The next day, the academy woke up as usual: no noise in the hallways, no sounds of students rushing to their classes, not even magic vendors offering concentration potions or renewed cheat sheets.
All was silent.
On the central panel, the words flashed in imposing, fiery script:
[The Academy's Senior Council announces that the Open Challenge Exam will be held tomorrow at sunrise. The invitation is open to all third-year students and above. Any applicants who don't have the nerve, please remain in the shadows.]
In the back garden courtyard, a few important students gathered, talking in hushed whispers. Everyone was talking about only three names:
Rin. Nava. And... Kairos.
Celetia (holding a glass with its outside steaming):
Can you believe they brought Kairos back from the elite mission just for this exam?
Nava (sitting on the edge of a fountain):
They didn't bring him back for the exam... but for me.
Celetia (astonished):
What? You're joking, right?
Nava:
I'm serious. Some people only move when they feel the scales are starting to tip in their favor... and I hate the scales anyway.
I sat down beside him, hesitant, then asked:
Celestia:
And will you participate? I mean... you don't need to prove anything.
Nava (looking at the sky):
Participating isn't to prove anything, but to remind them of something they've forgotten... that I don't belong to this system, but rather the system is trying to catch up with me.
At that moment, a tall figure appeared, wearing a dark cloak studded with red patterns, his eyes shining not with enthusiasm, but with cold calculation.
Kairos (in a deep voice):
So... you were here.
Nava looked at him calmly, then said without rising:
Nava:
Enough with the drama. I wasn't hiding.
Kairos:
But your shadow is heavy, Kurumi Nava... your presence alters the order of power even in the halls you haven't entered yet.
Nava:
And that bothers you?
Kairos:
No. But it worries those who set the rules of this place. And I... I'm adept at carrying out their will.
Nava finally stood up and looked into his eyes.
Nava (coldly):
Tell them... that will cannot be imposed. And if you want to play... I'm prepared to break it, not follow it.
Kairos turned and left, while Celetia stared between them in astonishment.
Celetia:
Who in the name of the gods is this? I haven't seen anyone address you so boldly since the beginning of the year.
Nava (resitting):
He's not bold. He's commanded.
Celetia (curious):
And you? Who commands you?
Nava (quietly):
Me? No one... and that's why they fear me.
The next day, preparations began. The Great Arena was equipped with enhanced spells and energy limits that prevented spectators from being harmed. The names of the participants were recorded, and to their surprise, the list included not only students but also some professors.
Kurumi Nava's name was at the top.