>>6292083
“Huh? Then what’s the point of all this?” Crowley asks, leaning back in his desk and poking at the paper with disinterest.

“Good question.” Stelios says. “The score that you earn on this exam will determine your starting position and status for the third stage. I’m not at liberty to disclose what that actually entails…but take it from me. You’re going to want to earn yourself a good score.”

So, you wouldn’t be eliminated if you bombed the exam? That was a relief. Though from what it sounded like, failure still held unforeseen consequences.

“I should also clarify one thing.” Stelios adds. “When I said you couldn’t be eliminated, that wasn’t entirely true. There is one way to find yourself kicked out, and that’s cheating. My friends here will be strolling throughout the room for the duration of the exam.” Stelios gestures towards a trio of Yasha, currently standing all the way in the back of the room. “Anyone caught cheating will face immediate disqualification and elimination. Also, this probably goes without saying, but violence is strictly prohibited during this stage. I’m sure you’ve all got quite the bad blood at this point, but save it for the later stages, understood?”

Stelios produces an hour glass, and slams it atop the table in front of all.

“You have 20 minutes to answer 10 questions. On my mark, you may turn over your sheets of paper and begin.”

You take one last look around the classroom. Several of your rivals appear confident and collected. Leonora is already hunched over, plume in hand and ready to start. Likewise, Gyles taps his fingers on his desk, unbothered at the prospect of a sudden test. Saoirse on the other hand, grimaces. She stares at the paper as though it were the toughest foe she’d yet to face. You turn around to get a look at Butch, only to discover that his eyes were closed, and he was hunched over. Had he fallen asleep during Stelios’ explanation?

“Begin!” Stelios shouts.

Nervously, you flip the paper over, and you quickly feel a burst of relief. Multiple choice! You had a chance!

>1.) The Sorcerer King, Xenophanes, founded the nation of Morfis after appearing in the desert atop a flying:
A): City
B): Building
C): Ship
D): Pegasus

>2.) A rare form of Dark Magic, this spell is infamous for its ability to negate the magical resistance of an enemy, leaving almost no room for defense.
A): Nosferatu
B): Gespent
C): Mire
D): Luna

>3.) Two women have come to you. One of them is a mage. Both are claiming to be the mother of a newborn baby. They seek your immediate judgment. How would you resolve the dispute?
A): Cut the baby in half, giving each a pair.
B): Grant the baby to the mage.
C): Grant the baby to the mundane women.
D): Banish both women, claiming the baby yourself.