Emisarry Of Time And Space

(A/N Big thanks to everyone for the Power stones and Golden tickets, they mean a lot. As usual, please don't hesitate to comment or drop a review. ENJOY)

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The man's eyes scanned the crowd, stopping on a few individuals before the words drawled out.

"9923."

"Let's go"

In the next instant, Orion felt his vision go blank and the familiar sensation of traversing through space, but this was subtly different; it was abrupt and unshakeable, the kind he had no chance of resisting.

When he opened his eyes, he was assaulted by the intensity of the sunlight; his spatial senses immediately spread out to find the others not too far from him.

The murmur from the thousands of participants continued in full force, everyone curious about their current locations.

Orion looked around, seeing they were surrounded by rows of seats of what seemed like a football field, only far wider.

'A colloseum', Orion thought with a frown.

Were they going to fight here? If so, it would be very messy, dumping 10,000 students in such a place and telling them to fight would get ugly fast.

'Maybe that's part of the challenge, ' Orion thought, until he felt a familiar presence.

"Welcome,"

They all heard the same monotone voice that had brought them here, and they looked up to find him with the same stance.

"I am Doran Chronos, and I am an instructor of this academy," He said, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"It is my pleasure and responsibility to be the host of this year's elimination trial. My face may seem unfamiliar to you for now, but in the coming years, I'm sure we'll come to be acquaintances, one way or the other, provided you pass this trial." He said, his tone taking on an edge at the end.

"I'm sure you all received the letters this morning, and you've read the pleasantries and how much we appreciate and praise your ability to make it here. I'm here to continue and take it from there," He said.

"Your selection signifies exceptional potential and marks you as one of the few among thousands granted the privilege to prove your worth before the pillars of our lineage. This Elimination Trial stands as both a test of merit and a measure of resolve designed to evaluate not only your physical aptitude and intellect but also your ability to adapt, lead, and endure under pressure." He continued.

"My words might sound cumbersome and unnecessary, but I assure you they are fitting. I look forward to your display, and so does the academy." He finished, his hands spread apart like a preacher spreading his gospel.

At the same time, bright lights began shining from the seats of the colosseum, their emptiness replaced with the warmth of human touch.

It started slowly until a few minutes in, when the seats were completely filled with students, wide-eyed students watching like they were about to perform an interesting show.

Orion's senses immediately picked up several gazes directed his way, his eyes turned towards them, and it seemed not only students were allowed to view the show, but in a separate stand, he could view several middle-aged adults watching them, most likely other instructors.

His eyes turned to the highest level where a booth made of dark-tinted glass stood. It completely hid what was inside, but Orion could tell it was most likely for the upper echelons and the administrator who named herself Vaunt.

"As you can see, almost everyone in the academy will be viewing this trial; it is your stage. A personal advice from me would be to prove your worth. It might be difficult to shine among thousands, but it would help you down the line." The man said.

Orion didn't doubt the man's advice, but part of him just felt they were eager for something interesting,

'It's like they're using us as stress relief or something, ' Orion thought.

"This trial serves as your first real exam of the Chronos academy, and as I'm sure you must have been briefed one way or another, it will determine your standing. In numerous forms, you will be enlightened on most of them during orientation. I will inform you of one to motivate you." He said.

"At the end of the trial, you will be ranked, and based on your ranking, you will be placed in one of the three Magnums. If you feel you have been wrongly placed, then it is your chance to strive for your well-deserved position, whether good or bad."

"Only 5000 students will get to pass this trial, and of those 5000, only a hundred will be placed in Magnum 1; therefore, Magnum 1 is for rankings 1 to 100, Magnum 2 is from rankings 101 to 1000, and Magnum 3 is for rankings 1001 to 5000." He said.

"This academy works based on merit. Earn yours." He finished.

"It is currently 9:30, and you would be awarded 20 minutes to relate and form groups or rest and prepare your mindset, you might need it, after which I would introduce you to the rules of your trial, and you would begin." The man said before vanishing.

Orion was surprised,

'Won't it be best to give us the break after telling us the rules?' Orion thought.

And he wasn't the only one with that thought process; numerous frowns spread across the faces of the rest.

But they still had to work; some simply sat down to rest, and others began stretching, and some actively started seeking out groups.

Orion watched all this before turning to his own friends,

Surprisingly, Seris had been quiet throughout.

"What do you guys think?" Seris asked,

"What is there to think? We go in and do what we have to do. If we do need to form groups, I believe four of us are enough. And most importantly," Orion said.

"We come out on top," Caelum finished.

Orion smiled.

The next 20 minutes passed in the blink of an eye, and the man returned with the same quiet grace they'd already known him for.

"Let us begin." He said.

"The theme of this year's trial is SIGIL CONVERGENCE."