Alrighty then, my turn. Hello there, my names April Warner. I hadn’t had the chance to formally introduce myself, so... here goes. I’m twenty two, I think the oldest of all my classmates, and yes, I grew up in California. It’s a large state so there’s quite a bit to do there, but most of the people are jackasses with little motivation in life, they just all want to be famous the second their plane touches down. Moving to New York was my idea, my parents begged me not to, but I wanted an education from the world’s most prestigious school, Kaine University. Once transferred I learned there was a spot in Mister Stevenson’s class available, I was told each class needed six students to participate in grad exams, and since, at the time, there were only five of them, they were all set to fail. I accepted and joined the class. I’m sure you’ve noticed at this point but I use pure fire magic, and surprisingly, no my family isn’t rich. In fact my family has a long history of debt and poverty, ending with my parents who were able to make a living in realty. How did I pay to go here then? Well it wasn’t easy. I didn’t apply here as soon as I made my way to New York, I’ve been living here for a few years and since I moved here I’ve worked at pretty much every shop in manhattan. By twenty two I had saved up enough money to apply, and pay for a dorm. My parents had put me through my earlier college years at a community college so I was able to fast track it to my last semester here. So far everyone’s been great I’ve made great friends and have been doing my best in my studies. Unfortunately the date for exams was nearly upon us. On the weeks leading up to the exam, after the power outage, Mister Stevenson stopped teaching us new spells and focused on training our existing ones, raising our mana supply, and training our physical bodies. The training had become more and more intense as days passed, I had started to actually fear this exam. If it was anything like the training, I was worried it was more than a simple match. The day before the exams, Mister Stevenson asked us all to come to the gym. I was sleeping when he had sent the message so I woke up to my phones loud chime. I rubbed my eyes and stood up, examining the message. I groaned and grabbed a long coat, covering my pajama’s. I put shoes on and slowly left my dorm room. I rushed down the stairs and out of the building into the cold night. It was almost December, and it was freezing out. Throughout the five minute walk to the gym, I cursed Mister Stevenson for waking me at a time like this. And entered the building where the gym was. Caleb had entered a moment before me and I rushed to his side. 

“What’s this about?” I asked. 

“He’s probably called to reprimand us for something.” Caleb scoffed, rolling his eyes. We stopped at the gym door, everyone else was standing there too. 

“Where is he?” I asked. Luke shrugged. 

“The door hasn’t been opened.” He said. 

“You’re joking.” I groaned. He shook his head, trying the door, showing it was locked. We stood quietly awaiting Mister Stevenson for minutes, which turned to hours. 

“Alright is he like ok?” Lauren spoke up, cutting the silence. 

“This is unlike him.” Sabrina muttered. “Maybe he got hurt?” 

“It’s a test!” Harry and Luke spoke up in unison. They smiled at each other, turning to the door examining the edges. Sabrina put a hand on her hip. “Look I can see through the crack here.” Luke said. “That means I can summon Benny to look around.” Harry nodded quickly. Luke closed and eye and peered through the crack, turning his hand clockwise. A portal appeared for a second, then closed. Luke Opened the portal in front of him. 

“See anything?” He asked. Benny’s hand came out of the portal and gave him a thumbs down. Luke sighed, and closed the portal. “Well we can’t get in there without causing some Sort of property damage so we can’t know for sure". We headed back up to the main floor, hoping to see Mister Stevenson but the campus was quiet. 

“Ok this is weird...” Lauren muttered. 

“I thought he was gonna give us some speech to hype us up for the exam but...” I muttered. 

“Well not after that piss poor performance.” His voice came from behind us. We turned around quickly and he waved to us. 

“Stevenson!?” Luke yelled. “Wh-where were you?” 

“Seriously?” He asked. “You know I use air magic, I caused the wind currents to mask my presence.” He said, crossing his arms. “I was hoping you would put up more of a search than just throw a demon into the room.” Mister Stevenson grumbled. We all stifled laughs. “I asked you all here, yes to give you a talk before we become equals.” Mister Stevenson said. “I’m certain you will all pass and become a Magi like myself, but your struggles are far from over.” He muttered looking down. 

“What’s that supposed to mean??” Lauren asked worriedly. Mister Stevenson looked up at us and smiled. 

“Nothing. I’m sure you’ll all be able to handle it.” There was a long pause... even Luke was quiet. “Alright. Head back and get some sleep.” Mister Stevenson said. We all turned. “Except you miss Warner.” The others exited the building. I froze and turned to face Mister Stevenson. 

“What’s up?” I asked cautiously. 

