I Become A Mob Character In A Novel

Chapter 105: Chapter No.105 Selection Ceremony (2)

[Samael Ashwood's POV]

The carriage continued its smooth journey, and I found myself staring out the window, lost in thought. The Academy had always been a distant goal, something that loomed in the future, but now it was real, right in front of us. The thought of the trials ahead stirred something inside me—a mixture of anticipation and unease.

"We're almost there," Raven muttered, breaking the silence. Her eyes, sharp as ever, scanned the horizon as if she could already see the selection grounds reserved for Academy uses.

"These... It seems it will take quite some time before our turn..." Liliana said while looking at the line of carriages too long to even see the start.

I followed Liliana's gaze and noticed the endless line of carriages stretching ahead of us. It seemed like students from all corners of the realm had arrived for the selection tests, each one eager to prove their worth and gain entry into the prestigious Academy. The sheer number of competitors reminded me that this was not just about individual strength, but about strategy and patience as well.

"We'll have to wait our turn," I said, trying to suppress any rising impatience. "But this also gives us time to observe."

Raven nodded in agreement. "We can watch how the others approach the tests. Learn from their mistakes before we face our own."

Sionna shifted uncomfortably in her seat, still clutching her pendant. "Do you think they'll divide us up? Or can we stay together?"

"They'll likely separate us for some of the trials," I replied, glancing at the horizon where the Academy loomed in the distance, a sprawling fortress of ancient stone and mystical energy. "But no matter what happens, we need to trust in our abilities—and each other."

Liliana leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "And remember, we're not just competing with strangers. Some of these students might be working together, forming alliances long before we even step foot inside the Academy. We need to be wary of hidden enemies."

"True," I said, my mind flashing to the many rivalries that could surface once we were inside. "But alliances aren't always permanent. We can turn them to our advantage if we play our cards right."

The carriage came to a slow halt as we reached the outskirts of the selection grounds. The bustling noise of students and instructors filled the air, and we stepped out, taking in the sight of towering gates ahead, etched with runes that shimmered in the afternoon sun. Beyond those gates lay our future—if we could survive what was to come.

"This is just a temporary academy to test the students and gauge their potential, to see if they meet their criteria for admission into the actual Academy," I explained, finishing my thought aloud. "This is where they'll determine who has what it takes to go further."

The air buzzed with excitement and tension. All around us, students stood in clusters, some confident and others visibly nervous. Each one had a unique energy, a distinct aura, and it was clear that power alone wasn't going to be enough to stand out here. There was more to this than raw magical ability—strategy, composure, and intellect would play crucial roles.

Raven crossed her arms, scanning the gathering crowd with a keen eye. "We'll need to stay sharp. These people are our competition, but also potential threats."

I nodded, appreciating her caution. "Keep an eye on anyone who seems overly confident. The ones who don't feel the need to show off—they're the ones we'll need to worry about."

Sionna stuck close to my side, her anxiety palpable as she glanced at the imposing gates. "It's overwhelming," she whispered. "So many people..."

I placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Focus on yourself, Sionna. The others don't matter. We've trained for this. We're ready."

Liliana and Lily stood by quietly, their expressions unreadable. Lily's eyes flickered with determination, though I could still sense the lingering grief over her brother. But I knew she'd use that pain to fuel her resolve. Liliana, on the other hand, was studying the scene with a calculating mind, likely already formulating strategies for the trials ahead.

As we made our way toward the registration area, an instructor stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding attention. He was tall, with a stern face and eyes that held a glint of ancient knowledge. His robe, lined with intricate runes, marked him as someone of significant rank within the Academy.

"All of you," he called out, his voice echoing over the crowd, "have come here seeking entry into the Academy, but only those with the strength, intelligence, and fortitude will succeed. This selection process will push you to your limits, and only the best will advance. Remember, you are not just competing against each other—you are competing against your own weaknesses."

