His description is way too vague and doesn't give enough insight, he'll surely be disappointed by the number of students that would be turning up surely.
Seeing as he's already made himself enemies on the first day, there's no way Emery is moving into the Mountains but that's fine anyways he's used to being the underdog.
The mountain test is extremely difficult and I'm glad this was not how it was during Emery's time in the academy. As for the mystery person, i can't think of anyone.