“Well... the exam is... going to be different this year.” Mister Stevenson said quietly. 

“What does that mean??” I asked raising a brow. Mister Stevenson held his hand up. 

“I can’t tell you details, but you will be presented with an option tomorrow...” Mister Stevenson explained, folding his hands. “And you’ll need to sway the opinion to ‘go’ instead of ‘stay’.” 

“What does that mean? Go where?” I asked. Mister Stevenson shook his head. 

“I wish I could tell you... but that is for you to find out tomorrow. I can promise you however, this is a chance for you to find him.” Mister Stevenson said quietly. I rose a brow. There’s one thing I didn’t mention... a long time ago my brother went missing. He’s older than me so he knows what I look like, but I don’t know what he looks like. He was gone by the time I could remember anything. I don’t have a name, or a face, just that there’s a brother of mine somewhere... I looked at Mister Stevenson. “Just trust me...” he pled. I took a deep breath. 

“I’ll see what I can do.” I muttered and turned to the door. “See ya tomorrow.” I said, the door shut behind me...

I woke up the next morning... exhausted from Mister Stevenson waking me up in the middle of the night. I had an hour before I had to be at the outdoor stadium, next to the track. I sighed and stood up. I walked to my closet and opened it slowly as to not wake my roommate. I grabbed a white t shirt, red jeans, and a black jacket. I got myself ready, then got dressed. I adjusted my jacket in the mirror, Smiled, then exited the room. I figured I’d get a good spot, and I’m sure Sabrina was there already, and she’d Probably force Luke awake. The walk to the stadium was a quick three minutes. I entered through the gate showing my graduation ticket to the security officer. He waved me in, jotting something down on his clipboard. When I entered I examined the seating around the stadium, before seeing Sabrina and Luke about halfway up the bleachers on my right side. I made my way up and sat down next to them. 

“Howdy.” Luke said. He was leaned all the way backward, with his hands behind his head. A black baseball cap covered his eyes. He had his leather jacket zipped up. I laughed. 

“You fallin’ asleep under that hat?” I asked lifting the hat up slightly. He sat up quickly in a huff. He crossed his arms and glared at me. 

“I was.” 

“Oh cheer up.” Sabrina said flatly. “We’re about to graduate.”

“TEST to graduate.” Luke growled. Sabrina rolled her eyes. 

“Don’t remind me.” She sighed. I took a deep breath, then spoke.

“About this test...” I said quietly, they both turned to me. “...I... I think it’s gonna be different than how we think it is.” I muttered. 

“How do you mean?” Luke asked. 

“Well...” I started. “Last night Mr. Stevenson asked me to get you all to ‘go’ when we were given the option to...” I said quietly.

“What does that even mean?” Luke asked. I shrugged. 

“He said we’ll have to decide to ‘go’ or ‘stay’ and he wants us to go.” I repeated. Sabrina nodded. 

“Then we go.” She said. 

“Wh- just like that?” Luke asked

“Come on! It’s Mister Stevenson we’re talking about. It’s not like he’d set us up to fail.” Sabrina reasoned.

“But if they’re changing the way it’s done now we can’t trust anyone!” Luke said. “Not even you!” He teased, laughing. Sabrina rolled her eyes. 

“Please take this seriously.” She said raising a brow. Luke rolled his eyes. 

“Nothings going to change we’re gonna be called down for matches like they’ve done for every other graduation exam in the history of the school.” Luke muttered. 

“I hope you’re right...” I muttered. 

“Hey.” Caleb said quietly sitting down next to me. 

“Morning.” Sabrina said cheerfully. Caleb shivered, moving his yellow scarf over his nose, and zipping his white hoodie up. He took a sip from the coffee he was holding, the steam fogged up his dark sunglasses. 

“This blows.” He grumbled. Luke laughed. “Why do we have to be here so early. It’s freezing!” Caleb complained.

“It’s probably part of some scare tactic.” Luke smiled. “Make the environment super uncomfortable so it psychs out the weak.” He explained. I laughed and rolled my eyes. 

“Or it’s just cold this morning.” I laughed. Luke nodded. 

“Either, or.” He said. By this time Lauren and Harry made their ways to us. 

“Hello there!” Lauren cheered loudly. Harry waved silently to us. Lauren was dressed surprisingly lightly; jeans, tennis shoes, a yellow hoodie, and a grey and yellow beanie. Harry had on heavier clothes, sweatpants, a winter jacket, large boots, and gloves. 

“What are you wearing man!” Luke laughed loudly. 

