Chapter 14: Chapter 14 – Trial of courage

Isaac Crawford had turned to a life of spectating in his old age. Unlike most people, he saw an opportunity to make money while doing what he loved most. Ever since he was 16, he had either participated in or spectated every trial held by the Academy. However, it was only these past few years when he noticed an opportunity to make money.

He would sell the knowledge of the trials he had seen to those partaking in it that year. Additionally, with his vast experience, he could predict what kind of trial it would be.

As many knew of his dedication to the affair, he had quickly built a reputation for himself. However, that reputation was now under threat as, for the first time in his life, the Academy had started with a trial he was unfamiliar with.

[ A test of courage? Not a magic affinity test or a test of might. But a test of courage? ] Isaac was confused as he questioned in his head. He wasn't sure exactly why or how this had happened, but he was furious as he had told many who trusted his predictions that the Academy would likely start with a test of might this year.

Although he had told them of other possibilities, a test of courage was not part of them, so he was sure to face a lot of criticism when this was all over.

Isaac was distracted from his thoughts by one of the Academy's students banging a loud drum. A teacher then stood forward and began addressing the crowd.

"A good morning to you all. I am Lucas Maguire, a teacher from the Academy, and I would like to welcome you all to this year's trials," he said. This was followed by loud applause caused by 10 thousand people, which sounded more like a thunderclap. Lucas held out his hand to silence the applause and continued speaking.

"I would like to first thank you all for coming and wish you the best of luck," he added.

"In order for any of you to get accepted into the Academy, you must pass three trials. I will oversee the first one, and only those who have passed may continue to the second trial. Now without further ado, I would like to kindly request you all step back at least 500 meters from where I'm standing" Lucas finished his speech and waited for the youngsters to start moving, not saying any more.

At first, they started to look at each other, wondering what they should do, but as soon as the first person started moving back, the rest followed like a wave. Within a few minutes, the crowd now stood 500 meters or so away from Lucas, as though they were two magnets repelling each other.

"Good! And now, for the first trial of this year's Academy trials, we will be testing your courage and ability to keep a calm heart. Soon I will summon a B-class beast, and those of you who can approach within 100 meters of the beast will pass and go on to the second trial," Lucas indicated to one of the students behind him, who quickly jumped forward to stand at a distance before the crowd.

"As long as you reach that spot where my lovely student is standing, you will be considered to have passed. Now then, let us begin" with that said, he knelt, placed his palm on the ground, and started incanting a spell.

"A Z-zafan?!?!?" Isaac shrieked as he noticed the massive beast that now stood in front of the crowd. This was a huge, lion-like beast with a pair of long black wings that contrasted its bright orange fur. As soon as the beast was summoned, the entire crowd moved back a further 200 meters.

"What is that?" Zac asked as he began to feel the air around him was now heavy, and it was increasingly difficult to breathe.

"That would be a Zafan, a B class beast," Silver replied

"What? B class? And you've seen one of them before?"

"Ah yes, I encountered it once while traveling with my master. Although their individual strength makes them one of the weaker beasts of their rank, it is the only B class beast which hunts in a pack."

"I see. It's impressive how much you know" Zac began to re-evaluate his judgment of Silver as he was continuously surprised by him. Silver replied with a silent nod and began to look ahead.

"What the hell is that" one of the youngsters in the crowd began shouting.
"I know, right. That thing is massive. And I can't even breathe," another added.

"Exactly! How the hell are we supposed to get within 100 meters of that thing" someone asked.

"Holy shit, did he say he was going to summon a B-class beast? Is that a genuine B class beast?" someone else asked.

"I can't believe I'm even seeing one in my lifetime, and for him to be able to summon it so casually, how strong is that guy?" the crowd was getting riled up as they began questioning everything. However, they knew in their hearts the fear each and every one of them felt. This chatter was only a cover-up as no one wanted to make a move first.

The conversations continued for a while, but it didn't seem like anyone wanted to be the first to make a move.

"Oh, come on. What are you all waiting for?" Lucas asked from the front
"Is everyone giving up already? It's just 100 meters. I'm not asking you to pet him or anything," he added with a yawn as though he was beginning to get bored. At this point, a figure dashed out of the crowd and approached the beast at high momentum.

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The crowd's eyes shifted to follow the crazed madman who would risk their life in such a manner. Looking closely, they noticed a beautiful figure wearing a veil finally slow down once she approached the student in front of Lucas.

However, she didn't completely stop as she went further past the student on her way toward his teacher.

"Who is that? How is she not affected by this things aura" asked someone in the crowd

"Look! She's already passed the student but still walking towards that monster," another stated in horror. Isabella began to slow down as the air became even tighter and a sense of danger started welling inside her. It was as though the beast was coercing her to come closer. It was that exact feeling which made her eventually slow down to a stop.

"60 meters! Very impressive. You are the first to pass this year's trial of courage," Lucas stated in front of her. As soon as he said this, it was as though she were a criminal given amnesty. All the pressure she felt faded away, and she could breathe normally again.

In reality, getting to 100 meters of the best wasn't that difficult. But once that mark was passed, each consecutive meter was equivalent to 100.

"Come, sweetheart, go stand with those lovely teachers behind me and wait for your future classmates to join you," Lucas said while lightly impressed with the girl.

Seeing Isabella pass the trial with such ease and now greeting the other two academy teachers, the crowd had newfound motivation. So, some of them began walking toward the student.

"It seems as though there aren't any more promising candidates," said a beautiful female teacher standing beside the burly teacher

"Oh, please, Anna. You wouldn't know talent if it hit you in the face," the burly man replied

"Oh, shut up, Victor. Don't be so condescending."

"Hahaha, I'm not being condescending, just stating facts," Victor laughed as he thoroughly enjoyed teasing this beauty.

"Whatever, just don't talk to me anymore."

"Don't be like that. I'm only joking. Anyways it would be best if you weren't so quick to judge. Some just take a while to come out of their shell," Victor stated but was only met with silence. He awkwardly scratched his nose and began to focus on the crowd instead.

"Shall we make a move?" Zac asked Silver beside him

"Why the rush? Let's wait and see who else will join us in the second trial," replied Silver. In reality, he was just stalling for time while contemplating something. For him to be reunited with his family, he had aimed to become world-renowned.

However, the issue with this was that a bright flame was sure to get noticed, so he would need strength to protect himself from those who wished him harm.

At this point, he did not have the strength, so it was too early for him to begin showing off. But he still wondered if showing off could be good for him at this stage. Wouldnt the Academy prioritize cultivating talented students? This Dilemma was beginning to drive him crazy because both options had good points and bad.

{ "Make sure they know it far and wide, my boy, from the east to the west, from the beggars to the kings, and most importantly, from the chickens to the dragons." }

It was at this point that he remembered his master's words. The only thing his master had told him to be cautious about was letting the extent of his skills be known. However, he was sure to be fine so long as he showed off just enough for the Acadamy to recognize him as a genius.

Surely they wouldn't let harm come to one of their talented students. With that thought in mind, Silver became determined, so he gave Zac a slight nudge and started walking ahead.