Following the trail of the other ships, the one Lyrian stood on also entered the dome. From the outside, everything looked to have a small blurred effect, but all of that changed as Lyrian feasted his eyes on what was inside.Although the outside of the dome was an endless horizon of trees, the inside looked to be mostly just a patch of grass.
All of the ships landed in an organized space to the left of the dome, feet away from each other.
On the other side of the dome were several small half-dome houses made of white stone scattered about, and in the middle was a large stage with hundreds of seats in front of it.
As their ship descended and landed accordingly, people began to eagerly jump off and make their way to the seats right in front of the stage.
Lyrian noticed that apart from those seats, which faced toward the stage, there were multiple rows of seats on the sides that faced the seats in the middle, instead of the stage itself.
As Lyrian stepped down from his boat and began following the large line of students heading over to fill the seats, he saw the sheer number of kids that were present.
Counting the ships, he estimated that there were no less than 1100 kids gathered there.
Eventually, the seats facing the stage filled up perfectly with the total number of kids. Lyrian sat in the upper middle row, closer to the stage.
For a while all that could be heard was quiet whispers. Everyone was in a dome in the middle of nowhere, without anything to expect. One could simply feel the nervous energy in the air.
After a few minutes of waiting, the large red curtains which enclosed the stage finally opened...
Silence spread throughout the crowd of kids as anticipation and nervousness situated themselves.
In the middle of the stage was a podium, and a few feet behind it were multiple seats as well, with faces on them that were unfamiliar to Lyrian.
A flutter of claps suddenly erupted throughout the crowd upon the curtains fully opening and revealing everyone inside.
Future teachers of the kids down below, many well-known while others not so much, were sat on the stage.
All their faces were garnished in delighted smiles, taking in the applause from those who they would get to teach later on.
Although they looked at the students joyfully, their eyes also scanned through the crowd, looking for any kids with outstanding potential. They would continue to do so throughout the exam, as it was their duty in order to ensure good candidates.
After the applause calmed itself, a thunderous bolt of lightning suddenly descended from the sky, striking the stage right behind the podium with immense power.
As the smoke cleared, a mythical-esque figure slowly collected out of thin air, looking over the kids.
"Greetings, esteemed young aspirants! Welcome to the entrance exams of the grand magical academy of Anaviotis!" Julius Reinhardt's voice boomed with enthusiasm, capturing the attention of the eager crowd.
His youthful energy radiated from every pore as he stood before them, his vibrant blue eyes shining with excitement.
Julius extended his arms wide, embracing the anticipation that filled the air. A mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his lips, revealing his friendly nature. The students couldn't help but be drawn to his charismatic presence.
"As the Vice Principal of this illustrious institution," Julius continued, his voice carrying a touch of formality, "it is my utmost honor to stand before you today. I have witnessed countless talents gracing these vibrant grounds, and I have no doubt that among you, lie the future leaders and mages of our realm."
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their enthusiasm fueled by Julius's words. He paused for a moment, allowing their excitement to subside before continuing.
"Throughout history, Anaviotis has nurtured and guided countless gifted individuals, unlocking their hidden potential and shaping them into extraordinary beings. But remember my young friends, it is not only raw talent that sets one apart. It is the unwavering dedication, the burning desire to grow, and the commitment to honing the skills that will propel you towards greatness."
Julius's gaze swept across the crowd, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration for the students gathered before him. He knew the weight of their dreams and the challenges they would face.
"During your time here, should you be fortunate enough to join our esteemed academy, you will discover a world of knowledge, a multitude of disciplines, and endless opportunities for growth. We will be your guides, your mentors, and your supporters as you embark on this remarkable journey of self-discovery and magical prowess."
A wave of determination washed over the students, their gazes filled with unwavering resolve.
"And so, my young lassies and lads, I implore you to seize this opportunity, to embrace the unknown, and to embark on a journey that will shape your destinies. Let your spirits soar, your magic ignite, and your dreams become reality. The halls of Anaviotis eagerly await your arrival!"
With a flourish of his hand, Julius stepped back, his smile widening as the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. He had set the stage, instilling hope and excitement in the hearts of those who stood before him.
"And now, introducing the venerable guests invited here today to view and judge your performance in this exam!" He finally said as the empty seats to the sides of the students were instantly filled with over 50 figures.
These faces were from separate academies and institutions, only there to understand the power of their competition.
"Now, I know you are all excited to take on the entrance exam, but before that, we must see who here is fit to enter this academy in another way," He paused, taking a moment to look at the nervous faces of the students. "The magic potential test!"
As soon as Julius said this, Lyrian noticed the nervousness in the air grow.
The faces of many students caved in, their expressions bleak. While looking around, he also noticed a familiar face.
Bardon was sitting only a few feet away from him, staring at him with a furious expression. He was clearly looking to get back at Lyrian for his humiliation.
Seeing this, a light frown appeared on Lyrian's face along with an unimpressed look.
'Not this again...'
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