“That’s what I said!” Lauren yelled laughing along with Luke. Harry rolled his eyes and sat down next to Caleb. 

“It’s cold.” He said, irritated. Lauren smiled and sat down next to him. 

“Only about ten minutes left....” Sabrina muttered nervously. I nodded. We all sat in silence as we thought the worst thoughts imaginable... then someone walked up to the podium sitting in the middle of the stadium, facing the graduates, everyone on our side, spectators sat across from us. 

“Hey look it’s your dad.” Lauren whispered to Sabrina from the other side of us. Mister Kaine tapped the microphone twice then cleared his throat. 

“Good morning.” He said. “Welcome to yet another year of graduation.” There was a loud applause then Mister Kaine lowered his hands gesturing for us to quiet down. “Shortly many of you, along with various other schools will begin your road to becoming licensed Magi.” A long pause replaced the Headmasters words. “Although... this year will be a little different.” The arena erupted into quiet conversation and murmurs. The Headmaster quieted us down before speaking again. I turned to my right, Luke made eye contact with me and nodded. From the entrance of the stadium a large number of people entered and moved toward the Headmaster. “Joining me now, are the headmasters of the other schools that will be participating, along with my advisory team to help us deliver the rules for this years exam.” The other Headmasters lined up on either side of Mr. Kaine. 

“Thirty other schools???” Lauren whisper-yelled to us.

“Look!” Luke called to us. “Stevenson’s down there!” I turned my attention toward where Luke had pointed, he was right. To the Headmasters immediate left was Mr. Stevenson, a woman stood on his other side. 

“This year... all thirty of the schools participating in the exam will be embarking on a bit of a.... scavenger hunt.” Mr. Kaine announced. I rose a brow, a scavenger hunt? They’re replacing the Magi exams for a child’s game? “But this scavenger hunt will be very dangerous and particularly taxing on those unfit to participate.” The crowd fell to a hush, awaiting The Headmasters next sentences. “The hunt... is for The Great Oak, Aaxiper.” Mister Kaine announced. The audience erupted into exasperation, anger, and surprise. Many people exited the arena. Mister Kaine glanced down, smiling, then looked back to the students. “I assure you this is no joke. As many of you know, recently researchers discovered a multitude of ways to break the barriers guarding each mirage. We can only assume the real barrier is similar. This being the case, as upcoming Magi, I can think of no better test than an actual investigation. Find the real tree, and break the barrier.” Mister Kaine explained. “Only it won’t be that simple. We have reason to believe many experienced magic users, looking to harness this power for nefarious purposes will be after the same thing. You will not only be competing against your peers, but real world villains." None of us reacted. "That being said, We are giving those of you the choice. To stay on campus... or to go on the hunt. Those who decide to stay will not become magi this year and will need to begin this semesters courses over again. You will work with the class you’ve been with this semester, the top three classes that complete the mission, will become magi, for sure… but there is a chance for those of you who do not finish in the top three. A small team of judges has been comprised, and will watch your every moves. If you meet their expectations, but fail to be in the top three… you may still be recommended for magi." There was a moment of dead silence before waves of students stood up and left the stadium, fearing their lives would be lost before they could even become magi. I turned to the others, raising a brow. 

"Go." Luke said confidently.

"Hang on now." Lauren protested. "This could cost our lives!" 

"Im with Luke." Sabrina said firmly. "This is the best way to prove ourselves." I nodded in agreement.

“This is ridiculous.” Caleb groaned crossing his arms. “They can’t do something like this!” 

“Like what?” Lauren asked. 

“Tell us all semester our grad exam will involve a few fights, but then blow it into a whole race to find one of the most enigmatic places on the Earth!” Caleb yelled. Harry sighed and stood up. Luke looked up at him and rose a brow. Harry moved forward, and rose his hand. Everyone turned to Harry now confused. Harry smacked Caleb across the face. 

“Enough.” Harry said quietly. “We’re not cowards... we get to work with each other... and we work well together.” Harry said sternly. “We all came here to become Magi why would we back down in the face of a little challenge.” Caleb was silent for a minute then nodded.

“Don’t ever slap me again.” He said shooting Harry a glare. Harry turned to Lauren and placed  a hand on her shoulder. 

“You ok with this?” He asked. She took a deep breath and nodded. Harry turned to me and nodded, then took his seat. I inhaled sharply and turned my attention back to the instructors. Mister Stevenson flashed me a thumbs up. the Headmaster spoke up again. 

“Excellent. Those who have decided to stay may begin their search at first light. I wish you all the best of luck... Good day.”