His words settled over us like a cold breeze, and I could feel the weight of expectation pressing down. Failure here wasn't an option, not for me, not for any of us.

The instructor gestured to the towering gates behind him. "Beyond these gates, the first trial awaits. You will be divided into groups, and each group will face its own unique challenge. Trust in your abilities, and do not rely solely on others. The Academy values individual strength, but it also respects teamwork. Those who can balance both will stand out."

Raven leaned closer to me, her voice low. "We should try to stay together as much as possible. If they split us up, we need a contingency plan."

"I agree," I replied. "If we're separated, we reconvene as soon as we can. Stay aware of your surroundings, and don't engage in unnecessary fights. We're here to pass the trials, not get caught up in petty rivalries."

Liliana added, "And watch for traps—both magical and political. The instructors will be testing more than just our magical prowess."

We moved forward in line, the tension in the air thickening with every step. The Academy's selection process was known for its unpredictability, and each year the trials were different. No one knew exactly what awaited us, but that was part of the challenge—to adapt, to survive, and to prove that we were worthy.

As we reached the front, we were handed simple tokens, each inscribed with a rune. I turned mine over in my hand, feeling the slight hum of magic coursing through it. This token would determine our path in the trial, though what that entailed was still a mystery.

"Proceed to the gates," the instructor commanded.

With a final look at my companions, I took a deep breath and stepped forward, the gates opening slowly before us. The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but I knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning. The real test was just beginning, and I had no intention of failing.

[Ding! A Mission] ???%???*-?*?*?%?--?&?-&

[Name: Standing At Top]

[Description: Merlin's Academy Of Magic, The top institution for magic in the realm, has thrown open its gates for a new selection. Only the strongest, most intelligent, and cunning students will make it past the trials. The academy is the stage where futures are shaped, and destinies forged. Your goal is not just to survive, but to stand at the pinnacle.]

[Objective: Become the top-ranked student in the selection process.]

[Reward: Plot Exchange Card x1, Random Talent x1, 10000 Destiny Points]

[Failure: Loss of Reputation; Penalty - Decrease in Family Influence]

[Do the host accept it?]

[Y/N]

I didn't hesitate for even a second.

"Yes."

The familiar sound of the system confirming the mission echoed in my mind, and I felt the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders once more. The stakes were higher than ever—not just for me, but for my family, for the Ashwood name. The thought of failure wasn't an option. This wasn't just about strength; it was about cunning, intelligence, and playing the long game.

As we stepped through the towering gates, I felt a ripple of energy pass through me. The magic in the air was dense, almost suffocating as if the Academy itself was testing us before we even set foot inside. The atmosphere shifted, becoming darker, more foreboding. This place held secrets, challenges, and dangers that would push us all to our limits.

The selection grounds were vast, almost like an arena. There were obstacles—both physical and magical—spread out across the landscape. Various groups of students were already forming, moving toward different sections. The air buzzed with anticipation as the trials loomed ahead.

I glanced at my companions—Raven, Sionna, Liliana, and Lily. They were all ready, eyes sharp and focused, though Sionna still seemed anxious, clutching her pendant tighter with every passing moment.

"We'll get through this," I reassured her. "Stay calm, and focus on what you can control."

Sionna nodded, taking a deep breath, her grip loosening slightly on the pendant.

"Alright, Samael," Raven said, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. "What's the plan?"

I scanned the arena, watching as other groups rushed ahead into the trials, many too eager to prove themselves without considering the bigger picture. "We need to hang back a little," I said. "Let the others make the first move. We'll learn from their mistakes and strike when the time is right."

Liliana smirked. "Smart. They'll exhaust themselves, and we can assess the traps they trigger."

Raven nodded in agreement. "Caution first. We don't need to rush to prove anything. Our strength will show when it matters most."

Lily, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "And if anyone tries to make us their target?"

A smirk made its way onto my face as I replied to Lily, "Well, How can we stop them? when they want to go home early?"

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[To Be Continued]

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