Act 1: Blue Ocean Pavilion - Chapter 194: Passing the Inner Hall Promotion Exam

Act 1: Blue Ocean Pavilion - Chapter 194: Passing the Inner Hall Promotion Exam

On top of the mountain was a cozy setup of a clean table with several chairs. Oscar felt the frigid winds of the tundra disappear when he set foot on the platform, looking up at the clear night sky, devoid of the obscure snow clouds, with countless stars adorning it like jewels. The view from the top made Oscar feel a sense of liberation as this was finally the end of these two long weeks.

Great Elder Robert welcomed Oscar, Mary, Serena, and Lucy to the mountaintop and gestured for them to sit and enjoy some freshly brewed tea. As they sipped the calming tea and felt the warmth fill their bodies, they all let out large puffs of white breath with satisfaction. Robert smiled and tapped his cup to get their attention. "As I said earlier, congratulations. Present your items."

Oscar took out the three items. On the table were the Frost Orb, a large round sapphire marble that granted resistance to the blue frost; the Azure Feather, a hard golden feather that gave the power of low flight above the ground; and the Snowbell Fruit, a green bell-shaped fruit that let out an aroma that would attract the Nixagle and cause it to be drunk.

"Oscar Terr and Mary Jones have all three items. They have passed." Ava Jones announced with a hint of pride laden in her voice. Her eyes couldn't help but focus on Mary, who sighed at her aunt's attention.

Serena took out the same items they gathered from their region of the tundra. She couldn't contain her delight from spilling into a wide smile, looking as charming as a saintly angel.

Elder Dustin looked over the items and said, "Serena Fulgir and Lucy Maine have passed."

Great Elder Robert nodded in satisfaction. He had watched their progress through the entire way to this mountain but sighed upon thinking about Edward and Adam. "Normally, if they could still climb up, they could have challenged you for the extra items you have, but they were incapacitated to the point where it's a moot point. Thus, their rewards shall be split amongst you all."

Oscar and the others immediately perked up at the idea of the rewards. Although Oscar wasn't greedy to try to deter other teams so he could gain more rewards, he wouldn't reject a free opportunity if it fell on his lap. Edward's and Adam's downfall was from their own actions and instigations; though he didn't like having more enemies, it had already happened, and he could only prepare for the future.

Great Elder Robert waved his hand, and six trays appeared on the table in front of each student and two empty chairs. These trays contained a vial of moonlight liquid, a token with an arrow pointing up, and a golden trident badge that looked similar to their student token but had a blue outline around its edges and two tridents crossing in the center. "The vial is the Grade Two Ein Burst elixir, an extra one for your use. The token with the arrow is for a free Grade Two spell but one that is an upgrade of a spell you already know. The badge is your Inner Hall badge; it's not something you have to wear, but show it to access the Inner Hall and other facilities meant for Inner Hall students. Let me say once again. Congratulations! You all are now Inner Hall students. Stick your chest out with pride, and do not besmirch your new rank."

Oscar held the badge with incredulity. After so long, he had finally made it here to the place that seemed so far away. A sense of pride, accomplishment, but most of all, relief, filled Oscar's mind.

The other two elders smiled upon seeing the students react to their accomplishments. Though, Mary stared at her badge with a hint of hesitation, which did not escape Ava's notice.U//ppTodated fr/o/m nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)\/m

"Don't forget, we still have the unclaimed rewards." Great Elder Robert pointed at the unowned trays which floated in front of the two teams. "Each team can take one extra tray. How you want to divide it is up to you."

Oscar looked at the tray and then at Mary. Her eyes stared at him back. Oscar pointed at the tray and asked, "Do you want the elixir or the token?"

"You did most of the work on our way here. I don't mind you wanting the first pick." Mary sighed. She barely made it to the tundra and was sure she would have lost if Oscar hadn't picked her as his partner. "As gratitude for helping me throughout this journey, I'll concede."

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Oscar nodded and didn't try to talk her out of it. Her words were clear and without any guilt or doubt. He eyed the two things and finally settled on one. "I'll take this."

"This wayward niece." Ava rustled Mary's hair and pinched her cheek. "Fine, if you need help, ask. But I'll watch you with pride."

To the side, they heard a commotion as Oscar peeled away from Serena's loving hug. Ava Jones laughed and said, "What do you think about him?"

Mary looked irritated at her aunt's teasing. "I'm not in love or anything. I don't have time for that. He's someone I respect and look up to. But, she's getting out of hand."

Mary went forward and grabbed Serena from behind.

"Little pint?!" Serena was trapped in Mary's tight hug. "What are you doing?!"

Mary smiled and said, "Oscar, you can leave. I'll hold her back."

"Thanks!" Oscar waved goodbye and ran out of the Spire. He ran under the night sky toward the Neptune Archives, looking back to ensure he wasn't being followed.

He entered inside and went to see Celestina reading in their usual spot. "I'm back."

Celestina popped her head out of the book with a grin. Her dazzling emerald eyes shimmered, expectant of Oscar's news. "How did you do?"

Oscar took out the Inner Hall badge. "I passed!"

"Congratulations!" Celestina closed her book and zoomed to Oscar, who nearly tripped, looking at the badge to confirm its validity. "You're in the Inner Hall now, so you know what that means?"

"Naturally." Oscar pointed up.

Celestina led Oscar upstairs to a gate that blocked the second floor. She showed her badge, and it opened to let her through.

Oscar held up his new Inner Hall badge and walked through without an issue. Upstairs, he saw amazing gilded bookcases filled with ancient books of all kinds and piles of scrolls waiting to be unfurled.

"The second floor of the Neptune Archives. We can finally read up here." Celestina smiled and tugged Oscar to a table.

Oscar had his breath taken away as he mumbled, "Incredible."