Current Date: Year 24,991 | 7th Month Terros | Day 15
Shhhhh!
The wind whispered gently through the open courtyard as the morning sun crept past the horizon, casting golden rays that painted the household in warmth. Dew sparkled like scattered stars across the stone tiles, and mist curled lazily at the edges of the grass.
In the center of it all, Jack stood alone.
Still as stone.
Eyes sharp.
Heart steady.
Then
Fwip!
He vanished.
Thud… thud… shhhk!
Like a phantom, he reappeared meters away, daggers flashing in the light. His movements were swift, ghostlike.each step a silent whisper, each slash cutting through the air with deadly grace. The sound of fabric brushing against itself was the only trace of his presence.
Whoosh!
A sudden breeze rippled through the courtyard. Anemo responded. The wind wrapped around him like an obedient spirit, enhancing his speed.
His footsteps silenced to nothing. Erebus obeyed. Shadows clung to his figure, bending unnaturally.
A brief flash lit the area. Phoebus flared. His movements shimmered with radiance, almost too fast for the eye to follow.
The stone beneath his feet rumbled faintly. Geo stirred.
His body and blessings moved in harmony, grace and lethality intertwined.
Drip... drip...
Sweat rolled down his brow, but Jack didn't falter. His breath was controlled, his gaze unshaken. He was sculpting himself into something greater piece by piece.
After a final spin, he stilled. Daggers sheathed with a click. He exhaled deeply. "…Better than yesterday."
---
The cold shower hit his skin with a splash, steam rising as the water washed away the heat of training. He stood there for a moment, letting the droplets cleanse both body and mind.
A soft sigh escaped him. Then silence.
He dressed quickly and moved toward the heart of the home.
---
Clink… clatter…
The aroma of warm food filled the air as Jack stepped into the dining room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the vibrant scene inside.
Emma placed a fresh dish on the table with a mother's gentle pride.
"Good morning, everyone," Jack greeted with a soft smile as he took his seat.
"Morning, Jack," Ava responded cheerfully.
"You're up early again," Emma noted, raising an eyebrow with a knowing look.
"Assassin training," Jack replied simply, his voice calm but resolute.
James looked up from a parchment scroll, the scent of strong tea surrounding him. "Staying ahead of the curve, huh?"
Jack nodded, taking a sip of juice.
Conversation flowed naturally as they ate pancakes topped with fruit, warm bread, and seasoned eggs.
"So, how's the Academy schedule today?" James asked between sips.
"Alchemy class this morning. Professor Elira mentioned something special," Jack said.
"Good," Emma added, placing her cup down. "Your father and I are heading to the Guild. High-ranked commissions just came in."
Sofie munched on toast and chimed in, "Ava and I will stay home. Don't forget to bring back something cool!"
Everyone chuckled softly.
---
Clack.
Jack fastened his satchel.
Outside, the sun had risen higher, casting a golden trail through the cobbled streets. Birds chirped. The breeze whispered promises of a new day.
He waved back at his family with a grin. "See you later!"
The gates of the Academy came into view, standing tall like silent sentinels. Behind them waited another day of growth, learning and the slow forging of a legend.
And Jack?
His steps were light, but his resolve was heavy.
He was ready.
Click creak.
The Academy's great doors opened as Jack stepped inside, his steps light and confident. He moved past chatting groups of students, their laughter and whispers echoing through the grand halls.
Tap… tap… tap…
Each step echoed with familiarity. These corridors once intimidating now welcomed him like old friends. The scent of parchment, herbs, and faint alchemical smoke drifted through the air.
He turned a corner and arrived at Alchemy Classroom B.
Buzz…
Inside, a quiet storm of excitement stirred among the students. Some sat stiffly upright. Others whispered nervously. Eyes flicked toward the entrance every few seconds.
Everyone knew today was no ordinary lesson.
Then
Click.
The door opened.
Tap… tap…
Professor Elira entered, her long coat billowing slightly behind her. Her presence was still water calm, yet powerful. Every conversation died instantly.
She stood before them, emerald eyes scanning the room with quiet intensity.
"Today," she began, her voice firm yet elegant, "is a special day for all of you."
Silence.
"After three months of dedication, sweat, and burned eyebrows," a few students chuckled nervously, "you've built the foundation of true Alchemy."
Her gaze swept the class like a measuring scale.
"Now it's time to prove it."
She lifted a polished silver badge between two fingers shaped like a flame within a circle, glinting under the lantern light.
"Today, you will take the 1-Star Alchemy Novice Exam."
Thump.
A heartbeat.
"If you pass, you will receive this badge as your first official step into the world of Alchemists."
Whispers broke out across the room. Some students clenched their fists. Others exchanged anxious glances.
Jack?
He leaned back slightly, gaze focused, breath steady. His heart beat calmly, but fire flickered in his eyes.
This wasn't just an exam.
This was the moment they crossed the line between students and alchemists.
And Jack was ready.
"The Alchemy Exam is divided into three parts," Professor Elira said, her voice clear and calm but beneath it was a weight that made hearts pound.
Tap.
She set a small hourglass on the table. The soft hiss of falling sand filled the quiet room.
"Each part will test a different skills every true Alchemist must master."
Shuffle clench.
Students adjusted their seats, nerves rising.
"First: Herb Recognition." Her tone sharpened.
"You must correctly identify herbs from low-level to high-level within the 1-Star rank. Mistake a Firethorn for Emberroot… and your potion could explode in your face."
A few students stiffened.
Jack remained still, recalling the details burned into his mind
Glowpetal: luminous blue, used for clarity of mind.
Dewleaf: soft silver, cures mild poisoning.
Emberroot: crimson veins, volatile without preparation.
Whoosh.
His breath flowed slowly. He was ready.
"Second: Question Segment. I will test your knowledge of alchemy theory, herb compatibility, and recipe comprehension. No tricks, only truth."
Jack's mind raced over practice in his mind for his future test 'How to extract Glowpetal's essence? Heatless infusion.'
'How to counter Emberroot's fire?' Use Silvergrass, dampen with ColdVine water.
'How to prepare a Minor Healing Tonic?' Three-step condensation, double filtration.
Like this Jack remembers all information about second for his test.
"And finally…" Her eyes gleamed. "Potion Creation."
"You will each receive a random 1-Star Recipe from low to high-tier. You'll have limited time. You must brew it successfully."
Clink.
She placed a stack of sealed scrolls on the desk.
The tension in the room surged like a rising tide.
A nervous gulp. A twitching hand.
Tick… tick…
Elira raised her hand and in a voice that echoed like the strike of a bell, she declared:
"The exam begins now. Good luck."
CLACK!
The hourglass was turned.
The sound of sand falling was like thunder in the minds of the students.
Jack inhaled, slow and steady.
His heartbeat was calm.
His fingers moved with purpose.
This wasn't just an exam.
This was a rite of passage.
And Jack?
He was going to pass with brilliance.
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To Be Continued…!!