus-his own creation. Five hundred years have passed since he crafted the world, and Vel finds himself in the village of Oakhave...
