Chapter 12: A Test Beyond Testing

Three days had passed since Angeline returned.
The academy resumed its usual routine —elemental magic classes, duel training, practical evaluations…
Yet, something in the air had changed. A silence that cut deep.The gazes of the elite now lingered on her.Some were curious.Others… cold with suspicion.
🏫 Magic Practice Class: “Energy Control vs Creativity”
Angeline stood in the middle of the open training field, alongside five other students.Instructor Dovien — one of the academy’s most renowned elven mages — addressed the group:
> “Today, you will be tested in one-on-one duels.This is not just about strength, but creativity in fusing magic and your combat style.Victory isn’t everything. Strategy will be scored highly.”

Names were called.
> “Angeline Ceu... versus…Larent Virel.”
Silence. A hiss passed through the crowd.
> Larent — top-ranking elite student, ice magic user, and grandson of the Head of the Magic Council.
⚔️ A Duel by Design
Angeline raised an eyebrow.
> “This isn’t coincidence. They want to see… if I’ll hold back.”


Larent stepped forward lightly, an irritating smile on his lips.
> “Careful, kitty. The field’s cold… might make your limbs stiff.”


> “Don’t break your teeth when I touch you,” Angeline replied with a half-purr.


The duel began.
Larent instantly cast a frost mist, summoning floating spears of ice.
Angeline danced between the strikes, channeling wind and fire into her katana.She refused to use Voidstep — not yet.
> “If I reveal Voidstep, they’ll know for sure I’m a threat.”
♟️ Strategy and Pressure
Larent launched a trap spell — frost that solidified underfoot.Angeline slipped slightly — the mist thickened.
Whispers crept in from the sidelines.
> “See? Fast, but blind in a fog.”“Special student? Just another demihuman.”

Larent cast a spell in the shape of a mini ice dragon — it shot forward with speed.
> “Now or—”
Angeline held her breath…Then spun in place, forming a miniature wind vortex.The dragon melted before reaching her.
Then she charged. Her katana gleamed blue.
Not Voidstep. But close.
One slash, one small burst.Larent was knocked back — just enough to rattle his pride.
🧠 Duel Ends, But…
The instructor raised a hand.
> “Enough. Both displayed control and adaptive tactics.However… Angeline, report to the administration office after class.”


The field went still.
> “Yes. This wasn’t just a test. It was a mapping.”

🧾 Administrative Office

Angeline entered. The room was dim, lit only by a hovering blue orb.
Inside sat Professor Nyrel, a senior instructor.
> “Ceu. Your performance has drawn… certain attention.”
> “I fought within the limits given.”
> “Yes… limits that seem rather flexible for you.”
He placed a small purple crystal on the table.
> “We detected a spatial magic anomaly outside academy boundaries… three days ago.The energy signature… closely matches your own.”
Angeline clenched her jaw, but said nothing.
Nyrel’s gaze sharpened.
> “You don’t need to answer. But from now on…you will be monitored more closely.”
> “We shall see, Ceu… whether you’re a rising student — or a growing poison within.”
🌙 End of Chapter
That night, on the dorm balcony, Angeline looked up at the stars.
Inside the room, Myra spoke softly.
> “They’re starting to suspect you. But they’re not certain yet.We need to find a way to distract them… or control the narrative.”
Angeline nodded. Her fingers curled around a silver star-shaped pendant — the only thing left from her mother.
> “If this is the path to change… then I’m ready to be destroyed.As long as, afterward… no Tabaxi has to hide again.”