~ The race

(POV Flinn)

I quickly glance behind to locate the source of the voice. I see Winston standing behind us. Jace is looking at him with wide eyes. Both of us hadn't noticed he teleported to us. You must have extremely precise mana control to achieve that. Winston compliments us, but I feel there's more to it. I quickly look at Jace and give him a wink. Let's not draw too much attention and blend into the crowd.

Winston has already walked away as more fellow candidates pass through the gate. You can see joy on everyone's faces as they pass through. However, I notice one person looking around without much emotion.

"Do you see that person standing over there?" Jace nods but is more focused on the girls. I wouldn't expect anything different from him. To get Jace's attention, I put my arm around him and guide him toward the mysterious boy. Let's introduce ourselves. It's useful to make friends with multiple talented candidates.

It's a short walk through the grass. We soon stand behind the boy and I congratulate him on passing the test. He introduces himself and congratulates us on passing as well. Shall I tease him a bit?

"Hahahahahah, my name is Flinn and this is my brother Jace. We expected nothing less than first and second place! Why did you end up so low?" Jhonatan's face doesn't change at all. I notice that he doesn't want to show his abilities. Is the Academy of Separation more dangerous than we originally thought? Could the rumors be true...

***

(POV Winston)

"You've done an excellent job, and you should be proud of your performance" I tell the two boys. They look at me with wide eyes. Fortunately, I quickly realize that these are two boys with a lot of self-confidence. I'll need to keep an eye on them. Shortly after I've told the rest how many candidates can proceed, all mana orbs suddenly fall to the ground and stop working. I decide to leave the boys and figure out what's going on. I try to make contact with the orbs to scan the area, but I can't establish a connection. Should I inform the other teachers? Maybe I can even go to the headmaster.

I quickly walk through the grass towards the school. In a swift motion, I control my mana and the door swings open. I pass by several students who want to chat with me, but I'm not in the mood. "I'll come back to you later, but I need to move on right now." Fortunately, the students' attention is soon redirected to those passing through the gate.

I reach the 4th floor and see another teacher sitting there. Why does it have to be Merial again? "Where are the other teachers?" Merial doesn't even look up from her work. It remains dead silent in the room and I can feel my frustration rising. I slam my fist on the table, causing some papers to fly off. "This isn't about class assignments, Merial! None of the orbs are working anymore and the candidates are in danger."

I see a smirk appear and she says that the talented ones will manage. 'Winston, don't get so worked up; one more or less won't make a difference.' Goosebumps spread across my body. This response leaves me stunned. It's a good thing I'm supervising the lower class.

Shortly after, footsteps approach me. The grin vanishes from Merial's face and I see her turn pale. I turn around and smile kindly at Leah. I quickly realize that the problem still exists. "Headmaster, the candidates are..." 'Winston, I've been informed of everything. The candidates are fine, but come with me to my office.'

I follow Leah with relief. As we walk, I shoot a grin towards Merial. She doesn't react, but I know she saw it. While I'm still relishing from the inside, I take a seat across from Leah. 'Before we discuss everything, I want you to inform the candidates about how many can proceed.' "I'm afraid this isn't possible, headmaster." Leah tells me to take control of her mana orb.

As I take over the orb, I ponder how it remained suspended in the air. These are matters for later, so I focus my attention entirely on the orb. I look toward the gate and see that 37 candidates are inside. "Dear candidates, show that you're worthy of being among the final 23!"

***

(POV Jhonatan)

All the candidates have gathered. A woman walks onto the stage. I hear murmurs here and there. I get the impression that this is an important person. It quickly becomes clear that this is correct. 'Good evening, students. I am Leah, your Headmaster.'

I already assumed this was a school, but now my suspicions are confirmed. Is it wise to stay here? Only if I leave now I will draw attention to myself. It's smarter to remain under the radar and this place is perfect for that with so many people.

I refocus my attention on the Headmaster and listen to the rules of the school. What interests me the most from her speech is that there's a protective force field around the school. If they have so many resources at their disposal, then the portal must have been noticed. They haven't discovered me yet; otherwise, they would have interrogated the students long ago.

The speech comes to an end, and we're asked to go to our rooms. All students must pick up a room key from the head teacher of the lower classes. It works out great that I belong to the lower classes. This way, I won't stand out at all. I'm assigned to room 7; I hope it's not a bad omen...

***

(POV ????)

"MAKE SURE YOU BRING HIM BACK TO ME." We were so close. "I HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM HIS BLOOD!" 'Why can't we just kill him, my lord?' It's always the same with these brutes. They can only think about killing. If he dies, I can't use his blood anymore. How many times have I said that?

"DO NOT KILL HIM, BRING HIM TO ME! THE PORTAL IS CLOSED, BUT WE KNOW WHICH PLANET HE'S ON."