Chapter 15: The Sudden Test and an Exposed Secret

The morning sky was overcast, but the atmosphere at Aerthalia Academy was even gloomier than usual.

All students were suddenly summoned to the academy’s main plaza without prior notice.

> “A surprise evaluation test for all second- and third-year students.

You will be assessed on magic capability, control, combat tactics, and group coordination.”

The announcement was delivered directly by the Vice Headmaster — an elder elf mage named Master Calhoun.

> “Some of you may find this unfair.

But the real world is crueler than this.”

🧭 The Test System: Illusion Arena

The test was held in the Grand Illusion Chamber, where environments, monsters, and conditions were simulated using high-grade magic.

Students were grouped randomly.

Angeline was placed with:

Ryn Fael – A noble's son and shadow magic user.

Elaine – A high-class elf with magical archery skills.

Garrik – A brawny human mage-warrior — arrogant and hot-headed.

> Garrik sneered at Angeline. “Great. Teaming up with a cat. Hope you won’t slow us down.”

Angeline remained silent.

From another team across the arena, Myra gave her a subtle signal: stay calm.

🎮 Simulation Begins: Misty Jungle Arena

They were dropped into a thick forest cloaked in fog.

Mission: Defeat three guardian beasts and survive until the time limit.

Ryn and Elaine took charge, quickly assigning roles.

They designated Angeline as bait — using her speed to lure monsters out.

> “You’re fast, right? Use that. Just don’t die.”

Angeline nodded.

She could have protested… but she chose silence.

She wanted to prove what she could do — not what they expected her to be.

🐾 The Battle Begins

The first monster appeared: a Fanged Mist Titan — large, silent, deadly.

Angeline followed instructions and drew it out.

But when she was nearly cornered — no one came to help.

> “They… actually left me to die as bait.”

But she wasn’t afraid.

With a surge of magic through her core — Voidstep activated.

Her body disappeared from the Titan’s sight.

She reappeared behind it — then SLASH!

Her katana, charged with lightning, struck the creature’s leg.

It collapsed — not dead, but disabled.

😲 Shock in the Arena

Ryn and Garrik stared, stunned.

Angeline’s movement was undetectable, even to Elaine’s tracking spell.

> “That wasn’t normal speed,” Ryn muttered.

> “Did she teleport?” Elaine asked, confused.

> “No... the space around her shifted,” Ryn whispered.

Angeline stood calmly, channeling wind into her katana.

> “Shall we move on, or should I take down the next one too?”

For the first time, they had no snide remarks.

📈 Evaluation and System Doubts

After the mission, all groups were pulled into the main hall for evaluation.

Instructors reviewed magical recordings from the simulation.

When Angeline’s footage played, whispers rose among the faculty:

> “What kind of technique is that?”

“Not teleportation… something deeper.”

“Impossible… for a demihuman…”

But the most outraged was the Head of the Evaluation Department — a known supremacist against non-humans.

> “This technique cannot belong to a Tabaxi.

She must’ve stolen forbidden magic from the Spatial Department.

I demand a full magical investigation!”

Just before any ruling was made, a mysterious figure from the Academy Oversight Council stood.

A woman in a dark robe, face hidden beneath a veil, spoke calmly:

> “There is no violation.

What you’ve seen… is a legacy that was never meant to be buried.”

The hall fell into silence.

🌘 End of Chapter

That night, in her room, Angeline sat alone, staring at the mark on her hand.

> Today, she didn’t just prove she was worthy.

She proved that a feared legacy… was beginning to rise again.

And late that night, a slip of parchment slid under her door:

> “Voidstep is not the end.

If you wish to learn the 

truth about your ancestors,

meet us at the Sealed Tower — midnight tonight.”

---

Let me know if you want a poster-style teaser or summary image for this chapter next!