52 Examined 1 (1/2)

Two days after the events in the sewer.

Having held a grand banquet a few days ago, the auditorium had been redone.

Lit by brilliant lights, even in the deep night, it had been filled with sweet wine and laughter. It was here that future musicians had met each other. Complex patterns had decorated the walls and pillars. The crystal chandeliers had shone and dazzled. Even the future had seemed brilliant.

There had been ninety-three fine Persian rugs. The designs had formed an epic poem, depicting the tale of King Arthur and his twelve phantom beasts. Even the candlesticks had delicate and ornate details.

But now, these intoxicating luxuries had all been removed. The rugs were rolled up, revealing the smooth marble floor. The candles on the silver candlesticks were snuffed out too. The fifteen windows were closed shut, heavy curtains blocking any light from the outside world.

The wine, laughter, and dazzling lights had all vanished.

Only the fierce sun shone through the glass ceiling, bringing a ray of light into the pitch black auditorium. Scattered about, it vaguely illuminated the portraits of the masters. Their eyes were sharp and cold, thunder and lightning brewing in their eyes.

The final test was about to begin.

Behind a row of long tables sat six examiners. They wore blood-red robes, and their expressions were serious, strict, and heavy.

They flipped through the students’ paperwork like browsing in a store; if they found the tiniest flaw in a piece of porcelain, they would not hesitate to shatter it with a hammer.

Among them was a bored young lady. Her face was covered with a veil and a red flower dotted her forehead. She exuded an exotic aura and did not fit in at all. She seemed distracted too.

The lady was there just as a stand-in so the exam would seem a little fairer. No one paid her any attention because everyone knew that the principal had already made concessions for the mischief.

Today’s examination hall was for the elites!

The side door opened and footsteps approached. The steps were sure and confident. All examiners rose, bowing to Head Examiner Sidney.

”Good day, Sir.”

”Good day, sirs,” Sidney nodded and took his seat at the center of the long table.

Gazing around, his strict eyes revealed a bit of satisfaction. ”It looks like we have a bountiful harvest this year. Sirs, do not relax at this most important time.”

”Sir, we are always alert,” Ben said, his head lowered respectfully.

”Very good.” Sydney chuckled. ”You are responsible for the honor of the Royal Academy of Music and Anglo musicians, did you know? A successful teacher must fulfill his duties and guide the right people down this path. Do not put rotten apples in your baskets.”

”Everything has been arranged,” Ben said in a low voice. ”Starting this year, the spirit of noble blood has been revived.”

”As it should.”

--

Before the last exam began, Sydney inspected the examiners once more.

”Representatives from the School of Modifications, School of Summoning, School of Revelation, and School of Royalty are all present. Very good…” His brows furrowed slightly. ”Why is there an empty seat? Who’s late?”

”The professor from the School of Music History and Research. His name is…” Ben thought hard, but he could not seem to remember the old man with no presence. ”I think his name is Abraham.”

”Maybe his iron hand broke, so he went to the blacksmith,” someone muttered, resulting in a wave of tacit giggles.

Few people in the academy knew that the eccentric musician with an iron arm was actually a professor. He taught in the School of History, which barely anyone knew existed, unless they checked the catalog. If not for the fact that there was an empty spot, no one would notice this old man, who barely announced his presence.

Amid the laughter, a white-haired man slipped in from the side door. Seeing that he was late, a bit of awkwardness made its way onto his stiff face.

Sensing others’ eyes, he reflexively hid his iron arm behind his back to avoid the mockery. Sydney glanced at him and waved his hand, telling him to sit.

And so, everyone was present.

Soon after, the auditorium’s door cracked open to the sound of the crisp mallet.

Every examiner transformed into the face of seriousness.

The final test to determine the fate of seventy-one students had finally begun.

--

”Who is the first one?”

”Edmund Rossi.” Ben looked at the name and racked his brain. ”He’s the second son of the Rossi family. His talent is quite good, he became a student three years ago. The School of Revelation speaks highly of him.”

Sydney nodded. ”It seems that he’s skilled in seeing patterns.”

”He’s talented in spirituality too,” the examiner from the School of Revelation praised. ”It seems that the family had put thought into raising their descendants.”

”We’ll see,” Sydney murmured.

As they discussed under their breath, a red-haired youth entered the examination hall.

In this vast and dark auditorium, under the gaze of the examiners in the distance, the youth was a bit nervous. But it was obvious that he had had a good upbringing. He kept his elite air and bowed to the examiners, waiting for instruction.

”Don’t be nervous, Edmund.” Ben pointed to the center of the hall. ”Stand there and relax.”

Edmund turned until he finally saw the tall stone tablet he had missed.