Chapter 186 Mid-Term Exams (2)
The students straightened in their seats, giving their attention to Dan as they had already expected him to make a kinda speech.
"First off, let me make this crystal clear: Exam malpractice will not be tolerated," he said, pausing for effect. A few students exchanged uneasy glances, but Dan's lips twitched into a knowing smile.
"Not that it matters. If you even attempt to cheat, you'll be caught. Trust me, the measures in place are foolproof."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the room, but Dan's voice rose over it, amusement evident in his tone.
"And by foolproof, I mean you'll be expelled on the spot. No questions asked."
Kyle glanced around, noting the mixed reactions among his peers. Some looked pale, likely second-guessing their plans, while others smirked confidently.
Dan's gaze moved over the students, his expression softening as he continued.
"Now, on a more serious note, this is your chance to prove yourselves. The mid-term exams are more than just a test of your knowledge; they're a measure of your growth. Your scores will determine your standing within the academy and your future opportunities."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
The room fell into a tense silence as the gravity of his words settled in. "And remember," Dan added, his tone dropping slightly, "failure isn't just a mark on your record here. It's a one-way ticket out of the academy. We don't have space for slackers, nor do we tolerate mediocrity."
Kyle stiffened at that, his determination reigniting. He could sense the ripple of unease spreading through the hall as Dan scanned their faces again, his piercing eyes locking on one student, then the next, as if daring them to falter.
"But," Dan said, his voice softening, "I believe in all of you. You wouldn't be here if you didn't have potential. Show us what you're made of. Make us proud." His words carried a rare warmth, and the students couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
Dan clapped his hands once, the sharp sound breaking the tension. "Now, let's move. Organize yourselves into a single file and head out. The buses are ready."
Kyle's brow furrowed at that. The bus? The word triggered a memory; his first day at the academy. He remembered the strange contraption vividly. It wasn't a conventional bus, more of a flying crate outfitted with chairs. It had ferried them to the floating halls of the academy during their orientation.
His thoughts were interrupted by the murmur of excitement spreading among the students. Most of them remembered the bus too, but no one dared to let their excitement devolve into chaos. Instead, they quickly lined up, the anticipation evident in their restrained movements.
As they stepped out of the building, the familiar sight of the buses greeted them. The massive, 10-meter-long vehicles were lined up neatly, their plain white surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. Each bore the academy's insignia: a majestic dragon surrounded by the four elemental symbols—fire, air, earth, and water.
Despite their boxy and unimpressive shape, the buses exuded an air of sophistication. Powered by mana cores, they hummed faintly with energy, the runes etched into their surfaces glowing softly.
Kyle took in the sight with a mixture of awe and amusement. Still as weird as I remember, he thought, recalling the exhilarating ride they'd taken on his first day. The buses' ability to fly had been a highlight of that experience.
There were three buses in total, each capable of seating 100 students. The line moved efficiently, the students boarding without complaint. Kyle found himself near the middle of the second bus, settling into a seat next to Orion as the last few students climbed aboard.
As soon as the final person was seated, the hum of the mana cores intensified. Without warning, the buses lifted off the ground, rising smoothly into the air. Kyle felt a familiar thrill as the wind rushed past, the open design allowing an unobstructed view of the academy below.
The buildings and training grounds shrank as the buses ascended, the vast expanse of the academy sprawling out like a miniature city. The floating buildings came into view, their majestic forms suspended in the sky by powerful enchantments.
The students around him were equally entranced, their gazes fixed on the scenery. Despite the nerves that came with the exams, the ride had an undeniable magic to it, reminding them of the wonder of being part of the academy.
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The buses glided smoothly through the sky and they soon approached their destination, a large building came into view.
Suspended among the floating structures of the academy, the building bore the words Examination Hall – Year 1 etched in glowing, bold script above its wide entrance.
The structure was massive, its pristine white walls glinting in the sunlight. The design was simple yet imposing, with towering pillars framing its facade and intricate carvings etched along the edges of the walls.
The buses began their descent and with a gentle lurch, they landed on a broad platform directly outside the examination hall. Dan stood by the doors of the first bus, waiting as students filed out in an orderly manner.
Kyle stepped off the bus, his boots clicking softly against the stone platform. He craned his neck to take in the massive hall, its sheer size and grandeur leaving him momentarily speechless. Around him, the other students were equally awed, murmuring quietly as they gazed at the structure.
Dan clapped his hands, instantly drawing their attention. "Let's keep moving. You'll have plenty of time to admire the scenery after the exams," he said, his tone laced with mild amusement.
The students formed a single line and followed Dan into the hall. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior. The space was vast, with high ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly upward.
Despite its size, the hall was empty, its vastness accentuated by the echo of footsteps as the students entered.
Dan strode confidently to the center of the hall and turned to face the students. He raised a hand, and with a single word of command:
"Manifest"
... the hall transformed. From the smooth floor, rows of chairs began to rise, materializing with a faint hum of magic.
Three hundred chairs emerged in perfect formation, arranged in neat, evenly spaced rows. Each chair was separated by over two meters, providing ample space for the students.
The chairs themselves were intricately designed, crafted from a white, glossy material. Their backs were high and slightly curved, offering comfort and support.
Attached to each chair was a small desk-like extension, perfectly sized to hold examination papers and writing tools. Each chair bore a golden number etched onto the backrest, its glowing digits clear and precise.
The students couldn't hide their admiration as they took in the sight. Kyle heard hushed whispers of awe around him, and even he had to admit he was impressed.
'They really don't hold back on making an impression', he thought, his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged seating.
Dan, standing at the front of the hall, allowed himself a small smile as he observed their reactions.
"Alright," he said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Take your seats according to your numbers. We'll begin in five minutes."
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